Abstract: A baler machine including a charging chamber for receiving materials to be baled. The charging chamber has a charging passageway communicating with a baling compression chamber. A compression ram is operable to force material from the charging chamber into the compression chamber to thereby form a bale. The compression chamber has an exit passageway through which the baled material is forced by an ejector ram. A bale release mechanism is mounted adjacent the exit passageway. The bale release mechanism includes a rotatably mounted gate member movable between a normal operating position and a retracted open position wherein the size of the exit passageway is increased to allow the passage of an oversized bale. A power cylinder is operatively connected to the bale release mechanism to move the mechanism between its closed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A can crusher is provided with a can feed hopper having an open inlet at the top of the can crusher through which opening a plurality of cans may be inserted one after another to fill the hopper. Sequentially, each can falls by gravity into a crushing compartment where a power-driven ram crushes the can axially to crumple the can's cylindrical wall thereby reducing the can's length to about one-fourth or less of its original length. The crushed can falls by gravity through a discharge chute to be automatically discharged. Each can in the hopper automatically falls in succession into the crushing compartment to be crushed and discharged. To prevent human fingers from being inserted through the hopper inlet or the discharge chute and into the crushing compartment, the guiding chute paths are non-linear and/or tortuous to reduce the length thereof and to block a straight finger insertion into the crushing compartment.

Abstract: A packet, consisting of a stack of band sections lying parallel to one another, is formed in a magazine compartment. The packet is ejected by an ejecting apparatus onto the receiving table of a transfer apparatus. There it is compressed between holding members to a width B, which width is smaller than the corresponding internal measurement A of a mold, which mold is made of a base and side walls and which mold is open on its side opposite to the base. The mold is put over the packet and the packet is clamped within the mold, whereby the packet is made ready for further processing.

Abstract: A waste compactor comprises a waste container (1) which has a first opening (4) provided for the introduction of waste, and a second opening (5) closed by an openable door (8) and provided for the discharge of waste. Through the first opening (4), a press plate (3) can be inserted in the container (1) in order to compact waste therein. A discharging device (18) is provided in the container (1) for discharging compacted waste through the second opening (5). A spring assembly (9) is connected to the discharging device (18) so as to cause, when tripped, this device to discharge compacted waste. A tensioning device (14) projecting into the container (1) is adapted to cooperate with the press plate (3) so as to tension the spring assembly (9) when the plate is inserted in the container (1). A tripping device (23) is provided for tripping the spring assembly when the door (8) is open.

Abstract: A can crusher, being motorized, and self contained, and having distinguishing capability between glass, plastic, and metal cans, or bottles, and having storage capability in the bottom of the cabinet which houses the can crushing apparatus.

Abstract: A horizontal baler has a longitudinally extending generally rectangular frame assembly defining a receiving chamber and an adjacent aligned compaction chamber. Each of the chambers has a top, a bottom, and sides. A ram is mounted for reciprocation within the receiving chamber so that material therein may be transferred to the compaction chamber and compacted therein by reciprocation thereof. A first cylinder and piston assembly is longitudinally disposed within the frame assembly and is operably associated with the ram for causing reciprocation thereof. A door defines one of the sides of the compaction chamber. The door is selectively securable and movable relative to an opening communicating with the compaction chamber. A support defines a portion of the bottom of the compaction chamber. The support is reciprocable transverse to the first cylinder and piston assembly and is aligned with the door for moving compacted material through the opening.

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: An apparatus for crushing articles such as metal cans. A fixed anvil is mounted on a frame and a ram is mounted for movement in a direction toward and away from the anvil to crush an article located therebetween. The articles are fed sequentially to the crushing zone between the anvil and the ram through a vertical chute. A spring loaded wedge plate extends outwardly from the ram toward the anvil and initially contacts the article intermediate its length to bend or deform the article to thereby insure uniform crushing of the article by the ram.

Abstract: A mechanical press includes a slider which is reciprocated, through connecting rods, by an oscillating plate oscillating around a driving shaft to obtain a press load. The press further includes a swash plate rotatable with the driving shaft. The oscillating plate oscillates in accordance with the rotation of the swash plate. A plurality of lock pins are concentrically disposed in parallel with the driving shaft on a side of the oscillating plate opposite to the swash plate. Each of the lock pins has a spherical head housed in the oscillating plate so as to make the pins rotatable and axial movable. A slider guide supports the pins and the slider.

