Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating oil-bearing material which includes an extruder having an elongated enclosure with an inlet end. The extruder also includes a worm assembly for working and advancing the material through the enclosure from the inlet end to the discharge end. A high pressure region is located adjacent the extruder inlet end. A force feeder provides material to the high pressure region at a specified supply rate. Oil in the material is liberated and drained in the high pressure region to a specified level prior to entry of the material into the extruder inlet end. The apparatus also includes an outlet in the high pressure region for drainage of the released oil, as well as a screen over the outlet to prevent material greater than a specified size from exiting the high pressure region through the outlet. The seed material is mechanically worked via the action of a rotating screw in the extruder. At the same time, steam is injected into the extruder to condition the worked seed material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the recovery of organic compounds from fibrous plant materials. Organic compounds which can be recovered from the fibrous plant materials include plant metabolites, such as arabinogalactan and phenols, which can be isolated from the wood, for example, of the Western Larch and Tamarack tree varieties. In addition to the recovery of organic compounds from wood, fibrous wood products also may be isolated, in the form of a clean fiber that can be used, for example, as raw material in wood processing applications or in the manufacture of high quality paper products. In one embodiment, a fibrous plant material first is compressed, to recover a liquid exudate and a first pressed plant fiber product. Optionally, the fibrous plant material, such as wood particles, is compressed in the substantial absence of any added solvent, to produce a pure normal liquid exudate and a first pressed plant product.

Abstract: A screw press for squeezing out liquid from a fibrous material including a screen cage having an inlet for the material to be pressed and an outlet for the pressed material, a pair of parallel Archimedean screws, rotatably arranged inside the screen cage, each of the Archimedean screws having a main thread extending around a shaft with a height and a pitch decreasing in the direction from the inlet towards the outlet. Around each shaft and between the turns of each main thread, an auxiliary thread is provided having a reduced height with respect to the height of the main thread, and the auxiliary thread of an Archimedean screw is arranged close to the main thread of the other Archimedean screw at least along the portion of the main thread having a lesser height.

Abstract: A compactor for metal articles such as cans or oil filters has a feed that receives metal articles from a hopper or feed tube and feeds them into an elongated tapered compaction die. The compaction die has a cross-sectional area that decreases or tapers from the rearward end of the die to the forward end of the die. A reciprocating ram operates near the wider end of the tapered compaction die. The articles enter the compaction die at a location forward of the ram when the ram is in a retracted position. When the ram is actuated, it moves to an extended position, thereby forcing the articles forward in the compaction die. The ram then retracts, allowing additional articles to enter the compaction die. As the ram operates in this reciprocating manner, it moves additional articles forward in the compaction die and adds them to the increasing mass of articles.

Abstract: A system for separating liquid from material, particularly from metal chips, which comprises a housing with a material inlet opening, a material discharge opening, a spiral-shaped pressure member disposed in the housing, and a plurality of openings in the housing for removing extracted liquid.

Abstract: A device for treating a heterogeneous mixture and more particularly for separating wax and honey in a mixture obtained following an uncapping operation. The device includes a feed hopper (18) opening onto a sleeve (12) fitted with holes (26) in which an Archimedes screw (14) is disposed and driven in rotation by a motorized system (16), solid evacuation elements (20) and liquid recovery elements (22).

Abstract: A screw press in which a screw continuously dewaters a suspension. The screw has a threaded section and a downstream compression section with a variable squeeze, and the screw is powered to forward the suspension. A housing accommodates the threaded section and the compression section with the variable squeeze. The suspension is admitted in dilute form at an intake at one end of the press. At another end of the press, the suspension is delivered in dewatered form downstream of the compression section through an outlet. The housing is in the form of a wire basket permeable to liquids and impermeable to solids, and is axially displaceable back and forth adjacent the unthreaded compression section between a non-operating position and an operating position to vary an effective length of the basket. This effective length is zero in the non-operating position for emptying the press.

