Abstract: An apparatus for performing a global planarization of a surface of a deformable layer of a wafer on a production scale. The apparatus includes a chamber having a pressing surface and containing a rigid plate and a flexible pressing member or “puck” disposed between the rigid plate and the pressing surface. A wafer having a deformable outermost layer is placed on the flexible pressing member so the deformable layer of the wafer is directly opposite and substantially parallel to the pressing surface. Force is applied to the rigid plate which propagates through the flexible pressing member to press the deformable layer of the wafer against the pressing surface. Preferably, a bellows arrangement is used to ensure a uniformly applied force to the rigid plate. The flexible puck serves to provide a self adjusting mode of uniformly distributing the applied force to the wafer, ensuring the formation of a high quality planar surface.

Abstract: A heating device (1) for a corrugated cardboard installation includes several heating plates (3), arranged successively in the direction of advance of a corrugated cardboard web (2). Heating device (1) also includes at least one pressure unit (5), consisting of a bearing (6) arranged diagonally or transverse with respect to the direction of advance of the corrugated cardboard web (2). At least one pressure element (7) is attached to the bearing (6). The pressure element (7) is connected with the bearing (6) in a freely movable manner via at least one elastic medium (11). The elastic medium transfers the weight of the bearing (6) to the pressure element (7).

Abstract: A filter press and method for separating solids from a slurry. The filter press includes a plurality of plates which are held in a sealed and contacting relationship with one another to form a plate stack. The plate stack includes alternating diaphragm-type squeeze plates and cloth-type chamber plates whereby two adjacent plates form a filter chamber therebetween for filtering the slurry. The diaphragm-type squeeze plates include a thin liquid impermeable diaphragm or membrane having a uniform thickness for greater flexibility and heat transfer.

Abstract: The present invention is a two piece frame embodiment in which a novel diaphragm inflation assembly and method are provided. Primary pieces include a two piece frame, two diaphragm pieces and two filter cloths integral with rubber gasketing. The two piece frame defines substantial voids to reduce weight, the two pieces comprising mirror image pieces. The intent of this embodiment is to reduce the weight, and therefore material and handling effort, of the prior art filter plates.

Abstract: For efficient waxing of the running surface of a workpiece such as a snowboard, one or more skis, or a toboggan, the invention provides a single wax-heating element in the form of an elongate flexible sheet sized to fully cover the running surface when upside down and horizontally oriented. The single sheet of the heating element also provides articulating connection between an array of like transverse elements which gravitationally load the heating element sheet into self-adapting conformance with flat and convexly curved features of the workpiece, so that a wax-laden sheet draped over the running surface of the workpiece can be gravitationally loaded by the heating element sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a global planarization of a surface of a deformable layer of a wafer on a production scale. The apparatus includes a chamber having a pressing surface and containing a rigid plate and a flexible pressing member or "puck" disposed between the rigid plate and the pressing surface. A wafer having a deformable outermost layer is placed on the flexible pressing member so the deformable layer of the wafer is directly opposite and substantially parallel to the pressing surface. Force is applied to the rigid plate which propagates through the flexible pressing member to press the deformable layer of the wafer against the pressing surface. Preferably, a bellows arrangement is used to ensure a uniformly applied force to the rigid plate. The flexible puck serves to provide a self adjusting mode of uniformly distributing the applied force to the wafer, ensuring the formation of a high quality planar surface.

Abstract: Filter press apparatus comprises a plurality of substantially parallel filter plates assembled as a unit and located within a substantially rigid outer shell to provide a closed vessel to which can be supplied medium under pressure to be filtered via the plates, a substantially impermeable primary membrane lining the shell for forming a substantially incompressible boundary wall to the unit on supply of pressure medium to the space between the primary membrane and the shell, and a secondary membrane having an intermediate extent between the primary membrane and the unit which, with the primary membrane urged towards the unit, moves axially with the unit and slides relative to the primary membrane to eliminate stress in the primary membrane during the compression stage.

