Abstract: A double-hinged food press for extruding foodstuff through a grate and operational by hand while held aloft or placed on a work surface. An upward-curved plunger handle, combined with a receiver handle designed to rest on the surface, positions the press for the operation. Rollers enable the grate to be snapped smoothly over risers into and out of recesses in the receiver without undue wear and resulting loss of integrity. A raised lip of resilient material surrounding a plunger face further ensures a tight fit between the plunger and receiver cup. Resilient material between the plunger face and the hinge barrel of the grate ensures a tight fit between the two. Hinge pins may be removed by the user for replacement of the grate. Bosses can extend from the receiver unit for support on the surface to assist in operation of the press. An attachable paddle can be used to collect extruded material and to scrape it from the grate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a juice pressing device having an outer cup, an inner tank component and a juice pressing component. The inner tank has a filter grid frame and an inner tank. The filter grid frame is fixed to the bottom end of the inner tank and is communicated with the inner tank. The inner tank with the assembled filter grid frame is inserted into the outer cup and fixed at the mouth of the outer cup. The juice pressing component has a pressing piece, a pressing shaft, a sealing cover of the inner tank and a pressing movable cover. One end of the pressing shaft is connected to the pressing movable cover, and the other end is connected to the pressing piece through a through hole in the center of the sealing cover of the inner tank.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can be configured to receive a request from a process to access data is a system, determine if the data is in a virtualized protected area of memory in the system, and allow access to the data if the data is in the virtualized protected area of memory and the process is a trusted process. The electronic device can also be configured to determine if new data should be protected, store the new data in the virtualized protected area of memory in the system if the new data should be protected, and store the new data in an unprotected area of memory in the system if the new data should not be protected.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from food product includes a rotable drum mounted in a frame. The ends of the drum are comprised of rigid structural material, and each includes a sealing band. An inlet at the first end receives food product and liquid. Food product solids, with less water than received, are discharged from an outlet at the second end. One or more helical flights extend between the ends. The flights have an outer edge, and a flexible mesh screen is wrapped about and intermittently supported by the outer edge. The ends of the screen are held in the sealing bands, and the longitudinal edges of the screen are held by a seal extending between the sealing bands. Liquid can pass through the screen and food product is retained in the drum by the screen, and moved to the outlet by the flights.

Abstract: The invention is generally applicable to a waste compactor. More specifically, the invention is applicable to a waste compactor including a secondary fill door that allows the operator to fill the waste compactor without cycling the waste compactor to conserve energy, increase the life expectancy of the compactor, reduce the number of compaction cycles that may be necessary to compact the contents of the container and/or permit loading of the waste compactor even when the waste compactor is inoperable.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating organic waste, like the waste that is eliminated in kitchens, foresee containing the waste (15) to be treated, grinding the waste, compacting the ground waste and exerting a squeezing action to remove residual liquids. A screw device (17) is foreseen which rotates inside a casing (18) around a longitudinal axis to convey and compact the ground waste against a closure (19) which moves during compacting. A solution for cleaning the apparatus is also foreseen to remove remaining any waste, when the apparatus needs to stay empty for longer periods of inactivity.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: A liquid extraction assembly for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a path therebetween. The housing includes a rotating screen adjacent the path. The housing can have a nozzle at the inlet. The housing can include an inflatable member providing a seal adjacent the screen for maintaining the mass in the path. The housing can include a center seal rotating with the screen and a fixed scraper in the path and adjacent the at least one rotating screen, with the center seal including a notch for accepting a tip of the scraper therein. The housing can also include side walls and an annular seal located between the side walls, with the annular seal defining an outer periphery of the path and having a rotating top end portion allowing an area of the outlet to change.

Abstract: An apparatus with a box-like container includes apertures, and a block member for moving within a cavity in the box-like container. The apparatus is a single unit, from which frozen food, typically in blocks, or out of bags, containers, and the like, may be defrosted and/or, cooked, and then strained, drained or dried, with minimal, if any, spillage or mess.

