Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid heating of calender rolls 350, 352 for a calendering apparatus 200 is disclosed. At a heating area 800, the rolls 350, 352 are preheated, reheated, or maintained at any temperature prior to the rolls 350, 352 being placed into the calendering apparatus 300. The preferred method of heating is by induction heating. The rolls 350, 352 may be delivered to the heating apparatus 802 from an initial storage area 420 or the calendering apparatus 300. The rolls 350, 352 are transported by an overhead transfer mechanism 400. The disclosed method and apparatus greatly facilitate formation of multi-layered laminates and is particularly useful in the tire building art.

Abstract: A hammermill for singulating cellulosic fibers from a wet pulp sheet includes a cylindrical housing, a feed slot with a breaker bar positioned therein and a rotor mounted for rotation in the housing. Feed rolls are provided to feed a sheet of pulp into the feed slot upstream of the breaker bar. A plurality of hammers are mounted on the rotor. Air is introduced into the hammermill housing tangentially downstream from the second feed slot. An air outlet is positioned tangentially on the housing downstream from the air inlet to allow air and singulated fibers to escape. A process for producing singulated fibers includes wetting a fiber sheet, milling the fibers in the hammermill, and drying the fibers. The singulated fibers have a low knot content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combinatorial (i.e., high-throughput) materials research, such as catalysis research, that involves parallel apparatus for simultaneously effecting mechanical treatments such as grinding, mixing, pressing, crushing, sieving, and/or fractionating of such materials are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are useful for mechanically treating catalysis materials and other solid materials, including without limitation, electronic materials such as phosphors, colorants such as pigments, and pharmaceuticals such as crystalline drugs or drug candidates. The simultaneous protocols and parallel apparatus offer substantial improvements in overall throughput for preparing arrays of materials, such as catalysis materials.

Abstract: A baler having pre-compression lid stops and method of operation where stops located on a pre-compression lid prevent rotation of the pre-compression lid into the pre-crush chamber to prevent impingement of a gatherer ram with the pre-compression lid.

Abstract: In the method for threading a tail (7) of a paper or board web through a paper or board machine or a section thereof, or through an aftertreatment machine for paper or board or a section thereof, the tail (7) is prevented from wandering onto the same line with a tail carrier means (8, 9), such as threading ropes, upstream of the draw point of the tail. The tail (7) is guided towards the centre line of the machine by subjecting the tail to an effect of force which tends to move the tail towards the centre line of the machine.

Abstract: A method for a multi-roll calender and a multi-roll calender for controlling the moisture gradient of a fibrous web and for enabling the manufacture of high quality paper grades, such as WFC, LWC-roto and SC-A by on- and off-line calendering. An on- or off-line multi-roll calender formed of separate sets of rolls is used for calendering, and the fibrous web (W) is subjected to intermediate moistening between the sets of rolls (A, B).

Abstract: A process for operating a calender roll that cooperates rotatingly with at least one other calender roll of a roll stack, at least one calender roll of the roll stack being provided with an elastic cover. The process includes operating the calender roll; and changing a mass of the calender roll during operation. Furthermore, a calender roll is provided including a roll jacket having a first and second end; a supply connection arrangement; and a mass changing device connected to the supply connection.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for applying steam from a steam source to a moving web to thereby improve the smoothness and gloss of the web. A housing has at least one cooling chamber upstream and at least one steam chamber downstream. The cooling air in the cooling chamber is used to cool the web before steam is applied to the web from the steam chamber. This allows a sufficient volume of steam to be delivered to the web to thereby raise its moisture content to a desired level to thus achieve optimized calendering of the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for compressing empty packaging waste. The compression stroke is characterized by three different possibly positions and the compression device is situated on or above a container for collecting empty packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a strip of absorbent, rollable cellulose fiber material (100) which is suitable for use in the hygiene sector. A fiber layer consisting of cellulose fibers is placed on a base layer (8) and pre-compressed to form a loose non-woven fabric which is introduced into a gap between a pair of calendar rollers (6.1, 6.2) and which is used to produce a pattern of dotted or lined pint areas (17) in which the fibers (1) are disposed in a random manner and are compressed against each other at a pressure ranging from 150 to 600 MPa, resulting in a non-solvent fusion of said fibers and the production of a strip of fiber material (100) with an imprinted pattern.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an elastic roller for smoothing a paper web, wherein the roller has a hard metal core, an elastic matrix coating material thereon and an outer layer of memory metal, and is comprised especially of metal is described. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the elastic roller and to a device and method for smoothing paper comprising passing a paper web through a pressure nip formed by the elastic roller core and a hard roll.

