Abstract: A press plate for decorative laminate production has an aluminum alloy core plate exhibiting a 0.2% compressive yield stress of not less than about 180 MPa at 140.degree. C., an aluminum cladding layer integrally bonded to opposing surfaces of the core plate, and a layer of aluminum oxide formed on the aluminous cladding which is substantially free of grain line effects.

Abstract: A platen cover feed system includes a frame supporting a pair of spools. A belt is connected at each end to the spools and can be fed from one spool to the other or vice versa. The spools can be mounted on supports located at the four top corners of the frame, and the rear supports can be adjusted to various heights. The system may include clamps associated with the spools. The clamps can be tightened or loosened manually in order to either fix the belt in place or feed it forward or backward. Thus, the belt can be fed a varying distance in either direction. The belt is generally made of, or coated with, Teflon or a similar non-sticking material.

Abstract: A transfer molding machine for encapsulation of semiconductor devices with a resin comprises a clamping mechanism with an electrically actuated toggle mechanism, a pair of upper and lower sections of a transfer mold, and at least one compensation unit including upper and lower plates and a plurality of elastic members held between said upper and lower plates. The compensation unit is arranged either between the upper stationary platen and the upper mold section or between the moving platen and the lower mold section to compensate the dimensional errors in the mold sections and clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A waste disposal assembly for the simultaneous disposal of a plurality of fluid filtration devices, the assembly including a main disposal housing with a disposal storage area, a fluid storage area and, a processing area having an exterior access to allow loading of a plurality of fluid filtration devices into the processing area, a lid member to cover the processing area subsequent to the loading, a compactor face to compact the plurality of fluid filtration devices within the processing area thereby squeezing fluid from the fluid filtration devices and forming a compressed waste block which is thereafter separated so as to break up the compressed waste block within the processing area, and an interior access which is to be opened to receive the broken up compressed waste block therethrough for passage into the disposal storage area which is structured to contain a substantial quantity of the broken up compressed waste blocks until appropriate disposal is made.

Abstract: A method of making a curved, shatterproof glass laminate for an automotive orother type transportation vehicle window or sun roof, which comprises at least one heat tempered or heat strengthened glass layer, which may be a low E glass type, at least one internal combination elastic shock absorbing-adhesive plastic layer of, for example, polyvinyl butyral material, and at least one antilacerative plastic layer of, for example, polyester or polycarbonate material, and/or a polyester material having a scratch-resistant or self-healing coating. The laminate may be formed from a laminate layup by engaging the antilacerative layer with a mold member and subjecting the resultant assembly to vacuum, heat and pressure in an autoclave. The resultant laminate may have a thickness so as to be readily usable for replacement or new manufacture in a standard existing frame or holder.

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: A punch is oscillatably supported by a layer of elastic material which forms one of the walls of an intermediate even partition of a non-compressible fluid such as oil. The opposite wall of this partition includes the plane of an isostatic support to which the punch is fixed by movable, axially sliding equipment.

Abstract: A platen for use in a clamping operation wherein a force is generated having a first direction includes a first wall having edges and a center area and at least first and second sides, wherein the first side is adapted to be positioned nearest the clamping operation. The platen further includes a second wall spaced from and substantially parallel to the first wall, wherein the first and second walls extend substantially transverse to the first direction of the force. An intermediate support structure is positioned between the walls and is used to direct the force from the edges of the first wall toward the center area of the first wall for substantially preventing non-uniform deflection of the first wall along the first side.

Abstract: Two-sided fusible tape is mounted in an effective manner upon the sleeve seam allowance of a garment comprising the steps of placing a jacket arranged inside out upon a heated stationary buck, the jacket being positioned on the buck so that the sleeve seam allowance is properly aligned. An exposed surface of a two-sided fusible strip is placed along the sleeve seam allowance, the other fusible surface being covered with a protective sheet. A vacuum communicating with the buck is drawn to retain the garment in the proper position. A pair of heated heads having pressing surfaces conforming to the shape of the buck are simultaneously driven toward the buck to press the fusible strip against the sleeve seam allowance of the garment, the heat from the buck and the heads activating the fusible. Steam may be ejected from the heads when the fusible employed requires steam for activation. The heads are withdrawn from the buck and the garment is removed in preparation for mounting a shoulder pad to the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a layer of polymer plastic film to a precast layer of glass is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support saddle having a receiving surface that is shaped and dimensioned to support the precast layer of glass. The layer of polymer plastic film is positioned by a holding means in the form of toothed upper and lower opposed collar members in spaced apart relation with respect to the glass. A ram having a hard flexible contact member adapted to intimately contact plastic film is positioned at a distance away from the plastic film. The ram and the saddle are brought towards each other so as to cause the hard flexible contact member to contact the plastic film, which in turn causes the plastic film to contact the preformed layer of glass, such that the hard flexible contact member, the plastic film, the glass and the saddle are in intimate contact seriatim.

