Abstract: A refuse compression apparatus for reducing the volume of a thermal elastic refuse includes a telescopic refuse container which is covered by a bag and is housed in a cylindrical housing and suspended on the top of the cylindrical housing. A top cover box is coupled with the telescopic refuse container and the cylindrical housing so that the bag divides the inner space of the cylindrical housing into a free space inside the bag and an airtight space outside the bag. An air pump provided to connect the airtight space and the outside of the cylindrical housing operates to pressurize the airtight space and cause the bag to press the telescopic refuse container upwardly. Thus, the refuse placed in the telescopic refuse container is pressed against the lower surface of the top cover box and is compressed.

Abstract: A mobile, hydraulic-powered device for compacting the contents of containers, preferably 55 gallon drums. The compactor comprises a haulable frame having a pair of wheels, a compaction housing, two hydraulic cylinders, a hydraulic pump for operating the cylinders, a motor for operating the pump, and a complete system of operational control valves. The first hydraulic cylinder is mounted on top of the compaction housing and operates to drive a compaction plate down into a container positioned within the housing. The second hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the frame and is used to move the compaction housing between an operating position on the ground behind the frame and a transporting position up over the frame. Also, the compactor minimizes excess movement and the release of container liquids during compacting operation, which can apply a force of up to 1000 psi.

Abstract: A trash container having a base and sides, at least a portion of the sides being formed of resilient horizontal pleated material throughout the circumference thereof, and a plunger fitting within the trash container and having a horizontal cross-section conforming to the internal horizontal cross-section of the trash container, the plunger including lips extending about the periphery thereof and shaped and dimensioned to fit over the upper edges of the sides. Alternatively, the top of the container may be used as a plunger. Pressure on the plunger will cause the sides to compress the pleated material, permitting the plunger to be pressed downwardly on the trash and compacting it. In a modification, the sides are rigid and the resilient pleated material is in the top of the container. The pleated or other resilient material has a memory and, so, will return to its original shape after pressure is removed.

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

Abstract: A dewatering press for a mat of solid material, particularly for dewatering of fiber panels, includes upstream and downstream spaced apart stationary uprights, a press having a lower part and an upper part pressing against the mat of solid material in a pressing position of the press and a plurality of rollers mounted on the stationary uprights and guiding respectively a grate belt and lower and upper sealing belts between the uprights.

Abstract: A hand held and hand operated device for compacting and crushing an aluminum beverage can is disclosed. The device comprises an elongate handle that is grasped by the user's hand. An aluminum can is held in a gripper element at one end of the handle. The free end of the aluminum can extending from the gripper element is then pounded against a solid object in a manner similar to pounding one's clenched fist against a table top thereby crushing and compacting the aluminum can.

Abstract: An improved cotton module builder which has a motorized bridge assembly. The cotton module builder includes a bin, a pair of tracks mounted adjacent the top of the bin and a tamper for tamping the cotton. A bridge supports the tamper. Wheels are provided for rollingly supporting the body of the bridge on the tracks. Hydraulic motors are supported by the bridge body and operably coupled to the wheels for moving the bridge along the tracks. A hydraulic source is provided which is remote from the bridge and is coupled to the hydraulic motors located on the bridge for actuating the hydraulic motors to move the bridge along the tracks. Stabilizing wheels are provided at opposite ends of the bridge for preventing racking of the bridge. The stabilizing wheels respectively engage the webs of a pair of I-beams, the upper surfaces of which form the tracks. In a modification of the cotton module builder each of the wheels is driven directly by a separate hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A cylindrical container and cover to be firmly fitted thereon with a bayonet coupling and supports for a lever multiplier to supply to a rack rod a force "n" times stronger than the one applied to the levers, the lever multiplier being integral with a cylinder which slides inside a housing with cuts fitted in the cover center to allow a constant compression according to the heap height; force is transmitted onto the waste to compress it with a piston, which is firmly connected with a nut to the lower part of the rack rod.

