Abstract: The present invention obtains a multi-shaft drive device that can protect a rack and pinion from operative load input to a selector. The multi-shaft drive device is provided with: an input-side bevel gear (52) to which motor power is transmitted; and an output-side bevel gear (34) that transmits the power transmitted from the input-side bevel gear (52) to a movable mechanism. The multi-shaft drive device is further provided with: a selector (10) that connects/disconnects the meshing of the output-side bevel gear (34) and the input-side bevel gear (52); and a rotating shaft (16) that causes the selector (10) to slide via a rack (18) and pinion (17). Furthermore, the angle of rotation of the rotating shaft (16) is regulated by the end of the pinion (17) contacting a vertical wall (1A) of a case (1).

Abstract: A slide motion control apparatus for a mechanical press comprising: a slide which is disposed so as to be relatively vertically movable with respect to a driven body to which a drive force is transmitted through a con rod of the mechanical press; a relative position commander that outputs a relative position command indicating a relative position of the slide with respect to the driven body; a relative position detector that detects a relative position of the slide with respect to the driven body, and outputs a relative position detecting signal indicating the detected relative position; a servomotor; a drive mechanism that relatively moves the slide with respect to the driven body by a drive force of the servomotor; and a controller that controls the servomotor based on a relative position command signal output from the relative position commander, and the relative position detecting signal output from the relative position detector.

Abstract: A rack and pinion centering device for stack molding has at least one attachment device comprising a base attached to a mold member and at least one releasable clamp member, an end of a rack of a centering device being interposed between the base and the releasable clamp member and being held in a longitudinal location relative to the base within a range of adjustment by the releasable clamp members, whereby the longitudinal location of the rack relative to the mold member is determined within the range of adjustment. The attachment device permitting machining of mold members for attachment of centering devices while a mold assembly is removed from the clamp unit of a molding machine.

Abstract: A manually operated press comprises an actuation lever coupled to a shaft assembly. An actuation of the actuation lever is transformed into a stroke movement of a press ram. A clutch assembly is provided for interrupting a flow of force between the actuation lever and the press ram. The clutch is adapted to separate an input shaft from an output shaft depending on predetermined pressing parameters. The input shaft extends as an inner shaft through the output shaft. The clutch assembly has a first clutch designed as a stroke stop for immobilizing the input shaft with a press housing depending on the pressing parameter, and a second clutch designed as an overload clutch for interrupting a flow of force between the input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing coffee has a base and housing supporting a filtercup and a pressing cylinder. The pressing cylinder has a forked end engaging a cylindrical body and attached to a rocker arm. A counterweight is attached to an end of the rocker arm. The cylindrical body has a rack engaging a ring gear activated by a lever. Movement of the lever causes movement of the cylindrical body and pressing cylinder. A pinion attached to the cylindrical body moves along a second rack. Movement of the pinion is translated to a bevel gear pair and a pin between the prongs of the forked end.

Abstract: A kitchen hand tool for crushing, slicing, or juicing food products. The tool is operated by closing two handles that rotate a drive gear that engages the ratcheting tooth portion of a crush paddle resulting in the movement of the crush paddle toward a basket, crushing and discharge of the food item through the basket. A drive pawl forces the drive gear to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn forces ratcheting tooth portion and subsequently the crushing paddle down in a clockwise direction applying crushing force on the garlic or any item placed in the crushing area. As the drive gear turns until it clicks past a locking pawl. This cycle of opening and closing the handles is repeated until the crush paddle is fully advanced and can move no further and is against the basket.

Abstract: A press includes an arm mechanism to input force transferred to upper and lower rollers by a worm unit. The worm unit occupies less space so that even if the size of the press is increased, the worm unit can be used without too much change. The handle is located on a top of the casing of the press and is formed together with the casing of the press. A suction mechanism is located on an underside of the base part of the casing and is controlled by a lever. A platform is independently connected to the casing.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing or frame for receiving the bottle, an element for fixing the bottle, a heating element surrounding part of the bottle and compressing means for compacting the softened bottle, wherein the housing or frame is constructed to receive the bottle with its mouth part upwards, the heating element or the part of the heating element surrounding the bottle is at most 60 mm high, and is arranged around the neck part of the bottle in its starting position and the fixing element is a sealable plug in the compressing means, to be fitted into the mouth of the bottle and having an air channel, the cross section of which is preferably adjustable, preferably with flow control means. The flow control means may be a valve.

