Abstract: A vertical blinds support device having a pair of opposing plates wherein a first plate has two extending posts spaced at a predetermined distance from each other, each post having opposite surfaces with rails projecting from the surfaces of the posts, and a second plate having two apertures corresponding to the two posts with each of the apertures having interior ridges extending inward for receiving the posts, respectively, such that the rails slidably engage and releasably interlock with the interior ridges of corresponding apertures to join the two plates thereby sandwiching a plurality of vertical blinds therebetween. The distance between the plates may be adjusted by pushing or pulling the posts further into or out of the apertures. The vertical blind support device may be raised and lowered on the blinds to a desired position for separating the upper ends of the blinds to create a fanned appearance.

Abstract: A system, controller, and method for decortication processing on one or more input units of hemp into one or more resultant products. The method includes: analyzing one or more characteristics of the input units; cutting the input units into a predetermined size; opening the cut input units; performing decortication on the opened input units to separate the hemp into components, the components including bast, fibre, and hurd; densifying the fibre into bales; pulverizing the hurd and bast; combining the pulverized hurd and bast with thermoplastic polymers into a resultant product; receiving analyzer data from at least one of the decortication, the densifying, the pulverizing, and the combining; training a machine learning model based on the analyzer data; using the trained machine learning model to adjust one or more aspects to achieve a desired resultant product.

Abstract: A system and a method for compensating misalignments of a die for cutting cardboard of a die cutter. The system comprises a processor configured to detect height-correcting elements in an image of a correction template for the die, and further configured to produce a digital file comprising a digital representation of detected height-correcting elements; and an optical device for projecting images configured to project the digital representation of the digital file on a pressure compensation plate of the die cutter. The method comprises digitally detecting height-correcting elements in an image of a correction template for the die; producing a digital representation of detected height-correcting elements; and projecting the digital representation on a pressure compensation plate of the die cutter.

Abstract: A fixing structure includes a base, a supporting assembly coupled to the base, a top cover rotationally coupled to the supporting assembly, and a limiting assembly arranged on the supporting assembly. The limiting assembly limits a rotation angle of the top cover relative to the base.

Abstract: Device for stabilising articles has a bar abuttable by the articles during raising upwards thereof in grouping operations. A support element of the abutting bar is predisposed so as to be coupled to vertical sliding guides so as to be freely slidable along the guides and enable displacement upwards of the abutting bar pushed by the articles when raised upwards during the grouping operations. The stabilising device further comprises a contact element, predisposed on the support element so as to be translatable with respect to the support element, and an activator of the contact element, activatable for moving the contact element from a non-operative position, at which the contact element is distant from the vertical sliding guides, to an operative position, at which the contact element is in contact with at least one of the vertical sliding guides.

Abstract: A handheld coffee tamper having a circular tamper base, connected to a handle, wherein the cross section design of the circular tamper base has a stepped configuration where the base of the tamper and the first rise of the first step has a sharp edge having a radius of less than 0.2 mm, where the rise of the first step is between 0.5 to 4.0 mm and the run of the first step is between 0.05 to 2.0 mm and where the second step forms the side wall of the tamper, where the side wall is at least 5.0 mm in height, and where tamper base has a Rockwell hardness of at least 25.

Abstract: A casting device is provided with: a positioning member that is provided to a base and comes into contact with an upper mold and a slide member to define the positions of the upper mold and the slide member at the time of mold clamping; and a restraining force-applying mechanism for applying a restraining force to the slide member in a direction opposite a pressing force acting on the positioning member from the slide member at the time of mold clamping of the slide member.

