Abstract: An automatic process in which after the press is filled and before starting a normal pressing cycle the flow rate of liquids is measured continuously without applying any pressing pressure. The tank is then rotated and the minimum and maximum values of the flow rates are determined and then compared respectively with predetermined values. Based upon this comparison and as a function of the results of the comparisons there is performed a preliminary pressurized draining of the materials to be pressed while at the same time the orifices for evacuation of the liquids are checked for possible clogging. These operations are repeated until the results of the comparisons no longer warrant a pressurized preliminary draining and subsequently initiating the normal pressing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering sludge. The dewatering apparatus has a pressure plate device for compressing the sludge on a surface such that the sludge is dewatered. The dewatering apparatus also has a device for confining the sludge within a predetermined area on the surface as the pressure plate device compresses the sludge. The confining device is disposed adjacent to the pressure plate device. Preferably, the dewatering apparatus also has a device for transporting the sludge on a belt to the pressure plate device. The belt is preferably a porous belt filter cloth. For instance, the transporting device can have a first conveyor belt device and a second conveyor belt device having the belt. The first conveyor belt device transports partially dewatered sludge, or sludge cake, from a belt filter press to the second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt device transports the sludge from the first conveyor belt device to the pressure plate device on the belt.

Abstract: A dejuicing press has a cylindrical main pressing chamber defined by a cylindrical dripping grate. A composite piston arrangement is used in the chamber which includes an internal piston surrounded by an external annular piston. Separate drives are provided for the two pistons so that they can be moved together or separately in the same direction or in opposite directions to effect the various stages of a pressing cycle. The press may also have a pre-pressing chamber which feeds the main pressing chamber and in which a pre-pressing piston operates, and a transfer chamber at one end of the pre-pressing chamber in which there is a third piston.

Abstract: A method and press for pressing material by way of feeding the material into a gap formed between two pressing surfaces, in which gap the cross section of the material flow is tapered in the forward transfer direction of the material. The material is pressed between pressing surfaces formed by parallel, beam-shaped transfer elements which are reciprocatingly moved in the direction of material flow in two alternating groups so that the mutually opposed transfer elements of both pressing surfaces are moved in a mutually synchronized manner in the same direction. During the forward transfer motion the pressing force exerted by the transfer elements on the material is greater than the pressing force exerted during the return motion of the transfer elements.

Abstract: In horizontal belt filter apparatus wherein the belt is progressed by alternate incremental motion of the upper run and the lower run, wash liquor used for washing the belt in the lower run, e.g. by spraying into a wash box, is recycled and used for washing filter cake on the upper run at several spaced apart locations. Also, in the upper run, a respective compression device is arranged subsequent to each supply of wash liquor in the direction of travel of the upper run, and during compression gas is blown into the filter cake through the pressure plate of each device so as to maximise extraction of liquid. Trays mounted below the belt are connected to vacuum during stationary periods of the upper run and are arranged to ensure separate collection of liquid for successive sections of the upper run, which liquid may optionally be recycled to upstream locations.

Abstract: The device of the present invention removes suspended solids from a liquid medium, such as particles in an oil-based sludge. The device includes a filter chamber having an inlet for introducing liquid into the chamber, with the liquid containing suspended solids. The chamber also has an outlet for releasing filtered liquid which is substantially free from suspended solids. The liquid coming into the chamber is forced through a filter element to remove the suspended solids therefrom. The removed solids are compressed in the chamber by a reciprocating piston. When a sufficient quantity of suspended solids accumulate within the chamber, a discharge valve is opened and the compressed solids are discharged from the chamber. The device is operated automatically by a computer, which controls a series of operation cycles, including normal filtering operation, compression of solids, purging of solids, and cleansing of the filter element.

Abstract: A grape dejuicer comprises a closed tank provided with a dejuicer grid and a membrane in the tank which is pressurized to force juice out of the harvested grapes through the grid. Conveyor means in the tank remove the dejuicer grapes from the tank. Harvested grapes are placed in said tank and the juice is allowed to flow naturally. The membrane is then pressurized to force out further juice through the grid. The membrane is then depressurized and the tank is emptied by actuating the conveyor means.