Abstract: Press shoe of a shoe press unit and a machine including press shoe. The press shoe includes at least two lateral edge areas, which are structured and arranged to be positioned adjacent web edges, and a central area lying between the at least two lateral edge areas. At least in some sections of the at least two lateral edge areas are structured to have a lower bending stiffness than in the central area. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting a contamination and damaging of a face (10) that runs through a nip or nips (N1 . . . N10) in a calendar for paper. In the method vibrations occurring in connection with the constructions (18, 100) of a calendar are detected and processed. The vibrations are detected by at least one vibration detector (40; 41 . . . 46; 41a. . . 46a, 41b. . . 46b) fitted in connection with the bearing supports of calendar rolls (11 . . . 16) or in connection with constructions (18, 100) related to said bearing supports. By the way of these vibration detectors the calendar roll(s) (11 . . . 16) is/are identified from which the vibration derives.

Abstract: In the method, a long nip (N) shoe calender formed of a shoe roll (10) and a thermo roll (20) is used. In calendering, a nip dwell time which is over 10 ms. advantageously over 20 ms. a nip pressure which is below 3 MPa. advantageously below 1 MPa. and a surface temperature of the thermo roll (20) which is over 200° C. advantageously over 250° C. are used. In addition, the board web (W) surface to be pressed against the thermo roll (20) is moisturized before the nip.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A pair of compression rollers 38a and 38b parallel with each other are provided and powder grains are supplied to a powder grain introduction/compression part 50 formed between the rollers 38a and 38b and, thereby, compression moldings of the powder grains are formed. A powder grain press/feed means 20 is provided in a front stage of the rollers 38a and 38b. The press/feed means 20 has a deaerating barrel 24 and previously presses the powder grains supplied between the rollers 38a and 38b. In side surfaces of the rollers 38a and 38b, side seals 37 are arranged with clearances 72 maintained from the rollers 38a and 38b. During pressing the powder moldings, the powder grains enter into the clearances so that closer layers are formed between the side surfaces of the compression rollers 38a and 38b and the side seals 37, thereby sealing the powder grain introduction/compression part 50.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calender intended to calender a paper or board web (4), which calander comprising a calendering section, in which there are at least two members, such as rolls (1, 2, 3), in nip contact, between which the web (4) being calendered is arranged to run. For reducing the moisture and heat leaving the web (4) while it is being calendered a wall (16, 17), covering at least part of the calendering section, is formed from the web (4) being calendered by changing its direction of travel.

Abstract: A method for producing pressed board deforms the mat with compression and decompression between heated plates upstream of the platens.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with sensors for measuring the location of harvest, and/or various physical characteristics, of crop material being placed in a specific bale, with these parameters being electronically recorded and stored in memory on an electronic storage medium. In order to be able to associate the location and measured values with the individual bale to which the values pertain, a device is provided by which the electronic storage medium may be inserted in, or attached to, the bale.

Abstract: A paperboard product having at least one layer of bleached or semi-bleached pulp and having improved smoothness and reduced bulk loss. For paperboard having sizing without pigment, the smoothness on the printed side as measured by the Parker test is better (lower) than 6.5 when measured using a pressure of 10 kgf/cm2 while the smoothness measured by the Hagerty/Sheffield test is not below 280 Sheffield units. For paperboard having sizing with pigment, the Parker smoothness is less than 5.0 and the Hagerty/Sheffield smoothness is not less than 180 Sheffield units. The web is finished by applying temperature and moisture gradients to the web and then smoothing the web surface using extended nip calendering. The surface of the calendering roll is maintained at a temperature of 250-400° F. Prior to entering the extended nip, the web surface is moisturized using steam showers. The nipload applied in the heated extended nip is preferably in the range of 300 to 2,500 pli.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compressing hay such that the hay is suitable for long distance shipping. The hay is texturized by passing the hay through a shredder with an added fog or mist of water. The shredder separates, cuts and bends hay fibers rather than shattering the fibers. Compression of the hay is achieved by feeding the hay through an open ended compression conduit in a peristaltic manner through the use of a hydraulically actuated ram. Increased compression of the hay is achieved by applying transverse pressure to the hay as the hay travels longitudinally through the compression conduit.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A bale press for agricultural harvest crops including a pressure channel having at least a portion of one of its sides formed by a pivotal rail section, a hydraulic device for applying pressure to the rail section, a plunger displaceable in the pressure channel for compressing a harvest crop therein, and a control device for controlling operating of the bale press and including a load sensor for sensing loading of the plunger with the loading representing a first controlled variable, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure in the hydraulic device with the pressure representing a second controlled variable, and an operator unit for changing the pressure applied to the rail section upon deviation of at least one of the controlled variables from a predetermined set value.

