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: An improved oil filter crusher unit is provided for use in recovering used motor oil from an oil filter of the type used in automotive vehicles and for reducing the volumetric size of an oil filter prior to disposal with other trash in a landfill or the like. The crusher unit includes a crushing piston assembly having a pneumatic piston connected via a bearingless piston shaft to a filter crushing head. An air circuit system provides pressurized air to the piston assembly to advance the crushing head into engagement with an oil filter disposed within a crushing chamber. A control lever on the outside of the unit mechanically interlocks with a safety door to prevent access to the crushing chamber during unit operation. In addition, the geometry of the crushing head incorporates one or more protrusions which initiate filter crushing by crimping localized areas of the filter and thereby weaken the filter so that crushing can be accomplished with relatively low peak crush forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a test liquid between chambers of a chemical reaction pack. The apparatus includes a series of actuation modules arranged in adjacent relationship to each other to define chemical reaction pack receiving stations therebetween. Each actuation module includes pressure applicators for applying external pressure to the chambers of the reaction pack and temperature control elements for heating and cooling the test liquid within the chemical reaction pack.

Abstract: A trash compactor or other materials loading assembly wherein a flexible memory containing ramrod and associated platen may be flexibly driven against a trash load in such a manner as to assume its general contour and provide good trash compacting efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the ramrod is made of relatively low cost polyvinylchloride (PVC), thereby avoiding the high costs associated with metal components. In addition, the ramrod is flexibly driven by slidable engagement with a PVC piston driver in a seal tight arrangement so as to maintain good liquid tight hydraulic fluid sealing at the side walls of the piston driver. This assembly may be used either in a trash compacting operation or in the high density compacting of new and recyclable materials. The present invention is also directed to a new and improved method of compacting materials in a high density, low cost and efficient mode of operation.

Abstract: The press has a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mounted beneath a work plate, and linked to an upper press plate by rods extending through the work plate to provide compression in a die-set area defined between the upper press plate and the work plate. The pneumatically operated piston and cylinder are encased within an enclosed base which is insulated. The movable cylinder acts against springs also mounted within the base which cause the press plate to rebound after a pneumatically operated downstroke.

Abstract: A trash receptacle compactor for compacting trash in a trash receptacle enclosed in a housing, including a plunger disposed within the housing in alignment with the trash receptacle and lever means outside of the housing and interconnected with the plunger for selectively operating the plunger to compact trash within the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved can crusher device including a coil spring, forming a chamber, attached at its upper end to a substantially flat disk. When force is applied to the disk a can placed within the chamber is crushed. Preferrably, the coil spring is flared progressively toward its lower end to confer stability to the device during the can crushing operation and promote optimal can compression. The preferred disk has a peripheral edge and annular wall on its lower surface which work with the coil spring to hold the can in place. One preferred embodiment has gaps in the annular wall to release accumulated air pressure. When not in use, the can crusher may be compacted for storage or transportation with holders positioned through the disk and under the coil. The device is light-weight, yet durable, promotes quick, efficient can crushing, and enhances the economic virtues associated with recycling empty cans.

Abstract: A supporting frame includes a pair of press bars adjustable fore and aft and being positionable in an upper or lower position relative to the frame. A hydraulic press head assembly is supported above the press bars and is manually operable to engage a work piece supported by the press bars. The hydraulic press head assembly includes a manually operated pump, a release valve, a relief valve and an oil reservoir all supported upon the upper end of a press frame. The entire assembly is designed to be supported on a conventional work bench or on its own work bench as desired.

Abstract: This invention is a combination can crusher and exercise device. A spring loaded jaw means acts as an exerciser for the user thereof while at the same time being adaptable for use as a can crusher. The present invention has the additional feature of being self-adjustable for either short or tall cans, particularly cans of the beer and soft drink type.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for crushing aluminum beverage cans after the contents have been emptied. The can crusher includes a frame having an anvil mounted at one end thereof and a movable ram positioned on the frame and facing the anvil, a crushing chamber is affixed to the frame for supporting the can between the anvil and the ram and a means is provided for moving the ram toward the anvil and then away from the anvil.

Abstract: A manually operable apparatus is provided for crushing metal cans and unscrewing lids of jars. The apparatus is comprised of a base, a guide rising upwardly from the base, an overhead assembly which slidably engages the guide, and a handle adapted to cause vertical movement of the overhead assembly. A can or jar to be acted upon is positioned upright upon the base. Forceful downward movement of the overhead assembly accomplishes the desired effect.

