Abstract: A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having walls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices.

Abstract: A load limit system is provided for a linear actuator. An interface is athed to the linear actuator and is disposed between first and second spring assemblies. A first sensor senses a first amount of linear compression of the first spring assembly along a first direction. A second sensor senses a second amount of linear compression of the second spring assembly along a second direction. Movement of the linear actuator in the first direction ceases whenever the first amount of linear compression is sensed. Movement of the linear actuator in the second direction ceases whenever the second amount of linear compression is sensed.

Abstract: A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having alls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices.

Abstract: An infeed hopper with a pivotable throat portion for feeding material into processing device. The pivotable throat portion has a first position in which it guides feed material from an inlet of the infeed hopper toward the processing device, and is movable from the first position so as to move the feed material through an outlet of the infeed hopper toward the processing device, particularly for forcing jammed material into the processing device. In another position, the pivotable throat portion provides access into the processing device for cleaning and maintaining the processing device.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided having at least a hollow compaction chamber rtically disposed on a base and a compacting ram slidaly fitted within the compaction chamber, such that the compacting ram is disposed above the trash to be compacted. The trash to be compacted is first loaded into the compaction chamber between the base and the compacting ram. A downward compaction force is then applied to the compacting ram to compact the trash within the compaction chamber to the required density. The downward compaction force is then maintained while the compaction chamber is removed from around the compacted trash. Finally, the downward compaction force is removed from the compacting ram thereby leaving a compacted trash slug. The trash may be wetted prior to compaction to further enhance the delamination characteristics of the trash slug.