Abstract: A juicer arrangement comprises a motor-driven appliance (1), capable of extracting juice from fruit, and a vessel (10) for receiving the juice. The appliance has a tubular outlet duct (9) through which juice can flow; the duct consisting of an inner portion (12) that is fixed to the appliance (1) and an outer portion (13) which can be rotated, relative to the inner portion (12), about the longitudinal axis (12a) of the tubular outlet duct (9). Near the outlet end of the outer portion (13) of the outlet duct there is provided a chordally-extending internal wall (15), configured such that, in one rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is positioned to act as an anti-dripping dam member to resist liquid flow through the outlet duct (9). In another rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is inverted, leaving a gap through which juice can be dispensed.

Abstract: A device for conveying a mixture of substances includes a delivery cylinder having perforations and is configured to separate, through the perforations, mixture components from the mixture of substances. A material feed space is connected to an inlet side of the delivery cylinder and delivery line is connected to the outlet side. A delivery piston is reciprocatable through the material feed space and the delivery cylinder. A closure member is disposed at the outlet side of the delivery cylinder or in the delivery line and is movable between open and closed positions. A control unit is operable to move the delivery piston and a drive mechanism operable to move the closure member. The control unit is configured to respond to displacement signals of the delivery piston so as to cause a closing movement of the closure member and is configured to respond to output signals of an upstream pressure sensor so as to cause an opening movement of the closure member.

Abstract: An oil expeller has a stand with an upper cylinder and a lower cylinder, an oil filter mounted on the stand and a control device controlling the upper and lower cylinders. The oil filter has a filter tank and two pressing panels mounted in the filter tank. Raw materials are disposed between the pressing panels. Thus, the upper cylinder presses a corresponding pressing panel and the raw materials to extract oil from the raw materials. The lower cylinder pushes a corresponding pressing panel and waste product out of the filter tank. The oil expeller takes up little space, operates easily and extracts oil from the raw materials 40 and removes the waste product alternately. Moreover, the user is allowed to provide fresh oil based on his needs when extracting oil from a suitable amount of raw materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivering thick matter. The device comprises: a delivery cylinder (20); a material feed space (16), which is connected to the delivery cylinder (20) on the entry side; a delivery line (18), which is connected to the delivery cylinder (20) on the exit side; a delivery plunger (12), which can be displaced to-and-fro through the material feed space (16) and the delivery cylinder (20), and; a closing element (22), which is placed at the exit location of the delivery cylinder (20) or inside the delivery line (18) and which can be displaced between an open position and a closing position. In order to be able to separate foreign substances, which are contained in the flow of thick matter, out of the flow of thick matter before the actual processing step for the useful substances, the invention provides that the delivery cylinder (20) is perforated at least over a portion of its cylinder jacket (24).

Abstract: Shown is a two stage filtration system for treatment of fibrous vegetable matter, particularly oilseed materials such as oil-extracted canola flakes to separate the low valued fibrous material from soluble material and small non-structural water-insoluble material of higher value. The filtration system receives a vegetable matter slurry and passes the slurry through first stage filter which is an impeller type filter that operates to separate the slurry into a filtrate and a moist retentate. The moist retentate is further filter in a second compression filtration stage or a centrifuge to remove additional water. Small non-structural insoluble matter is removed in the filtrate.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.

Abstract: Machines for making bales of disgregated materials, including a compacting chamber in which a pressing member moves towards and away from a stopping point for compacting the disgregated materials, the chamber having a larger lower surface which has a substantially flat surface provided with runoff holes, smaller surfaces each having a frame which serves as an attachment flange, an output door arranged to move in a vertical direction irrespective of whether the pressing plate has reached the stopping point, wherein the capacity of the chamber is variable to accommodate a possible excess in the disgregated materials introduced into the chamber to be compacted, and a telescopic box having on at least one of its walls through holes located in the proximity of the door.

Abstract: A jug functioning to squeeze juice includes a top cover. The top cover is provided for shielding, the bottom side of which is formed with a juice squeeze pedestal. Thus, when the top cover is right set on the jug body, a jug cover is formed. When the top cover is upside down and assembled onto the jug body, the juice squeeze pedestal may be used to squeeze juice. The innovative jug may fill drinking water and further functions to squeeze juice.

