Abstract: An apparatus and method for densifying a fibrous mat, such as scrim, to achieve a uniform mat density, comprising a set of parallel bars each having a row of pins extending downward therefrom which can engage the mat fibers, a plurality of shafts along which the bars slide so as to maintain the bars parallel, a plurality of extendable accordion linkages connecting the set of bars, and a linear positioning assembly having a reciprocating drive mechanism coupled to one of the bars which can move the bars in response to an actuation signal. As the drive mechanism retracts the bar to which it is coupled the spacing between the rows of bars is decreased uniformly and the rows of pins draw the fibers together and compress them uniformly across the width of the mat.

Abstract: A tape has a plurality of pockets longitudinally spaced with transverse bridges for carrying electronic microchips. Each pocket has a bottom wall having ridges surrounding the center of the pocket. The ridges engage the microchip to center the microchip within the recess and space leads connected to the microchip from the side walls and end walls of the pocket. Support members extending angularly between the ridge ends are adapted to elevate the microchip above the bottom wall of the pocket and space the leads from the bottom wall. A cover is releasably attached to side flanges and bridges of the tape to close the top of the pockets and retain the positions of the microchips in the pockets. A hole in the bottom wall of the tape allows optical readings to verify the position of the microchip. A heat sealing apparatus has movable shoes with ribs and heaters to heat seal side edges of the cover to the side flanges of the tape and middle portions of the cover to the bridges.

Abstract: A press for pressing liquid from thin layers of liquid-containing masses including a frame, first and second spaced fixed platens on the frame, a movable platen between the first and second fixed platens for dividing the press into first and second operating sections, first and second bag-carrying frames in the first and second operating sections, first and second series of racks on the first and second bag-carrying frames, first and second series of bags interspersed with the first and second series of racks, the bags having downwardly converging side seams from open tops, pivot means mounting the first and second bag-carrying frames for pivotal movement between first positions wherein the bags have their open tops facing upwardly and second positions outside of the frame where the bags have their open tops facing downwardly, and motor mechanism for selectively moving the movable platen toward and away from each of the fixed platens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming corrugated plywood composites is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixed mold component having a corrugated surface and a series of movable mold components having complemental corrugated surfaces movable toward and away from the fixed surface. Movable mold components are hingedly in connected and each such component is associated with a linear motor. By sequentially activating the linear motors each movable mold section is pivotally advanced in a first direction toward the fixed mold component the opposite side of the movable mold component being pivoted toward the fixed mold component when the next adjacent section is advanced into clamping position. High tensile strength low coefficient of friction fabric webs are interposed between the surfaces of the mold and the composite material to be corrugated.