Abstract: A waste container includes a hollow body having an open top end, a cover detachably provided on the open top end, and a press member movably mounted on the cover and having a plate portion disposed horizontally inside the hollow body. The press member is vertically movable inside the hollow body to compress garbage inside the hollow body.

Abstract: A trash compactor includes a receptacle with a receptacle opening, a closure member, and a collapsible compacting mechanism mounted in the closure member. The closure member is adapted to be secured over the receptacle opening in a compacting position. With the closure member in the compacting position, the compacting mechanism is adapted to be operated, preferably driven by an electric drive motor, so as to extend a compacting head into the receptacle through the receptacle opening to compact trash received therein. The compacting mechanism is also adapted to retract the compacting head substantially from the trash receptacle. A drive motor control system controls the operation of the drive motor in driving the compacting mechanism. Once the compacting head is retracted from the receptacle the closure member is adapted to be released from the compacting position thereby exposing the receptacle opening so that more trash may be deposited into the receptacle for compacting.

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 truss fabricating machine includes a gantry movable along an X-axis and a pressing cylinder suspended from the gantry which is movable along the Y-axis allowing the pressing cylinder to be located above a joint in a wooden truss. The pressing cylinder presses down to seat connector plates into selected joints of the truss. A joystick generates electrical signals proportional to the direction and extent of movement of the joystick by the operator, which are converted to pulse width modulated electrical signals in a driver, whose output controls proportional solenoids that drive infinite positioning four-way hydraulic valves to actuate hydraulic motors that drive the gantry and pressing mechanism along either the X-axis, or through a separate hydraulic circuit, the Y-axis. The pressing cylinder can be moved along both axes simultaneously.

Abstract: A platform is supported on uprights on a base and extends over the top of an open top waste receptacle arranged to be supported on the base. A can crushing compartment is supported on the platform and has a powered plunger arranged to crush cans in the compartment to a reduced size. The compartment in which the cans are crushed has a bottom opening which is of restricted size whereby to maintain cans in the compartment prior to crushing but which allows cans to fall by gravity into the waste receptacle after being crushed. Sealing structure is provided between the platform and the waste receptacle and also between a cover on the crushing compartment. Venting inlets and outlets are provided on the platform that admit fresh air and that carry away fumes from the waste receptacle.

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 mechanical packing apparatus (10) for packing cotton in a cotton trailer (106) after it has been dumped there by a cotton picker comprising a tractor (12) mounted and hydraulic powered apparatus. The cotton packing apparatus (10) contains a movable packer foot (84) which minimizes the repositioning of the tractor (12) during the packing process. The cotton packing apparatus (10) also is retractable for storage on the tractor (12) when not in use.

Abstract: A trash compactor includes a receptacle with a receptacle opening, a closure member, and a collapsible compacting mechanism mounted in the closure member. The closure member is adapted to be secured over the receptacle opening in a compacting position. With the closure member in the compacting position, the compacting mechanism is adapted to be operated, preferably driven by an electric drive motor, so as to extend a compacting head into the receptacle through the receptacle opening to compact trash received therein. The compacting mechanism is also adapted to retract the compacting head substantially from the trash receptacle. A drive motor control system controls the operation of the drive motor in driving the compacting mechanism. Once the compacting head is retracted from the receptacle the closure member is adapted to be released from the compacting position thereby exposing the receptacle opening so that more trash may be deposited into the receptacle for compacting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying variable pressure to selected areas of a bonding assembly jig to shape a face plate to conform to the contours of contoured heads and hold the face plate in place for welding comprises two inverted U-shaped support frames including two spaced apart elongated vertical support members each having a bottom end and a top end, an elongated horizontal top beam extending between and connecting the top ends of the vertical support members, a track extending between and adjustably fastened to the horizontal top beam, and at least one hydraulic press slidably suspended from the track and adapted to apply pressure to a bonding assembly jig. The support frames are provided with wheels and one of the support frames has vertical support members spaced at a distance less that of the other support frame. This arrangement allows the tracks of each frame to be positioned proximate to each other above a bonding assembly jig.