Abstract: A barrel bar, for use in a barrel of a screw device having a screw rotatable in the barrel about an axis, has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration. The barrel bar may have arcuate inner and outer surfaces and a relief along one side surface.

Abstract: The device of the present invention removes liquid from sludges, such as water from an industrial pretreatment sludge. The device includes a chamber with an inlet for introducing the sludge to be dewatered into the chamber. The device includes a hydraulically driven reciprocating piston which functions as a containment wall at one end of the chamber and as a means to subject the sludge to mechanical pressure for dewatering, with seals sufficient to contain the sludge within the chamber during operation. The device includes a reciprocating end cap which functions as a containment wall at the end of the chamber opposite the reciprocating piston. The end cap includes a micro porous membrane filter assembly for retention of solids, support structure for the filter, a void area for vacuum pump evacuation to assist in dewatering, and an outlet for the liquid displaced from the sludge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coal dewatering system, method and apparatus. The dewatering system includes a preheater vessel (82) having a chamber (101) for heating coal, an inlet (84) to permit the passage of coal into the chamber (101), and an outlet (86) for permitting the passage of coal from the chamber (101). The dewatering vessel also includes a heating mechanism (98) associated with the preheater vessel (82) to heat coal contained in the chamber (101) and a non-return valve (92) to substantially prevent heated coal removed from the preheater chamber (101) via the outlet (86) from re-entering the preheater vessel (82) via the outlet (86). The dewatering system further includes a dewatering unit (60) adapted to receive the heated coal from the outlet (86) via the non-return valve (92) and to thereby dewater the coal.

Abstract: A belt press solid/liquid separation apparatus is provided for separating organic mixtures with substantial amounts of moisture to produce separated solids with solids content of 50-90% while retaining 99% of the incoming solids in the filter cake. Specifically, the invention incorporates a double-belt press apparatus with a non-permeable upper belt, a highly permeable lower belt, a wedge type zone with adjustable spring compression, and a means for re-screening belt press filtrate with either a single belt press or multiple belt presses configured as a multi-step cascade of belt presses.

Abstract: To provide a solid-liquid separator in which a treatment object such as sludge can be transported without clogging, liquid can be efficiently separated from the treatment object, and a maintenance operation can be easily conducted. Movable plates 12 and fixed plates 13 are disposed alternately, two screws 21, 22 are disposed in recess sections 14, 15 formed in the movable plates 12 and fixed plates 13, parts of blade sections 25, 26 of the two screws 21, 22 overlap each other, the two screws 21, 22 are rotary driven, and the liquid is discharged from the gap between the movable plates 12 and fixed plates 13, while the treatment object is being transported. When the movable plates 12 are replaced, the two screws 21, 22 are lifted up and then the movable plates 12 are pulled up and replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing coffee has a base and housing supporting a filtercup and a pressing cylinder. The pressing cylinder has a forked end engaging a cylindrical body and attached to a rocker arm. A counterweight is attached to an end of the rocker arm. The cylindrical body has a rack engaging a ring gear activated by a lever. Movement of the lever causes movement of the cylindrical body and pressing cylinder. A pinion attached to the cylindrical body moves along a second rack. Movement of the pinion is translated to a bevel gear pair and a pin between the prongs of the forked end.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame and extractor cups relatively moveable for compressing fruit therebetween. A camshaft is mounted for rotation within the extractor frame. A drive cam is mounted on the camshaft and operatively engages an extractor cup for driving the extractor cup into engagement with the respective other extractor cup during extractor operation. A counterweight is operatively engaged with the camshaft and provides balance to the juice extractor during extractor operation.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes an extractor frame, at least one inner side panel that divides the interior into a product material area and a drive mechanism cavity. An orifice beam includes an end extending through a beam opening in the inner side panel. An orifice tube is carried by the orifice beam and received within a strainer tube, which is mounted to receive juice and pulp as extractor cups engage together. A drive mechanism is positioned within the drive mechanism cavity and reciprocates the orifice beam to move the orifice tube within the strainer tube. A seal at the orifice beam and the beam opening prevents juice and peel from entering the drive mechanism cavity during extractor operation.