Abstract: A waste food treatment apparatus including a screw rod turned in a container by a motor unit through a spindle to squeeze water from waste food, a scraper turned by the motor unit to scrape out food dreg, a circular block and a food dreg propelling block fixedly secured to the scraper at different elevations, and a handle coupled to the circular block by ball bearings and turned to lift the scraper and the food dreg propelling block without stopping them from being turned by the motor unit through the spindle, for permitting food dregs to be positively scraped out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating oil-bearing material which includes an extruder having an elongated enclosure with an inlet end. The extruder also includes a worm assembly for working and advancing the material through the enclosure from the inlet end to the discharge end. A high pressure region is located adjacent the extruder inlet end. A force feeder provides material to the high pressure region at a specified supply rate. Oil in the material is liberated and drained in the high pressure region to a specified level prior to entry of the material into the extruder inlet end. The apparatus also includes an outlet in the high pressure region for drainage of the released oil, as well as a screen over the outlet to prevent material greater than a specified size from exiting the high pressure region through the outlet. The seed material is mechanically worked via the action of a rotating screw in the extruder. At the same time, steam is injected into the extruder to condition the worked seed material.

Abstract: A cleaning device of a screw press for filtrating and dehydrating garbage in which a plurality of dehydrate liquid guide grooves are circumferentially formed on an inner surface of a support cylinder which supports an outer surface of the filtration cylinder so as to permit the support cylinder to be less in contact with the filteration cylinder. Moreover, a dehydrate fluid is discharged through discharging holes, thereby improving filtration efficiency. In addition, a compression air, a pressurized water or high pressure steam is injected from the circumferential surface of a screw being rotated within the filtration cylinder to enable garbage remaining at a plurality of filtrating holes to be completely and cleanly discharged outside, thereby enhancing filtration effectiveness.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquid from solids-liquid mixtures, in particular fibrous matter suspensions, more particularly under pressure, comprising a solid retention component having liquid passages, composed of a screen and a supporting body for the screen. The invention is primarily characterized in that the solids retention component is designed in multiple layers, that layer which faces the solids-liquid mixture taking the form of a screen (3) with apertures (7) and that layer which faces away from the solids-liquid mixture being designed as a support body (4) having slot-shaped apertures (5). The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus according to the present invention in the form of a worm press.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying and compacting material which includes fractions of different sizes, densities, elasticity, moisture-content, etc., wherein a shaftless spiral is disposed in a casing and the spiral is driven in rotation at an end of the casing where the material is fed into the casing. At the opposite end of the casing, i.e. a discharge end, the casing surrounds the spiral with slight play, and, moreover, the casing extends beyond the spiral to form a compaction zone. Counterpressure brakes the movement of the material to compact the material in the compaction zone. The casing is provided with drainage holes for discharge of liquid expressed from the material during passage through the casing. At the discharge end of the casing, the compacted material is cut into particles, preferably by a second spiral in a second casing which also serves to convey the cut material away from the casing.

Abstract: A multi-screw press for dewatering waste materials including a plurality of fixed filtering cylinders and a plurality of revolving filtering cylinders connected to the fixed filtering cylinders are installed within a single outer casing, and a plurality of tapered screws are located within the fixed and revolving filtering cylinders. The screws and the revolving filtering cylinders are driven by a single motor, so that the waste materials within the filtering cylinders are pressed by the screws and dewatered. A pressure adjusting device is located on the outlet of the screw press and is hydraulically driven. Any residue adhering to the filtering cylinders can be effectively washed away by the use of spray tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a worm press for separating liquids from solids-liquid mixtures, in particular fibrous suspensions, more particularly under pressure, including a worm rotating inside a jacket comprising liquid passages. The worm press according to the invention is primarily characterized in that the shaft (13) of the worm (14) which is preferably of hollow construction, comprises in the axial conveying direction following onto the region which comprises at least one worm rib (14'), a smooth terminal region (13') in which the worm shaft (13) is designed as a jacket shaft, provided with a cavity (13") between a jacket (22) and a preferably hollow core (17), and that this jacket (22) comprises liquid passages, for example bores (3"), leading into the aforementioned cavity (13"), this cavity (13") being in communication with at least one liquid drainage outlet (18).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for compacting material, in which the apparatus comprises a path (10), an infeed device (40) which discharges in an opening (11) disposed in the path, and a spiral (30) which is rotary about its longitudinal axis and has no mechanical shaft. In connection with the discharge opening (12) of the apparatus, baffles (13) are provided which impede displacement of the material, Between the free end (39) of the spiral and the discharge opening (12) of the apparatus, the casing forms a compaction cell (15). The spiral is disposed to at least intermittantly abut against the path, in addition to which the spiral and the path form, in the region of the opening (11), a feed compartment (35) for supplied material, this compartment directly merging into the compaction cell (15).

