Abstract: A pulp mold includes a mold main body extending along a longitudinal axis and having an inner surface that defines a chamber, an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and a plurality of channel grooves extending inwardly from the outer surface toward the inner surface and extending along a length of the outer surface. The chamber is divided into a plurality of chamber sections decreasing in diameters gradually and upwardly from the opening along the longitudinal axis. Each channel groove does not communicate with the chamber. A plurality of air holes extend from the outer surface to the inner surface, pass through the channel grooves, and communicate the chamber with the outside.

Abstract: An arrangement for consolidating thermoplastic semi-finished products includes a heating station for heating a semi-finished product, and a tempering station for tempering, in particular cooling, the semi-finished product. At least one mold can be arranged in the heating station and in the tempering station, and comprises a cavity for receiving the semi-finished product, the cavity substantially corresponding to a form of the semi-finished product. A mold transport device can transport the at least one mold from the heating station into the tempering station, and from the tempering station into the heating station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell including a working electrode (1), a first conducting layer (3) for extracting photo-generated electrons from the working electrode, a porous insulation substrate (4) made of a microfibers, wherein the first conducting layer is a porous conducting layer formed on one side of the porous insulation substrate, a counter electrode including a second conducting layer (2) arranged on the opposite side of the porous substrate, and electrolyte for transferring electrons from the counter electrode to the working electrode. The porous insulation substrate comprises a layer (5) of woven microfibers and a layer (6) of non-woven microfibers disposed on the layer of woven microfibers. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A tool for liquid disposal is provided for collecting liquids and for changing engine oil or other hydrocarbon containing products, whereby the liquid, spent oil, or hydrocarbon is encapsulated in a non-biodegradable substance rendering the kit safe for disposal in a non-hazard or controlled substance landfill. A disposable container with a diffuser may be composed of rows of apertures that are used to channel the liquid to all levels of the container so that liquids can be exposed to the maximum surface area of the non-biodegradable substance contained in layered pouches containing the absorbent for total encapsulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an automatic multi-station integrated equipment for forming waste-paper-based-pulp packaging products, and related methods of operation. The equipment comprises at least one suction filter forming station integrated with one or more pair of high-temperature drying stations. The suction filter forming station includes a forming frame, pulp tank, forming plate apparatus, transfer plate apparatus, transfer air storage tank, horizontal transfer air cylinder, vertical transfer air cylinder, forming hydraulic cylinder, and forming apparatus main shaft. Each high-temperature drying station may include an upper press plate apparatus, lower press plate apparatus, high pressure air cylinder, lower horizontal air cylinder, air storage tank and upper horizontal air cylinder. Embodiments of the invention generally use one suction filtration forming station in conjunction with multiple high temperature drying stations to form a single production line.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of pulp molded plate includes a press and a three-piece mold including an upper die (1), a surrounding frame (2) and a lower die (3), wherein one of the dies is a moving die and the other is a fixed die, and lower die is always within the press, and moves in relation to the upper and lower dies. The apparatus also includes a rigid matrix and a flexible punch with a retractable die bar, which are installed respectively on the upper die and lower die, so as to prepare a heterotypic pulp-molded plate with a convex part. Also disclosed is a pulp molded plate prepared by this preparation apparatus.

Abstract: A pulp mould, comprising a porous sintered body (11) having an outer surface (13) and an inner surface (12), wherein a portion (11B) of said mould comprises an area (16) at its outer periphery provided with means (16A; 47) integrated during sintering to achieve impermeability of said outer area (16).

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a tray of cellulose material, includes: a compression mold including an essentially flat bottom end and surrounding sides for compression molding and drying of cellulose pulp to a finished tray; a male mold arranged to fit into the compression mold and that includes a bottom space and lateral surfaces corresponding to the compression mold, wherein the compression mold and the male mold between themselves delimit a mold space including a base section and a side section for compression molding of the cellulose pulp. Both the compression mold and the male mold are provided with blow and suction devices for blowing in and suction of fluid in and out of the mold space. The blow and suction devices include an inlet pipe having an inlet valve, coupled to an inlet chamber in connection with the mold space, and an outlet pipe having an outlet valve separated from the inlet pipe and coupled to an outlet chamber in connection with the mold space.