Abstract: A trash compactor apparatus including a tubular support structure on which is mounted a cylinder assembly which may be pressurized with water such as from a municipal water system. A piston of the cylinder assembly carries a compaction foot for compressing waste within an open receptacle. Elastic tubing functions to retract the piston in the absence of cylinder pressure. The tubing may be mounted in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A portable can crushing device particularly suitable for crushing aluminum cans. The can crushing device is comprised of a housing having a carriage with an abutment movable towards a fixed abutment supported by the housing. The carriage is mounted for horizontal movement in slots in the housing and is moved toward the abutment by means of an eccentric cam, which has a curvature such that maximum force is applied to the can during the first few inches of travel, then a lesser force at higher speed is applied to complete the crushing of the can. The cam is provided by the edge of a rotably mounted plate engaging a roller on the carriage with the plate having a handle or lever for rotating the cam and applying the force. Aluminum cans placed between the carriage and end wall are crushed by rotating the handle up to apply a force through the cam to the carriage to crush the cans down to approximately less than one-fifth (1/5) their full size.

Abstract: A method for compacting an empty container which comprises applying a compressive force to the sidewall of the container at two points substantially opposite to each other and approximately midway between the container ends thereby causing the sidewall of the container to collapse inwardly on a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container and approximately midway between the container ends. Upon release of the compressive force to the container sidewall, a second compressive force is applied to one end of the container while the other end is held firm, thereby causing the container sidewall to collapse along the longitudinal axis of the container so as to bring the container ends together. An empty container compacting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compactor for salvaging aluminum cans has a removable upright tube that fits into a groove in the base; a replaceable anvil has an arcuate slot that fits over a section of the above-mentioned groove, and the tube wall passes through this slot to reach the groove. A thrust rod, bearing a crushing block, is hingedly connected to a lever arm by means of a U-bolt so that it can remain substantially upright.

Abstract: A juice press includes a fixed platen and a base held separated by a frame which serves as a track. The track guides movement of a moveable platen toward and away from the fixed platen under the influence of an extension jack mounted between the base and moveable platen and return springs which connect the base and moveable platen.

Abstract: An empty can crusher for crushing and flattening empty cans, comprising an inlet, a chute, a stopper device, a pressing device and a forked chute. Empty cans supplied in the crusher are crushed and flattened by the pressing device and are sorted into aluminium cans and steel cans by means of a magnet embedded in the pressing device, which fall down into respective receptacles through the forked chute.

Abstract: Press element insertion apparatus (86) is a press-like apparatus used to insert pins (82) or sockets (82) into a cable connector (84). Clamp (104) is adapted to securely hold a pin (82) or socket (82) with a conductor attached for insertion into a cable connector (84). Clamp (104) readily releases the pin (82) or socket (82) after insertion into a cable connector (84) by operating lever operated cam (120) which releases movable jaw member (118). Internal springs (122) cause movable jaw member (118) to laterally release pin (82) or socket (82). The cable connector support (90,92) is a two-axis position guide that prevents cable connector (84) from rotating during cable fabrication while simultaneously providing two degrees of freedom that are necessary to insert pins (82) and sockets (82) in an array (86) of element insertion locations.

Abstract: An improved can crushing device designed to crush cans such as aluminum beverage containers for recycling purposes comprises a vertically reciprocating plunger 60, the faceplate 68 of which acts in conjunction with an elevated can platform 26, mounted on a primary column 10 to exert force at the top and bottom of the can 100 to effectuate the crushing process. A handlebar 62 attached at the top and a footbar 82 attached at the bottom of the plunger assembly 60 provides a means for the operator simultaneously to apply force from arm and leg muscles and body weight to crush the can. A suppressor 16 is built into the primary column to permit the operator to gain and maximize the use of momentum at the first and at the final stages of the crushing process and to absorb the abrupt reduction of downward movement at the last stage of the crushing process. A return spring 28 holds the device at its fully extended height except during the crushing process.

Abstract: Device for baling scrap such as corrugated paper cartons and the like, including a pointed spindle extending upwardly through a support platform. The point of the spindle is detachable from the spindle shaft, and supports tie strings routed from beneath the support platform. A baling lever disposed above the support platform is drawn downward from its rest position toward the spindle to impale scrap on the spindle; an accumulation of impaled material on the spindle forms a stack to be baled. The spindle is linked to a vertically movable spindle support lever beneath the platform; the support lever is normally latched in its uppermost position to support the spindle in its operative position. When the stack of material is to be bound into a bale, the point of the spindle is detached and the spindle support lever is released and lowered, withdrawing the spindle shaft from the stack of material and leaving the strings threaded through the stack.