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: A compacting device for conforming a variety of refuse materials, such as glass and plastic, into generally rectilinear bales, and for compacting aluminum and tin refuse material into generally square-shaped stable bales for recycling. The compacting device includes a housing enclosing a chamber and an extendable and retractable plunger disposed within the chamber. A hopper receives refuse material to be crushed or compacted, and directs the material into the chamber. An exit chamber door has a plurality of equidistantly spaced-apart rectilinear chamber door protrusions projecting from the inner face of the exit chamber door, and the face of the plunger includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced-apart rectilinear plunger face protrusions extending forwardly from the plunger face. The plunger face protrusions are adapted for forcibly contacting and compressing the material deposited within the chamber door protrusions.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing includes a piston displaceable therewithin, wherein the piston includes a piston plate mounted to an opposed end of a piston rod, wherein the piston plate is in operative communication and directed through a guide tube having a tube floor to effect crushing of an associated can member directed between the piston plate and the guide tube floor. Feet structure is arranged to intersect the guide tube between the piston plate and the guide tube floor to properly position a can member to effect crushing thereof.

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: 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: A carousel trash compactor for selectively sorting and recycling multi-component refuse. The carousel includes a turntable mounted in the lower portion of the housing and supporting refuse bins rotatable with the turntable to position a selected bin in a refuse receiving position or a refuse compaction position. In the housing upper portion, a stationary compactor mechanism is positioned for compacting refuse in a bin therebeneath. A lid closes an opening in the top of the housing over the refuse-receiving position. A receptacle retrieving subassembly mounted in the upper portion of the housing facilitates removal of a full receptacle from the housing. Automatic control devices are provided for selectively rotating the turntable and bins, for weighing each bin, for compacting the refuse and for extricating the filled bins from the housing.

Abstract: A system for identification, separation and compacting of empty beverage cans including a first device for distinguishing between cans to be accepted and not accepted and rejecting non-acceptable cans, and for detecting at least one dimension of a can to be compacted, and for determining a can redemption value based on such detection, and a second device for compacting the can through interaction of a three arm device, a first arm contacting a mid-portion of the can and compressing that mid portion, and second and third arms acting on end regions on either side of the mid-portion to compress the remaining portions of the can. The arm device is retracted and the compacted can is removed after the compressing action is completed by the arm device.

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: The invention is a heated stripper shoe assembly for use in manufacture of concrete masonry blocks. The heated stripper shoe has a stripper shoe plate, at least one heat blocks and at least one heat element fitted within the heat block. Optionally, the stripper shoe assembly may also include a heat shroud positioned over the heat block on the upper surface of the stripper shoe plate, a standoff attached to the heat shroud for affixing the assembly to a block machine, and a mold for use with the stripper shoe assembly. The invention also includes methods of using the assembly.

Abstract: A baler for recyclable materials and any other materials. The baler includes a power unit which engages to the rear of the gatherer desk. An operator stands on the gatherer deck between the rear of the hopper, which provides for visual observation, and forward of the power unit. Material is fed into the hopper. A compression chamber of bale chamber is at the forward end of the system for baling of the materials and subsequent discharge by an ejection ram for later disposition. The system provides for adjustment of the hold-down assembly for the ram and the charging box section, as well as for adjustment of the knife between the ram and the knife on the shear beam. The baler provides for adjustability for proper movement of the ram through the charging box, and for proper shearing of most materials which may be above the ram prior to entering the bale compression chamber area.

Abstract: A horizontal baler has a longitudinally extending generally rectangular frame assembly defining a receiving chamber and an adjacent aligned compaction chamber. Each of the chambers has a top, a bottom, and sides. A ram is mounted for reciprocation within the receiving chamber so that material therein may be transferred to the compaction chamber and compacted therein by reciprocation thereof. A first cylinder and piston assembly is longitudinally disposed within the frame assembly and is operably associated with the ram for causing reciprocation thereof. A door defines one of the sides of the compaction chamber. The door is selectively securable and movable relative to an opening communicating with the compaction chamber. A support defines a portion of the bottom of the compaction chamber. The support is reciprocable transverse to the first cylinder and piston assembly and is aligned with the door for moving compacted material through the opening.