Abstract: A continuous press for pressing a thick mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal transport direction, upper and lower flexible intake plates juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and defining therewith an intake mouth flaring upstream, and a plurality of hydraulic actuators braced between at least one of the intake plates and the frame and operable to deform the one intake plate and thereby change the spacing of the belts at the mouth. A desired shape of the one intake plate at the mouth is established in accordance with the thickness of the mat, the density of the mat, and the thickness of the panel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for pressing a material selected from materials of vegetable and animal origin. The process includes the steps of mechanically compressing the material of vegetable or animal origin while simultaneously vibrating the material at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic frequency going through the material modifies the material's internal state so as to considerably reduce resistance offered by the material to mechanical compression.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a baling chamber and apparatus for loading successive charges of crop material into the chamber. The cross section of the baling chamber is automatically adjusted to the load experienced by the plunger during compression of these charges and thereby controlling the density of the bales formed therein. The density control system further comprises elements associated with the actuator of the baling chamber for precluding adjustment of the cross section when no new charge of crop material has been introduced into the baling chamber. These elements comprise a sensor sensing the passage of such charge along a wall portion of the baling chamber and a by-pass valve which controls the pressure of hydraulic oil provided to the actuator. Thus the cross section of the baling chamber is prevented from being reduced further when the baler is turned on headlands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.

Abstract: A method of controlling the press force on at least one press heating plate along the press length of an operating cycle. For a reduction of specific press force from a maximum press force towards a zero press force, a setting force for a longitudinal deformation of the at least one press heating plate is increased accordingly. For an increase in the specific press force from a zero press force towards a maximum press force, the setting force for the longitudinal deformation of the press heating plates is reduced accordingly. For a reduction of the specific press force from the maximum press force towards the zero press force, the longitudinal gradient tan .beta. is set to be approximately twice as large as the gradient tan .alpha. at the press force maximum. The longitudinal gradient and setting force can thus be controlled along an entire pressing path for an increase or decrease in the specific press force.

Abstract: Polystyrene baler for extreme compaction of expanded polystyrene or other similar materials where a ram forcibly acts to compress the expanded polystyrene material into a narrowing chamber where the narrowing chamber walls further act to compress the expanded polystyrene material to allow for air or gases trapped in the polystyrene material to escape so that a densely packed polystyrene bale is formed. A continuous bale is formed which can be broken or cut into desired lengths or weights. Vertically aligned walls of the bale chamber can be hydraulically actuated to accommodate the degree of compaction desired.

Abstract: A device which takes cut alfalfa laying in a field and turns it into a plurality of pressed cubes. A water spray conditions the cut alfalfa to have the right moisture content for subsequent processing. A pick up station delivers the alfalfa off of the ground and feeds it to an auger and paddle area for subsequent conveyance to a chopping station where the alfalfa is comminuted to the appropriate length. Thereafter, the chopped alfalfa is conveyed into a press where the cubes of alfalfa are formed by extrusion. Conveyors allow the formed cubes to be placed in a trailer hitched to the vehicle. By providing a vehicle which processes the alfalfa in the field, enhanced quality of the alfalfa cubes and efficiency results.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing veneer is provided. The system (10) includes a compression apparatus (12) having a first set of rollers (20) turning at a first rate and has a first clearance (96) therebetween, and a second set of rollers (22) turning at a second rate and has a second clearance (98) therebetween. The first and second roller rates are substantially equal. The system also includes a feeder (16). The feeder (16) includes a hopper (62) for holding a plurality of veneer slats (82) and a feeder mechanism for feeding the slats one at a time into the compression apparatus. The system may have a first drive mechanism (14) for turning the first (20) and second (22) rollers and a second drive mechanism for driving the feeder mechanism.

Abstract: A continuously working press includes first and second flexible, endless steel belts which are guided around a press table and a press ram via drive drums and return drums and which are supported on a plurality of roller bars. Each of two entry systems has an entry area which extends from an entry tangent to a starting point of a high pressure area and which is divided into a roller bar orientation area, a curved precompression area for the material to be pressed, and a straight compression area. The last third of the roller bar orientation area and all of the precompression area of each of the entry systems have a radius of curvature R.sub.E which is between one and two times the radius of curvature of the return drums R.sub.U. A plurality of computer-controlled hydraulic supporting members support the first and second entry systems and apply a pressure to the material to be pressed. The applied pressure increases constantly from 0 bar at the entry tangent up to a maximum pressure HP.sub.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system (50) and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism (B) and a second blade mechanism (C). The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions (80a, 80b), and distribute tobacco into a charger (30a). The charger includes a vertical chute (32a)and an internal container (34a) which inserts into a tobacco container (22a) which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head (12a). First blade mechanism (B) includes a primary distributor blade (82) which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism (C) may include secondary distributor blades (94) and (96) which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade (82), provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container (22a).