Abstract: The production equipment of paper-made components for loudspeakers includes a mixing device, a fining device, a paper-making device, and a shape processing device. The mixing device mixes material of a paper-made component for a loudspeaker into liquid to generate mixed liquid. The fining device includes a pressure unit, an orifice, and an inner wall. The pressure unit applies pressure on the mixed liquid to cause the mixed liquid to pass through the orifice, and the mixed liquid collides against the inner wall to cause the fining device to generate fined material. The paper-making device paper-makes the fined material to generate a paper-made component. The shape processing device processes the shape of the paper-made component. This structure provides production equipment of the paper-made components for loudspeakers, which prepares material for paper-making in a short time and reduces producing time.

Abstract: The application discloses a base plate comprising a rigid body portion (50), means (51, 52?, 52?) arranged within the rigid body portion (50) to enable vacuum to be applied. The vacuum means comprise an open space (51) in the form of a centrally positioned recess forming a vacuum chamber (51) within the rigid body portion (50) and at least one connecting channel portion (52?, 52?) that extends in the main plane of the rigid body portion (50) arranged to connect the vacuum chamber (51) with a vacuum source (52). An assembly comprising the base plate and a pulp mould, as well as methods for producing the base plate and the assembly, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pulp mould, comprising a porous sintered body (11) having an outer surface (13) and an inner surface (12), wherein a portion (11B) of said mould comprises an area (16) at its outer periphery provided with means (16A; 47) integrated during sintering to achieve impermeability of said outer area (16).

Abstract: This invention relates to a porous pulp mould comprising sintered particles and a plurality of drainage channels. The pulp mould of the invention can be produced in a fast and cost effective way. The moulding surface of the invention comprises small pore openings, to evacuate fluid and prevent fibres from entering the pulp mould. Furthermore the pulp mould of the invention comprises drainage channels improving the drainage capabilities of the pulp mould. The moulding surface can be heated to at least 200° C., due to high heat conductivity of the pulp mould and its ability to withstand high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming tool 1 for forming fiber products. The forming tool according to the invention comprises a permeable shell 3 with an internal cavity 5 that is filled with loose objects 6 such as spheres. The cavity 5 is enclosed by the shell 3 and a permeable cover 7.

Abstract: A shaped pulp article and the method for making same are disclosed. The method of making a shaped pulp article includes the steps of preparing a slurry by mixing at least one material of construction with water, placing the slurry in a porous mold having a shaped molding surface, extracting excess water through the porous mold to form the shaped article, and pressing the shaped article between complementary heated male and female structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a security paper, for security or value documents, that exhibits at least one through opening (12) having characteristic irregularities (14) in the edge region. According to the present invention, a paper web having thin sites in the form of the outline of the desired shape of the at least one through opening (12) is formed on a paper mold, and the paper web dewatered after sheet formation, the region delimited by the thin sites being removed from the paper web by the occurring forces.

Abstract: In a process for producing a loudspeaker diaphragm, pulp is deposited on a paper-making mold in the presence of vortex stream of water having pulp dispersed therein in a paper-making bath. Pulp is deposited on the paper-making mold while at least the water having pulp dispersed therein is rotated by the vortex stream in the paper-making bath. Consequently, variation of pulp fiber orientation is suppressed, and a loudspeaker diaphragm with high reproducibility and stable quality is produced with a high productivity.