Abstract: A trash compacting apparatus having a flexible, collapsible containment bag formed of substantially non-stretchable wall material, and a flexible, collapsible, expandable bladder having substantially impermeable walls. The bladder is arranged relative to the containment bag for expansion therein in a manner such that the expansive force of the bladder during expansion is confined within the containment bag. The bladder functions to compress any flexible bag of trash housed with the bladder in the containment bag.

Abstract: A device for smashing empty aluminum cans that provides for holding the cans horizontally on the ground while an automobile runs over the cans in order to smash the cans into a flattened configuration for recycling. The device is comprised of a long, narrow backing and a flexible member that is secured to a top surface of the backing. The flexible member is formed into a series of parallel curved flaps for removably holding the cans across the width of the backing and in the path of travel of the automobile. The flexible flaps are resilient and they return to their original configuration after the automobile has run over the device, allowing the smashed cans to be removed from the device and the device to be reused.

Abstract: A process for the production of compacted bodies of powdered medicament is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of:a) positioning expansible means along the longitudinal axis of the mold;b) placing loose powdered medicament in the mold; andc) expanding the expansible means perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mold. An apparatus for use in the process according to the invention and medicament compacts formed by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a variable contoured aircraft surface, the pressure applicator device is provided with an inflatable pressure bladder. The bladder is configured for applying pressure to the repair patch and is formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material. The pressure applicator device is further provided with at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm is disposed in mechanical communication with the bladder for facilitating the application of pressure by the bladder to the repair patch upon inflation of the bladder. The bladder is further provided with at least one suction device for providing suction attachment to the aircraft surface. The bladder is attachable to a respective one of the at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm facilitates selective attachment of the respective suction device to the variable contoured aircraft surface while maintaining the position of the bladder with respect to the repair patch.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a global planarization of a surface of a deformable layer of a wafer on a production scale. The apparatus includes a chamber having a pressing surface and containing a rigid plate and a flexible pressing member or "puck" disposed between the rigid plate and the pressing surface. A wafer having a deformable outermost layer is placed on the flexible pressing member so the deformable layer of the wafer is directly opposite and substantially parallel to the pressing surface. Force is applied to the rigid plate which propagates through the flexible pressing member to press the deformable layer of the wafer against the pressing surface. Preferably, a bellows arrangement is used to ensure a uniformly applied force to the rigid plate. The flexible puck serves to provide a self adjusting mode of uniformly distributing the applied force to the wafer ensuring the formation of a high quality planar surface.

Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The holddown is provided instead by a series of parallel, flexible, closely spaced strips suspended above the web in the heating section and extending in the direction of web travel. Supplemental holddown force may be provided by banks of spring fingers supported above and in contact with the holddown strips on a transverse support rod which may be rotated to vary the amount of supplemental holddown force. Alternately, the holddown strips may comprise continuous cables in which one run of the cables rests upon the moving web to provide the web holddown and a second run includes high friction cable portions which are movable into driving contact with the upper surface of the web to pull it through the heating section, as for initial web thread up.

Abstract: A heat transfer system in which a continuous web of material (13, 14) is carried past a hot plate surface (12) with one face of the web in contact therewith, and a series of fluid-filled vessels (15) above the web to apply a load on the upper surface thereof to maintain uniform contact between the web and the hot plate surface irrespective of any undulation thereof. A transport section to convey the web past the hot plate surface comprises upper and lower traction belts (16, 17) disposed entirely beyond the end of the hot plate surface (12) with a fixed plate (18) beneath the lower belt (17) and a series of fluid-filled vessels (19) above the upper belt (16) which serve to maintain adequate drive contact between the belts (16, 17) and the web (13, 14).

Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The holddown is provided instead by a series of parallel, flexible, closely spaced strips suspended above the web in the heating section and extending in the direction of web travel. The length of the holddown strips in contact with the web may be selectively varied.