Abstract: A combination can crushing and retrieving device having a movable gripping and crushing jaw means. An aluminum can can be gripped and positioned within the device for pivotal engagement of a crushing jaw by pressure inserted thereon by the user's foot. The can is crushed and folded and can be transported by the device for release and disposal as well as initial gripping of the can for positioning within the crushing device.

Abstract: A continuous press for pressing glued press charges is provided. The press includes first and second generally parallel press platens, a driver for driving the press platens through a working stretch at a predetermined rate of travel, and a system for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the press platens to compress and unify the press charges disposed between the first and second press platens. The system is designed to travel through the working stretch of the press, with the press platens, at the predetermined rate of travel.

Abstract: An improved connection through a substrate layer is formed by embedding a conductive element such as a pin on one or more balls or spheres in a thermoplastic material which is preferably a liquid crystal polymer. The substrate may be heated to facilitate the embedding process in which material of the substrate layer is reflowed under pressure to retain the conductive element by means of a preload force. The formation of such connections with either pins or plural conductive elements allows independence of aspect ratio of the connection and, hence, feature size of conductive patterns on the substrate and the thickness of the substrate layer.

Abstract: A device for bonding a thermoplastic tape to a substrate to form a fully consolidated composite. This device has an endless chain associated with a frame so as to rotate in a plane that is perpendicular to a long dimension of the tape, the chain having pivotally connected chain links with each of the links carrying a flexible foot member that extends outwardly from the chain. A selected number of the foot members contact the tape, after the heating thereof, to cause the heated tape to bond to the substrate. The foot members are each a thin band of metal oriented transversely to the chain, with a flexibility and width and length to contact the tape so as to cause the tape to conform to the substrate to achieve consolidation of the tape and the substrate. A biased leaf-type spring within the frame bears against an inner surface of the chain to provide the compliant pressure necessary to bond the tape to the substrate.

Abstract: A body member of a press has a peripheral imperforate side wall and an imperforate end wall, the end opposite from the imperforate wall being open. The press has a lid-engaging portion capable of abutting a severed but remaining lid of a can and utilizing the lid as a pressing plate to press liquid from food in the can upon relative forced telescoping movement of the body member and the can. The lid engaging member supports a magnet capable of magnetically attracting the lid and pulling the lid out of the can upon completion of the pressing operation. The magnet can also serve to attach the press to a metal surface. The can engaging area of the press is shaped to fit the contour of the lid of a can.

Abstract: A hand press for squeezing liquid from contents of a can wherein the can is positionable on a base and with one hand a pair of handles are grasped and squeezed together to push a platen against a severed can end and squeeze out the liquid while the can is held by that one grasping hand over an appropriate drainage receiver such as a sink.

Abstract: A machine for compacting a row of tires in side-by-side relationship comprises a support housing containing a dual action hydraulic cylinder. A first compactor plate, contacting a first tire of the row is mounted on the support housing. An extended piston rod carrying a suitably dimensioned sleeve forms a probe that passes out of the support housing, through the first compactor plate and extends through the uncompacted row of tires, defining an external segment of the probe which varies in length as the piston is extended and retracted. A second compactor plate, mountable on the probe, contacts the last tire of the row. Thus the row of tires is compacted between the first compactor plate and the second compactor plate when the probe is retracted and the external segment is shortened. The probe is fully retractable through the first compactor plate to easily release the compacted row of tires therefrom.