Abstract: The invention is a tea bag or coffee bag squeezer that uses a pair of flat, opposed perforated plates in connection with a pair of pivotally mounted arms that pivot the plates together. The plates are of substantially flat construction and preferable made of perforated stainless steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting the juice from whole fruit having a rind comprising axially aligned, spaced-apart piston and pressing head arranged to move reciprocally toward and away from each other, for loading a fruit therebetween, at least one perforated coring knife slidingly received in the pressing head for advancing into the fruit in preparation of collecting the extracted juice separate from the rind, and including an elastomeric head positioned over the front portion of the piston, defined by a circular concave portion centered over the piston and extending forward about its circumferencial edge an upstanding rim, and a skirt portion extending from the rim rearward along the outside of the piston to a terminal edge, wherein a ram, slidingly carried in the piston is hydraulically driven to advance beyond the piston to avert the center portion of the elastomeric head against the fruit during compression of the fruit between the ram and the pressing head, the improvement comprising at least one groove for

Abstract: A food processing utensil for straining the liquid from food packed in a liquid and for storage of the food product once the liquid is drained therefrom and the method for using the utensil are disclosed. The plastic utensil includes a cylindrical container open at the top and bottom; a set of lids comprising a top lid and a bottom lid which can be press fit onto the container to seal the container; a strainer releasably engageable with either the top or bottom opening of the container wherein the strainer has an end wall further having perforations for the passage of liquid, and a sleeve for releasably engaging an open can, such as a can of tuna fish, for collecting the drained liquid; and, a plunger slidably receivable into the container for contacting the food in the container. A lid is snapped onto an open end of the container and a food product with associated liquid is introduced therein.

Abstract: An improved oil filter crusher, includes a cylinder positioned over a movable platform. Upon initiation of operation of the crusher, the platform moves upwardly toward a base member of the cylinder to crush the oil filter and discharge oil therefrom.

Abstract: A machine for crushing oil filters and collecting the oil therefrom. The machine has a piston and cylinder assembly for moving a crushing member into a crushing chamber to crush an oil filter. A control valve controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to the piston and cylinder assembly. Air under pressure is also supplied to the piston and cylinder assembly to move the crushing member back to its initial position. A lock is mounted on the actuator of the control valve for holding a door providing access to the crushing chamber in the closed position. When the actuator is moved to a position to allow fluid to flow to the cylinder the door is locked in the closed position. A second lock structure maintains the door in the closed position during the time that the crushing member is performing the crushing operation. The crushing member must be moved to its initial position to release the second lock structure before the door can be opened.

Abstract: This invention is particularly useful in food processing for separating crumbs and particles of breading material which have become suspended in frying oil, so that the oil may be reused. Separation is done in a unique cylinder having a hollow piston, whose forward end has a screen and whose aft face is imperforate. The cylinder has an openable door at its forward end. Near its end door the cylinder has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet spaced somewhat aft therefrom. When the piston is in its retracted position its screen end is positioned axially between the inlet and outlet, so that the liquid may pass through the screen. Air pressure in the portion of the cylinder aft of the piston acts against its imperforate face to drive it forward. The screen end of the piston filters and drives the liquid back to the outlet, solids are compacted against the door.

Abstract: A hand utensil for draining liquid from canned foods, or for removing can lids after opening and of the type having a base (20) with a grip (26) which contains a pass through hole (22) containing a spring (19) in which the T shaped handle (10) passes through when compressed causing the magnetic plate (30) to place pressure on a lid of an opened can, and when uncompressed the T shaped handle (10) will return to its original position causing the can lid to be removed from the can attached to the magnetic plate (30). The utensil is made of an inflexible material so that it is strong enough to safely provide the required pressure.