Abstract: A papermaking mold 10 includes a mold main body 10A having a wire part and a wire 108 disposed on the wire part. The wire part has a base surface 102, a columnar projection 106 lying sideways on the base surface 102, and at least two plate-like projections 105 at predetermined positions at a predetermined spacing in the longitudinal direction of the columnar projection 106. The facing inner sides 105A of every adjacent two of the plate-like projections 105 are each formed of a part of a circular conical surface or a part of a hyperboloid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a porous pulp mould comprising sintered particles and a plurality of drainage channels. The pulp mould of the invention can be produced in a fast and cost effective way. The moulding surface of the invention comprises small pore openings, to evacuate fluid and prevent fibres from entering the pulp mould. Furthermore the pulp mould of the invention comprises drainage channels improving the drainage capabilities of the pulp mould. The moulding surface can be heated to at least 200° C., due to high heat conductivity of the pulp mould and its ability to withstand high temperatures.

Abstract: A paper making apparatus includes a mould having a mesh screen and a deckle of comparable size. The deckle includes a shaped inner edge for directing pulp onto the screen. The mould and deckle are held together and dipped in a vat having a pulp and water slurry to form a sheet of paper. The mould and deckle are constructed of materials that will not warp, crack, twist, or otherwise deform from repeated use in water. The mould also includes structural ribs to hold its shape. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a mould having a mesh screen and structural support ribs and a deckle box having a shaped inner lip and a sealing means attached to the lip. The combination of mould and deckle box may be dipped in water and does not require the presence of a vat having a pulp stock. Pulp may be poured into the mould and deckle box assembly. The mould and deckle box are constructed of materials that will not warp, crack, twist, or otherwise deform under normal use in water.

Abstract: A loudspeaker diaphragm manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises; a paper tank, a pulp dispersion reservoir tank connected to the paper tank, a stirring means provided in the paper tank, a water inlet unit connected to the paper tank, a drain unit disposed under the paper tank, and a paper mold disposed at the bottom of the paper tank or in the drain unit, wherein a sectional area of the drain unit is larger than the plane area of the paper mold. The drain unit may be further provided with a water flow control plate in a draining direction of the paper mold. According to the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method of the present invention, diaphragms with very uniform internal composition and diaphragms with intentionally varied internal composition in accordance with required sound characteristics can be mass-produced with good reproducibility.

Abstract: A fibrous panel is molded in two or more progressively formed mold members each comprising a porous support plate to which a plurality of rigid mold pieces are affixed. The mold pieces are truncated 3D tapered structures, and are arranged on the support plate in a regular array so that an intersecting grid or lattice of channels is defined between them. A fiber stock is poured into a first mold member and the stock is compressed and dewatered to form a panel. The panel is removed from the first mold member and placed into a second mold member having narrower and shallower channels whose side walls are more upright than those of the first mold member. The panel is further compressed and dewatered in the second mold member, and is densified in both the vertical and lateral directions by virtue of the progressive formation of the mold members.

Abstract: A concentration adjustment unit adjusts a concentration of a fiber solution. An element forming unit includes an element forming tank, which receives the concentration-adjusted fiber solution, and a suction jig, which draws the concentration-adjusted fiber solution and accumulates fibers, which are contained in the drawn fiber solution, on a surface of the suction jig to form a filter element. A recovery unit includes a reservoir tank, which reserves recovered water that is drawn and is recovered through the suction jig. A filtration unit is provided in the recovery unit. The filtration unit includes a filter, which filters the recovered water, and jet nozzles, which remove the fibers, which are accumulated on a surface of the filter upon drawing and filtering the recovered water through the filter.

Abstract: A liquefied paper material is used as raw materials. A paper frame member 1 supporting a vibrating plate is paper-skimmed and formed. On paper-skimming and forming, a central hole for use in voice coils, air-release hole 1a releasing air pressure in a rear of the vibrating plate to outside due to vibration of the vibrating plate. A loudspeaker system is manufactured using the paper frame member 1.