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of boards made from feedstock includes A) providing a continuously operating press with an entry adjustment device being movable to define a variable angle entry gap through which the board passes such that the board is subject to compression forces, the variable angle entry gap defined by at least first and second independently variable angle entry gap portions, the first and second portions being flexibly connected and the second portion being flexibly connected at least to one of the heating plates of the press table and press ram; B) moving the feedstock through the variable angle entry gap; C) setting the first independent variable entry gap at a first angular value which falls in a first range from approximately 0.5.degree. to approximately 5.0.degree.

Abstract: A method and press for pressing material by way of feeding the material into a gap formed between two pressing surfaces, in which gap the cross section of the material flow is tapered in the forward transfer direction of the material. The material is pressed between pressing surfaces formed by parallel, beam-shaped transfer elements which are reciprocatingly moved in the direction of material flow in two alternating groups so that the mutually opposed transfer elements of both pressing surfaces are moved in a mutually synchronized manner in the same direction. During the forward transfer motion the pressing force exerted by the transfer elements on the material is greater than the pressing force exerted during the return motion of the transfer elements.

Abstract: A system for film mulch disposal including a field-traveling compaction chamber adapted to gravity receive manually pregathered bundles of film loaded on a hopper-feeding conveyor. A reciprocating ram compacts the pregathered bundles within the compaction chamber and is manually controlled by an operator positioned for direct visual inspection of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding steel bands of a continuously operating press about a longitudinal axis during operation of the press without overstretching one side of the steel bands. First and second bands are guided, via driving drums and return drums, around a pressing ram and a pressing table, respectively. The steel bands are supported, with an adjustable pressing gap, on a plurality of co-rotating steel rods which are guided, with their axes of rotation extending transversely to the direction of travel of the bands, against abutment lugs of the table and the pressing ram. The axis of at least one of the drums is altered in a first direction through an angle .alpha..

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding steel bands of a continuously operating press about a longitudinal axis during operation of the press without overstretching one side of the steel bands. First and second bands are guided, via driving drums and return drums, around a pressing ram and a pressing table, respectively. The steel bands are supported, with an adjustable pressing gap, on a plurality of co-rotating steel rods which are guided, with their axes of rotation extending transversely to the direction of travel of the bands, against abutment lugs of the table and the pressing ram. The axis of at least one of the drums is altered in a first direction through an angle .beta..

Abstract: In a rectangular baler provided with a reciprocating plunger that compacts each new charge of crop materials against previously compacted material and incrementally advances the compacted charge toward a restricted discharge opening at the rear of the baler, the compressive load in the connecting rods of the plunger is sensed during each compaction stroke and is compared with a preselected value to determine whether the size of the discharge opening should be increased or decreased in order to maintain the selected load value. A sensor in each of the connecting rods is in the nature of a transducer that causes a change in the frequency of an output signal in accordance with the compressive loading in the connecting rod, such output signal being delivered to a controller which in turn regulates the operation of hydraulic mechanism to increase or decrease the size of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A pellet mill (1) is provided with a control unit with the help of which a desired value of press roll slippage, e.g. zero or a pre-selectable peak value can be maintained. For this purpose, the pellet mill (1) comprises a first measuring unit (27, 28) for measuring the circumferential speed of the perforated die (8) as well as a second measuring unit (23, 24) for measuring the circumferential speed of the press rolls (11, 12). In a comparator (30, 31), the two circumferential speeds are compared and on exceeding a pre-selectable peak value for the difference of the two measured values, a slip signal is created by means of which the mill drive, and/or the supply of basic material to be formed is influenced in such a manner that the slippage will be prevented.

Abstract: A method for feeding billets in horizontal extruding presses which comprises the opening of the container, the cutting off of the surplus of the billet extruded simultaneously to the supplying of a new billet in line with the container and to a simultaneous withdrawal of the press shank after each extruding operation and with the withdrawl of the main piston; then the advancing of the pusher for the insertion of a new billet into the container which is still open and the simultaneous withdrawal of the billet shear and of the feeder means for the supplying of the billet; the closing of the container when the pusher retracts and the movement of the press shank on the axis of the container; finally the advancing of the main piston for the inserting of the press shank into the container for the extrusion operation.