Abstract: A baler for recyclable materials and any other materials. The baler includes a power unit. An operator console on a deck at a front of a hopper, which provides for operator observation and operation through a high tech control system. Material is fed into the hopper, such as by a conveyor. A compression chamber under the hopper and a bale chamber is at a forward end of the baler for baling of the materials and subsequent discharge by an ejection ram across a bale run-out table for later disposition. A control system provides the capability of automatic control for the baler, as well as diagnostic assistance when necessary. The baler is also the primary building block for a completely automated municipal recycling facility (MRF). The baler can bale such materials as corrugated cardboard, news print, magazines, computer paper, flattened cans, round cans, plastic bottles, scrap aluminum, scrap copper, aluminum radiators, as well as any other miscellaneous materials required for baling on a real time basis.

Abstract: A baling machine has an outer housing forming an elongate, rectangular main baling chamber with a discharge opening at one end and an auxiliary baling chamber intersecting the main baling chamber. An inlet opening directs cans into the chambers at the intersection. An auxiliary piston is reciprocally mounted in the auxiliary baling chamber to compress cans to a first compression pressure in an initial compaction stage, while a main piston is reciprocally mounted in the main baling chamber to compress the compacted cans to a second compression pressure in a final compaction stage in which a bale of predetermined dimensions and weight is formed without any need for pre-weighing the cans.

Abstract: A baler machine including a charging chamber for receiving material to be baled. The charging chamber has a charging passage through which material is forced into a baling compression chamber by a compression ram to thereby form a bale in the compression chamber. An ejection ram is provided for forcing the compressed material out of the baling compression chamber through an exit passageway. A movable decompression wall functions as one wall of the baling compression chamber. Such wall is located opposite and spaced from the charging passage through which material is forced from the charging chamber. A power cylinder is provided to move the decompression wall in a horizontal direction to effectively increase the volume of the baling compression chamber which, at the same time, increases the size of the exit passageway to thereby permit ejection of an oversized bale from the compression chamber.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus for citrus fruit including upright blades extending radially outwardly from a vertical axis to define V-shaped segments therebetween, the upper edges of the blades being sloped downwardly toward the axis to centrally support a piece of fruit. A press is vertically reciprocated between an upper feed position allowing fruit to be located on the blades and a lower pressing position a selected spacing above the peel ejectors. Peel ejectors within each of the V-shaped segments are pivotally supported for movement between (1) a horizontal ready position when the press is moved to the pressing position and (2) an ejecting position sloped downwardly away from the axis when the press is moved toward the feed position. A feed assembly cyclically feeds fruit to the blades through a chute, and includes a cylindrical enclosure open on one side to the chute and a feed drum supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within the enclosure.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided that has a single ram that simultaneously precompacts trash in an auxiliary precompacting chamber and compacts trash that has already been precompacted in a main compacted and storage chamber. The ram has a single actuating device and efficiently provides for both precompacting in the auxiliary precompacting chamber and for compacting in the compacting and storage chamber with each stroke of the ram.

Abstract: A refuse collecting truck combines the attributes of a rear loading, compacting refuse collecting system with a plurality of specialty containers which can be used to collect, compact and eject curbside separated recyclable materials of a plurality of types. The plurality of separate recyclable containers are designed to be mounted ahead of the rear loading, compacting refuse container behind the cab. The number and volume length of such containers may be varied as desired. The containers are configured with a side entry port and are accessed and operated from the side both for loading and unloading. Complete compacting and ejecting mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: An improvement for an apparatus for recycling oil filters enables crushed oil filters to be removed from the compartment, in which they are crushed to remove used oil therefrom and to render them safely disposable, by a mechanical means. The improvement involves the use of a U-shaped member disposed through an opening at the base of the crushing compartment. Mechanical means pull the arms of the U-shaped member from the crushing compartment, thereby enabling the base of the U-shaped member to sweep crushed oil filters out through the opening. The crushing compartment has a door which need only be opened to introduce oil filters to be crushed.