Abstract: A counter-rotation twin-screw extruder for extracting a juice by squeezing vegetables and/or fruits has mutually engaging screws mounted to two mutually parallel rotary shafts which rotate in mutually opposite directions. The screws are enclosed inside a screen structure made of a curved member made of a stainless steel plate and having slits through which juice is collected.

Abstract: A press for the mechanical dewatering of water-containing pulverised solid material is provided with a rotatable feed screw (3) which is so floatably mounted that it can perform a rotary pendular pivoting movement about a swivel point (D) lying in the area of the drive. Thereby, a high dewatering power is achieved with advantagous wear properties of the press. By special formation of the region where the solid material leaves the feed section (3), the effect and operating behavior can be further improved.

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 screw press for dehydrating slurry and comprising an outer screen casing, a screw shaft, a slurry supplying portion, and a driving unit which rotates the outer screen casing and the screw shaft. The driving unit rotates the screw shaft in one rotational direction and the outer screen casing in the opposite rotational direction. The driving unit comprises a transmission for changing the rotational frequency of at least one of the outer screen casings or the screw shaft. It is possible to have a high dehydrating effect by rotating the outer screen casing in the opposite rotational direction of the screw shaft at a predetermined rotational frequency.

Abstract: The press comprises a frame (1), a feed zone (3) for receiving the waste products, a pressing chamber (9) comprising an inlet opening (10) and an outlet opening (11) which are in opposed relation and disposed coaxially relative to the feed zone (3), and a chamber (14) for discharging the solid phase. The press further comprises an element (15) which is movable transversely relative to the axis of the press chamber (9) between a first position for closing the outlet opening (11) and a second position for opening the outlet opening (11), and an arrangement (20) for applying the movable element against the outlet opening (11) of the pressing chamber.

Abstract: A screw press for pressing off fluids, especially from oil seeds, has a screw (1) and, surrounding this screw (1), a fluid-permeable mantle (2), particularly a screen, whereby the screw shaft (3) and the mantle (2) form between them a screw channel (6) with a cross-section that decreases towards the transport direction of the screw (1), and whereby in the screw channel (6) at least one throttle point (7,8,9) is provided for building up zones of high pressure, and a cross-section expansion is provided in transport direction following the throttle point (7,8,9) for relaxing the high pressure at least partially. In order to achieve a higher efficiency, at least one cam (10) that may be moved transversely to the transport direction of the screw (1) is provided in the area of at least one of the existing throttle points (8,9) in the screw channel (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and compacting material which includes fractions of different sizes, densities, elasticity, moisture-content etc. wherein a shaftless spiral is disposed in a casing and the spiral is driven in rotation at an end of the casing where the material is fed into the casing. At the opposite end of the casing, i.e. the end located adjacent a discharge section of the casing, the casing surrounds the spiral with slight play, and, moreover, the casing extends in an end region below the spiral to form a correction zone. Counterpressure brakes the movement of the material to compact the material in the compaction zone. The casing is provided with drainage holes in the compaction zone for discharge of liquid expressed from the compacted material during passage through the compaction zone.