Abstract: A membrane press is provided for applying a laminating foil to a three-dimensional workpiece to be laminated. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a frame located above the workpiece for holding the foil. The improvement in the membrane press includes a pedestal housing located in the work base and having a cylinder therein communicating through a pedestal opening with the supporting surface of the work base. A piston rod including a workpiece elevating and lowering pedestal is positioned in the cylinder in axial alignment therewith. The pedestal communicates with the supporting surface through the pedestal opening. Upper and lower pistons are affixed to the piston rod in fluid-pressure transmitting relation within the cylinder in axially spaced-part relation to each other. The pistons define respective upper and lower axially aligned pressure-transmitting surfaces.

Abstract: A filter-plate assembly has a support plate having an outwardly directed face and formed with an annular groove opening outward at the face and a chamber plate confronting the face of the support plate, forming therewith an inlet compartment, and formed with an inlet-port cutout opening into the compartment. A flexible filter plate adjacent the support plate has an outer peripheral frame set in the groove and a generally planar central panel within the frame and having a back face turned toward and forming a compartment with the face of the support plate and a front face turned away from the support plate and adapted to be overlain by a filter cloth. A rigid retaining bar overlying the frame extends parallel to it at the cutout. Bolts or the like secure the retaining bar relative to the support plate against the frame to hold the frame tightly in place in the groove of the support plate at the cutout.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing corrugated board including one or more flexible, disposable covers for the pressure-applying feet of the machine. The covers prevent wear and tear to the bottoms of the pressure-applying feet and may be easily replaced, as needed. In a belt-driven machine, the disposable covers may be located between the pressure-applying feet and the conveyor belt. In a machine with a beltless hotplate section, the conveyor belt is replaced by a pulling section located downstream from the hotplate section and the disposable covers may be located between the pressure-applying feet and the moving surface. The covers allow the thickness of the corrugated board to be varied while the board is moving through the machine without causing the leading edge of an added layer to catch on the upstream edges of the pressure-applying feet. In addition, the covers and/or the pressure applicators may be moved in the cross-machine direction to minimize waste when manufacturing different widths of corrugated board.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying non-gravitational pressure to a surface includes a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of connecting members coupled to the frame structure along parallel axes normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, vacuum fasteners coupled to the connecting members to secure the frame structure on an underlying surface, a vacuum pump mounted on the frame structure for activating the vacuum fasteners and a positive pressure pump mounted on the frame structure for inflating a collapsible diaphragm to apply pressure to the underlying surface. The apparatus is useful for applying doublers to aircraft repair localized damage.

Abstract: Powdered substances are compressed by a process wherein the powdered substances are enclosed in a flexible receptacle, the receptacle is enclosed in a pressure vessel and the space between the wall of the receptacle and the wall of the pressure vessel is pressurized with compressed gas.

Abstract: A filter plate which is formed in a molding operation and comprises an outer frame with integrally formed, relatively thin chamber forming walls or skins and which has an injected foam interior core. The filter plate is substantially constructed of plastic materials which are capable of being molded and thereby provides excellent heat transfer characteristics to the slurry which is being separated through the filter plate. The plate is capable of being expanded, much in the same manner as a diaphragm plate in order to improve separation characteristics, but provides excellent heat transfer characteristics and avoids the attendant disadvantages of a conventional diaphragm plate. An accessory in the nature of a filter screen having a unique construction and a method of making a unique filter screen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable load ballast system for the double facer of a corrugator includes a number of rows of holddown belt engaging ballast members positioned in side-by-side relation transversely across the belt, with the rows extending over the full heating section of the double facer. Each of the rows is divided into a number of longitudinal segments, each of which segments is controlled by a vertical actuator to move the segment between a lower full load ballast position on the belt and an upper no load position off the belt. The rows may comprise a series of ballast rollers or a continuous flexible membrane and either embodiment provides the ability to vary the ballast load on the holddown belt longitudinally, laterally and in any pattern of symmetry or asymmetry to accommodate a wide range of operating conditions and problems typically arising in the operation of a double facer. Ballast system control based on monitored web moisture content and web temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluted or honeycombed profile on the rear side of the pressing stock or rolling side of the heating/press platens, which profile enables an increased flexible, two-dimensional deformation, in a longitudinally and transversely controlled manner, in just a few seconds in the on-line control process while providing larger support spacings. The fluted profile along the whole of the pressing zone advantageously increases the elastic bending deformability in the transverse direction, while, as a result of the honeycombed profile, an increased flexibility longitudinally to the pressing zone is attained. As a result of the fluted profile longitudinally to the pressing zone, the two-dimensional, spherical flexibility of the press/heating platen is substantially increased, so that use is preferably made of this fluted profiling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying variable pressure to a surface. The apparatus includes a frame secured to a fixed structure and located proximate to the surface. A foot is mounted for movable relation relative to the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The pressure applicator is connected to a pressure device which biases the applicator away from the surface. The present invention also includes a variable pressure source connected to a control device for varying the pressure supplied to the pressure applicator that is ultimately applied to the surface.

Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade include a compaction fixture for assembling and compacting blade subassembly components and a sheath spreading/insertion apparatus for spreading and inserting a leading-edge sheath onto the blade subassembly during the compaction process. The compaction fixture includes a lower assembly having a contoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with a support structure and an upper assembly having a pressure bag affixed in sealed combination to a contoured backplate affixed in combination to a structural support truss. The contoured upper airfoil nest includes a plurality of tooling pins for locating an upper composite skin in aligned combination on the contoured upper airfoil nest and a plurality of pusher pins for chordwise alignment of a spar assembly in the contoured upper airfoil nest. Spar stanchions affixed to the support structure provide spanwise alignment of the spar assembly in the contoured upper airfoil nest.

Abstract: A hot press used, for example, for producing a thin printed board and a multilayered board, such as liquid crystal glass board bonded by a low-viscosity adhesive, and to a hot press suitable for forming a board requiring uniform bonding pressure. A hot press includes an upper and a lower bolster arranged in vertically opposed relation to each other, an upper and a lower heat plate respectively disposed in opposed relation to the upper and lower bolsters, a device for moving at least one of the upper and lower bolsters toward the other to produce a pressing force between the upper and lower heat plates, and pressure vessels respectively mounted on the heat plates. Each pressure vessel is made of a thin film and is filled with a fluid heating medium. When substrate blanks are interposed between the upper and lower pressure vessels and pressed by them, surface pressure for adhesive bonding becomes uniform, and heat from the heat plates is uniformly transferred to the blanks.

Abstract: A machine (34) for use in assembling a stringer (32) from two C-shaped charges (22), each channel charge being draped about a mandrel (20), is disclosed. The machine includes a framework (36) having a first platform (40) for supporting the mandrels and C-shaped charges such that the C-shaped charges are back to back. A U-shaped anvil (48), connected to the framework, is rotatable between an engaged position overlying the mandrels and the C-shaped charges, and a disengaged position away from the mandrels and C-shaped charges. The anvil (48) includes a side bladder (58) for compacting the C-shaped charges against one another by pressing the mandrels and C-shaped charges together and against a wall of the anvil opposite to the side bladder, and a top bladder (62) for aligning the mandrels and C-shaped charges by compressing the mandrels and C-shaped charges against the platform.

Abstract: For efficient waxing of the running surface of a workpiece such as a snowboard, one or more skis, or a toboggan, the invention provides a single wax-heating element in the form of an elongate flexible sheet sized to fully cover the running surface when upside down and horizontally oriented. The single sheet of the heating element also provides articulating connection between an array of like transverse elements which gravitationally load the heating element sheet into self-adapting conformance with flat or concave and convexly curved features of the workpiece, so that a wax-laden sheet draped over the running surface of the workpiece can be gravitationally loaded by the heating element sheet.

Abstract: A membrane plate for a filter press includes a plate member composed of a plate wall having a peripheral region provided with a plate wall groove and a plate frame surrounding the plate wall. A flexible press membrane is disposed adjacent at least one side of the plate wall and a holding frame covers a membrane edge bead received in the plate wall groove. A connecting arrangement secures the holding frame to the plate frame and permits transverse movement of the holding frame with respect to the plate wall. The connecting arrangement includes a continuous peripheral groove in the plate frame and a continuous, elastic member supported on the holding frame. The elastic member projects from the holding frame and is received by the continuous peripheral groove.