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 compaction plate assembly that 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 gear drive system for a printer designed to print upon a continuous roll of paper and having a blade used to cut off printed portions of paper from the paper roll is implemented. The gear drive system consists of a drive shaft 330, a slip clutch 401, a clutch gear 116, a drive gear 110, and a staggered gear 112 which controls the paper cutter blade 106. During printing, clutch 401 allows the drive shaft 330 shaft to slip relative to the clutch gear 116. When printing stops, clutch 401 locks clutch gear 116 which is engaged with the first portion of staggered gear 112 and causes staggered gear 112 to rotate until the second portion of staggered gear 112 engages the drive gear 110. Staggered gear 112 is then driven by the drive gear 110. A cutter blade is controlled by staggered gear 112, with the blade cutting off the paper as the drive gear 110 is in reverse rotation.

Abstract: A multi-functional food processing, preparation and juicing unit includes an elongated hollow post fixed to a base and extending vertically therefrom. A pressure assembly is movably mounted to the post and configured to removably accept an upper processing adapter having a predetermined surface configuration. The pressure assembly includes a rack residing within the post and having a plurality of teeth. A rotatable crank assembly includes a gear extending into the post which engages the teeth of the rack for raising and lowering the pressure assembly by rotating a handle operably engaged with the gear. A holder is fixed to an upper end of the base, and is configured to releasably accept a lower processing adapter having a surface configuration which substantially mates with the surface configuration of the upper processing adapter to perform a predetermined food processing function when the upper processing adapter is brought towards the lower processing adapter.

Abstract: A system for attaching a food processing adapter to a food processing unit includes an upper processing adapter attached to a pressure assembly of the unit, and a lower processing adapter attached to a holder at a base of the unit. The holder includes a first slot extending horizontally into a top portion of the holder, and a second slot opposite the first slot and extending vertically into the holder. A first tab extends horizontally from the lower processing adapter and is configured to be inserted into the first slot. A second tab extends vertically from the lower processing adapter so as to be inserted into the second slot. A locking mechanism is configured to releaseably lock the second tab in place to prevent movement of the lower processing adapter during operation of the food processing unit.

Abstract: A gear drive system for a printer designed to print upon a continuous roll of paper and having a blade used to cut off printed portions of paper from the paper roll is implemented. The gear drive system consists of a drive shaft 330, a slip clutch 401, a clutch gear 116, a drive gear 110, and a staggered gear 112 which controls the paper cutter blade 106. During printing, clutch 401 allows the drive shaft 330 shaft to slip relative to the clutch gear 116. When printing stops, clutch 401 locks clutch gear 116 which is engaged with the first portion of staggered gear 112 and causes staggered gear 112 to rotate until the second portion of staggered gear 112 engages the drive gear 110. Staggered gear 112 is then driven by the drive gear 110. A cutter blade is controlled by staggered gear 112, with the blade cutting off the paper as the drive gear 110 is in reverse rotation.

Abstract: A can crusher that is attachable to a trash or recycle container. The crusher has a movable vice between which the can to be crushed is placed. An extending upright handle is manually operated to move the vice and crush the can which then exits to the container via a normally trap door and a protective chute. Two gear racks with lower camming members open the trap door as the vice crushes the can. After, the crushing operation is completed the handle may be manually returned to its original position to reclose the normally closed trap door and permit to crushing of additional cans placed in the vice.