Abstract: A unique automated and comprehensive through-the-wall waste handling and storage system for treating organic and inorganic waste generated in a building of interest is disclosed in which waste to be discarded is loaded into a through-the-wall system from one side of a wall of the building of interest, stored in a container, and removed from the container on the other side of the wall of the building of interest. The container of the invention includes space conditioning refrigeration system and contemplates embodiments of an integrated waste handling and storage system which accommodate all types of waste and many levels of automation and which also eliminate many prior art sanitation and sorting problems associated with the handling and the storage of waste prior to disposal.

Abstract: The invented device includes a chamber in which articles to be crushed are placed, a bulkhead at one end of the chamber, a plunger operating in the chamber to compress articles against the bulkhead, a collection area adjacent to the chamber for collecting liquid extracted from the articles and also for collecting the articles after they have been crushed, and a plate that sweeps any liquid and the articles from the collection area into appropriate receptacles.

Abstract: A system for baling strands of material wherein a predetermined quantity of strands of material is compressed into a bale of strands of material having a density of at least about 14 pounds per cubic foot and having a substantial portion of the bale unmatted, the system being particularly useful for baling easter grass. The system includes a baler wherein the strands of material are compressed in a substantially enclosed portion of the baler to form the bale of material. In the system, a predetermined weight comprising a portion of the total desired weight of a bale of material is compressed, and additional portions are added and compressed until the total desired weight has been compressed into a bale of material.

Abstract: A household recycling appliance for recycling aluminum cans. The appliance has a housing containing a vertical crushing chamber with a frontal opening into which an empty aluminum can is to be inserted. The bottom plate of the crushing chamber, serving as a plunger or piston, is advanced upwardly by a motor and bell crank assembly to crush the can against the fixed top plate. As the bottom plate recedes, a spring-operated lever ejects the crushed can rearwardly via a conduit into a can storage receptacle which is sized to hold a selective number of crushed cans. Any residual fluid draining from the crushed can is collected in a fluid storage receptacle located below the can storage receptacle. The can and fluid storage receptacles are removable for transferring the crushed cans and disposing of the fluids.

Abstract: An unique automated and comprehensive through-the-wall trash handling and storage system and process which are disclosed in material to be discarded is loaded into a through-the-wall system from within and picked up by a hauler from outside an associated building. The invention contemplates embodiments of an integrated trash handling and storage system which accommodates all types of trash and many levels of automation and eliminates many of the prior art problems associated with sorting and sanitation in the handling and the storage of trash prior to disposal.

Abstract: Pressing apparatus comprising a die made up of a number of segments defining a cavity in which metal swarf is compacted to form a billet. The die segments are held together by one or more sleeves housed in a housing which is mounted on a pedestal which pivots between a first position in which the cavity is aligned with one or more rams which are advanced into the cavity to compact the swarf, and a second position in which the cavity is aligned with gripping devices which grip the ends of the die segments and separate them radially to release the billet after a jacking device mounted on the housing is actuated to move the sleeves in the axial direction and release the die segments. One of the gripping devices may comprise a cylindrical bore through which an empty tube can be fed into the cavity and the other gripping device may similarly comprise a cylindrical bore through which the billet can be fed after it has been ejected from the die cavity.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated compaction device includes a piston compressible in the upward direction in a container having a sealable lid. Odor laden air surrounding the material to be compressed is utilized for a compression fluid as air is drawn from the chamber to be compressed and pressurably pumped the chamber providing the compressive force. A deodorizer automatically injects the compression chamber with a deodorizing fluid during each use, and which is powered by exposure to the changing pressure within the compactor.

