Abstract:
A paper test calendering machine is constructed with a pair of opposed guide rolls (1, 1') about which a web of paper (30) or the like travels. A pair of opening and closing nip rolls (2, 2') are operable to exert pressure on the traveling web. Sensing means (A, B) are operable to detect a deviation in the smooth web and to then activate means (6) to relieve the pressure on the web momentarily as the deviation passes.
Abstract:
Novel methods for manufacturing polyurea-cellulose composites are disclosed. The methods comprise impregnating a substantially delignified cellulosic fibrous material with a polyisocyanate resin. The resin can be applied to the cellulosic material either undiluted or diluted with up to about 20 % of an organic solvent miscible therewith, such as propylene carbonate. The resulting polyisocyanate-impregnated cellulose is pressurized at about 300 psig to about 1200 psig, such as by using either a preheated or a non-preheated press, until the core temperature of the impregnated cellulose reaches about 275 DEG F to about 350 DEG F. This combination of temperature and pressure cures the polyisocyanate, thus forming the polyurea-impregnated composite. Afterward, the composite is cooled while maintaining the pressure until the core temperature drops to about 100 DEG F to less than 212 DEG F. Then, the pressure is decreased to atmospheric. The method can also include, during the curing process, a temporary drop in pressure to atmospheric for about 4 seconds to about 10 seconds to release any gases entrapped in the polyisocyanate-impregnated cellulose during curing. Multiple-ply composites can be similarly made.
Abstract:
Nucleic acid sequences encoding the bacterial cellulose synthase operon derived from Acetobacter are disclosed. Methods for isolating the genes, vectors containing the genes, and transformed hosts useful for the expression of recombinant bacterial cellulose synthase or production of cellulose are also described.
Abstract:
An insulating sheathing panel has an insulating core of a cellular material, such as foam, sandwiched between polyisocyanate, such as PMDI, impregnated cover sheets of cellulosic material. The resulting panels offer structural reinforcement as well as insulating qualities to a building framework.
Abstract:
Restrained bales are formed for transporting high-bulk, crosslinked cellulose fiber in a reduced volume. A limited amount of force is used in compressing the fiber into the bales so that the fiber is not damaged. The limited amount of force used allows the bale, when restraints are released, to expand to about twice its restrained volume. Fiber damage is further minimized by limiting the amount of compression to the minimum required so that a transport container is completely filled to its volume and payload capacities.
Abstract:
An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by placing the container in contact with a cooling element partially surrounding the container. The cooling element may hold liquid which is evaporated to enhance the cooling. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collar being placed in an outer box or other receptacle. The modified atmosphere package may be sealed and palletized prior to vacuum cooling.
Abstract:
The invention is a method of making a cellulose based polymeric material and the products of the invention. A cellulosic substrate is impregnated with an essentially uncatalyzed polyfunctional isocyanate and pressed at elevated temperature and pressure. The substrate may be a chemical or thermomechanical pulp or paper while the isocyanate is preferably diphenylmethane diisocyanate or its oligomers. Pressing conditions are preferably in the range of about 150 DEG -245 DEG C at pressures in the range of about 2700-8300 kPa for times less than 2 minutes. Moisture content of the cellulosic substrate is not highly critical and may be as high as 7 % without adverse effects. The product is especially useful as overlays and for forming strong, water resistant laminates which can be molded in either flat or three dimensional forms.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present invention is to prevent or minimize the damage to a carton caused by sudden impact. This damage results most often from the cartons being dropped from some height. The type of carton damage is usually corner fracture. The tensile forces applied to the corner as the carton hits causes a tear to form at the base of the vertical score line (12) where the carton folds to make the bottom corner. A single score line (21) is formed in and at the side of the side panel (11) of a carton. Each score line extends outwardly from each side of the side vertical score lines which define the side panels of the carton. The purpose of these score lines is to induce a fold to form preferentially at the intersection of the score line and the vertical score line and away from the carton bottom corner when the carton is dropped or suddenly shocked. Each of the score lines should be long enough and placed a distance from the bottom wall to induce the fold line to form preferentially away from the bottom corner.
Abstract:
The invention is an apparatus and method for measuring drainage time of a papermaking stock suspension (62). The apparatus will automatically measure drainage times of a plurality of samples which will preferably be of differing basis weights. It consists of a sheet mold reservoir (10) and dropleg (26) which index against or away from a table (12) having spaced apart sheet forming locations (14). Operation of the apparatus is determined by a programmable controller which causes stock to be automatically transferred to the sheet mold and the reservoir and dropleg to be automatically and appropriately positioned. After a sheet is formed, the table automatically indexes to the next forming position where the cycle is repeated. The method involves plotting a series of at least three points to determined the slope of drainage time versus the basis weight of the sheets formed. This can be used as an indicator of the drainage characteristics of a stock of given basis weight on the forming section of a paper machine.
Abstract:
A bar screen (10) for sizing wood chips which includes a plurality of parallel bars (12 - 12) supported at their respective ends (14, 16) in such a manner and driven in such a manner that each bar moves both longitudinally and vertically. Two alternating sets of bars (12 - 12) are included, one set being 180° removed in position relative to the other set. The speed and movement of the bars (12 - 12) is such that the wood chips are tipped up to a vertical orientation and supplied with such a momentum that the chips break contact with the bars and encounter a slot between adjacent bars in their thickness dimension.