Abstract: A kitchen hand tool for crushing, slicing, or juicing food products. The tool is operated by closing two handles that rotate a drive gear that engages the ratcheting tooth portion of a crush paddle resulting in the movement of the crush paddle toward a basket, crushing and discharge of the food item through the basket. A drive pawl forces the drive gear to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn forces ratcheting tooth portion and subsequently the crushing paddle down in a clockwise direction applying crushing force on the garlic or any item placed in the crushing area. As the drive gear turns until it clicks past a locking pawl. This cycle of opening and closing the handles is repeated until the crush paddle is fully advanced and can move no further and is against the basket.

Abstract: A pulpifier includes a holder having a compartment and a rear handle. A perforated screen is located in the compartment. A presser extends into the compartment and moves towards the screen. A front clamp extends from the holder for affixing the holder to a vessel supporting the pulpifier.

Abstract: A juice press as used in the production of wine for removing liquids from solids, having a horizontally positionable press frame that allows a vertical press mechanism to be rolled to a first position for interference-free loading of a press basket with material to be pressed, and then rolled to a second operating position located over the press basket. The press basket has a liquid channeling plate having an arrangement of holes and channels that creates a perimeter seal along a circumference at the bottom of a loaded press basket. The liquid channeling plate traps naturally occurring sludge along the circumference bottom and allows for efficient evacuation of extracted juice from the bottom of the basket as the press mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A food masher includes a support frame having an opening, a hopper having a perforated floor, received detachably by the support frame within the opening, a handle extending from the support frame, a lever extending pivotally from the support frame, and a plunger attached to the lever and extending into the hopper.

Abstract: A screw press is provided having a radial gate valve and supported longitudinally-extending screw shaft. The screw shaft includes a central shaft and helical threads which is driven by a drive package. The screw shaft is encapsulated within a housing including a hopper portion, transition portion, bearing portion and screen portion. A transition portion includes a radial gate valve which is angled such that the radial gate valve's axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the screw shaft threads. In addition, the screw shaft is supported by a first support at its proximal extremity and a second support towards its distal extremity. The support at its distal extremity includes one or more wear bearings which concentrically support the threads of the screw shaft in a frictional engagement manner. In operation, semi-solid materials are introduced to the screw press through the hopper portion inlet.

Abstract: A press for extracting fruit juice. The press includes a reservoir having a base and a reservoir wall extending from the base, the base having a fruit-contacting side, a non-fruit-contacting side and an opening. The press further includes a tank having a first opened end, a second opened end and a sidewall disposed therebetween, wherein the sidewall has a plurality of openings and the tank is seated on the fruit-contacting side of the base. Additionally, the press includes an actuator module positioned on the non-fruit-contacting side of the reservoir base. The actuator module has a motor and a press shaft. The press shaft is disposed through the opening of the reservoir base. The motor is drivingly connected to the press shaft to move it between retracted and extended positions. A press plate is detachably secured to the press shaft.

Abstract: A food press includes upper and lower portions each having first and second ends, a plunger, a chamber, and a grate. The upper and lower portions are pivotally connected at their respective first ends. The plunger is disposed between the upper and lower portions. The chamber is disposed on the lower portion and includes an inlet and an outlet and is adapted to receive the plunger. The grate is pivotally connected to the lower portion and is disposed in the chamber in a user position and is disposed between the second ends of the upper and lower portions in a cleaning position.

Abstract: A system for transporting and dewatering solids in a fluid system. An auger is used to transport solids and provide first stage compaction. A dewatering plate having a restricted opening provides second stage compaction and dewatering. The auger maybe be shafted or shaftless. First stage compaction is achieved by a change in helical pitch of the auger immediately preceding the location of the dewatering plate.