Abstract: A manual can crusher for crushing a can having a housing with a top opening for receiving a can to be crushed, a bottom opening for discharging a crushed can, and an interior crushing wall with a creasing block mounted thereon. A crushing ram is disposed within the housing and is pivotable between an open position where the ram is opposite the crushing wall and a closed position where the ram is adjacent to the crushing wall. A longitudinally extending handle is rotatably mounted on the housing, and linkage couples the handle to the ram. A can to be crushed is placed into the top opening and the handle is rotated to move the ram between the open and closed positions via the linkage. The can is crushed against the interior crushing wall until is is sufficiently crushed to be discharged through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A continuously operating double band press for the production of material webs, a shape compensating plate and a discontinuously operating single or multiple-platen press for the production of materials in portions is disclosed. Shape compensating plates are arranged in the press frame of the double band press or at the pressing plates of the platen press. The shape compensating plate comprises two plates of metal which are parallel arranged. An elastic bellows serving as a lateral seal is fastened at its edge to extend annularly. The chamber formed by the plates and the elastic bellows is filled with a fluid medium.

Abstract: A hay baler or bale compressor capable of producing aerated bales of hay which can be effectively stored and shipped. Specifically, the baler includes a packer mechanism which operates to retrieve and compress individual capsules of hay and a plunger or piston that compresses the individual precompressed capsules into a large bale while simultaneously cutting and removing portions of the capsules. The plunger includes at least one tubular cutter which extends through the plunger and projects a desired distance from the face of the plunger. In operation, each time the plunger compresses the plunger load, plugs of hay are cut from capsules making up the load and passed through the tubular cutter to the throat of the baler. If a plurality of holes are formed, proper spacing of the holes allows the hay to breathe and, thus, permits shipment of large and small bales of hay without fear of premature spoiling or fire.

Abstract: A press pad for high-pressure multi-story presses for the production of high-pressure laminates, including a textile fabric including a plurality of yarns composed of aromatic polyamide, and metal filaments disposed in said textile fabric in an amount ranging from 10 to 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the press pad, the metal filaments being helically wound around each of the aromatic polyamide yarns.

Abstract: A compacting device for conforming a variety of refuse materials, such as glass and plastic, into generally rectilinear bales, and for compacting aluminum and tin refuse material into generally square-shaped stable bales for recycling. The compacting device includes a housing enclosing a chamber and an extendable and retractable plunger disposed within the chamber. A hopper receives refuse material to be crushed or compacted, and directs the material into the chamber. An exit chamber door has a plurality of equidistantly spaced-apart rectilinear chamber door protrusions projecting from the inner face of the exit chamber door, and the face of the plunger includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced-apart rectilinear plunger face protrusions extending forwardly from the plunger face. The plunger face protrusions are adapted for forcibly contacting and compressing the material deposited within the chamber door protrusions.

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 device for compacting hollow aluminum or plastic containers comprising a base having a concave arc-shaped surface having a first radius, an arm having a convex arc-shaped surface having a second radius, substantially equal to or smaller than the first radius, and a hinge for hingedly securing a first end of the arm adjacent to a first end of the base whereby the arm is pivotally movable on the hinge relative to the base between a closed position in which the convex surface is received and nested in the radius of the concave surface recess and the concave and convex surfaces are substantially parallel along their respective arcs.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a layer of polymer plastic film--such as non-oriented polyurethane or polyvinyl butyral laminated with oriented polyethylene teraphthalate--to glass, is taught. A saddle is provided having essentially the same contour as the glass that contacts it during the lamination process; and at least the surface of the saddle has an essentially identical coefficient of heat expansion and contraction as the glass, so that there is no significant slippage of the glass with respect to the saddle as the glass and polymer plastic film are heated and cooled. A segmented saddle may be provided having segments with substantially different coefficient of heat expansion and contraction than that of glass, but by being spatially isolated there is no gross expansion or contraction of the saddle face compared with that of the glass. A compression ram presses against the polymer film to be laminated to the glass. Either or both of the saddle and the ram is heated, usually the saddle.

Abstract: A press plate hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques produces wear resistant decorative laminate containing hard abrasive particles while improving associated press plate useful life. The press plate has exacting final microfinish requirements made possible due to the determination of interdependencies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependencies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and rate of heat-up and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