Abstract: A solid waste compactor having multiple waste receptacles for separately receiving, temporarily holding and compacting separate classes of solid waste, for example paper, glass, aluminum cans and steel cans. A single screw-driven compaction ram compacts solid waste in the several receptacles. The compaction ram extends from a trolley which is movable in two orthogonal directions on orthogonal tracks positioned above the receptacles. A reversible compaction motor mounted on the trolley drives the compaction ram up and down. The receptacles are mounted on a slidable carriage for removal from the compactor.

Abstract: A method for charging a press for making brakeshoes and the like utilizes an intermediate mold to carry the precompacted powder. The intermediate mold is positioned on the press mold and the powder engaged by the raised press ram and a lowered ejection ram so that the powder trapped between the rams is transferred to the press mold. The intermediate mold is then removed, a counterpressure plate is applied and the press operation ensues.

Abstract: Presented is a can crushing device which may be manually operated by employing a foot-operated piston to impose a compressive force on the end of a can contained within a cylindrical cavity. A handle is provided on the device to stabilize the device and provide a support by which the operator may balance himself during use.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated transportable press for compressing radioactive waste materials collected within containers includes a matrix formed of two closable and openable cups receiving a waste collecting container and a stamp actuated to compress the waste within and together with the container into a small package removable from the press.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting articles including a compaction chamber adapted to receive articles to be compacted. An article chute is positioned to feed articles into the compaction chamber. A tamper is mounted in the article chute for precompacting articles in the compaction chamber. A compaction platen is mounted for back and forth movement in the compaction chamber. In one embodiment, the force applied by the platen to the articles in the compaction chamber is measured when the platen is at a selected point of movement in the compaction chamber. If the force measured is less than a selected amount, additional articles are added to the compaction chamber. If, on the other hand, the force is at least equal to a selected amount, the articles are ejected from the compaction chamber. An another embodiment, the tamper is movable between an open and a closed position.

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

Abstract: A press for holding mold segments that are joined to form a mold cavity into which liquid chemicals are injected and reacted to form solid objects includes tie bar extenders to provide field adjustment of the press geometry and further includes booking plate spacers to unload booking plate hinge pins during mold clamping.

Abstract: An implement for compacting fibrous and other compressible materials and especially freshly picked cotton which is transported in mobile trailers or loaded into containers so as to increase the load capacity thereof. The apparatus includes a compaction ram assembly which is both horizontally and vertically adjustably supported relative to a conventional vehicle such as a farm tractor to which the implement is selectively mounted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for restoring curvature to the human spine. The apparatus includes a table for supporting a body in a supine position. Mounted to the table are resilient lumbar and cervical supports. The supports are each shaped to correspond substantially to their named posterior concavity of the spine for applying a static force to the concavity. A force actuator having a piston is spaced above the table to apply a force anteriorly to the spine through the body, the piston extended against and withdrawn from the body as the body resists the force through muscular action. The force actuator is longitudinally movable relative to the body in response to muscular action of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of the liquid phase of a solid-liquid suspension, in which the suspension previously thickened is disposed between two endless filtration bands and is subjected to pressure by a presser module to which is imparted a reciprocating motion, includes at least two tight enclosures, juxtaposed and disposed parallel with respect to each other. Each enclosure is provided with an inflatable membrane providing filtration pressure.

Abstract: Compactor apparatus comprises a conveyor for supplying articles to a hopper positioned alongside the upper end of a compression chamber in which a platen powered by a hydraulic cylinder is adapted to be reciprocated. The hopper is mounted at one end of a beam balance, the displacement of the other end of which measures the weight of a charge in the hopper. When the presence of a specified charge in the hopper is sensed, the conveyor is disabled, the hopper and hydraulic cylinder with the platen in the retracted position are swung laterally to bring the hopper over the compression chamber to dump the contained articles into the chamber. The hopper and cylinder are then returned to their initial positions, the cylinder is actuated to cause the platen to compress the dumped articles, and the conveyor is again enabled to supply articles to the hopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in refuse bins incorporating compacting means for domestic use, wherein the compacting plate comprises two upwardly oriented tabs which are placed in housings in the lid to be slidably associated with a control member. Catches facing opposite each other and borne by said tabs come into slides in the control member embedded in a groove in the lid. In this way, by subjecting the control member to a translation, it may, at the end of a stroke, be pivoted with respect to the catches in order to orient it vertically with a view to vertically actuating the compacting plate.