Abstract: The apparatus is for crushing used automotive oil filters, and for squeezing out and collecting the dirty oil. The used filter is placed on the platen of a piston, which is actuated directly by pneumatic pressure. The piston has an area of 400 sq cm, giving a crush force of 3 to 4 tonnes. There are no other moving parts associated with the movement of the piston. The piston platen is set in a chamber with a window for receiving the filter, and a door closes off the chamber during crushing. A pneumatic trip valve is actuated by the act of closing the door, to pressurize the piston. The piston is guided in bearings, comprising strips of anti-friction material set in the cylinder walls, which rub on the same surface as the pneumatic seal. The piston is very heavy and returns under its own weight when pressure is released. The seal/bearing surface of the piston is well lubricated by being splashed with oil from the crushed filter. Grooves in the platen direct jetting oil away from the door.

Abstract: A high pressure/vacuum operated apparatus for sewage and mud disposal includes a crossed duct having four terminals; and a movable tubular filter separably engaged with one terminal of the crossed duct with a flexible tube connected thereto; and an instant germicidal unit coupled to the flexible tube at one end and to a reservoir tank at the other which is associated with a vaccum pump and has an ultrasonic oscillator disposed therein for filtering heavy metal substance; and a reciprocally operated push stick which can detach the mud compressed into a solid block from the movable filter; a sewage discharge pipe connected to the upper terminal of the crossed duct via an inlet valve; one other terminal of the crossed duct being attached with a cylinder having a hydraulically operated piston reciprocally moved in the crossed duct, compressing the sewage mud against the movable tubular filter; a cleaning valve secured to the lower terminal; a filter plate made of high desity concrete or ceramics being secured to

Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a composite mixture of liquid and solids comprising a hopper 16 mounted atop a compactor ram assembly 10, having a snout section 12 and an extruder section 14 mounted in a generally axial direction to the compactor ram assembly 10. Wet waste material is loaded into the hopper 16 and falls onto a loading floor 158. A hydraulically operated ram 208 compresses the wet material into the snout and extruder sections 12, 14. Under pressure from the ram 208, liquid in the waste material escapes from numerous drainage holes 25 in the loading floor, the snout section top, bottom and sides 24, 22, 20, the extruder section top, bottom and sides 30, 28, 26 and holes 212 in the ram face 210. A platen 80, pivotally mounted to the extruder top plate 30 near the exit of the device and biased with a constant pressure, controls the back pressure in the extruder and snout sections 14 12.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and liquids includes a pair of compaction chambers into each of which is inserted a fifty five gallon drum that receives the liquids and solids before they are separated. A compaction platen has a liquid-retaining wall mounted about its periphery in trailing relation to the platen, and separation of the solids and liquids is accomplished by lowering the platen into a container that has been filled with flotsam including liquids and solids. The platen has a breadth slightly less than the breadth of the container so that liquids may escape around the peripheral border of the platen as it descends into the container. The escaping liquids are collected on the trailing end of the platen by the retention wall and are carried under a vacuum or pumped to a liquid storage facility for further treatment. The platen is telescopically mounted in a housing that reciprocates between the compaction chambers so that the separation process is continuous.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the control and the adjustment of a press during a juice extraction operating having at least one pressure increase sequence and measuring and comparing to a predetermined value the rate or the amount of liquid extracted before, during or after the pressing, or the partially pressed materials to be pressed remaining in the press after the pressing, and then using the resulting value of the difference of the rates or the amounts of extracted liquid and the value of the expected rates or amounts or the amount of materials to be pressed remaining in the press, if applicable, partially pressed, to begin, continue, interrupt, modify or complete the process of extracting the juice. The process is at least partially programmed.

Abstract: A compact juice machine (10) of simplified design, the individual elements being simplified to a bare minimum in an easily cleanable package. The machine includes a frame having spaced apart side walls (14, 16) which support front and intermediate rigid platen walls (18, 20) and an upper wall (22) to the rear of the intermediate wall. A press chamber (24) is defined by the forward portion of the side walls and the platen walls. A shredder assembly (36) including a rotatable disk (44) is mounted above the upper wall and a drive motor (48) is mounted below the upper wall, the drive motor having a drive shaft (54) coupled to the shredder disk. A hopper (34) is mounted on the upper wall above the shredder disk. A press chamber cover (38) extends over the press chamber, the cover being provided with a discharge chute (112, 114, 116) on its lower surface to direct shredded material from the shredder disk to the press chamber.