Abstract: The press comprises a frame (1), a feed zone (3) for receiving the waste products to be treated, a press chamber (9) comprising an inlet opening (10) and an outlet opening (11) which are opposed and disposed coaxially relative to the feed zone (3), and a chamber (14) for discharging the solid phase. The press further comprises an element (15) which is transversely movable relative to the axis of the press chamber (9) between a first position for closing the outlet opening (11) and a second position for opening the outlet opening (11), and an arrangement (20) for separating leakages of the liquid phase from the solid phase in the discharge chamber (14).

Abstract: The press comprises a frame (1), a feed zone (3) receiving the waste to be treated, a pressing chamber (9) comprising an intake aperture (10) and an outlet aperture (11) and a chamber (14) for discharging the solid phase. The press also comprises a component (15) movable transversely relative to the axis of the pressing chamber (9) between a first position for closing off the outlet aperture (11) and a second position for opening the outlet aperture (11), comprising jacks (20) for horizontal movement of the movable component in the direction of the axis of the pressing chamber (9) in order to apply the face of the movable component facing the outlet aperture (11) against the outlet aperture during compression of the heterogeneous waste.

Abstract: The press comprises a frame (1), a feed zone (3) receiving the waste to be treated and a pressing chamber (9) formed by a die (11) with a cross-section equal to that of a compression piston (7). The die (11) is mounted in a slide (12) which is movable angularly between a first position placing the pressing chamber (9) in communication with the feed zone (3) and a second position placing the pressing chamber (9) in communication with a hatch (13) for discharge of the solid phase of the waste.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a method of pressing fruit, in particular grapes, in a rotary cylindrical drum containing at least one flexible membrane supplied with a fluid under pressure in order to press fruit against the wall of the drum, and also to a pneumatic press for implementing the method. The pneumatic press of the invention is of the type comprising a rotary cylindrical drum (7) containing at least one flexible membrane (9, 35) and is characterized by the fact that said drum (7) is closed at one end (7), with a loading duct (19) opening out into the drum (7) in the vicinity of its closed end, the end of the drum opposite to its closed end (7) being at least partially open, said drum (7) including means (16) for recovering juice. The invention is particularly applicable to pressing grapes.

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 spindle press (1) comprises a housing (3) with an upper part (2) and a lower part (5). A press spindle (16) is supported with an upper bearing (14) in a cover (11) of the upper part (2) and with a lower bearing (19) in the lower part (5) so as to be rotatable. The press spindle (16) comprises a hollow spindle body (27) with perforations (38) for pressed out fluid, compressor wings (56) and worm wings (57) being placed on the spindle body (27) externally. Interruptors (26), which are fastened at the housing (3), extend between these wings in a plurality of axial planes. The housing comprises a screen casing (22) permeable for the pressed out fluid and also a spray casing (21) at a distance outside of the latter. The pressed out fluid is guided away through a dewatering arrangement (30) of the lower part (5). The lower part (5) rests on a vertical frame (7) which encloses a telescoping drive pipe (52) and, further down, a drive arrangement (12) which drives the drive pipe (52) in a rotating manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering material, the material having a certain degree of conductivity, the material being introduced into a pressure chamber and simultaneously being compressed as electrical energy is introduced into the material elevating the temperature and driving off the fluid or water in the form of steam through apertures in the pressure chamber, the residence time being a function of the conductivity of the material, the dimensions of the pressure chamber and the electrical energy and pressure directed on the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating biodegradable solid urban waste materials and selecting those non biodegradable components for recycling comprises a tunnel (1) made of steel defining an inner room or ambient of parallelepiped shape, having a rear hinge door (4) associated with adjustable counterbalance weight (5). Near the door (4) blade kneading devices (6) can be installed. In the last portion of the bottom wall of the tunnel (1) holes (7) are arranged, positioned just over a channel (3) connected to a recovering tank (22) of the percolate. At the other front end of the tunnel a moving wall (9) is mounted, capable of being moved to and fro along two rails (10) by means of hydraulic jacks (12). In the center of the wall (9) a hydraulic cylinder (31, 31a, 31b) is anchored, the piston rod (31a) which enters into the iner chamber of the tunnel (1) for compressing the waste mass. Near the upper wall (32) of the tunnel (1), there is a circulating forced air pre-chamber (13) having a grating structure.