Abstract: A cylinder mechanism includes a cylinder body, a piston pole slidably installed to the cylinder body, a connecting member mounted to the piston pole away from the cylinder body, and an adjusting apparatus. The cylinder body includes two tabs protruding out from two side surfaces of the cylinder body. Each tab defines a guiding hole extending along a moving direction of the piston pole. The adjusting apparatus includes two screws and two adjusting nuts fitting about the two screws. A first end of each screw is mounted to the connecting member, and a second end of each screw is passed through the corresponding guiding hole. Each adjusting nut is connected to the second end of the corresponding screw, and the adjusting nut is configured to abut against the corresponding tab. The stroke of the piston pole is configured to adjust according as rotating the adjusting nuts.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting system and method includes a hydraulically activated tamper platen to compact compost held within a mushroom compost receptacle. The tamper platen has engageable arms extendable from opposite ends of the top surface of the platen and that each connect to a respective hydraulic piston or cylinder. The hydraulic pistons or cylinders link to respective ends of a brace bar disposed beneath the floor portion of the compost receptacle. Tamping compression of the tamper platen compresses compost between the tamper platen and the brace bar. In one embodiment, the hydraulic pistons are installed in or joined to fixtures, which fixtures may have trolley wheels therein to permit relative movement between the fixtures and guide rails supporting the fixtures so that the mushroom compost compacting system may be traversed along the length of all or a portion of the compost receptacle.

Abstract: A pistol grip spring compressor system including a spring lock unit, an actuator assembly, and an anvil module such that the spring lock unit secures a valve spring coil of a valve spring unit from an internal combustion engine in a fixed position relative to a frame element to permit an anvil, provided by the anvil module and positioned against a valve spring retainer of the valve spring unit, to maintain compression on the valve spring while the valve spring unit is separated from an automobile internal engine combustion block.

Abstract: A device for forming a pattern in a sheet of material is provided. The device includes a base having a detent portion and a locating portion that provides a first position, a platform moveably coupled to the base, and a punch supported by the platform and configured to move between a reset position and a depressed position. The platform includes a detent element configured to engage the detent portion when the platform is proximate the first position and a locating element configured to provide fine location of the platform in the first position relative to the base by engaging the locating portion. The punch forms a pattern in a sheet of material when the punch moves from the reset position to the depressed position and a sheet of material is present proximate the depressed position.

Abstract: Locking device for columns (A) of presses with at least one stationary platen and at least one moveable platen (E), comprising, in a containment body (D), a wedge flange (G) firmly fastened to the back of the tightening wedges (B) and able to translate axially, and where after the tightening of said wedges (B) on said column (A), the group formed by the piston (C) acting on said wedges (B), said wedge flange (G), said wedges (B) and said column (A) translates with a maximum stroke (m) limited by a starting or resting position of the wedge flange (G) to an end stop position, determined by the pressing of said wedge flange (G) on the rear plate (D2) of said containment body (D).

Abstract: A pressing tool includes a tool body having a working end, an actuator held by the tool body and operated during a pressing operation, and a disabling device operable to stop the hydraulic actuator during the pressing operation, wherein the actuator is disabled and locked in a disabled position after the disabling device is operated. Optionally, the disabling device may be configured to be reset to a normal operation position by a key.

Abstract: High pressure composite materials presses are disclosed. Methods and machinery to preform deep draw composite materials with active stretching are also disclosed.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system has a chamber to hold containers shaped as drums and has a plunger that presses into the interior of the drum to press out its highly viscous contents. The chamber has a hinged enclosure that has a hydraulically activated clamp that connects the two sides of the hinged enclosure that is controlled by a controller in a methodical way. The hydraulically activated clamp can be arranged in series and also has a relief cartridge and pressure sensor to prevent the drum from over pressurized. The processing system also has viscous material compounding system that receives and uses the material provided by the drums.

Abstract: A hydraulic fine blanking head for a mechanical press and an infeeding method for same. The hydraulic fine blanking head includes an adjusting mechanism having an adjusting nut provided with an internal motion thread engaged with external motion threads on a main cylinder, the adjusting nut being turnable around a stroke axis, a sprocket wheel rotatable at a frontal surface of the adjusting nut, a hydraulic motor driving the sprocket wheel, and a brake for the motor shaft. Axial backlash between the respective motion threads is prohibited by a pressure generated by a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid which also generates a part forming force in the head. A conduit in communication with a hydraulic system and the interior of the head delivers the locking pressure, locking the threads against the backlash. Removal of pressure unlocks the threads. Infeed of the main cylinder with regard to the ram is adjustable by switching the motor and the brake on and off.