Abstract: A solid waste baling machine having a compacting chamber, a charging passage with an exit and in communication with the compacting chamber, a compacting ram head reciprocable between extended and retracted positions in the charging passage and defining in an extend position a sidewall of the compacting chamber, and a discharge passage having a discharge ram head reciprocable between extended and retracted positions in the compacting chamber and discharge passage and defining in a retracted position an end wall of the compacting chamber is provided with a discharge passage sidewall adjacent the exit end of the charging passage which is mounted for incremental lateral inward and outward movement perpendicular to the axis of the discharge passage by means of a sidewall ram to control the advance of a bale of solid waste in the discharge passage and to maintain proper positioning of the bale in the discharge passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided inclining an upper housing containing spaced parallel side walls, with the side walls including aligned slots. A crusher bar is arranged to crush a can between a floor of the housing as the bar is directed through the slots. A push bar is pivotally mounted to a rear upper wall of the housing to project a crushed can into a storage container removably mounted to a lower forward wall of the housing.

Abstract: An ice block press device (10). The press (10) includes a compression chamber (12) into which raw ice particles (20) are fed through an opening (82). A ram (16) is employed to urge ice particles (20) deposited through an input chute (18), through the opening (82) into the compression chamber (12). The ram (16) cyclically reciprocates to push the particles (20) into the chamber (12). As additional amounts of raw ice are urged into the chamber (12), a compacted volume of accumulated ice begins to extend through the opening (82) outside the chamber (12). When this occurs, the ram (16) is precluded from achieving its fully extended position. Upon sensing this condition, a knife (80) is driven to cut the block to a uniform length.

Abstract: A built-in bale ejector for use in a trash compactor comprises an elongated band which is fastened at one end to the floor portion of the compactor cabinet at a front edge thereof and which passes between the floor and a box in which the refuse is to be compacted and then up the inside rear wall of the compactor to a predetermined height. The compactor includes a vertically movable compaction plate which can be driven in reciprocal fashion downward into the box to compress the refuse therein and upward to a "ready" position. When it is desired to eject a filled box, a spring-loaded take-up reel mechanism coupled to the compaction plate can be latched against rotation by a locking mechanism. When so locked, the return stroke of the compaction plate pulls the band tight and thus urges the box filled with the compacted trash to be ejected out through the door opening of the compactor cabinet.

Abstract: An improved manually fed waste baling compactor has a single interlock switch which controls movement of a vertically oriented ram and platen such that the ram cannot move unless both a chamber door and a guard door of the mechanism are properly positioned. A magnetic interlock prevents opening the guard door manually until after the compression and retraction stroke of the ram.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for extracting juice is disclosed. The apparatus disclosed provide a novel safety switch arranged such that the apparatus may be operated only when fully closed, thereby precluding injury to the operator or damage due to objects being placed in the path of the downwardly descending squeezer. In a preferred embodiment the juice extraction cycle is carried out automatically by means of limit switches, once the safety switch enables the motor. Embodiments are disclosed wherein the limit switches which govern the extraction cycle operate by determining the amount of pressure placed on an object, the level of pressure being adjustable, thus allowing the complete and efficient squeezing of objects of different sizes and firmness. Also disclosed are embodiments incorporating a feeder tube and actuation device whereby the juice extraction apparatus is automatically fed.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus for recyclable waste materials is particularly adapted to be mounted on a recycling collection vehicle to allow the additional collection of large volume recyclable containers, such as large plastic beverage bottles and the like. The compactor apparatus occupies a very small total volume, but provides a highly efficient compaction of the recyclable materials thereby allowing it to be added to existing vehicles without significantly increasing the overall size. The appartus utilizes a flow-through arrangement including an inlet hopper on one end of the housing and a serially connected payload chamber having an outlet on the opposite end of the housing. A hopper platen is rotatably mounted on one end of a slide panel for sequential rotary and linear movement to sweep uncompacted materials from the hopper and compact them into the payload chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a press for making brakeshoes and the like utilizes an intermediate mold carrying precompacted powder positioned on the press mold. The powder is engaged by the raised press ram and a lowered ejection ram such that the powder trapped between the rams is transferred to the press mold. The intermediate mold is then removed, a counter-pressure plate swingably mounted on a frame of the apparatus is applied into registry with the press mold and the press operation ensues.