Abstract: An automatic juice extraction machine for squeezing juice from one or more pieces of fruit in accordance with this invention comprises at least one pair of cups disposed in a vertically aligned relationship, with the lower of each related pair of cups utilizing a series of spaced, upwardly extending fingers and a centrally disposed fruit piercing tube. This tube defines part of a passageway located directly below each lower cup, in which passageway a strainer is disposed. Each upper cup, defined by spaced, downwardly extending fingers, is mounted on a vertically movable member movable between spaced vertical positions. The spacing of the fingers allows the fingers of the upper and lower cups to mesh, to bring about squeezing of the fruit. We utilize a pneumatic device for causing a single piece of fruit to be inserted into each lower cup subsequent to the raising of the vertically movable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for compacting and advancing a mass of particulate or fibrous material to a discharge end of a conduit combines an auger with a reciprocating annular piston. The improvement of the invention is in driving the piston by way of a flywheel equipped crankshaft which also drives a dynamically counter balancing member to reduce vibrations transmitted to the frame of the apparatus. Special hydrostatic guide sleeves are used to guide the reciprocating piston at a high speed. Further improvements include gas and liquid vents and a cooling jacket, both associated with the conduit to increase efficiency of the compacting. A density sensor controlled conical choke member at the discharge end assists in maintaining uniform density of the highly compacted plug of the material. Also, it breaks up the exiting plug to improve subsequent processing of the material.

Abstract: A screw press comprises a housing having a spray casing and a screen casing arranged within the spray casing and forming an annular space therebetween, at least one press spindle located within the screen casing and forming a pressing space therebetween, the at least one press spindle having a plurality of wing members and at least one axial zone free of the wing members, and at least one dewatering member which is supported by the housing and located in the at least one axial zone in the pressing space between the spindle body and the screen casing, the at least one dewatering member being hollow and provided with a plurality of perforations and also having an outlet which opens into the annular space between the screen casing and the spray casing, the at least one dewatering member being arranged at a radial distance from the spindle and the screen casing, and at least one carrier holding the at least one dewatering member.

Abstract: A filtering case (1,30) is comprised of two superimposed parts, respectively an upper one (2,31) and a lower one (43, 32), which slide telescopically the one within the other. The upper part (2,31) bounds a slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and has an apertured (4,51) bottom wall (8,40a); the lower part (3,32) is guided through the aperture (4,61) between a first position outside the slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and a second position at least partway inserted thereinto. The lower part (3,32) has fiter-forming side walls whereby the overall filtering area of the case (1,30) increases with the depth of penetration of the lower part (3,32) into the slurry receiver chamber (2a, 51).

Abstract: An apparatus for the compaction and reduction of liquid content in a material includes at least one floating helix (3) rotatable about its axis by drive means (4, 30) and disposed in a casing (2) which, at least along a portion of its extent in the longitudinal direction, completely encloses the helix. In conjunction with the discharge portion of the apparatus, the casing encloses the helix with slight play. Seen in the direction of movement of the material, the discharge portion includes a helix-free region most proximal the discharge opening of the casing, intended for the formation of a counterpressure member which arrests the movement of the material. In this region, the helix is provided with an extension body (100) which reduces the available conveyor surface area. As a rule, the body is a cylindrical hollow body which as a rule is provided with drainage apertures.

Abstract: A centrifugal finisher and method of its operation are disclosed for separating finished juice from an initial juice including substantial solids or for separating finished fluid from any slurry including substantial solids, the slurry being introduced into one end of a cylindrical screen driven in rotation for centrifugally urging the slurry against the screen and causing a fluid component to pass through the screen. Wiper paddles are arranged on a support drum for rotation in wiping contact with the screen and for limited movement relative to the screen for continuously moving solid material from the slurry toward an outlet axial end of the screen.