Abstract: A container compression device and a method for associating a beverage container with the container compression device is provided, wherein the container compression device is configurable between an extended configuration and a compressed configuration, container compression device including a first handle portion, wherein the first handle portion includes a plurality of first handle portion linking members pivotably associated with the first handle portion. The container compression device also includes a second handle portion, wherein the second handle portion includes a plurality of second handle portion linking members pivotably associated with the second handle portion. Additionally, the plurality of second handle portion linking members are rotatably connected to the plurality of first handle portion linking members via at least one releasable locking device, wherein the at least one releasable locking device is configurable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A viscous material evacuator has a chamber to hold containers shaped as drums and has a plunger that presses into the interior of the drum to press out its highly viscous contents. The chamber has a hinged enclosure that has a hydraulically activated clamp that connects the two sides of the hinged enclosure. The hydraulically activated clamp can be arranged in series and also has a relief cartridge and pressure sensor to prevent the drum from becoming overpressurized.

Abstract: Stationary compacting, bagging machine comprising a structure intended to compact sorted or unsorted waste inside bags manufactured in laminated polypropylene adequate for this purpose, in which said equipment can perform high compaction of waste, extracting the liquid arising from compaction and eliminating empty spaces between the different kinds of materials, in such a manner that these bags can be deposited in proper landfills with no leaks into the atmosphere nor contamination of the groundwater.

Abstract: A press specially adapted to compress a stack which includes one or more pressure sensitive based fastening layers which are actuated by application of substantial pressure. A lower press plate includes a receiving surface upon which the stack is positioned and first and second guide members, with the receiving surface being tilted with respect to a level plane such that the stack tends to move on the receiving surface towards the two guide members. An upper press plate is provided which includes a compressing surface which is substantially parallel with respect to the receiving surface when the press is in a first operating mode. A drive mechanism is provided for driving the lower and upper press plates towards one another so as to applying a compressing force to the stack.

Abstract: A press for resealable zipper storage bags may be formed similar to a clam-shell, with a resiliently deformable material disposed inside the clam-shell. A user may place objects, such as food, into the storage bag and place the storage bag into the press with its zipper portion disposed outside of the closed press. As the press is closed, air is removed from inside the storage bag. The zipper may be closed and the press opened to remove the storage bag.

Abstract: A trash receptacle compaction system for compacting trash, a trash receptacle of the system having upstanding front, side and back panels, a closed bottom, and a lid. The system further includes a drivable satellite vehicle having a power unit which is operably connectable between the front panel and a compaction ram of the trash receptacle. The separate compaction ram is positioned within the receptacle for slidable movement between the forwardly front panel and the rearwardly rear panel, the compaction ram being driven by the power unit to compact the trash within the receptacle after the satellite vehicle is driven to and properly aligned with the trash receptacle. These trash compaction cycles minimize the frequency of trash receptacle emptying required.

Abstract: A pressing tool includes a tool body having a working end, an actuator held by the tool body and operated during a pressing operation, and a disabling device operable to stop the hydraulic actuator during the pressing operation, wherein the actuator is disabled and locked in a disabled position after the disabling device is operated. Optionally, the disabling device may be configured to be reset to a normal operation position by a key.

Abstract: A canned food pressing device includes a top piece, wherein the top piece is adapted to conform to the shape of a circular can and has multiple columns of vertically aligned gripping teeth. The top piece is also adapted to facilitate gripping and turning. The device also includes a bottom piece, having multiple columns of vertically aligned arcing teeth, wherein the vertically aligned arcing teeth are adapted to mate with the vertically aligned gripping teeth. The bottom piece is also adapted to facilitate gripping and turning. In addition, the bottom piece includes a magnet for lifting a magnetic can lid. Both the top piece and bottom piece also include alignment markers.