Abstract: A culinary press comprises first and second elongate members (4,6) pivotably connected to each other near a pressing end at a first pivot point (8), the first member (4) at least in part defining a food receiving chamber (9), and with a perforated surface provided against which forced to be crushed is pressed, and a pivotably mounted plunger (30) disposed between the elongate members to be pivotable about a second pivot point (28) into said chamber (9), wherein the plunger is mounted so that the second pivot point (28) is disposed on the opposite side or the first pivot point from the chamber (9), and wherein the second elongate member (6) is formed with an actuating finger (16) which bears on the plunger (30).

Abstract: A press for pressing out substances containing liquids, especially agricultural and chemical products, includes a closed container whose inner area is divided by at least one press membrane into a pressure medium chamber and a pressing medium chamber. A fill/discharge opening, sealable by a lid, is disposed in the casing and is associated with a juice run-off located in the pressing medium chamber. Flexible or elastic liquid-permeable drainage elements are also disposed in the inner area of the container for removing juice. The drainage elements include at least one support element and a flexible tube disposed therearound and are of a juice-permeable material. The drainage elements are configured as single-pieced components and are detachably received on the container by holding devices, which are disposed on both sides of the container, each drainage element being able to be removed as a component from the inner area of the container.

Abstract: A food press is provided having a presser arm and a presser plate which is received by a basket formed in a handle, and a pivotally attached perforated strainer plate is locatable within the basket. The strainer plate is pivotally attached to the handle at a point which is at a side of the basket opposite a hinge which pivotally attaches the handle to the presser arm. The food press provides for the pivoting of the strainer plate from a first position in the basket, where the food article may be pressed against the strainer plate, and a second position exposing the upper surface and lower surface of the strainer plate for easy access and cleaning of the perforated strainer plate.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a strainer tube mounted to receive juice and pulp of fruit. An orifice tube has opposing first and second ends. The first end is inserted in and moveable within the strainer tube. A rigid sleeve is formed from a material that resists wear and is received within the first end. A drive mechanism engages the orifice tube and reciprocates the orifice tube within the strainer tube and applies pressure on the juice and pulp within the strainer tube for separating the juice and pulp.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for pressing packs or bulk containers for recuperating liquids, in particular milk or fruit juice, which they contain. The inventive device is essentially characterised in that it comprises, in combination, a support plate (3), whereon are set the packs to be pressed (4), adapted to take up a high position for pressing the stacked packs (4) and a low position for pressuring the containers; a pressing plate (1), driven in a vertical reciprocating movement, adapted to press said packs or containers and means (2) adapted to delimit, with the plate (1) and the plate (3), a closed volume during the entire pressing phase. The means 82) is a sliding skirt, urged to be supported on the plate (3) when the packs (4) are pressed and a tank, delimited in its base by the plate (3), when the bulk containers are pressed.

Abstract: Catering in a transport vehicle like an aircraft involves collecting mixed waste including solids (e.g. left-over food portions, food wastes, napkins, disposable cutlery) and liquids (e.g. beverage rests), without separation. These wastes are disposed of into an apparatus including a receiving container with a filter and separating element at the bottom, a waste shaft leading into the container, a press arrangement with flap doors, pressure pistons which press the press arrangement and flap doors onto the waste in the container to compact the waste, and a drain and coupling system at the bottom of the container. As the waste is compacted, liquids drain down through the filter, oils and fats are removed by the separating element, and non-oily liquids are removed through the coupling system to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line of the vehicle. A control unit controls the overall operation.

Abstract: A screw press inlet section comprises a housing defining a radial inlet opening leading to an axially extending chamber through which a screw is rotatably mounted for conveying and dewatering a solid-liquid mixture fed into the chamber through the inlet opening. The housing has an end wall extending in a plane normal to the screw and to which a perforated plate is integrated to provide the additional surface available for drainage at the inlet section. A pulsator is provided within the housing to generate hydraulic pulses against the perforated plate so as to prevent plugging thereof.

Abstract: A screw press with twin screws is provided with discontinuities or interruptions 7 in the flighting 8 of the screws 2. Stationary resistor teeth 9 protrude at these interruptions into the flow of material being pressed.