Abstract: A substantially funnel-shaped constricting fiber chute or shaft possesses at its lower portion blade springs forming a diaphragm or the like. These blade springs extend at an acute angle with respect to the lengthwise axis of the fiber chute. At their free ends these blade springs delimit an exit or outlet opening, by means of which the fiber chute opens into a container, such as a bag or sack or the like which is exchangeably secured at such fiber chute. A driveable plunger arranged coaxially with respect to the fiber chute possesses a plunger head which tapers in the outlet direction. The plunger head possesses a toothed or serrated band. Upon penetration of the plunger into the fiber chute or shaft the plunger head compacts fibers which have collected in the fiber chute and expresses such, while further compacting the same, into the sack. The equipment is particularly suitable for use at a fiber separator at which the fibers separated from a transport air current or stream drop into the fiber chute.

Abstract: A pneumatic press assembly 10 uses air pressure to power a piston 70 in a cylinder 52 through a power stroke. Springs 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 oppose the motion of the piston 70. A set of return springs (76 and 78) is effective over the entire stroke of the piston. The return springs are compactly mounted within the cylinder 52 between the bottom of the piston 70 and a shoulder 56 which extends radially inwardly from the cylinder wall. The shoulder also cooperates with a central portion 110 of the piston 70 to prevent rotation of the piston. A second set of springs (80, 82, 84, and 86) is effective only when the piston 70 is within a predetermined distance from the bottom of the power stroke. The second set of springs 80, 82, 84 and 86 is disposed between the bottom 230 of the cylinder 52 and a preload member 234. When the piston 70 approaches the bottom of its stroke, it contacts the preload member 234 which in turn compresses the springs 80, 82, 84, and 86 bringing the piston to a halt.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a two-stage crushing of empty cans along their longitudinal axes to collapse them to minimum bulk. The apparatus has a stanchion fixed to a base and long and short lever arms pivotally mounted on the stanchion. A pivotal linkage interconnects the long lever arm with the short lever arm. First and second crush heads are pivotally mounted between the base and the long and short lever arms with a pantograph type linkage to control the attitude of the crush heads.In the first stage of crushing, the can is placed between the first of the crush heads and the base, and the long lever arm is moved toward the base to partially crush the can axially. In the second stage, the partially collapsed can is placed between the base and the second crush head. The long lever arm is moved toward the base thereby moving the short lever arm toward the base and the can is thereby completely axially crushed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding and crushing empty cylindrical cans such that after being folded and crushed the can end faces are essentially coplanar. The apparatus comprises a flat stationary anvil and a flat parallel reciprocable platen defining therebetween a folding compartment into which an empty can is inserted, an independently reciprocable creasing element or plunger slidably inserted in an aperture through the center of the reciprocable platen such as to enter and leave said folding compartment, and a drive arrangement simultaneously advancing the reciprocable platen and reciprocable creasing element into said folding compartment towards the can, the creasing element being advanced more rapidly than or ahead of the platen, and drive retracting the creasing element after the creasing element has nearly passed through the can without stopping the advance of the platen, and subsequently retracting the platen.

Abstract: A crusher assembly which includes a base having a first and second shelf portion extending therefrom, at least one guide rod interconnecting the upper and lower shelf portion, a presser member slidably mounted on the at least one guide rod for movement between a first open position for receiving an object to be crushed and a second compression position, a pin member connected to the presser member, a handle member, a pivot member pivotably connecting the handle member to the first shelf portion, a link member pivotably connecting the handle member and the pin member, the link member being interconnected to the handle member in the open position above the pivot member wherein the pivot member, the at least one guide rod, the handle member and the pin member are disposed in substantially the same plane in the open position for maximizing the crushing force applied to the object to be crushed positioned between the presser member and the at least one of the first and second shelf portions.

Abstract: A container closed by a lid for receiving and compacting waste paper includes a volume-occupying lid (3, 14) which fits inside the container (1, 13). The container (1, 13) defines a chamber large enough to accomodate individual pieces of waste to be deposited and compacted. The lid (3, 14) is retained in the container-closing position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic force-exerting machine, such as a trash compactor, punch press, etc., which is characterized by the use of a flexible container in the hydraulic system as the force-exerting means.

Abstract: A one at a time can crusher, specifically for recycling aluminum cans, includes an aligning and separating feed chute for cans leading to an end-to-end crusher, and a contact arrangement for detecting the type of can, actuates a solenoid crusher. The unit includes storage for a large number of crushed cans, and a magnetic metal and glass rejector, with an overweight can rejector when used for aluminum.