Abstract: A plurality of substantially parallel filter plates are assembled as a unit and are locatable within a substantially rigid outer shell to provide a closed vessel. Either or both of the unit and the shell are movable relative to the other between a position wherein the unit is sealed within the shell to enable pressurised supply to the shell of medium to be filtered via the plates and a position wherein the unit is at least partially removed from the shell to enable discharge of resultant filter cake from the plates. To improve filter efficiency, reducing the number of plates required and the pressure required, and to allow the removal of the filter plate unit when encrusted with filter cake, substantially impermeable, flexible membrane is provided as a lining to the shell and an additional shell inlet/outlet port is provided and is connected to pressure medium supply means so that a space between the lining and the shell is inflatable by pressure medium for the duration of the filtration operation.

Abstract: A variable load ballast system for the double facer of a corrugator includes a number of rows of holddown belt engaging ballast members positioned in side-by-side relation transversely across the belt, with the rows extending over the full heating section of the double facer. Each of the rows is divided into a number of longitudinal segments, each of which segments is controlled by a vertical actuator to move the segment between a lower full load ballast position on the belt and an upper no load position off the belt. The rows may comprise a series of ballast rollers or a continuous flexible membrane and either embodiment provides the ability to vary the ballast load on the holddown belt longitudinally, laterally and in any pattern of symmetry or asymmetry to accommodate a wide range of operating conditions and problems typically arising in the operation of a double facer.

Abstract: A method for dejuicing grapes uses a dejuicer comprises a closed tank provided with a dejuicer grid and an inflatable membrane in the tank which is pressurized to force juice out of the harvested grapes through the grid. A conveyor in the tank remove the dejuicer grapes from the tank. Harvested grapes are placed in said tank and the juice is allowed to flow naturally. The inflatable membrane mounted in the tank is then pressurized to force out further juice through the grid and the juice is collected from the tank. The membrane is then depressurized and the tank is emptied by actuating the conveyor.

Abstract: A plate filter press includes a plurality of face-to-face arranged filter plates movable into open and closed positions. Any two adjoining filter plates together define a filter chamber bounded by a continuous, raised sealing edge carried on at least one of the two adjoining filter plates. Separate heavy liquid intake members constituted by tubular bars are in fluid communication with each filter chamber. The sealing edges are provided with a respective recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the sealing edges. The tubular bars extend in the longitudinal direction and are sealingly received in the respective recesses in the closed position. Each tubular bar has a liquid outlet opening, and each sealing edge is provided with a transverse liquid passage situated between the recess and the filter chamber.

Abstract: In order to produce multilayer structures of composite materials by draping recut elementary layers on a shaping mold, an installation is proposed which comprises, apart from the mold, a gripping tool which can e.g. be fitted on the articulated arm of a robot. The shaping mold comprises a flexible membrane equipped with suction cups ensuring the gripping of the elementary precut layers. A vacuum circuit makes it possible to engage the membrane on a countermold placed behind the latter in order to shape the grasped elementary layer. When the tool is brought onto the mold, a pressure source acts on the membrane in order to compact the elementary later on the mold. A suction system keeps the layer on the mold following the release of the suction by the cups.

Abstract: An optical storage disk consists of a glass substrate (1) into which guide tracks (3) for servo-controlling the focussed light beams are directly stamped by a hot stamp process. After stamping, the glass substrate is thermally quenched in the stamping device to increase its breaking resistance through thermal curing. In order to achieve uniform guide tracks over the entire surface of an optical storage disk, flexible stamp stencils (35) in a flexible holder (34) are used whose curvature can be changed by applying hydro-static pressure. Suitable stamp stencils consist of monocristalline silicon disks with surface hardening, or of metal disks, structured in photolithographic processes. The stamp lands are made with bevelled edges to facilitate the separating of stamp and glass substrate after cooling.