Abstract: A pallet nail press for embedding outwardly extended fasteners of a pallet, particularly a block-type pallet having a top surface formed by a plurality of top-deck panels. The press includes a main support frame and an anvil surface having a plurality of plates resiliently attached to the press frame. The hammer beam and the anvil plates are vertically aligned. A mechanism for compressing the pallet between the hammer beam and the plurality of anvil plates is used for pressing the outwardly extended fasteners against the resiliently mounted anvil plates for embedding the fasteners in the top surface of the top-deck panels of the pallet.

Abstract: A foldable paper padding press for compressing paper and other sheet material, wherein adhesive is applied to the compressed edges of paper for making pads, tablets and books. The components of the press rotate around a base for easy loading, padding and storing.

Abstract: A lock assembly (100) is provided. Such a lock assembly includes a housing (120) and a pin assembly (129) disposed within the housing. The pin assembly is selectively actuatable between a locked position, where a pin (140) is displaced into engagement with first and second frame members (104 and 106), and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A stack fastening device includes a base, on an upper surface of which a stack is loaded, a compression plate, which has a flat configuration and is placed over the stack to press the stack, and a plurality of vertical beams, which are installed on the base to extend vertically so that the upper end portion of the beams projects out through the edge of the compression plate, A thread is formed in an upper end portion of each vertical beam, nuts are threadedly coupled to the thread such that the nuts can be tightened against upper and lower surfaces of the compression plate, and engagement grooves are defined in the upper surface of the compression plate so that a head of a hydraulic cylinder can be coupled to the compression plate.

Abstract: A refuse compactor especially designed for use in fast-food restaurant environments includes a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor for actuating a hydraulic ram to compress restaurant waste materials. The compactor includes a unique outer support structure that derives strength from the outer housing skins to support a compaction plate assembly. The compaction plate assembly maintains the platen inclined at a predetermined angle to the vertical when the platen is elevated and which forces the platen to a horizontal disposition during a downward compaction stroke. A motor operated closure member selectively blocks and unblocks a refuse-receiving opening formed in a front door of the compactor unit and with a motion detector controlling the opening and closing of the refuse entry door panel.

Abstract: A manual press for coffee, made from a plate rigid with a stem axially slidable within a first sleeve, members enabling the stem to removably engage a first sleeve, a second sleeve acting on the removable engagement members, a shell internally housing the first sleeve and second sleeve and provided with an operating knot, first elastic device which, when the press is not in use, acts on the second sleeve which maintains the members in the condition under which the stem engages the first sleeve.

Abstract: A refuse bin comprises a refuse container (10) having a top opening (12) and a lid (14) hinged relative to the container to cover the opening. A compacting mechanism is fitted to the lid and comprises a compacting plate (22) mounted under the lid and an actuating rod (24) coupled to the compacting plate through an aperture (26) in the lid. The coupling is such that the rod (24) may be maneuvered from a storage position wherein the rod lies across the top surface of the lid and the plate is drawn up under the lid to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture in the lid and may be pushed downwardly through the aperture to push the plate down into the container. The compacting mechanism further comprises a ratchet mechanism (50, 52, 54) for releasably locking the actuating rod (24) against movement upwardly through the aperture in the lid such that refuse in the container can be compacted by force applied to an edge (48) of the lid opposite the hinge.

Abstract: A preset controller which performs preset control, which allows, in the case of updating and correcting a print operational condition for a print pattern number, another print operation for a different print pattern number to reflect the updated and corrected compensator set value. A preset controller of a compensator in a rotary press is provided. The rotary press includes a compensator for use in a paper leading course extending from a printing unit to a folding unit and a movement device for moving the compensator, and controls the movement device so that the compensator is moved to a preset location suitable for cutting a printed web at an optimum position thereof. The preset controller includes a set value reader for reading, based on a paper leading course number read by a data reader, a compensator number and a compensator set value corresponding to the paper leading course number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jointing press for jointing a first and second free end of one or more belts which is adapted to raise directly the temperature of the surface of the belt (or belts) thereby decreasing heat-up times and which exploits the unheated platens to act as a heat sink in the cooling step thereby eliminating the need for external water or forced air cooling sources.