Abstract: A baler for recyclable materials and any other materials. The baler includes a power unit. An operator console on a deck at a front of a hopper, which provides for operator observation and operation through a high tech control system. Material is fed into the hopper, such as by a conveyor. A compression chamber under the hopper and a bale chamber is at a forward end of the baler for baling of the materials and subsequent discharge by an ejection ram across a bale run-out table for later disposition. A control system provides the capability of automatic control for the baler, as well as diagnostic assistance when necessary. The baler is also the primary building block for a completely automated municipal recycling facility (MRF). The baler can bale such materials as corrugated cardboard, news print, magazines, computer paper, flattened cans, round cans, plastic bottles, scrap aluminum, scrap copper, aluminum radiators, as well as any other miscellaneous materials required for baling on a real time basis.

Abstract: A hay baler for producing large rectangular bales picks up crop material directly underneath the fore-and-aft bale chamber of the machine as the baler advances across the field and stuffs charges of the picked up hay into the overhead chamber for compaction by a fore-and-aft reciprocating plunger. Sensors associated with the two laterally spaced driving arms of the plunger detect the extent of uneven crop loading into the baling chamber through measuring any differential in compressive loading on the arms and cause a visual display in the cab of the towing tractor which indicates the direction and magnitude of steering correction which is required to reestablish even loading of the baler. A microcomputer receives the outputs from the driving arms, processes the same and appropriately activates the display monitor in the cab.

Abstract: A liquid separator apparatus to extract liquid, usually water, from a water-solids mixture. The apparatus includes liquid separator device with a housing with an inlet and an outlet separated by a liquid extraction chamber. The housing sidewalls defining the extraction chamber are porous, and are preferably comprised as a plurality of spaced apart slats. The slats can be movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the housing in order to vary the volume of the extraction chamber. A transfer pipe has an outlet end connected to the inlet of the separator device. The transfer pipe is closed-walled and has an inlet end connectable to a solids material moving apparatus such as a solids pump for movement of a water-solids mixture through the transfer pipe into the liquid separator device. A source of air under pressure such as an air compressor introduces compressed air into a side wall of the transfer pipe to accelerate removal of water from the water-solids mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for guiding first and second bands of a continuously working press via driving drums and return drums around a pressing ram and a pressing table, respectively, while supporting the steel bands, with an adjustable pressing gap formed therebetween, on a plurality of co-rotating steel rods which are guided with their axes of rotation extending transversely to the direction of travel of the bands. A device is provided for realigning the first steel band with respect to a longitudinal center-line of the press and the pressing table. The realigning step includes the steps of relieving pressure in short-stroke pressure cylinders located in a high-pressure region of the press, and then horizontally rotating the pressing ram and those pressure rollers and pressure drums which are connected to the pressing ram through an angle .alpha. about a vertical axis of rotation which is located on the longitudinal center-line of the press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquid from particles of compressible material includes feeding particles to two opposing press surfaces that are separated by a distance that decreases along a feeding direction wherein at least one of the press surfaces is formed of a number of parallel transfer elements and wherein each transfer element is connected to a corresponding pressing actuator. The sum of a surface area of each transfer element forms a total press surface area for one of the press surfaces. The transfer elements are reciprocated in a forward and backward motion along the conveying direction such that a total press surface area includes at any particular time a forward moving surface area that is larger than any backward moving surface area.

Abstract: Printing products (44) are inclined in an imbricated formation (S) and with respect to a conveying direction (F) and are led into a pressing nip defined by two pressing rolls (22') pretensioned toward one another. The pressing roll (22') thus rolls in the course of the further conveying of the printing products (44) along a folded edge (46) of the printing product, which results in an especially good pressing action.

Abstract: A continuously working heating-plate press is disclosed for use in the manufacture of particle boards, fiber boards, plastic boards or the like. The plate-press includes endless steel belts which are run around a fixed press table and a lowerable press ram via drive and tail drums, the press table and press ram defining an adjustable press gap. More particularly, the steel belts are supported by roller bars and transmit a pressure to the material drawn moving the material through the press gap. Heating plates are attached to the press table and press ram providing heat to the material in the press gap. In addition, first and second flexible heat transfer systems are located in a feeding area between the tail drums and the initial point of contact between the steel belts and roller bars and provide heat to the material drawn prior to entry in the press gap. The invention also includes a method for heating a continuously working heating-plate press.