Abstract: An automatic process in which after the press is filled and before starting a normal pressing cycle the flow rate of liquids is measured continuously without applying any pressing pressure. The tank is then rotated and the minimum and maximum values of the flow rates are determined and then compared respectively with predetermined values. Based upon this comparison and as a function of the results of the comparisons there is performed a preliminary pressurized draining of the materials to be pressed while at the same time the orifices for evacuation of the liquids are checked for possible clogging. These operations are repeated until the results of the comparisons no longer warrant a pressurized preliminary draining and subsequently initiating the normal pressing cycle.

Abstract: A multipurpose, automatic, self-contained device for manufacturing or repairing a workpiece made from a composite material includes a frame having an upper frame member and a lower frame member. A mechanical apparatus for providing a compressive force is mounted to the lower frame member and a lower platen is mounted to a movable member of the apparatus. An upper platen, positioned opposite to the lower platen, is mounted to the upper frame member. At least one heater is associated with at least one of the platens to apply heat to the workpiece and at least one temperature sensor is provided for mounting to the workpiece. The lower platen is moved toward and away from the upper platen by the mechanical apparatus to apply a compressive force to the workpiece disposed between the platens as a function of the temperature sensed from the workpiece and/or according to a predetermined schedule or plan.

Abstract: In order to wash the lower run of a horizontal belt filter more effectively, and simultaneously provide for tensioning of the lower run, as required when progressing the belt intermittently, a dead weight roller is supported in a bight of the lower run of the filter belt and reciprocates up and down in a wash liquor vessel as a drive roller is alternately extended, so as to advance the upper run of the belt, and retracted. A one way device is located upstream of the dead weight roller to prevent backward movement of lower run. As the bight decreases and increases, rolling action of the dead weight roller rubs the belt and forces wash liquor therethrough. A plurality of dead weight rollers in one or more wash liquor vessels may be provided and they may be guided at their ends in vertical or oblique guide tracks.

Abstract: The horizontal press appears as an elongated hollow structure (1) of flat profile resting on a frame (2a, b, c, d), and comprises a ram (6) reciprocated by a fluid power cylinder (5), a hopper (8) through which crushed and stemmed grapes fall into an inlet chamber (9) coinciding with the space swept by the ram, and a compression chamber (112) of tapered longitudinal section terminating in a narrow outlet (13) from which the pressed skins emerge. The top of the compression chamber consists in the flexible undersides (115) of a succession of inflatable cushions (120a . . . n) by which a downward compressive force is applied to the grapes, whilst the bottom takes the form of a continuous belt (122) fashioned from a filtering material, looped flexibly around at least two end rollers (123, 124) and supported by a frame (128) in such a way as to pass above and below a trough (125) from which the filtered juice is drawn off by conventional means.

Abstract: A refuse compression apparatus for reducing the volume of a thermal elastic refuse includes a telescopic refuse container which is covered by a bag and is housed in a cylindrical housing and suspended on the top of the cylindrical housing. A top cover box is coupled with the telescopic refuse container and the cylindrical housing so that the bag divides the inner space of the cylindrical housing into a free space inside the bag and an airtight space outside the bag. An air pump provided to connect the airtight space and the outside of the cylindrical housing operates to pressurize the airtight space and cause the bag to press the telescopic refuse container upwardly. Thus, the refuse placed in the telescopic refuse container is pressed against the lower surface of the top cover box and is compressed.

Abstract: A diaphragm (1) in a press vessel of a press intended for separating liquid and solid materials consists of two semicircular diaphragm parts (2) facing the front walls of the press vessel and of a diaphragm part (8) connected with these parts (2) on both sides and approximately corresponding to half the outer vessel wall. The diaphragm parts (2, 8) are formed from fabric (3, 13) with plastic coating on both sides and, semicircular diaphragm parts (2) are divided into segments. At least one of the thread systems forming a fabric (3) is aligned to a radial center bisector of each segment.