Abstract: An improved can crusher has two movable jaws, a first jaw and a second jaw, both movably mounted in a support housing. The jaws are initially spaced apart one from the other a distance sufficient to allow a can to be inserted between them. A member capable of generating a mechanical force is mounted on the housing and is directly connected by a connecting member to the second of the movable jaws by a force transferring member and is indirectly connected by the same connecting member to the first jaw by a force modifying member. The force modifying member modifies the mechanical force so generated to achieve a mechanical advantage. When the member capable of generating the mechanical force is activated this force is first transferred to the first jaw, and because of the mechanical advantage achieved, the first jaw is able to initially overcome the structural resistance of the can and crimp it.

Abstract: A press which has a short ram stroke in which the ram is movable in a single plane in a working direction and return direction, particularly for high speed cutting presses, comprises, a press frame with a ram carried by the press frame which is supported by springs which are rigidly connected to the ram and to the press frame and hold the ram resiliently for movement in the working and return direction but rigidly in all other planes.

Abstract: An improved punching press employing a crank shaft, two crank arms having wide longitudinal surfaces for driving to a pressure head connected with a slide, and a crank pin connecting punch ram so as to complete the procedures of pressing and punching during one revolution of the crank shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking meat patties and the like including a pair of opposing heat transfer plates having inner cooking faces for holding the patties therebetween and an outer heat receptor portion for receiving heat such as from the surrounding fat in a deep-fat cooker. Securing the plates a predetermined distance apart corresponding to the thickness of the meat pattie. Adjustably connecting the plates together to compress the uncooked meat pattie and/or to compress the meat pattie as it is being cooked. Providing a stack of heat transfer plates which form a series of vertically spaced compartments, with alternate compartments being used for holding a meat pattie, and the interstitial compartments receiving the heat source medium such as fat.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing cans uses a pair of guide rods having an anvil attached at each end, and a pair of sliding rams sliding on the guide rods. Can support wire members are positioned between each ram and anvil to support a can during crushing. A ram drive cam alternately drives each ram to crush a can against its associated anvil. The single drive cam is connected through reduction gearing to a flywheel which is driven by an electric motor. Each ram has a cam follower and the rams are connected together with springs to maintain the cam followers in continuous contact with the cam. A second embodiment has four rams driven by a single motor and flywheel driving a pair of cams and a can feed mechanism feeds cans in synchronization with the movement of rams.

Abstract: A compressor for cans and the like. First and second plates are pivotally secured to each other for movement between open and closed positions, each of said plates including a planar bearing surface defining a compression area. In a preferred embodiment, the plates are non-parallel in the open position and generally parallel in the closed position with the location of the pivot connection being offset from the planes of both bearing surfaces. This offset facilitates ejection of the compressed material while reducing the forces which tend to prematurely eject the material to be compressed.

Abstract: The fluid-pressure actuated press is mounted on a column structure. It has a ram, a piston, and an associated piston rod. The free end of the piston rod reciprocates downwardly. A support adjustably mounts the ram on the column structure. A lever bar has a proximate free end in engagement with the free end of the piston rod. The distal end of the lever bar is pivoted about a fixed fulcrum carried by the support. A chuck rod is slidably mounted relative to the support along an axis which is parallel to the axis of the piston rod. The chuck rod is pivotably associated with the lever bar at a point intermediate its ends, whereby the reciprocation force on the piston rod is multiplied by the lever ratio to cause reciprocation of the chuck rod with the multiplied force.

Abstract: A fluid-operated press featuring a cavity and piston within its base for pulling down on an elevated tool holder.

Abstract: A tool carriage for a machine tool is mounted on a support for movement between a working position and a rest position. The machine drive moves the carriage in a path from the rest position into the working position and thereafter permits return to the rest position. A spring interposed between the carriage and the support is stressed during carriage movement into the working position so that the stressed spring biases the carriage to return to the rest position. An auxiliary return device supplements the biasing force of the spring and thereby augments the force available for returning the carriage toward the rest position at least in a position of the carriage adjacent the working position.