Abstract: A mop thread-squeezing apparatus capable of compressing mop thread sufficiently without deteriorating the operability thereof, by applying a great pressing force to the mop thread. A pinion fixed to a driving shaft and a rack supporting one end of a squeezing plate are installed on each of left and right side plates of a squeezing tank. A radius of a pitch circle of the pinion at a point of contact between the pitch circle of the pinion and a pitch line of the rack becomes gradually smaller in a region corresponding to a former half time period of a lever operation and is almost constant in a region corresponding to a latter half time period of the lever operation. In the former half time period of the lever operation, a squeezing plate moves downward rapidly and thus the amount of the downward movement thereof is great, whereas in the latter half time period of the lever operation, the radius of the pitch circle becomes smaller and thus the pressing force of the squeezing plate becomes greater.

Abstract: The present invention is a manually operated trash compactor with a refuse container mounted on a mobile platform. The container has a first section fixed to the platform and a second section pivotally attached to the first section. A latch is mounted to the container to hold the container closed during compaction. A compaction plate is mounted to a rack gear and pinion gear assembly. The assembly is rotatable between a starting position, with the compaction plate disposed over the refuse container, and a position lateral to the container. A drive wheel is connected to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear to selectively adjust the rack gear and compaction plate into the container to compress refuse in the container lined with a trash bag. A compression spring is mounted on the rack gear to facilitate automated return of the compaction plate to its starting position. A tension adjuster is in contact with the rack gear to control the rate of return of the rack gear.

Abstract: A combination can crusher, juicer and slicer having a main housing with a vertically adjustable cutting blade holder or can holder and a ratcheted lever adapted to raise and lower a pressure plate into contact with either a can disposed in the holder or a cutting blade retained in the holder. Moving the pressure plate, which will vary depending on the operation desired, downwardly against a can disposed in the holder crushes the same. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating cutting blade cuts a fruit or vegetable therebetween. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating juicer assembly juices a vegetable or fruit disposed therebetween and juices the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a container having a base and a top. The apparatus includes a housing and a lid which releasibly attaches to the housing. The lid contains a hole or recess to receive the top of a container. The apparatus also includes a shelf which has a top side containing at least one recess adapted to receive the base of the container. The shelf and the lid cooperate to hold the container securely. Additionally, the apparatus may include rods and the shelf may contain orifices to receive the rods. The shelf travels along the rods such that it remains parallel and aligned with the lid. Finally, gears, belts, or handles serve to force the shelf against the lid and thereby crush the container held between the lid and the shelf.

Abstract: A refuse packer includes a paddle (14) which oscillates horizontally about axis (19) through about 200.degree. to sweep refuse into a storage chamber of a vehicle (not shown). The paddle has an actuating assembly (26) supported by a single housing (27) secured to a vehicle chassis. The actuating assembly has a drive shaft with a hexagonal end clamped in a hexagonal opening (21) of the paddle. The drive shaft also has a pinion engaged by a pair of opposed toothed racks which slide in respective hydraulic cylinders (35, 36, 37, 38) which act to oscillate the shaft and paddle. A pair of hydraulic resistance cylinders (40) oppose side loads set up by the engagement of the racks with the pinion. In former arrangements the paddle was coupled to a crank plate moved by hydraulic rams which swung as they reciprocated. This led to uneven torque on the paddle and a tendency to stall midstroke, whereas the present drive provides even torque, throughout the oscillations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compactor for wastes, in particular for compressible trash, and includes a compaction plunger with a compaction blade in the lower part of a trash receiving chamber of a compactor housing. The plunger is horizontally displaceable and conveys the trash into a container adjoining the receiving chamber where the trash is compacted. The invention provides a scoop pivotally supported by the compaction plunger and comprising an acute-angle leading edge for slipping underneath the trash which is continuously accumulating in the receiving chamber. During the return stroke of the plunger, the scoop can be tipped upward about its pivot axis so that the trash behind the compaction plunger is moved in front of the compaction blade of the compaction plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing workpieces includes a drive mechanism having a gear reduction train and a moveable rack member which is centered above a compression plate for even, linear force transmission. Force is transmitted to the rack member on two opposite sides thereof by a pair of pinions which engage opposite rows of rack teeth. The compression plate is integral with a pair of opposite guide sleeves, which are mounted for sliding movement with respect to vertically extending guideposts. A crimper mechanism is mounted to the compression plate for crimping the workpiece prior to compression. The combination of the improved drive train, which prevents jamming of the apparatus due to uneven force transmission, and the crimper mechanism allows a relatively small motor to be used in the unit, which increases its portability, economy and affordability.

