Abstract: A method for the recovery of free aluminum metal from its dross is disclosed. The dross is charged into a receptacle having at least one inclined sidewall and at least one passageway extending through the receptacle's bottom. The passageway is sized and configured to permit the passage of free aluminum metal but inhibit the passage of the dross' network of solid particles. Dross having been charged into the receptacle is then mechanically compacted by applying compressive forces on the dross towards the inclined sidewall. Such compression causes the free aluminum in the dross to coalesce and pass through the passageway in the receptacle's bottom. Steps are also taken during the aforesaid charging and compaction steps to prevent or inhibit the dross from cooling. Free aluminum passing through the receptacle's bottom passageway is then collected. Compacted dross remaining in the receptacle can be subjected to conventional reprocessing techniques for recovering remaining aluminum contained therein.

Abstract: A power driven press for recovering aluminum from aluminum dross is disclosed. The press has a receptacle for containing dross. The receptacle has at least one inclined sidewall and at least one passageway extending through its bottom. The passageway is sized and configured to permit the passage of free aluminum but inhibit the passage of a network of solid particles contained within the dross. Ram means for mechanically compacting the dross is also provided. The ram means applies a compressive force on the dross towards the inclined sidewall of the receptacle to force coalescence and separate a substantial portion of the free aluminum from the dross and pass it through the passageway provided in the receptacle's bottom. The ram means is provided with a ramming surface which faces the inclined sidewall surface of the receptacle. The ramming surface is inclined at an angle which is slightly less than that of the sidewall surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in compaction bodies of the type used for the collection of refuse, garbage, and the like, and having means therein for compacting such refuse during collection and for discharge therefrom. The invention relates specifically to automatic controls to regulate the operation of a compaction head located inside the compaction body for compacting material therein.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carriage assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carrier assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carriage assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.