Abstract: In a diaphragm (3) of a diaphragm press for separating liquid and solid materials by action of a pressure medium on the materials (7) via the diaphragm (3), the functions of sealing and retention are separated. This is accomplished by a dual embodiment of the diaphragm (3) in the form of a substantially sealing diaphragm seal (14) and a substantially retaining diaphragm carrier (13). A force transmission from drainage elements (6) in the press chamber (4) of a pressing vessel (1) of the diaphragm press to the diaphragm (3) can be accomplished by the diaphragm carrier (13) in a manner that treats the material gently. This substantially improves the service life of the diaphragm (3).

Abstract: Olive or other fruit paste from which oil is to be recovered is spread upon and sandwiched between two filter mats which are in turn sandwiched between two filter plates. Filter plates have slots extending from within the plate to the outer edges. Additional layers of paste between filter mats and a filter plate between each layer may be added to form a stack which is then placed on a press. As pressure is applied, juice containing the oil to be recovered flows out of the paste, through the filter mats and out of the stack through the conduits formed by the slots in the filter plates. By providing conduits, flow length and flow resistance is dramatically reduced resulting in more efficient and faster juice extraction. Filter mats can be economically fabricated to any size or shape, have selectable flow rates to match the properties of a particular paste, can be repeatedly reused, and can be washed at the end of the season for storage.

Abstract: A vise having vise members is provided with a vise face on each vise member. The vise faces are opposed and together define an initial vise volume having an open top for receiving loose, wet screenings. The vise faces form jaws moved relative to each other to squeeze the loose, wet screenings, which is a process of enclosing and applying force to the loose, wet screenings to compress the screenings and force the liquid out of or from the material of the screenings. The squeezing makes a loaf volume significantly smaller than the initial volume, and converts the loose wet screenings into a separate dry loaf. A platform has many separate stations. At one station (e.g., receiving & squeezing), a bottom of the trough is sieve-like for draining the liquid from the wet screenings. At another station (e.g., conveying), the bottom of the platform is closed to retain the separate dry loaf of screenings for conveying. At another station (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting liquid from a liquid-containing slurry. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) includes a plurality of interconnected press assemblies (12), the outlet (82) of one press assembly (12) being connected to the inlet (92) of a successive press assembly (12). Each press assembly has a foraminous cylindrical container (14), and a two-part piston assembly (18) movable between extended and retracted positions within the foraminous container (14). During operation, a pump (90) continuously feeds slurry under pressure through the inlet of the first press assembly to cause liquid within the first stage slurry upstream of the two-part piston assembly (18) to be radially expressed through the foraminous container (14). After a suitable amount of liquid has been extracted from the first stage slurry, batch processing of the partially dewatered slurry will commence.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for pressing a material selected from materials of vegetable and animal origin. The process includes the steps of mechanically compressing the material of vegetable or animal origin while simultaneously vibrating the material at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic frequency going through the material modifies the material's internal state so as to considerably reduce resistance offered by the material to mechanical compression.

Abstract: A trash compactor having a compactor unit and a separable trash storage container is provided that accommodates liquid within the trash that is compacted. The liquid is admitted into a reservoir within the storage container of the trash compactor where it is isolated from the compacted trash. When the storage container is removed to a disposal site, the compacted trash is emptied and the liquid from the reservoir is also emptied at the disposal site. For trash that has a large volumetric quantity of liquid, an overflow tank may be provided in the storage container to receive the overflow from the reservoir within the storage container. The overflow tank may also receive liquid that accumulates in the compactor unit while the compactor is operating.

Abstract: A press frame has a floored portion that defines a pressing area and a floorless portion that defines a discharge area. The frame carries first and second squeezing elements that are moveable between the pressing area and discharge area. Only the first squeezing element is powered, and it can be driven selectively toward or away from the second squeezing element to press and discharge screenings. A linking device limits the maximum separation of the first and second squeezing elements so that the first element pulls the second, together with processed screenings, to the discharge area in a discharge cycle. An interposer limits the minimum separation of the first and second squeezing elements so that the powered element pushes the nonpowered element back to the pressing area after the discharge cycle.