Abstract: A container apparatus includes a container housing divided into a multiplicity of chambers by intersecting webs, with the lid including spaced parallel ribs for securement to an upper distal end of each of the webs, wherein the lid includes flap members arranged hingedly relative to the lid for selective access to each of said chambers. A compacting apparatus is arranged in association with the container apparatus to effect compacting of discrete components within individual chambers of the container structure.

Abstract: There is provided an improved carbonated drink dispensing system including a semi-rigid plastic collapsible bladder which holds the carbonated beverage and a dispensing apparatus which receives the semi-rigid bladder. The bladder includes a plurality of ribs to provide additional strength. The dispensing apparatus and bladder are generally cylindrical in shape. The dispensing apparatus includes a top pressure plate for applying downward pressure to the top of the bladder as the beverage is dispensed thereby collapsing a portion of the bladder so as to keep appropriate pressure within the bag thus preventing the escape of carbonation from the beverage. A gearing mechanism to provide a mechanical advantage is utilized in connection with the movement of the pressure plate.

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 used master disposing apparatus comprises a receptacle for receiving a discharged master, a pressing member vertically movably mounted in the receptacle, and a device for vertically moving said pressing member. The pressing member compresses the master when the pressing member is lowered. The pressing member has a pressing surface, an area of which decreases when it is raised.

Abstract: An aluminum can crusher of the type having a driving gear mounted on a movable axle, which is transversely disposed inside a housing, and engaged with a gear rack on the back of the vertical surface portion of a substantially L-shaped crushing plate. A substantially U-shaped handle is coupled to the movable axle to carry it to rotate. Lowering the handle causes the driving gear to move the crushing plate downward against the base of the housing for crushing an interposed aluminum can.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler with roll mounting members adapted to mount a label supply roll, together with mechanism to move the roll holding members relatively away from each other to facilitate loading and unloading label supply rolls. The labeler includes a protective cover and the mechanism is operated upon movement of the cover between closed and open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing cigarettes comprises a compression pocket having opposite open ends which comprises a pair of L-shaped compression members which are disposed in an opposite manner. Each member includes short and long segments which extend in an axial direction of a continuously rotatable drum, one of the members being movable in a tangential direction of the outer circumference of the drum, the other member being movable in a direction at an desired angle relative to said tangential direction. The apparatus also includes a device for moving the pair of L-shaped compression members in opposite directions using a rack and pinion combination system.

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 crushing apparatus adapted for crushing cans and the like has a piston assembly reciprocal within a cylindrical housing. The piston assembly includes a piston head and a drive rod which is provided with a plurality of gear teeth. The gear teeth of the drive rod are engaged by a circular gear mounted on a shaft positioned transversely in the housing with the shaft being rotatable by means of a crank arm to reciprocate the piston assembly in the housing. An end wall secured to the housing defines a fixed crushing surface while the piston head provides a movable crushing surface. An enlarged entry opening is provided in the housing to permit insertion of a can to be crushed between the fixed and movable crushing surfaces with the piston head being movable completely past this opening. An exit opening is also provided in the housing, preferably at an angularly spaced-apart orientation to the entry opening with the exit opening permitting the removal of the can after it has been crushed.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing compacted insulating glass comprises two substantially vertical press platens, one of which is adapted to be moved relative to the stationary press platen in a frame in order to perform the compacting operation. Racks extending at right angles to the movable press platen are rigidly connected to the latter and in mesh with pinions rotatably mounted on fixed axes in the frame. A common drive is provided to rotate the pinions in synchronism. The stationary press platen may carry backing rollers, which can be retracted into the stationary press platen.