Abstract: A manually-operated refuse compactor apparatus includes a lower platen and an upper platen extending generally parallel to and spaced above the lower platen, a frame structure stationarily supporting the lower platen and positioning the upper platen in alignment above the lower platen, and a pair of yieldable reciprocal support mechanisms attached to the frame structure and yieldably supporting the upper platen from the frame structure for undergoing reciprocal rectilinear movement toward and away from the lower platen for crushing items between the platens. The frame structure has upright post members between and along which the upper platen is slidably mounted for the rectilinear reciprocal movement toward and away from the lower platen. The yieldable reciprocal support mechanisms are stretchable to permit downward movement of the upper platen and are also retractable to cause return movement of the upper platen to an upper home position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compactor for wastes, in particular for compressible trash, and includes a compaction plunger with a compaction blade in the lower part of a trash receiving chamber of a compactor housing. The plunger is horizontally displaceable and conveys the trash into a container adjoining the receiving chamber where the trash is compacted. The invention provides a scoop pivotally supported by the compaction plunger and comprising an acute-angle leading edge for slipping underneath the trash which is continuously accumulating in the receiving chamber. During the return stroke of the plunger, the scoop can be tipped upward about its pivot axis so that the trash behind the compaction plunger is moved in front of the compaction blade of the compaction plunger.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided that has a single ram that simultaneously precompacts trash in an auxiliary precompacting chamber and compacts trash that has already been precompacted in a main copacting and storage chamber. The ram has a single actuating device and efficiently provides for both precompacting in the auxiliary precompacting chamber and for compacting in the compacting and storage chamber with each stroke of the ram.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided that has a single ram that simultaneously precompacts trash in an auxiliary precompacting chamber and compacts trash that has already been precompacted in a main compacted and storage chamber. The ram has a single actuating device and efficiently provides for both precompacting in the auxiliary precompacting chamber and for compacting in the compacting and storage chamber with each stroke of the ram.

Abstract: A hand held and hand operated device for compacting and crushing an aluminum beverage can is disclosed. The device comprises an elongate handle that is grasped by the user's hand. An aluminum can is held in a gripper element at one end of the handle. The free end of the aluminum can extending from the gripper element is then pounded against a solid object in a manner similar to pounding one's clenched fist against a table top thereby crushing and compacting the aluminum can.

Abstract: In a process for covering an object by means of at least one flexible piece, a fluidized bed of particles (8) is covered by a flexible cloth (10), the flexible covering piece (12) is placed above said cloth, the object (13, 14) is placed above said cloth, pressure is applied to said object, deforming the flexible sheet and immersing the object in the fluidized bed until a mating imprint is formed in the latter. The covering can be effected by gluing, in particular with a previously applied heat-activated adhesive in which case the fluidized bed is obtained by means of a current of hot air at a temperature above the activation temperature of the adhesive. The process is particularly suitable for assembling and mounting seat covers. Also described is a device for implementing the process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying equal forces to a workpiece or a plurality of work pieces having differing heights above an opposing surface and particularly adapted to use in a furnace for sintering of multi-layer ceramic (MLC) stacks. A combination of beams for dividing of a single applied force in a plurality of stages with spherical bearing surfaces for maintaining centering of transmitted forces and precisely consistent force division is employed. In one embodiment, equalizing beams are used to provide an unequal division of applied force, the smaller forces resulting from the unequal division being recombined to result in a force equal to the larger of the unequally divided forces.

Abstract: A press for welding magnetic yokes comprises first and second frames movable toward and away from each other, on which there are defined respective confronting and parallel pressure surfaces (12, 35), a motive means (50) acting between the frames (11, 30) to produce the aforesaid movements, and a presser (14, 36) associated with each of the pressure surfaces (12, 35) to define a saddle-piece for receiving the yoke (3). Between at least one of the pressers (14, 36) and its respective pressure surface (12, 35) there intervening an elastically deformable pillow (39) functioning as an adjuster of the deformation under load undergone by the corresponding pressure surface (12, 35). This pillow is composed of an elastic material which has a behavior under load, within a predetermined range of specific loads, that approaches a hydrostatic behavior, that is, such that for a given increase in the deformation there corresponds a proportionally low pressure increase.

Abstract: A manually operated aluminum can crushing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. A centrally located upwardly extending protuberance is disclosed and defines a cavity in the lower surface of the apparatus. First and second alignment means are provided that are adapted to contactingly receive an aluminum can to be crushed and to align the same perpendicular to the axis of the applied crushing force. Optional handles and gripping surfaces may be provided.

