Abstract: A compactor for containers containing flowable materials in which the containers are compacted in a compaction chamber and flowable materials from the containers are recovered in a controlled manner as by extrusion from the compaction chamber. The compactor advantageously includes a shearing mechanism to assist in controlling the feeding of containers into the compaction chamber and/or the release of the container's contents. The containers are preferably compacted under sufficiently high pressures to rupture the containers and force any flowable materials out of the containers. A collection manifold is preferably provided in sealed communication with the compaction chamber to receive flowable materials extruded from the compaction chamber. A filter or screening mechanism capable of withstanding the pressures generated in the compactor is provided to permit flowable materials to be extruded out of the compaction chamber, yet maintaining the ruptured containers in the compaction chamber.

Abstract: A heat shield, in the form of a blower, oriented between a heat source and a plurality of containers, interrupts the heat transmission onto fittings and the containers. The heat source is in the form of a hot air fan. The blower produces an air curtain between the containers and the hot air fan. The machine has a conveyor along which the blower runs on one side and parallel with it. The tubular blower has openings or nozzles in, and is switched on or off by, a control and a control valve.