Abstract: A manual compactor having two handles each pivoted at one end for movement through adjacent arcs toward and away from each other, such reciprocating activation motion being translated into rotary motion in a single direction by means of ratchet and pawl arrangements about the pivot shaft of each handle, and thenceforth to rotary motion of opposing screws one each of which is driven by each handle, which in turn act through ball nut structures to forcibly draw together plates with force sufficient for compacting, the handles also having provisions for actuating push rod within the handles for the purpose of disengaging the pawls from the ratchets thereby allowing retraction through spring loading of the plates and repositioning of the apparatus for subsequent compacting.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing or squeezing a stack of folded, essentially flat products, especially printed products, comprising a stack receiver compartment closed at its lowr end by a support element and a counter pressure device arranged above the support element. The support element and the counter pressure device are movable relative to one another, in order to press together the stack arranged between the counter pressure device and the support element. The counter pressure device comprises at least one pressing element pivotable about an essentially horizontal pivot axis. The pressing element spans over the stack receiver compartment in the direction of the pivot axis. This pressing element can be rocked upwardly by a product stack, out of a lower pivotal position inclined in the direction of the support element, against the action of at least one pressure element acting upon the pressing element.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially compacting a plurality of containers includes first and second plates each juxtaposed with respect to the other and having respective compacting surfaces, one of the plates being operated by a cam for effecting the reciprocal operation toward and away from the other plate so as to crush containers between the two compacting surfaces. A magazine is provided above the compacting plates for feeding the containers into the space therebetween, the magazine being pivoted above the plates such that downward rotation of the magazine occurs responsive to the weight of a predetermined number of the containers to operate a switch which energizes the cam mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to apparatus for compacting trash comprising a compactor head and a portable refuse container having an open upper end positionable below and in substantially vertical alignment with the head. A foot operated treadle, when reciprocally manipulated, causes a relative joining motion between the head and the trash disposed within the confines of the container thereby compressing the trash. A release mechanism disengages the head and the container permitting the container and the head to be separated and the removal of the container from below the head; thereafter, more waste may be inserted in the container.

Abstract: A stamping press with an augmented power stroke has a support with a guide portion in which is slidably seated a ram having an elongated passage therein parallel to the axis of movement thereof and a head portion at one end for mounting tooling thereon. A plurality of pulley members are spaced equiangularly about and secured to the other end of the ram with the rotational axes thereof being perpendicular to the axis of movement of the ram. A piston is slidably seated in the passage in the ram and is driven in reciprocating movement by an air cylinder operatively connected to the end thereof adjacent the pulley members. Chain members equal in number to the pulley members are connected at one end to the aforementioned end of the piston and at the other end to the support at a point spaced axially of the ram from the pulley members toward the head portion thereof, each chain member extending intermediate its length about one of the pulley members.

Abstract: A V-shaped, substantially flat, sheet metal, combined web-connector plate having diverging web-forming legs and integral apex and leg end connector portions provided with struck-out teeth for embedding within spaced apart wooden chord members to form a wood chord-metal web type truss. The truss is assembled upon an apparatus including a horizontal support surface, chord support means for removably positioning the chords above the support surface and means for positioning a number of truss-web connectors beneath the chords, with their teeth extending upwardly towards the chords. Additional web-connectors are located loosely upon the upper surfaces of the chords. A two-unit press is supported upon the support surface on opposite sides of the chords for movement parallel to the chords, and is provided with clamp pressure means which overlap selected apex and leg connector portions on both chords and simultaneously squeeze them toward the chords for embedding their teeth therein.

Abstract: A disc type press having hydrostatic bearings in the ram driving mechanism and a device for varying the distance between the ram and table. This device is located in the press head and is provided with a separate drive. Upper slipper pads are mounted on the ends of screws screwed into the press head. The screws are coupled with each other by a driving mechanism with adjustable speed and torque. The driving discs are provided with transverse, hydrostatic or roller bearings.

Abstract: A bending foot is placed in the middle of an aluminum beer can laying on the roadside and the foot is pushed down by a stalk extending upward from the foot. This causes the ends of the can to angle inward as the center of the can is flattened out; then, the ends of the can are folded over the foot by stepping on a platen which is telescoped to the stalk. With the can folded around the foot, the tool with the can is lifted and the can slipped off.

Abstract: An improved compacter for flattening or compacting metal cans and the like wherein the can is initially positioned between a pair of spaced gripping members, the gripping members being subsequently moved toward each other compacting the can disposed therebetween. The gripping members grippingly engage the can and secure the can in a stationary position with respect to each of the gripping members and one of the gripping members is initially rotated as the gripping members are moved toward each other thereby twisting and weakening the structural integrity of the can to facilitate the compacting thereof.

Abstract: The cover of a refuse container, adapted to be sealed upon the container, is internally provided with a bellows having a pressure plate to bear against the material being compacted as the plate moves downwardly in the container in response to expansion of the bellows. The plate assembly and container define a collapsible chamber from which air is evacuated by a power means to reduce the internal pressure while air at atmospheric pressure expands the inside of the bellows. Automatic means to vent the evacuated collapsible chamber to atmosphere is provided in a control system that includes the power means to evacuate air. The container may be independent of the other elements of the invention and may be supported for translatory movement in and out of operative connection to the power means and cover whereby a plurality of containers may be employed with a single power system.