Abstract: A refuse compacting system including a plurality of containers, each of the containers being substantially square and when placed in groups of four, forming four compacting stations, adjacent one another for occupying a reduced amount of space. In addition, the four containers would be set upon a manually rotatable platform, that would be rotatable upon a central axis for rotating the containers to a specific point when that particular container would be the point of compaction. The system would further include a single ram movable between a single preferably hydraulically operated ram movable between upper and lower positions, so that when a particular container removed directly beneath the ram, the turn-table would be manually placed in a stop position, and the ram moving to the down position in order to crush and containerize any waste materials in the container.

Abstract: A device for crushing cans and cutting plastic containers to facilitate efficient, space-saving storage, compact disposal, and recycling of the material. The device includes a rigid base member adapted for placement on a level surface, a handle plate portion pivotally connected to the base member and adapted for crushing cans, a handle projecting outwardly from the handle plate portion and adpated for manual gripping, and a longitudinally-extending groove located on the base member. A pair of oppositely-disposed sculpted recesses for holding a can upright while the handle plate portion is pivoted downward for engaging and crushing the can are located adjacent the groove. A removable crushing plate is adapted for placement over the groove to support a can positioned lengthwise thereon for crushing by the handle plate portion. Projecting up through the groove is a rotary blade which is driven by a motor unit located within the base member.

Abstract: A hay bale ventilator in the form of an attachment for the plunger of a hay baler to progressively form a central bore or passageway through the hay bale as it is formed by the hay baler thereby reducing the tendency of hay bales to mold in the center thereof due to the moisture content of the material being baled. The hay bale ventilator is in the form of a support plate having a tapered pointed member extending therefrom with the plate being mounted on the plunger of the hay baler and the pointed member forming a hole or passageway through each segment of the hay bale as it is formed. The pointed member is of two-piece construction having a wear-resistant pointed tip removably mounted on a larger cylindrical member connected with the plate. The cylindrical member has four longitudinally extending, radially projecting ribs thereon which forms a hole through the hay bale of generally square configuration.

Abstract: A membrane plate for filter presses including a supporting plate with a clamping rim elevated on both sides, a frame, and a membrane clamped in place between the supporting plate and the frame. The membrane is enclosed inwardly of the clamping rim between two approximately V-shaped diverging contact surfaces of the supporting plate and the frame and is capable of elastic deflection toward both sides of the membrane. To attain a high resistance to continuous stress, the membrane is provided inwardly of the clamping rim with a wavy or undulation zone wherein the undulation or wave crests extend in parallel to the clamping ring. At least one outer undulation or wave crest is enclosed between two contact surfaces, with this wave crest projecting with a back surface thereof into a flaring space defined by the contact surfaces lying in opposition to a pressure medium chamber of the filter press.

Abstract: An elastically deformable die includes two or more die members formed of materials exhibiting different degrees of elastic deformation under the same stress which are combined and arranged such that the elastic deformation thereof under the pressure received from a workpiece during a forming operation causes the surface of the die in contact with the workpiece to be formed to a prescribed configuration. In die forming the composite die is brought in contact with a surface of the workpiece, the die is elastically deformed at the surface of contact by the pressure received from the workpiece during the forming process, and the workpiece is formed to the prescribed configuration by this deformation.

Abstract: A waste container includes a hollow body having an open top end, a cover detachably provided on the open top end, and a press member movably mounted on the cover and having a plate portion disposed horizontally inside the hollow body. The press member is vertically movable inside the hollow body to compress garbage inside the hollow body.

Abstract: A trash compactor or other materials loading assembly wherein a flexible memory containing ramrod and associated platen may be flexibly driven against a trash load in such a manner as to assume its general contour and provide good trash compacting efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the ramrod is made of relatively low cost polyvinylchloride (PVC), thereby avoiding the high costs associated with metal components. In addition, the ramrod is flexibly driven by slidable engagement with a PVC piston driver in a seal tight arrangement so as to maintain good liquid tight hydraulic fluid sealing at the side walls of the piston driver. This assembly may be used either in a trash compacting operation or in the high density compacting of new and recyclable materials. The present invention is also directed to a new and improved method of compacting materials in a high density, low cost and efficient mode of operation.

Abstract: A hay bale ventilator in the form of a support plate having a tapered pointed member extending therefrom with the plate being mounted on the plunger of the hay baler and the pointed member forming a hole or passageway through each segment of the hay bale as it is formed. The pointed member is of two-piece construction having a wear-resistant pointed tip removably mounted on a larger cylindrical member connected with the plate with the pointed member and the cylindrical member having different angles of taper to assure that a hole or passageway will be formed without the hay sticking to the pointed member as it reciprocates with the plunger on the baler.