Abstract: The presses used in extracting the juice from fruits, grains, berries and vegetables have a membrane actuable by a fluid pressure medium. The membrane is made of a woven fabric coated on both sides with plastic, and comprises a multi-axial fiber composite structure of several fiber systems. At least two fiber systems have fibers at right angles to each other and an additional plurality of fiber systems have fibers oblique with respect to the fibers at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A device for the removal of solids from slurries by continuous compaction in a screen chamber. Pressure of liquid in the chamber causes continuous extrusion of a dewatered solid from an open ended chamber. The walls of the chamber may be constructed from longitudinal wedge bars spaced apart to provide filtering spaces between them. A high pressure pumping arrangement, including a first slurry pump and an auxiliary piston pump, is provided to maintain a high-pressure throughout the chamber to facilitate the continuous extrusion.

Abstract: A simple, easily cleaned press having a grate (28) in which perforations (34) are created by inside and outside grooves (30 and 32) running at angles to each other. A ram wall (36) is provided with ridges (38) which mate with the inside grooves of the grate. These grooves and ridges can be cleaned by scraping or wiping comb teeth (40 and 42) along them. The comb teeth protrude from the far ends of the two levers (16 and 14): one attached to the ram (12), the other attached to the cup (10). The two parts are joined by a detachable hinge (18 and 24), allowing the comb of one part to be engaged with the corrugations of the other.

Abstract: A hydroextractor in which a liquid material to be processed can be introduced into a hydroextracting chamber under a small pressure and the chamber can be filled with the material in a short period of time to thereby improve the operational efficiency, and a cake of the hydroextracted material can be easily removed from the hydroextracting chamber. For these purposes, this hydroextractor is arranged such that upper and lower filter cloths are provided at the top and the bottom of the hydroextracting chamber extending substantially horizontally, and that a diaphragm (8) shaped like an inverted dish is disposed on the upper surface of the upper filter cloth. Further, a pressure chamber is provided on the upper side of the diaphragm. The hydroextracting operation is performed by filling the liquid material in the hydroextracting chamber and generating a pressure in the pressure chamber so as to press the diaphragm downwardly.

Abstract: A dispensing package for gel and semi-solid cleaning and skin care compositions. The package comprises a container for the product and a dispensing sheet that rests on and adheres to the surface of the product. Optionally, a lid for the container is provided. The dispensing sheet is provided with apertures through which the product flows when pressure is applied to the dispensing sheet. The dispensing sheet preferably has apertures along its edge which define petals. The dispensing sheet controls the quantity of product dispensed onto the fingers or a sponge, thereby providing decreased mess and product waste, along with improved aesthetics. The package is particularly useful for gel dishwashing products.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering liquid from refuse liquid-filled containers comprises an elongated compression chamber formed by a cylindrical wall having a perforated cylindrical wall portion provided with a plurality of liquid collection orifices, an annular liquid collection chamber surrounding the perforated wall portion, a first plunger and a second plunger axially movable in the compression chamber relative to the first plunger. The first and second plungers have respective first and second perforated plates mounted in spaced relationship thereon and each provided with a plurality of liquid discharge orifices. When the second plunger is moved in a direction toward the first plunger to compress the refuse containers between the first and second perforated plates and thereby cause the containers to burst and expel liquid, the liquid is discharged through the liquid discharge orifices and the liquid collection orifices, and into the liquid collection chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquid from particles of compressible material includes feeding particles to two opposing press surfaces that are separated by a distance that decreases along a feeding direction wherein at least one of the press surfaces is formed of a number of parallel transfer elements and wherein each transfer element is connected to a corresponding pressing actuator. The sum of a surface area of each transfer element forms a total press surface area for one of the press surfaces. The transfer elements are reciprocated in a forward and backward motion along the conveying direction such that a total press surface area includes at any particular time a forward moving surface area that is larger than any backward moving surface area.