Abstract: A method of producing a pulp molded article. The method feeds a pulp slurry to a cavity of a papermaking mold having a prescribed cavity shape to form a pulp preform including a main part having an opening and a separable part having a flange and connected to an edge of the opening. A pressing member is inserted into the preform, the pressing member is expanded to press the preform toward the papermaking surface, the preform is removed from the papermaking mold, and then the preform is cut at a joint between the separable part and the main part.

Abstract: A papermaking mold which includes a papermaking part of a prescribed shape, a peripheral part extending outward from the peripheral edge of the papermaking part, and a net covering the papermaking part and at least part of the peripheral part. A fixing member is disposed on the periphery of the net, and the fixing member is fixed to the peripheral part to fix the net by the fixing member.

Abstract: A plurality of glass deposition targets are rotated simultaneously and a first plasma torch, having a coil diameter larger than the sum of the target diameters, deposits glass simultaneously on the plurality. After the diameter of the targets reaches a threshold a second plasma torch is used. The diameter of the second plasma torch can provide for simultaneous deposition. In a further embodiment, after the target diameter reaches a second threshold a third plasma torch is used. In a further embodiment the spacing between the axes of rotation of the targets is widened as the target diameter increases. In a still further embodiment a single plasma torch includes movable concentric tubes within its coil to selectively operate as any of a plurality of different diameter plasma torches.

Abstract: A loudspeaker diaphragm manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises; a paper tank, a pulp dispersion reservoir tank connected to the paper tank, a stirring means provided in the paper tank, a water inlet unit connected to the paper tank, a drain unit disposed under the paper tank, and a paper mold disposed at the bottom of the paper tank or in the drain unit, wherein a sectional area of the drain unit is larger than the plane area of the paper mold. The drain unit may be further provided with a water flow control plate in a draining direction of the paper mold. According to the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method of the present invention, diaphragms with very uniform internal composition and diaphragms with intentionally varied internal composition in accordance with required sound characteristics can be mass-produced with good reproducibility.

Abstract: A pulp moulding process including the steps of pulp stock, forming wet products by means of forming die (7), transferring the wet products from the forming die by means of a heated transferring die-and-heated pressing tool arrangement (13)(14) for in-mould pressing and drying of the wet product, and delivering the dried products to a down line facility (18). The invention encompasses a pulp moulding system, a pulp moulding apparatus, and a pulp moulded product made by such a process, system and/or apparatus.

Abstract: A pulp molded article having a pulp fiber layer (2) of single layer structure which is formed by papermaking from a single raw material composition and has a density distribution in the thickness direction thereof. The pulp fiber layer (2) has such a density distribution that the density increases or decreases in the thickness direction thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a fiber-molded hollow article by using a papermaking mold (2) composed of splits (21, 22) which are joined to form a cavity (20) having two openings (20a, 20b) connecting with the outside and an expandable pressing member (3) adapted to be placed in the cavity (20). The method comprises the steps of immersing each of the splits (21, 22) before being joined in a fiber slurry to form a fiber preform (10a, 10b), joining the splits (21, 22) each having the fiber preform (10a, 10b) formed thereon while placing the pressing member (3) in the cavity (20), and molding and dewatering a molded article (1) in the papermaking mold (2).

Abstract: A method for producing a pulp molded article is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of forming and drying a pulp molded precursor (15). The drying step includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, the precursor (15) is set in a cavity of a heating mold, and is hot-pressed. The cavity has a configuration in conformity to the contour of the pulp molded article to be produced. In the second step, the hot-pressed precursor (15) is taken out from the heating mold and is heat-dried in a drying furnace.

Abstract: A method of producing a pulp molded article comprising the steps of assembling splits (10, 11) each having a suction passageway and a papermaking screen (5) into a papermaking mold (1), filling the cavity of the papermaking mold (1) with a pulp slurry, discharging the liquid component of the pulp slurry through the suction passageway to deposit pulp fiber on the inner side of the papermaking screen (5) into an undried wet molded article, and dewatering the undried molded article deposited on the inner side of the papermaking screen (5), wherein the splits (10, 11) each have a large number of flow passageways (2) for feeding a purging fluid for cleaning the papermaking screen (5), and the purging fluid is ejected from the outer side of the papermaking screen (5) toward the cavity through the flow passageways (2) during the filling with the pulp slurry.

