Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing articles (5) from moulded pulp material that are laminated with a plastic film (4). Thus an environmental friendly and water-resistant package for food products and for other moulded pulp products such as packages for industrial products is provided. The apparatus comprises a moulding line 1 and a laminating line (3). The moulding line (1) comprises a suction moulding station (20) with a pulp vat (25) and a number of suction moulds (22), a drying oven (28) and conveying means (26,28) for transporting the moulded pulp articles through the moulding line (1). The articles are transported in line by a conveyor 10 from the moulding line (1) to the laminating line (3), the laminating line (3) comprises a plastic film supply unit (47), a heating station (69) a laminating station (80) and conveying means (56) for conveying the articles (5) through the laminating line (3).

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: Recycled paper pulp having at least two different types of paper which consume widely different amounts of bleaching chemical, or mixed hardwood and soft-wood pulps, are treated in a manner that enhances distribution and redistribution of bleaching chemical to enhance uniformity of the bleaching treatment. The pulp is intensely mixed to provide a homogenous mixture of fibrous material and bleaching chemical, and then is continuously or intermittently subjected to mechanical action (such as in low intensity mixers, or by agitating pulp in a retention tank) of sufficient intensity and duration so as to enhance distribution and redistribution of a bleaching chemical. Also, recycled pulp will have cleanliness which varies significantly over time, and this is accommodated by sensing at least one of the brightness, color, or lignin content (e.g.

Abstract: An improved flexible manufacturing process for making molded fiber products uses a molding machine provided with a large number of ports for mounting a variety of molds. Quick release mold attachments permit rapid changeover of production output. The molds used are designed to have a predetermined total height, and platen stops maintain this design separation during transfer of the molded product. An expanded stock chest is provided to permit a higher pulp usage rate. Separate positive air supply lines are provided for the different transfer mold sites. Using these separate lines, a novel air volume and flow control method is provided to control the volume of air applied to release products from transfer molds, permitting manufacture of a variety of complex structures. The air flow controls permit control of both the rate of flow and the duration of the selected rate of flow of positive pressure air, thus providing total volume control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming articles, used as dunnage material, from pulped paper products includes a paper shredder that forms the pulped paper and delivers it to a slurry tank. The slurry tank gravity feeds the slurry into a slurry reservoir where a pump pumps the slurry into molds. A plunger delivers compressed air to the slurry blobs contained within each molds to expand the slurry blobs to the shape of the molds and to force the water in the slurry through an outlet in the bottom of the molds to a vacuum chamber connected to the molds. The delivery of compressed air further forms a cavity within the expanded slurry blobs. During the next four steps, the molds again connect to the vacuum so that additional water is forced from the pulp into the vacuum chamber. Finally, an ejector supplies compressed air to the bottom of the molds such that the finished articles are propelled from the molds onto a conveyor which delivers the cubes to packaging machines.

Abstract: In the continuous vacuum forming of articles from a fibrous slurry, e.g. from paper pulp, a plurality of two-piece hinged moulds are mounted on a transport apparatus 1 which transports the moulds stepwise in a loop. The internal surfaces of the moulds are defined by wire gauze of mesh 107,109 and the moulds are connected to a source of suction.The moulds, with the suction applied, are moved through the fibrous slurry contained in a tank 43, whereupon fibres are deposited on the mesh 107,109, much of the water being drawn off by the suction. The mould passes through a drying station, where warm air is sucked through the mould, further drying the article.The transport apparatus 1 is movable pivotably about an axis 6 by means of a fluid-operated ram 25. At the top of the path, the mould and the article therein are lowered onto a pin 61, a plurality of which are situated on an endless conveyor 59.

Abstract: A drum type disc filter device for dehydrating paper pulp slurry. The drum and the disc filters are axial drain chambers and sector type filter members. Pressurized air is fed into the drain chambers sequentially when each drain chamber and corresponding filter members are at a predetermined angle of rotation of the drum. Paper guide plates are secured between the disc filters to guide separated paper pulp cakes safely into a chute without causing interference of lumping of the paper pulp cakes.