Abstract: A press, in an automotive service facility to extract oil from a used automotive oil filter, mounted by brackets on a waste disposal band over an opening in the top of the barrel. An access door to the press having a cam acting on a press control knob to prevent operation of the press when the door is open. A hydraulic cylinder in the press and a plate under the cylinder and oil filters being deposited on the plate and being pressed to extract oil by the hydraulic cylinder lifting the plate against the bottom of the cylinder. The press being powered by low pressure air in the service facility which is converted to high pressure hydraulic pressure by a multiple stroke pumping system that includes a larger diameter air piston, in an air cylinder, attached to a smaller diameter hydraulic piston. An on-off control shaft manually shifted by manual operation of the press control knob.

Abstract: The invention is used to extract pore fluid from porous solids through a combination of mechanical compression and inert-gas injection and comprises a piston for axially compressing samples to force water out, and top and bottom drainage plates for capturing the exuded water and using inert gas to force water to exit when the limits of mechanical compression have been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating, by pressing, liquid and solid fractions intimately associated in a heterogeneous mixture, such as for example juices, pulps, stones, pits, pips, stalks and vegetable elements of fruits such as wine grapes is characterized in that a vessel (14) is provided having perforate side walls (15, 16) and bounded on its open upstream end by a piston-like member (10, 11) and on its open downstream end by a conical outlet member (50) defining an annular outlet passage, the vessel being filled with the heterogeneous mixture in an upstream-downstream direction thereof, and the vessel then being moved (30, 31) in the opposite, downstream-upstream direction so that the heterogeneous mixture is compressed between the piston-like member (10, 11) and the conical member (50), the pressing force being regulated and modulated for preventing deleterious over-pressing.

Abstract: A ram-type press expresses liquid from material being pressed, particularly from a batch of wet textile materials. A press ram can be moved onto the material being pressed by the action of a pressure cylinder. A cylindrical shell, accommodating the material being pressed, can be closed at its bottom by a perforated thrust plate. The materials to be pressed and the press ram can be introduced one after the other from above into the cylindrical shell. The press ram is connected to an edge of an opening of a pot-shaped elastically yielding cushioning member and includes a union which can be connected to a water main in order to introduce water into the cushioning member. The bottom of this cushioning member forms a membrane which can be pressed against the material from which the liquid is to be expressed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compressing a mass utilizing a plurality of interfitting anvils mounted for movement relative to one another along co-planar paths and include faces which, when the anvils are operatively moved relative to one another, exert compression on a mass positioned between the faces in at least two directions in a plane simultaneously. The faces of the apparatus can be so shaped that the cross section of the mass being compressed is urged toward a shape other than that of a regular polygon. Methods of the invention include the consolidation of a mass of compactable material enclosed within a hollow tube having deformable walls, the extraction of juice or oil from fruit or seeds and the internal fracturing of solids so as to swell materials such as solid rocket propellants.

Abstract: A bean curd producing machine comprising soybean milk coagulating means, means for dewatering and shaping coagulated soybean milk and means for delivering bean curd shaped by dewatering. The coagulating means comprises a bucket conveyor disposed within a heating chamber and having coagulating buckets arranged in parallel rows, and a distributing trough disposed above the paths of travel of the buckets in all the rows thereacross and formed in its bottom wall with filling openings positioned immediately above the respective rows of buckets. The dewatering-shaping means comprises a bucket conveyor having press buckets arranged in parallel rows and each formed in a required portion with many dewatering apertures, a press bar disposed above the paths of travel of the press buckets in all the rows thereacross, and lids suspended from the press bar each by a spring, equal in number to the number of the press bucket rows and each provided for one press bucket.

Abstract: A coffee percolator having a brewing chamber wherein at least one of the boundary wall surfaces of the brewing chambr is adjustable transversely of the direction of flow of the hot water through the coffee powder so that the thickness of the coffee powder bed in the direction of flow may be kept substantially constant for the coffee charges of varying size. The coffee percolator may include a brewing sieve having a support sieve with openings of a size exceeding the dimensions of the ground coffee particles and a fine sieve supported on the side of said support sieve facing towards the brewing chamber and having openings of a size smaller than the dimensions of the ground coffee particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for expressing liquid from a load of laundry has an upwardly open vessel having upright side walls and a floor and adapted to contain the load to be dewatered. Liquid can be drained from this vessel and a piston is vertically displaceable into and out of the vessel toward and away from the floor thereof. A relatively soft cushion is carried on the piston and has a downwardly concave lower face engageable against the laundry load on the vessel floor. The piston can be displaced vertically between an upper position with the lower face above and outside the vessel and a lower position with the lower face pressing the load against the vessel floor. The cushion has an outwardly concave side surface. The cushion can be hollow and filled with a liquid. In addition it is so soft that when compressed with a pressure of 20 bar to 30 bar it is of generally half the volume it has when at ambient pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved can draining implement including two handles pivotably attached together. One handle has a can supporting plate which faces a plunger on the other handle. The plunger has an angled face designed to cause liquid being drained from the can to flow to one side. Furthermore, the plunger has embedded therein a magnet designed to hold the lid of the can after draining has been accomplished.