Abstract: Module builder having a generally rectangular framework with an open top side and with spaced apart side walls and spaced apart front and rear walls. The rear wall is formed by a door movable between open and closed positions. A carriage is mounted on the framework for movement longitudinally of the framework between the front and rear walls. A motor is provided for causing movement of said carriage between the front and rear walls. A tramper mechanism is carried by the carriage and has a tramper foot. A hydraulic actuator is provided for moving said tramper foot vertically within said framework for forming a module of material which is dumped into the framework. Wheels are mounted on opposite sides of said framework to permit the module builder to be transported from one location to another. The side walls have upwardly and outwardly flared portions so that imaginery vertical lines depending from the outer upper margins of the side walls clear the wheels on the sides of the rectangular framework.

Abstract: A vertical support frame has a top reinforced surface forming a first platen surface. A second platen assembly is movable vertically in the support frame and has a surface above the first platen surface forming a second platen surface. Air bags are disposed between the frame and the second platen assembly in an arrangement to lift the second platen assembly to open the press and also to pull the second platen assembly down to close the press. The second platen assembly includes a retractable carriage for moving the second platen surface rearwardly for loading the press. A multiple bag arrangement is also within the concept of the invention and serves to position pressing surfaces directly over the first platen surface. Operating controls are provided to move the carriage platen between forward and retracted positions and also for controlling operation of the fluid operated bags to cause alternate expansion and contraction thereof in the opening and closing of the press.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use on press machines of the type including a barrier guard. The apparatus isolates the kinetic energy source from the point of operation by removing a section of the ram whenever the barrier guard opens to provide access to the die area. The ram section is replaced when the barrier guard is closed. The removal and replacement of the removable ram section occurs concurrently with the opening and the closing of the barrier guard.

Abstract: An improved padding press adapted for convenient and relatively rapid padding of continuously variable sizes of paper, is disclosed. The padding press includes a base which incorporates a blower assembly for forced movement of heated air. A support board assembly, including a main support board, is slideably positioned on a top surface of the base and is adapted to occupy at least one predetermined fixed position thereon. An adjusting board is removably attachable to the base into a position wherein the adjusting board is substantially perpendicular to the main support board. The adjusting board has a pair of adjustably mounted guide rails adapted for receiving continuously variable sizes of paper. A clamping board is attachable to the support board assembly through a pair of cords and a clamping bracket assembly. Each cord is attached to the support board assembly through a rotatable and lockable spindle so that the tension of the cord is adjustable.

Abstract: A tire repair device which vulcanizes an uncured rubber repair plug built in a damaged area of the tire. The frame of the device is in the form of a C-clamp having a heated backing plate which opposes a heated pressure pad. The pad is carried in a cylinder which also receives a sealing piston forming a pressure chamber behind the pad. Air under pressure is applied to the pressure chamber to force the pressure pad against the damaged area of the tire during vulcanization. The pressure pad is flexible in order to conform to the tire surface against which it is pressed in opposition to the backing plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for making modules in which material is deposited in an open-bottom rectangular bin. A tamping mechanism is mounted at the open top of the bin for compressing the material into a module. At each end of the bin 15 is a door that is pivotal about a horizontal axis at the upper section of the bin. While the doors are closed, the material is compressed into a module. The doors are alternately opened for the removal of modules through alternate ends of the bin. At each side of the bin are hydraulic jacks for raising and lowering the bin. While the bin is lowered, the material is compressed into a module. When the bin is raised, a module is removed from the bin. Forming the floor or base of the bin is a movable transfer table that travels over a rectilinear path through the ends of the bin. When a module is formed at one end of the table within the bin, the other end of the table is outside of the bin for the removal of a module.