Abstract: A device for crushing containers embodies a base having a supporting surface for receiving the container to be crushed. Upstanding crushing members are mounted for rectilinear movement along the supporting surface selectively to a first position in spaced relation to each other for receiving the container to be crushed and to a second position with the crushing members being juxtaposed relative to each other to crush the container. Elongated power transmitting members are connected to the crushing members and are mounted for sliding movement along the supporting surface. A power transmitting element is mounted for rotation above each power transmitting member and imparts rectilinear movement thereto and to the crushing members carried thereby selectively to their first and second positions.

Abstract: A labeler in which a carrier strip onto which a number of labels are stuck is intermittently fed as far as specified by a carrier strip feeding mechanism provided in a case and turned back at the carrier strip turnback part to separate the labels in succession from the carrier strip and move ahead the labels one by one. The application member which comes in contact with the printed surface of the label is provided ahead of the carrier strip turnback part of the labeler and a label support frame which supports the label separated from the carrier strip is provided between the label application member and the carrier strip turnback part.

Abstract: A vertical can crusher of the type having a vertical standard carrying a cantilever head supporting a vertically movable crushing ram, and means for vertically actuating the ram reciprocatably relative to an upwardly facing worktable substantially spaced below the head and fixed relative to the standard, and comprising a vertical tubular can receptacle having its lower end separably supported on the work table and having its upper end open to receive a can therein and adapted to receive the ram for crushing the can against the worktable. Horizontal means attached to the receptacle and guided by the standard controls the receptacle for movement relative to the standard and the head between a first position operatively aligned under the ram so that a can placed in the receptacle is adapted to be crushed by the ram into a flattened disk, and a second position adapted for discharging the crushed can disk from the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing tin cans for convenient disposal, the apparatus including an enclosure fitted with a door for placing cans therein, a crank operated pressure plate inside the enclosure for pressing downward against the cans and a stepped conical seat upon which cans are placed so to not slip during crushing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool having a hand operated lever operative with one lever stroke to pivot the tool into position on a work station, to insert a multiple conductor cable in between a pair of clamping and gripping jaws of a metal clamp of an electrical connector to which the conductors are to be connected, and to close the jaws onto the cable. Release of the lever retracts the cable insertion mechanism and pivots the tool away from the work station.

Abstract: A column mount is provided which is particularly useful in a machine tool capable of being assembled to perform either horizontal or vertical machining operations. The mount includes an adjustably movable support member for reciprocating a tool bit head assembly over a given length along a column, the column extending vertically from the machining tool when performing vertical machining operations. The mount operates to allow the head assembly support member to be adjustably reciprocated from a selected starting position on the column above a workpiece, and enables the support member to be readily moved along the column to the desired position.

Abstract: Batts are sequentially delivered to a reception station and deposited in columnar order on a platen substantially in one continuous movement in one plane while said platen is advancing from said reception station towards an ejection chamber spaced therefrom in steps commensurate with the delivery rate and thickness of the batts; a preceding batt column previously disposed in the ejection chamber being compressed by the advancing platen and thereafter expelled, while compressed, into a prepared bag.

Abstract: A trash compactor assembly including a cabinet supported upon a tubular framework and having an access opening in its front. A trash guide chute is disposed within the cabinet adjacent the opening for directing trash disposed therein downwardly so that it falls into a trash receptacle. The receptacle rests upon a base which is, in turn, connected to reaction arms which extend upwardly along the sides of the interior of the cabinet. The reaction arms support racks which are in meshing engagement with pinion gears connected to the respective ends of a shaft which is rotatably supported in a U-shaped drive frame. The U-shaped drive frame is slidably disposed within a box-like ram which is, in turn, suspended from the drive frame. Elastomeric blocks are disposed between the bottom of the drive frame and the bottom of the ram for compressing as the ram reaches a predetermined reaction force from the trash being compacted in the receptacle to provide a control signal.