Abstract: A continuous device and process for extracting liquid from mash, sludge or pulp bearing slurries. The device comprises a pair of parallel opposed and counter rotating rolls each consisting of a base roll member having circumferentially disposed grid member consisting of a multiplicity of upright standing leaves which interbolt to form a grid which encases the entire surface of the roll member. Raw material for deliquification is spread over the grid and compressed by an inflatable, reciprocating platen to express liquid through the grid into underlying collection channels. The rolls are then rotated toward each other to express additional liquid and produce a substantially dry material. The liquid collected in the collection channels is withdrawn by applying a negative pressure through orifices located at the axial extent of the rolls.

Abstract: A press for use by either right or left-handed persons, having a press cavity defined between a stationary base and a movable curvilinear wall member for manually receiving a bagged amount of mercury and amalgam mixture. A resilient yieldable turning element is operably connected to the base and a movable wall for progressively advancing the wall member towards the base to pressably engage the bagged mixture so that the mixture is forced through fibers or cloth of the bag in a condition ready for dental use. A globe encases the press to contain released vapors and a well is disposed beneath the press to collect excess mercury or amalgam during the pressing procedure.

Abstract: A laundry press includes an approximately hemispherical, circumferentially perforated pressing basket and a cover which is placeable on the basket in a pressure-tight manner. A diaphragm is mounted on the cover. A pressure medium can be introduced in the space between cover and diaphragm. The water pressed out of the laundry is collected and discharged from a vessel. The cover and the pressing basket are displaceable independently from one another. The pressure medium is introduced initially by means of a quickly delivering pump and the actual pressure for pressing out the laundry is provided by a piston pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of domestic refuse to convert it into a solid odorless and non putrefiable residue of reduced weight and volume, comprises a sealable casing housing a process cylinder provided with means for compacting refuse introduced therein, and heater means for raising the temperature within the process cylinder to a level such as to vaporize any liquids contained in the refuse, the casing also housing extractor means for removing vapors, gases and fumes generated upon incineration of the refuse, and being provided with an upper door for the introduction of domestic refuse, and a lower door for the withdrawal of residues obtained after treatment.

Abstract: A method for operating a dewatering press wherein a mass for wet fibrous material is dewatered on all six sides by compressing the mass with a second ram against a plurality of liners arranged on a front face of the second ram, on a rear face of a door, and on a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls of a press box. Before entering the press box, a quantity of the mass of wet fibrous material is selected by a first ram which is guided a predetermined distance beneath a hopper of wet fibrous material by a pair of piston rods and cylinders arranged on opposite external sides of the first ram. On one side edge of the front face of the second ram and also on one side wall of the press box, there are positioned four-edged knives which cut off a selected quantity of wet fibrous material after such material is fed into the compression chamber but before such material is pushed into the press box by the second ram.

Abstract: A filter is described which is particularly designed for use in a high pressure separating press, e.g. a cocoa press, so as to considerably increase the useful life of the filter by avoiding breakage of metal screen components. The filter is characterized by positioning of the screen components in a metal ring provided with a peripheral flange which extends in a radially inward direction towards the axis of the filter, the inner diameter of which flange differs from the inner diameter of the ring by about half the difference between the diameter of the pitch circle of the outer groove of the press platen and the inner diameter of the ring.