Abstract: An apparatus main body 1 is provided with an air supply passage 19 for supplying compressed air for supporting a borne surface 42 in a shape of a projecting spherical surface of an aligning member 4 on a bearing surface 32 in a shape of a partial recessed spherical surface of an air bearing 3 such that the borne surface 42 can be aligned and for floating the aligning member 4 with respect to the air bearing 3. A lock mechanism for locking the aligning member 4 has contact faces 24 and 44 in contact with each other at a locking portion 25 at a tip end of a piston rod driven by a cylinder driving portion 2 and on a face of the aligning member 4 opposite to the borne surface 42 and the contact faces are formed into partial spherical surfaces concentric with the borne surface 42.

Abstract: A gang punch tool assembly and method is provided for punching holes in a plurality of greensheets which are processed sequentially through the assembly. The punch mechanism is a gang punch cooperating with a corresponding die and the greensheet is automatically fed to the gang punch and die, the greensheet punched and then the punched greensheet removed from the punch area and another greensheet positioned for punching. Operation of the gang punch apparatus is efficient and effective and has a high greensheet throughput. A preferred gang punch uses a pressurizable air chamber for controlling punching of the greensheet without damage to the greensheets or gang punch mechanism.

Abstract: A gang punch tool assembly and method is provided for punching holes in a plurality of greensheets which are processed sequentially through the assembly. The punch mechanism is a gang punch cooperating with a corresponding die and the greensheet is automatically fed to the gang punch and die, the greensheet punched and then the punched greensheet removed from the punch area and another greensheet positioned for punching. Operation of the gang punch apparatus is efficient and effective and has a high greensheet throughput. A preferred gang punch uses a pressurizable air chamber for controlling punching of the greensheet without damage to the greensheets or gang punch mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus main body 1 is provided with an air supply passage 19 for supplying compressed air for supporting a borne surface 42 in a shape of a projecting spherical surface of an aligning member 4 on a bearing surface 32 in a shape of a partial recessed spherical surface of an air bearing 3 such that the borne surface 42 can be aligned and for floating the aligning member 4 with respect to the air bearing 3. A lock mechanism for locking the aligning member 4 has contact faces 24 and 44 in contact with each other at a locking portion 25 at a tip end of a piston rod driven by a cylinder driving portion 2 and on a face of the aligning member 4 opposite to the borne surface 42 and the contact faces are formed into partial spherical surfaces concentric with the borne surface 42.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: A portable refuse compacting container including a container for receiving a flexible refuse collection bag of the type typically known as garbage bags or leaf bags. Bulky refuse such as leaves, grass clippings and the like may be placed in the refuse collection bag where these materials are compressed by a compacting plate which is loosely received inside the container. The compacting plate is used to compress the refuse by an attached plunger arm which is affixed to the compacting plate and which is pivotally attached to a compaction lever. The compaction lever is pivotally attached to the edge of the top of the container. The compaction lever may be latched in place on the container. The container is provided with wheels for ease in moving either the full or the empty container from place to place. When the compaction lever is latched to the container, the handle of the compaction lever also serves as a handle for moving the container about on its wheels.

Abstract: A device for use with waste containers wherein the waste is packed, compressed and secured in a compact state by a series of waste compacting racks, wherein the device includes an open top waste container squaring fixture consisting of a lid rack formed from a framework of cross arms extending at right angles to each other and sized to that of the open top of the waste container. The lid rack provides a retaining member that cooperates with guide channels to maintain the top peripheral edge of the container in proper configuration to receive and support a container's top closing lid.

Abstract: A collection and compacting apparatus for cardboard refuse such as flat pieces of cardboard and broken down or collapsed cardboard boxes and a uniquely shaped coil of flexible lashing for use with the apparatus for bundling the cardboard refuse. The apparatus, preferably wall mounted, includes a rigid support frame which defines a stationary upright surface and a lower horizontal support surface extending from a lower portion or margin of the stationary surface. A movable platen defines a flat cardboard refuse crushing surface and is pivotally connected at a lower end thereof to the horizontal support surface about an axis spaced from and parallel to the stationary surface.