Abstract: A grape dejuicer comprises a closed tank provided with a dejuicer grid and a membrane in the tank which is pressurized to force juice out of the harvested grapes through the grid. Conveyor means in the tank remove the dejuicer grapes from the tank. Harvested grapes are placed in said tank and the juice is allowed to flow naturally. The membrane is then pressurized to force out further juice through the grid. The membrane is then depressurized and the tank is emptied by actuating the conveyor means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transfer and application of an offset, heat release decal to an article surface. A thin, supported, silicone membrane is indexed through successive work positions where the membrane is heated, picks up a heated decal and brings the decal into contact with the article surface for printing.

Abstract: A method for preparing a copper-clad laminated board for a printed circuit board which comprises: (a) preparing a prepreg by permeating a thermosetting resin into a fabric and then drying the resulting material to a half-hardened state, (b) laminating a both-side roughened copper foil on both sides or one side of the prepreg or a plurality of prepregs bonded together, (c) placing the resulting laminate from step (b) between both press plates of a press machine, (d) placing a polyamide film having a melting point equal to or higher than 170.degree. C. between the exposed side of the both-side roughened copper foil of the laminate and a press plate, (e) pressing the laminate with the press plates of the press machine at a temperature of 170.degree. C. or higher, a pressure of 10 kgf/cm.sup.2 or higher for a time of 60 minutes or longer, (f) separating the laminate from the press machine and (g) peeling the polyamide film from the laminate to obtain the copper-clad laminated board.

Abstract: A tape-on-wafer mounting apparatus and method for mounting a dicing tape on a wafer. The wafer stage mounts a wafer in the hole, which is constructed such that, when the wafer is mounted there, the wafer top surface stands higher than the wafer stage surface, with the wafer surface on which chip circuits are fabricated faced down. The tape stage mounts a dicing tape on its ring with the tape surface on which adhesives are applied faced down. The tape pressing tool presses the tape stage on the wafer stage so that the tape presser, which is constructed such that vertical force exerted by it is the largest at its center and smaller with the increase in distance from the center, causes the dicing tape to stick to the wafer.

Abstract: A method for separating liquid components which have been fractionated into at least an upper layer component and a lower layer component in a soft flexible container provided with a liquid transfer port located either at an upper part or a lower part of the container comprising a step of pressing the container to a flat configuration, so as to flowing out one of the liquid components through the liquid transfer port, characterized in that the inner walls of a liquid storage chamber of the flexible container, except for the liquid transfer port, are partly brought into close contact with each other in advance, so as to define such a flowing passage for the liquid component, the width of which becoming narrower toward the liquid transfer port, prior to the step of pressing the flexible container to a flat configuration.

Abstract: The insulation board as disclosed has a plurality of grooves suitably cut at right angles to each other. The grooves serve to reduce pressure variations transmitted by the molding press during the molding operation.

Abstract: A heat transfer system particularly though not exclusively for assisting the bonding of a continuous liner sheet to a single faced board in a corrugating machine where the single faced board (10), after gluing of the corrugated tips is brought together with the liner (12) and conveyed across a series of hot plates (15), the invention consisting of a series of vessels (20) containing a liquid or gas arranged above the conveyed board to press same uniformly in contact with the hot plate surface irrespective of distortion or undulation thereof thus to ensure adequate heat transfer and avoid damage to the board.

Abstract: An adjustable wringer can wring a variety of different types and sizes of mops, wipes, sponges and other wringable items for use in cleaning clean rooms. The wringer has two side plates situated in a spaced relationship relative to one another, each of the side plates having a slot. The wringer has a lever which has a handle and a rod. The handle has side posts, with the lower end of each side post being rotatably mounted to a respective side plate, and a handle bar extending across and connecting the upper ends of the first and second side posts. The rod is attached at each end to a handle side post, with each end of the rod passing through a respective slot in the side plates. The wringer also has a crank which has a crank handle and a rotatable crank shaft that extends from one side plate to the other. A substantially lint-free, flexible web is attached at one end to the rod and at the other end to the crank shaft.