Abstract: A horizontal waste material baling machine has a charging passage which leads to a compressing chamber of generally parallelopiped configuration and in which a charging plunger is reciprocably moveable for pushing waste material into the compressing chamber and compressing it into a bale. A discharge passage leads from the compressing chamber at right angles to the charging passage, and an ejection plunger is advanceable through the chamber and the discharge passage to eject the baled waste material. To ease the ejection of an oversize bale, the discharge passage wall adjacent the exit end of the charging passage is a vertically oriented planar surface of a structure that is moveable by a linear motor, such as a hydraulic cylinder, from a normal operative position at which the vertical planar surface and the opposite sidewall of the discharge passage determine the exit width to a position at which the planar surface is displaced by an amount it is desired to increase the exit width of the discharge passage.

Abstract: A hay bale recompacting system comprises an elongated compression chamber having a generally rectangular cross-section defined by top, bottom, and end walls, an inlet end and an outlet end, an inlet opening at the inlet end in one side of the chamber, an outlet at the outlet end in the other side of the chamber, a ram at the inlet end of the chamber for compressing bales therein, an indexing apparatus for weighing a charge to be introduced into the compressor, a ram for moving a selected amount of a bale into the chamber, a strapping chamber at the outlet disposed at right angle to the compression chamber for receiving compressed bales, an extruder ram for extruding bales from the compression chamber into and from the strapping chamber, and strapping units associated with the strapping chamber for strapping bales in the strapping chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the feeding and discharge of a heating-plate press, a movable carriage introducible into the press space being provided at the front side of the press, and this carriage having, at its underside, means for lifting the workpieces processed in the press from the lower press plate and, on its topside, a bearing surface for receiving the workpieces to be introduced into the press.

Abstract: A bulk material such as garbage is introduced into a hopper inlet (14) of a compactor (12). A piston (18) in the compactor moves the bulk material out from the compactor (12) into a vault (26). In the vault (26) the material is compacted against a barrier wall (66) until an initial body of compacted material is formed between the inlet and the barrier wall (64). Then, the barrier wall (64) is retracted up into a position substantially within the plane of the top wall (32). Then, the compactor (12) is operated to compact additional bulk material (24) into the vault (26), and at the same time move the material (24) lengthwise through the vault (26). When the vault (26) is sufficiently full of compacted material (24), the vault (26) is expanded for the purpose of enlargening the cross sectional dimension of its inner space. A cargo receiving compartment (30) of a road vehicle (10) is positioned in registry with the outlet of the vault (26).

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle (10) supports an interchangeable refuse collection container (14), the rear wall (38) of which is pivotable between an unloading position and a closed position by means of a swivel device (41). On the chassis (12), a support plate (16) is pivotable about a horizontal transverse shaft (18) between a horizontal interchange position for the refuse collection container (14) and a vertical loading or pressing position, the pressing device (26) and the lifting and tipping device (22) being integral with the support plate (16). The support plate (16) is also provided with a locking device (114), which, dependent upon the swivelling of the pressing device (26) from its rest position into the pressing position, can be locked with two locking shafts (90, 91) on the rear wall (38) of the refuse collection container (14).

Abstract: A system for baling strands of material wherein a predetermined quantity of strands of material is compressed into a bale of strands of material having a density of at least about 14 pounds per cubic food and having a substantial portion of the bale unmatted, the system being particularly useful for baling easter grass. The system includes a baler wherein the strands of material are compressed in a substantially enclosed portion of the baler to form the bale of material. In the system, a predetermined weight comprising a portion of the total desired weight of a bale of material is compressed, and additional portions are added and compressed until the total desired weight has been compressed into a bale of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling a fuel element skeleton f an irradiated nuclear reactor fuel element from which the fuel rods have been removed. The fuel element skeleton is placed horizontally in a compacting shaft of a ram-type press in order to obtain a simple and reliable compaction of the skeleton. After the compacting shaft is closed, the fuel element skeleton is compacted against a press base. The compacted fuel element skeleton is pushed out of the compacting shaft and into a transportable transfer shaft. The loaded transfer shaft is removed from the ram-type press and transported away to a transfer loading location.

Abstract: A container of monococque construction having a peripheral wall comprised of concentric inner and outer walls, with the space between the walls being filled with a plastics material. At least one of the inner and outer walls is a spirally-wound tube having raised seams projecting into the space between the inner and outer walls. The container is particularly adapted to form the body of a waste compactor for use as a bulk container for both fluid and particulate materials.