Abstract: A cam actuated system for precisely timing and quickly operating a locking and unlocking mechanism for a quick change press, said locking and unlocking system being made of at least four locking levers, with at least two of said levers located at each side of the press, and the cam actuated mechanism including a series of at least two cam rollers which roll along the first series of at least two cam tracks for locking said press, and along a second series of at least two cam tracks, each of the series of cam tracks being fixedly mounted at a predetermined location in the travel path of the press.

Abstract: A continuous press for pressing glued press charges is provided. The press includes first and second generally parallel press platens, a driver for driving the press platens through a working stretch at a predetermined rate of travel, and a system for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the press platens to compress and unify the press charges disposed between the first and second press platens. The system is designed to travel through the working stretch of the press, with the press platens, at the predetermined rate of travel.

Abstract: A clamping fixture slides between a pair of guide rails and includes a pressure plate between the guide rails. Lock plates with internal openings for receiving the guide rails are held captive on the pressure plate. An operating bar with stepped ends, one adjacent each locking plate, is deflected by a cam mechanism to incline the lock plates relative to the guide rails, thus wedging the lock plates to prevent further sliding along the guide rails. Return springs are provided to urge the lock plates to an unlocked position when pressure on the operating bar is released. A mixing apparatus using the clamping fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Molding press apparatus (20) for simultaneously operating a plurality of molds (M) having multiple mold parts (M1, M2) including, a framework (25), first and second platen assemblies (U,L) supported by the framework for carrying the mold parts of the molds, a third platen assembly (I) interposed between the first and second platen assemblies for mounting mating mold parts in opposed relation to the mold parts carried by the first and second platen assemblies, a drive assembly (80) for simultaneously moving the first and second platen assemblies relative to the third platen assembly for opening and closing the molds. Loading and unloading apparatus (150) may be provided for simultaneously transporting preformed fiber reinforcements (R) to the molds and for transporting molded parts (P) away from the molds associated with the platen assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved clamping mechanism for use in injection molding machines and similar pieces of equipment where it is desired to apply a clamping force to particular components. The clamping mechanism of the present invention employs at least one spaced apart brake plate mounted to one component and a braking unit for engaging the brake plates. The braking unit has at least one pair of brake pad linings surrounding the brake plates and at least one piston-cylinder unit for causing frictional engagement between the respective brake pad linings and the brake plate(s). When the brake pad linings grip the brake plate(s), the braking unit becomes locked to the components to which the brake plate(s) are attached. The clamping mechanism of the present invention may be employed on simple injection molding machines as well as TANDEM.RTM. injection molding machines.

Abstract: The bundling device of the present invention employs a molded plastic strap formed to present three sides, with the ends of the projecting sides having ridges for engaging a clamp member. Strap engaging channels are provided at each extremity of the clamp member and internally carry pawl members to ratchet against the strap ridges.

Abstract: A heat sealing machine for imprinting garments and the like has a base (10) carrying a lower, horizontal platen (18) above which an upper heated platen may swing from an open, generally vertical position at the rear of the lower platen to a closed position superimposing the lower platen with the upper platen (24) being carried by lever arm (28) pivoted at (26) adjacent its rear end with over-center locking and force multiplying linkage (82, 84 and 96, 98) operatively connected by actuating links (90, 92) to a relatively movable handle mechanism (70) whereby as the handle is swung downwardly to close the upper platen, during the last increments of such closure, relative downward movement of the handle with respect to the platen causes the over-center and force multiplying linkage (82, 84 and 96, 98) to squeeze the upper platen against the lower platen. Threaded member (62) is provided for adjusting the pressure imposed by the upper platen.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for selectively friction clamping a member with respect to a column includes inner and outer threaded portions positioned concentrically around the column and within a housing attached to the member. The inner and outer threaded portions are threaded together to transfer force therebetween. A sealed chamber between the inner and outer threaded portions is selectively pressurized to cause an inner surface on the inner threaded portion to displace inwardly onto an outer surface of the column and the outer threaded portion displacing outwardly to provide frictional resistance to longitudinal movement of the member with respect to the column. The inner thread portion and the outer thread portion have a thread pitch difference to substantially compensate for strain deformation occurring thereupon.

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.