Abstract: The press container of a wash press sits on a porous press plate. Because of the high press pressure of the press piston head the fabrics of the wash are partially forced into the holes of the press plate. In order to remove the pressed wash safely from the press plate, the pressed wash is raised somewhat from the press plate when the press container and press piston are simultaneously raised, first into a middle position in which the press piston head remains, while the press container is raised further. The wash loosened in this way can be safely slid laterally from the press plate.

Abstract: During the drainage of washed laundry articles in a drainage press, there is, in addition to the discharge of water in the lower region via a lower counterpressure plate (12), the discharge of water through a plunger plate (15) of a pressure plunger (14) via a perforated stamp plate using air pressure for more effective drainage with careful treatment of the laundry articles.

Abstract: A press efficently dewaters a mass of wet fibrous material on all six sides by compressing the mass with a second ram against a plurality of liners arranged on a front face of the second ram, on a rear face of a door, and on a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls of a press box. Before entering the press box, a quantity of the mass of wet fibrous material is selected by a first ram which is guided a predetermined distance beneath a hopper of wet fibrous material by a pair of piston rods and cylinders arranged on opposite external sides of the first ram. On one side edge of the front face of the second ram and also on one side wall of the press box, there are positioned four-edged knives which cut off a selected quantity of wet fibrous material after such material is fed into the compression chamber but before such material is pushed into the press box by the second ram. A method for operating the dewatering press is also disclosed.

Abstract: Loading and solidifying of a cosmetic material is achieved by dripping a viscous cosmetic material into a container having a filter bottom, interposing a liquid absorbent membrance between the container and a presser, compressing the cosmetic material by the presser with the membrance interposed therebetween, and squeezing a solvent from the cosmetic material through the filter during such compression. A supporting block holds the container in position for it to be subjected to vacuum suction. The presser includes inner and outer pressing blocks and drives for moving the pressing blocks. The inner block is capable of fitting into the container to compress the cosmetic material, while the outer block abuts against the upper rim of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double piston and alternating action press apparatus. The device according to the present invention is constituted by the combination of a rapid advance feed piston and a second telescopic piston having a slow and stepwise advance. The device is adapted to exert an adjustable pressure on various products and more particularly, grapes, to extract the juice without grinding the grapes and seeds.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering wet laundry comprising a base with drain openings for discharging water pressed out of the laundry, a loose cylinder disposed on the base, a bell disposable on the cylinder with a flexible membrane therein defining with the bell a chamber for a pressure medium and a plurality of rods supported on a lifting apparatus and extensible through openings through the peripheral margin of the bell, through annular flanges on the cylinder and through aligned openings in the base. The rods are provided with locking elements and are pivotable to latch the base, cylinder and bell securely together as well as serving to selectively lift the cylinder and bell or just the bell to facilitate loading and unloading of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for more effectively squeezing moisture from wood chips and/or other "green" biomass materials. A press comprising a generally closed chamber having a laterally movable base at the lower end thereof, and a piston or ram conforming in shape to the cross-section of the chamber is adapted to periodically receive a charge of biomass material to be dehydrated. The ram is forced against the biomass material with suffcient force to compress the biomass and to crush the matrix in which moisture is contained within the material with the face of the ram being configured to cause a preferential flow of moisture from the center of the mass outwardly to the grooved walls of the chamber. Thus, the moisture is effectively squeezed from the biomass and flows through the grooves formed in the walls of the chamber to a collecting receptacle and is not drawn back into the mass by capillary action when the force is removed from the ram.

Abstract: A peanut butter press feeding mechanism has a peanut supply hopper which is controlled by a release gate to supply a volumetric feeder. The volumetric feeder ensures that each of four intermediate holding hoppers at a peanut butter press are filled to capacity. A second release gate controls the outlet of the volumetric feeder, which releases the peanuts into a totalizing scale which weighs peanuts supplied to all four of the intermediate holding hoppers. The totalizing scale supplies peanuts to a conveying arrangement having diverting gates which supply the appropriate intermediate holding hopper with a full supply of peanuts. During operation of the peanut butter press, a predetermined amount of oil is removed from the peanuts based upon the total weight of the peanuts used. This is necessary since merely knowing the volume of the peanuts used is insufficient due to the fluctuations in density of each batch of peanuts.