Abstract: A load arresting station is provided in an apparatus for stacking and compressing batts of compressible material which includes a removable platform on which batts are supported and front and back stop walls for arresting the forward motion and recoil motion of batts driven into the load arresting station along a generally horizontal path.

Abstract: Bank out module builder with unloading mechanism having a generally rectangular framework formed by spaced apart sidewalls and spaced apart front and rear walls with the top and bottom being open, the rear wall being formed by a door being movable between open and closed positions. Ground engaging wheels are carried by the framework to facilitate movement of the framework over the ground. A bottom structure is secured within the lower extremity of the rectangular framework for closing the bottom side. A carriage is mounted in the framework for movement longitudinally along the framework between the front and rear walls. A tramper mechanism is carried by the carriage and is movable vertically in the framework for tramping material introduced into the rectangular framework through the top side to form a module within the rectangular framework.

Abstract: A machine for edge-to-edge joining of planar sheets or strips of material into a board or ribbon of material includes an upper fixed press platen, a lower vertically movable platen, a plurality of rails between the two platens for curing glue used in the joining process, and a delivery table which is movable to and from a position between the platens. The delivery table is provided with grooves holding spacer members to maintain the strips in evenly spaced relationship. Glue is applied to the strips and they are placed on the table, and the table is then moved between the platens. The rails press the strips upwardly against the upper platen, and the lower platen is then moved upwardly to compress the strips, and is shiftable longitudinally to move them into abutting relationship. The initial spacing and subsequent abutment during the assembling and pressing prevent overlapping of the pieces during the joining process.

Abstract: A modular refuse compactor having a shiftable rear compacting platen mounted at the lower end of an electro-hydraulic operated cylinder piston rod, and camming means to shift a folded front compacting platen from a vertical position to a horizontal position during downward movement of the rear platen and retain it in said horizontal position as an extension of said rear platen on the compacting cycle, and return it to the vertical position upon the retraction of the rear compacting platen, and appropriate cams and followers to effect such action.

Abstract: A self-propelled module builder comprising a frame in which cotton or other compressible material is deposited. A compacting mechanism is mounted on the open top of the frame to compress the material into a module. The frame has a side frame structure on each side thereof. Each side frame structure includes a walking beam that is pivotally connected centrally between the ends thereof by an hydraulic jack, which is pivotally attached to the adjacent side frame structure. The ends of the walking beam are connected by pins to parallel spindle tubes. Each spindle tube is constrained for vertical sliding movement by an upright guide, which is fixed to the associated side frame structure. Drive wheels are mounted at the lower ends of the spindle tubes through respective spindles. With the frame lowered, a module is made on the ground to be transported to a suitable facility. When the rectangular frame is raised, the module builder is capable of traveling to another location.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having a packing blade hinged under the cover of a container and movable through an automatic refuse packing cycle involving initial downward extension of the blade through a packing stroke by atmospheric pressure and gravity, to effectively compact refuse within the container, and final upward return of the blade by air pressure to a normal retracted position against the underside of the cover each time the cover is locked in closed position. The compactor embodies a safety feature whereby the packing blade is securely latched in the retracted position and positively inactivated against extension through its packing stroke except when the compactor cover is locked in closed position.

Abstract: A sandwich grill includes a base support housing having a vertical support member supporting a fixed die and a movable die disposed for cooperative opposed relationship for confining a sandwich therebetween. The dies include shearing elements for shearing excess sandwich material from the dies and are supported on arms that also provide shearing action for shearing the material to permit it to drop into a scrap or waste tray disposed beneath the dies. The dies are heated by electrical heating elements connected in a control circuit including thermostatic and timing controls for selecting temperature and time on the grill. The movable die is operated by a lever and cam arrangement which moves the movable die in a vertical path and then in a pivotal path for moving the die vertically away from the fixed die and pivoting backwards out of the way.