Abstract: A mold with integral screen comprising a body of material having a surface, the body has a grid-like pattern of vacuum holes extending through the body of material and opening through said surface and permitting a vacuum to be supplied to said surface, a screen overlying said surface, said screen and said body being formed of the same material as the body and being integral.

Abstract: A papermaking mold for producing a pulp molded article comprising a core of prescribed shape which has a plurality of holes for fluid passage interconnecting the outside and the inside and is made of an elastically deformable material and a fluid-permeable material which covers the outer surface of the core, the fluid-permeable material being capable of forming passages for a fluid in its thickness direction even when pressed and deformed.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a molded pulp product from a fiber slurry comprising a dip tank containing a fiber slurry therein and having a liquid level. A platen is provided. A porous mold is carried by the platen. The platen and the mold carried thereby are lowered into the fiber slurry in a downward direction with the platen being disposed upwardly of the mold so that the mold is introduced through the liquid level into the fiber slurry. A vacuum is supplied to the platen and to the mold while the mold is disposed in the fiber slurry to cause fibers in the fiber slurry to collect onto the mold and form a wet molded pulp product. The platen and the mold with the wet molded product thereon are moved out of the fiber slurry through the liquid level to permit water to drain from the mold and the wet molded pulp product. The wet molded pulp product is then dried.

Abstract: A method of producing a pulp molded article is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: feeding a pulp slurry to a cavity (4) of a papermaking mold (1) having a prescribed cavity shape to form a pulp preform (7) comprising a main part (7a) having an opening and a separable part (7b) having a flange (7c) and connected to the edge of the opening; inserting a pressing member (8) into the preform (7); expanding the pressing member (8) to press the preform (7) toward the papermaking surface; removing the preform (7) from the papermaking mold (1); and then cutting the preform (7) at a joint between the separable part (7b) and the main part (7a).

Abstract: A pulp forming machine includes a forming head including a platen and plurality of mould carriers. The mould carriers are connected to the platen by mould carrier support means which allow the mould carrier and the platen to transmit forces perpendicular to the general plane of the platen but allow movement and expansion of each mould carrier in the general plane of the platen. Mould carrier to mould carrier locating means locate the mould carriers of opposing platens during the forming process to align moulds carried on the mould carriers with cooperating moulds of the cooperating platen.

Abstract: The pulp mold of the invention comprises a plurality of successive pulp mold units. Each unit comprises a plurality of higher and lower surfaces such that the pulp mold has a plurality of corrugated surfaces to provide a plurality of cushions and to simulate the deformation and spring recovery effect for performing positioning and cushioning. The pulp mold of the invention can adjust the number of pulp mold unit according to the weight and size of the article. The molding unit means of the invention can be constructed to be suitable for various articles. When the articles are no longer manufactured, the molding unit means can be re-constructed to be suitably used on other products.

Abstract: An improved pulp-forming mold-releasing machine having a turnaround table being reciprocatingly rotatable at a prearranged position within the machine body. A net mold (pulp-sucking mold) includes protruding forming members on the surface thereof while the turnaround table of the machine frame body can be fitted with a lower mold (male mold) having a heating pipe therein on the other surface thereof. A reciprocating slide frame is disposed on the top of the machine frame body and includes an upper mold driving device with an air-oil-pressure diversion cylinder adapted to drive the upper mold (female mold) with a heating pipe to lift. An elevating pulp material container is disposed under the net mold of the machine frame body. The forming members of the net mold turn over to an upward direction after sucking pulp fiber.

Abstract: A mold with integral screen comprising a body of material having a surface, the body has a grid-like pattern of vacuum holes extending through the body of material and opening through said surface and permitting a vacuum to be supplied to said surface, a screen overlying said surface, said screen and said body being formed of the same material as the body and being integral.

