Abstract: A vertical baler includes a horizontally disposed floor plate having an arched surface for receiving material to be compacted thereon. A compression plate is mounted for reciprocating vertical movement with respect to the floor plate, and left and right hydraulic pistons carried outside the wall of the baler are operably attached between the floor plate and the compression plate for reciprocating the compression plate relative to the floor plate. Material placed between the arched floor plate and the compression plate is compacted and formed with an arched bottom surface for ease in sliding fork elements of a lift truck thereunder. Once compacted and tied, the bale is pushed from the compaction chamber by pusher tabs vertically extending from a rear edge of the floor plate which is operable for horizontal reciprocation causing biasing of the pusher tabs against the material in a horizontal pushing of the bale from the chamber onto an adjacent floor surface.

Abstract: A pharmacy workstation includes a staging area where a prescription is initially processed by entering prescription data and customer data into a computer operable with a keyboard and recessed monitor. A prescription filling process area downstream the staging area yet proximate the keyboard includes a telephone and printer for communicating information with a doctor and insurance provider, as desired. A slot within the counter permits printed material, including prescription and customer information, and printed labels to be conveniently delivered to the process area. Gravity fed bins store empty vials and caps. A drug-filled vial, the written prescription, and the printed material are placed in a basket and conveyed downstream to a checking process area of the workstation. Once checked, the capped vial is placed in a bag, the bag sealed, and conveyed to a finished prescription holding area.

Abstract: A checkout counter construction and method employs a bag well feature using a cover member which is movable between a first, closed and latched position and a second, open position without using springs, pneumatic cylinders or any electrical connection, and in a manner which reduces the rate of movement of the cover member as it approaches the second position, in order to minimize any risk of injury.

Abstract: A construction for checkout counters useful with security and payment equipment which permits a customer to conduct price scans and enter payment without the assistance of a cashier includes intake, security and packaging modules, with the security module having an internal recess adapted to support required security equipment. Access to the internal recess is facilitated with sidewall ports covered by access panels which can be removed without access to the internal recess. A facile two-part transfer plate assembly is provided at the intake end of the security module, and a rigid slotted construction for lateral cross braces is also employed.

Abstract: A baler feed gate safety sequencing circuit which prevents successive operation of a compactor baler with the feed gate in the open position. The circuit requires the raising and lowering of the feed gate after each compaction cycle for operation of the baler ram, even if the gate limiting switch is rigged to provide an indication that the feed gate is closed when in reality it is open.

Abstract: A checkout stand or counter for accumulating a number of discrete items having a primary conveyor to deliver items to a primary accumulation zone at the far end and exterior side of the upper surface, a secondary conveyor to deliver items to a secondary accumulation zone adjacent the cashier recess, and a diverter to shunt items placed on the interior portion of the primary conveyor onto the secondary conveyor, while allowing items placed on the exterior portion of the primary conveyor to be directed to the primary accumulation zone. The diverter can be fixed, pivotable or extendable.