Abstract: A compactor arrangement is proposed for compacting waste in skips; that is to say, open-topped, truck-borne containers such as are used by builders and municipal authorities. The compactor arrangement includes a compactor having a pressure platen which can move generally upwardly and downwardly out of and into a skip, means for receiving and locating a plurality of skips, and means for effecting relative movement between the compactor and the receiving and locating means, whereby in use the pressure platen of the compactor can be caused to make successive compacting strokes on different skips in turn.

Abstract: A portable bale press for tobacco and the like. The press includes a wheeled support and a compression chamber on a pivotable frame on the support. A press head attached to the rod of a hydraulic cylinder is also on the frame and is movable into the compression chamber to form a compressed mass of tobacco in the compression chamber. Power is supplied for driving the press head. The pivotable frame which supports the compression chamber, hydraulic cylinder and press head and is shiftable between an inactive position for transportation of the bale press and an active position where the compression chamber of the press is in position for compression of tobacco. Releasable holding and shifting structure is provided for transferring the frame between positions and holding the frame in the active and inactive positions for tobacco compression and transportation of the bale press respectively.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning and packing tobacco leaves after curing. The cured tobacco leaves are conveyed to a rotating drum of wire construction to allow sand and dirt to be removed from the tobacco leaves while being tumbled. The cleaned tobacco leaves are then deposited within a sheeting ring which is positioned on a tobacco sheet. A power operated compression member engages the tobacco leaves within the ring to compress the same. Locking elements are provided for selectively engaging the sheeting ring with the compression member for removing the same as a unit from the tobacco, following which the ends of the tobacco sheet are tied together.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having an auxiliary loading means for introducing small refuse elements into the compacting container for obviating the need to move the compacting container to the normal fully exposed refuse loading position exteriorly of the compactor cabinet. A door may be used to control the small access opening. The compacting ram is disposed at the top of the compacting container in the retracted position and is constructed to define a passage for movement of refuse from the auxiliary opening into the container notwithstanding the disposition of the ram means therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for compressing packaging of articles such as insulation batts has a bomb-bay door arrangement for depositing successive batches of the articles in stacked relationship into a downwardly open chamber, and a pressure member movable around an endless path of movement for pressing the articles downwardly at the bottom of the chamber into compression space. A retainer is movable to and from a position overlying the compression space for retaining the articles in their compressed condition in the compression space until the pressure member moves downwardly again through the chamber to compress further articles into the compression space. A ram is provided for discharging the compressed articles from the compression space to a bagging apparatus.

Abstract: A device for compacting trash and the like comprises a bin having an open top through which the material to be compacted can be passed and walls which define a volume into which the material is deposited. A horizontally disposed, rectangular pressure plate for compacting the material is horizontally driven from a zone horizontally removed from the open top into a region above the volume. The pressure plate is vertically driven between the region and the volume to compact the material in the bin and is returned to the region. The plate is vertically driven by first and second vertical pistons that are respectively positioned to drivingly engage opposite, straight, parallel edges of the pressure plate. The pistons are separately driven by fluid pressure until the fluid pressure acting on one of the pistons reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing rows of flat articles, such as side-seamed folding carton blanks, in a box. A flat table top is provided with a cavity in the packing region which receives interchangeable inserts. Sets of rear abutment fingers and front compression fingers are mounted for vertical movement between hidden retracted positions and operative raised positions protruding through apertures in an insert. When the operator slides a first row of blanks to the packing region, a switch in the table surface causes a moveable wall to be extended and the rear fingers to rise. Another switch near the rear fingers causes a modular drive mechanism to extend the front fingers and then move them longitudinally to compress the row of articles. A nozzle blows a stream of air across the insert to hold a divider in place against the edge of the compressed row. A second row is then arranged against the next set of rear fingers and the divider, as a second set of front fingers extend and then compress the second row.