Abstract: A resilient sheet of material is used between a cavity plate and a mold base in a sytem used to encapsulate items such as semiconductor devices. The resilient sheet of material compensates for any dimensional variations in the cavity plates. In addition, compensation is also made for dimensional variations of the item being encapsulated. In one embodiment, the sheet of resilient material is used to seal cavity openings in the cavity plate. A method for the use of such an arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal reaction apparatus for sealing liquid within cavities includes a tray having cavities for storing therein liquid. The cavities have openings arranged at varying levels in thickness direction of the tray. A planar sealing member is disposed on the tray to cover the openings and is comprised of a pair of flexible sheets and viscous fluid filled between the flexible sheets. A pressure plate is disposed on the planar sealing member for applying thereto pressure effective to locally flow the viscous fluid to enable the sealing member to seal the varying levels of the cavity openings to thereby prevent evaporation of the liquid stored in the cavities.

Abstract: An improved can crusher device including a coil spring, forming a chamber, attached at its upper end to a substantially flat disk. When force is applied to the disk a can placed within the chamber is crushed. Preferrably, the coil spring is flared progressively toward its lower end to confer stability to the device during the can crushing operation and promote optimal can compression. The preferred disk has a peripheral edge and annular wall on its lower surface which work with the coil spring to hold the can in place. One preferred embodiment has gaps in the annular wall to release accumulated air pressure. When not in use, the can crusher may be compacted for storage or transportation with holders positioned through the disk and under the coil. The device is light-weight, yet durable, promotes quick, efficient can crushing, and enhances the economic virtues associated with recycling empty cans.

Abstract: A filter plate arrangement for a filter press which includes a carrier plate, at least one membrane arranged on the side of the carrier plate having spacing ribs for positioning a filter cloth, a sealing edge frame for securing the membrane to the carrier plate with a fluid-tight connection and a chamber plate secured on an outer surface of the sealing edge frame is characterized by an improved design to limit stressing of the membrane as it moves from a filtering phase to a pressing phase. These improvements include the thickness of the frame adjacent an inner peripheral edge being substantially the same as the height of the spacing ribs and the chamber plate having an olique portion extending from the surface at an angle to a center plane of the carrier plate from a line immediately adjacent the peripheral edge so that during the pressing stage, the membrane will not be subjected to extreme bends to cause rupture or tearing thereof.

Abstract: A press apparatus is provided wherein the vacuum suction lifters, due to a swing-in movement, can be moved more quickly into the lifting position for attaching the finish-coated panel by suction and, due to the telescopic extension, can be accurately set to the statically best longitudinal positions for panels of various widths. By a positioning and drive device, rolling belt trays used according to the invention can be moved accurately at various positions into the press area in conformity with different panel widths. As a result of the construction members and measures according to the invention, the movable parts have been further reduced in weight, thereby permitting faster movements. Furthermore, this results in higher flexibility and greater operational readiness of the short-cycle installation when changing over to other panel widths.

Abstract: The upper panel of a tailgate assembly is moved in a downward and rearward convexly curved path between an upward and forward position and a rearward and lowered position and the lower panel is rotated forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the upper panel. Linkages are included in the tailgate assembly to provide this movement. A lower surface of the fixed panel may have an upwardly curved lower surface which imparts a forward direction of movement to refuse which is packed against it. The upper panel may have a curved forward surface in close proximity to a rearward surface of the fixed panel. During movement of the upper panel, the rearward surface of the fixed panel removes refuse from the curved forward surface. The upper panel is tilted as it moves and during its upward movement the lower portion of the upper panel is tilted forwardly. This imparts a forward movement to refuse which is moved through the opening into the storage body.

Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus including a storage body and a tailgate positioned rearwardly of the storage body which defines a hopper that is positioned adjacent to an opening into the storage body. An upper and a lower panel within the tailgate are pivotally connected and movably positioned with respect to the hopper. The upper panel is moved in a downward and rearward convexly curved path between an upward and forward position and a rearward and lowered position and the lower panel is rotated forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the upper panel. A fixed panel positioned in the tailgate structure defines the upper extent of the opening into the storage body and during upward movement of the upper panel, refuse is packed against the fixed panel.The lower surface of the fixed panel may have an upwardly curved lower surface which imparts a forward direction of movement to refuse which is packed against it.