Abstract: An extractor includes a cage which is delimited in the bottom part by a rotating perforated circular platen (1) surmounted by two vertical fixed perforated panels (6) on whose upper edge a cover (7) rests. The cover includes one or more hinged panels, and between which two thrust platens (8 and 9) slide. The thrust platens are displaced by cylinders (10 and 11). The rotating perforated circular platen (1) and the recovery tank (12) are each equipped with a trap (13 and 15). The traps are arranged in vertical alignment with one another and forming, in the open position, a hopper for discharging the residues towards a removal device (14). The process mainly consists in rotating the perforated circular platen (1) during charging and then through 90.degree. between two pressing phases so as to press the cake in two perpendicular directions. Typically, the apparatus is used for pressing grapes.

Abstract: A filtering case (1,30) is comprised of two superimposed parts, respectively an upper one (2,31) and a lower one (43,32), which slide telescopically the one within the other. The upper part (2,31) bounds a slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and has a an apertured (4,61) bottom wall (8,40a); the lower part (3,32) is guided through the aperture (4,61) between a first position outside the slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and a second position at least partway inserted thereinto. The lower part (3,32) has filter-forming side walls whereby the overall filtering area of the case (1,30) increases with the depth of penetration of the lower part (3,32) into the slurry receiver chamber (2a, 51).

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 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: Apparatus for separating and collecting different grades of grape juice from a continuous action, inclined helical screw dejuicer having a plurality of drip pans below the dejuicer barrel formed to convey different grades of grape juice to receiving troughs, at least some of the drip pans being adjustable longitudinally of the dejuicer barrel for selectively varying the nature and quality of the juice collected by each adjustable drip pan. The method contemplates adjusting the quality of each grade in the manner described, making it possible to collect the "first press" clear, uncolored juice pressed from colored grapes so as to be able to make white wine from red grapes.

Abstract: A hydra-extractor includes an extractor screw and dewatering chamber, a cone for directing dried material to a plug cutter, the plug cutter, and a discharge chute. Associated power apparatus is mounted on the hydra-extractor. A novel cone is provided which is hyberolic in shape, composed of a high density urethane, and separable into two parts. The cone is affixed to the plug cutter which is also separable into two parts. The plug cutter is affixed to and rotated by the extractor screw shaft.

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: 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: In the dewatering press of this invention, a ram, movable in a horizontal plane by hydraulic means, compresses a slurry in a compression chamber which includes as one wall a stop gate assembly movable in a vertical plane and as another wall a self-cleaning screen. After compression in a first direction is completed the direction of the ram's travel is reversed and compression in an opposed, but structurally identical, compression chamber takes place.

Abstract: A device for separating the liquid phase from the solid phase of rigid multiphase materials such as bituminous schists, domestic waste and vegetables, in which there is used at least one compression operation at a pressure of at least 500 bars, the compression being effected in at least a first elongated chamber (2) having orifices (4) adapted to let the fluid materials pass, a pressure being applied at an inlet end (1a) by a piston (3), the volume of the chamber exceeding the volume swept out by the piston so that the compressed material remains under pressure in the chamber during several strokes of the piston, the other end (1b) of the chamber being equipped with an extraction-metering system (5) so as to allow the permanent pressure of the material in the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating and collecting different grades of grape juice from a continuous action, inclined helical screw dejuicer having a plurality of drip pans below the dejuicer barrel formed to convey different grades of grape juice to receiving troughs, at least some of the drip pans being adjustable longitudinally of the dejuicer barrel for selectively varying the nature and quality of the juice collected by each adjustable drip pan. The method contemplates adjusting the quality of each grade in the manner described, making it possible to collect the "first press" clear, uncolored juice pressed from colored grapes so as to be able to make white wine from red grapes.