Abstract: An improved porous mold for fabricating a formed mold pulp structure to protectively support at least one roll of web material. The mold has a forming surface that contains a first molding cavity surrounded by a periphery. The molding container has sidewalls extending from at least a portion of the periphery into the molding cavity. Within the molding cavity is at least one generally semi-cylindrical hump and land formation areas positioned adjacent the hump and one land formation areas at an end of the hump. A first mold forming surface on the hump is smooth and dished longitudinally such that a transverse cross-section of the first mold forming surface across the hump in the molding cavity is generally concave between the respective sidewalls. The first molding cavity also has a chamfered portion between the hump and an adjacent sidewall and the first molding cavity can have a plurality of humps separated by land formation areas.

Abstract: A mold with integral screen comprising a body of material having a surface, the body has a grid-like pattern of vacuum holes extending through the body of material and opening through said surface and permitting a vacuum to be supplied to said surface, a screen overlying said surface, said screen and said body being formed of the same material as the body and being integral.

Abstract: A automatic pulp-forming mold-releasing machine comprising a lower mold disposed inside of a frame body, capable of reciprocatingly turning upside down and having protruding forming parts at top and bottom sides thereof which include air vents on the surface thereof capable of drawing and blowing air, and two synchronically reciprocatingly laterally shifting slide holders disposed at the top of the frame body and having upper mold lifting devices to drive the upper molds to move upwards and downwards, and air-drawing and air-blowing vent provided inside of the upper molds, and a liftable pulp container disposed under the lower mold of the frame body, characterized in that the pulp is absorbed to the forming parts at the bottom side of the lower mold; thereafter, it turns upside down to the top side, after dehydrated by the down-pressing of the upper mold, the formed pulp is absorbed upwards and lifted to be separate from the mold while the upper mold is laterally slid by the slide holder in position so that t

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for producing a flow of stock in a moulding tank (1). In this, stock is pumped into the moulding tank (1) at the bottom (1a) and allowed to flow up over the brim (1b) thereof. During its rise in the moulding tank (1), the flow of stock pumped in is distributed by at least one grating placed essentially horizontally and provided with flow openings. An arrangement for performing the said method comprises a line (2a, 2b), connected to the moulding tank (1) and a machine vat for ready prepared stock, for delivering fresh stock to the moulding tank (1) by means of a pump (5) connecting with the line (2a, 2b). The line (2b) opens out in an area close to the bottom (1a) of the moulding tank (1) in such a way that an upwardly directed flow of stock is obtained. The pump (5) is adapted to deliver excess stock so that excess stock is allowed to flow over the brim (1b) of the moulding tank (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a papermaking fabric and method of producing a soft, bulky tissue web in which an embryonic fiber web is wet-molded onto a three-dimensional substrate wherein the web-contacting surface of said substrate is a three-dimensional porous nonwoven material. The method can provide higher levels of bulk and surface depth in tissues than is practical with woven papermaking fabrics.

Abstract: An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled.

Abstract: An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for forming a biodegradable, thin-walled packing chip from an aqueous pulp of recycled newsprint by contacting the pulp with a mold comprising: (a) a solid core having substantially the shape of the article to be formed and having a minimal number of holes through which air may be evacuated and (b) an air permeable, stretchable fabric which covers the exterior of the core. After forming the chip on the fabric through application of a vacuum, the fabric is separated sufficiently from the solid surface to cause release of the chip from the fabric. The dried packing chip has enhanced packing qualities, is environmentally friendly and provides a significant new use for recycled newsprint.

Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for making fiber reinforced preforms using a wet slurry process wherein the flow of liquid through portions of a screen having a predetermined configuration is selectively controlled. The selective control of the flow of liquid through the portions of the screens regulating the quantity of fibers deposited on the selected portions of the screen thereby controlling the thickness of the fiber preform at the selected portions of the screen.