Importance

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Abstract

A disclosed press 100 may flatten halved bamboo stalks or other workpieces without loss of volume or splintering. In a first mechanical movement executed by a pushrod drive train 300, a plurality of spreader bar assemblies 370 press upon the centerline of a workpiece such that the workpiece does not move off of a work surface but is yet not over crushed. Each spreader bar assembly may comprise two spreader bars 350 hingedly attached to a pushrod 345. The lower end of the pushrod and proximal ends 363 of the spreader bars pin down the workpiece. In a second mechanical movement executed by a crusher bar drive train 400, the distal ends of the spreader bars are moved outwardly and spread apart the curved walls of the workpiece. In the last phases of a second movement, planar track plates 440 press downwardly upon the workpiece.

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First Claim