Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing an article includes a press arm and a press platen defining a pressing region positioned therebetween. First and second endless steel bands transmit a pressing force to an article to be pressed and draw the article through the press. A plurality of co-rotating rolling rods support the steel bands as they travel through the press. The rolling rods are introduced to an entry region of the press orthogonally relative to a longitudinal center of the press. First and second resilient pressure holding plates located in the entry region adjacent the press platen and the press ram, respectively, impose a pressure on the rolling rods that progressively increases as the rolling rods pass through the entry region.

Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacturing process in the continuous prodion of gypsum-cemented workpieces utilizing a belt-type press or similar equipment including a number of press segments joined in tandem relationship. Utilizing this press, the gypsum undergoing hydration is compacted until the end of the hydration is reached. The swelling pressure created in the course of the hydration is measured and utilized to control the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A press is operable to form pressed materials such as fiberboard or chipboard. The press includes a press ram and a press platen facing one another to define a pressing region therebetween, and a plurality of rolling rods which support moving bands which draw the article through an entry region of the press and through the pressing region. An entry alignment device for the rolling rods includes first and second resilient pressure holding plates which impose a progressively increasing non-positive clamping force on the rolling rods as the rolling rods pass through the entry region, and first and second pilgrim-step mechanisms, each having a plurality of toothed members which are raised and lowered to periodically engage gaps formed between the rolling rods to impose a positive clamping force on the rods.

Abstract: A continuously working press is provided with a device which adjusts an entry gap in an entry region of a press ram to give the rolling rods of a press a sufficient degree of freedom for self-stabilization. The adjusting device includes an articulated crosshead anchored in said press frame and pivotable about an axis of rotation, a pressure holding plate located within said entry region and adjustable about an axis of rotation and which acts non-positively but resiliently on said rolling rods as they travel through the entry region, and a plurality of hydraulic supporting members located between the articulated crosshead and the pressure holding plate and which are adapted to act on said support device with a pressure profile that increases continuously towards said pressing region.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making an easy open substantially rectangular bag of compressed flexible articles in which the flexible articles are arranged in a stack and held in compression in a direction substantially parallel to their thickness.

Abstract: A simple adjustment device for the width of the gap between the support rolls of a double-belt press has conical formations at ends of the rolls bearing against one another and utilizes a relative axial shift of the two rolls to adjust the gap width.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating biodegradable solid urban waste materials and selecting those non biodegradable components for recycling comprises a tunnel (1) made of steel defining an inner room or ambient of parallelepiped shape, having a rear hinge door (4) associated with adjustable counterbalance weight (5). Near the door (4) blade kneading devices (6) can be installed. In the last portion of the bottom wall of the tunnel (1) holes (7) are arranged, positioned just over a channel (3) connected to a recovering tank (22) of the percolate. At the other front end of the tunnel a moving wall (9) is mounted, capable of being moved to and fro along two rails (10) by means of hydraulic jacks (12). In the center of the wall (9) a hydraulic cylinder (31, 31a, 31b) is anchored, the piston rod (31a) which enters into the iner chamber of the tunnel (1) for compressing the waste mass. Near the upper wall (32) of the tunnel (1), there is a circulating forced air pre-chamber (13) having a grating structure.

Abstract: A rectangular baler has a density control for controlling the density to which crop material is compacted by a cyclically operating plunger, and a cyclically operating tying mechanism for tying loops of binding material around successive lengths of the compacted crop material to form bales. In order for the tying mechanism to function properly the binding material must slide between a tied bale and the crop material being compacted against the tied bale. If the sliding friction is too great, the binding material breaks or is pulled free of the tying mechanism thus resulting in failure of the tying process. To reduce the sliding friction, the compaction density is reduced for an interval of time following each cycle of the tying mechanism. The interval of time may be tolled by counting a number of plunger cycles immediately following a cycle of the tying mechanism, the density control being set for reduced compaction density until the number of plunger cycles has been counted.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fluid suspension system detects an average longitudinal or lateral acceleration within a predetermined period, computes an acceleration difference between a maximum average acceleration and a minimum average acceleration. Based on the acceleration difference, an estimated longitudinal or lateral acceleration is computed. In response to the estimated longitudinal or lateral acceleration, computed are a height-raising quantity of a lowered portion of a vehicle and a height-lowering quantity of a raised portion thereof. The supply and release of a fluid to and from fluid springs is rapidly controlled so that the height-raising quantity of the lowered portion of the vehicle is less than the height-lowering quantity of the raised portion thereof. The electronically controlled fluid suspension system, thus, prevents the vehicle from inclining due to changes in driving status, and enhances a road-adherence ability on an uneven road as well as a steering stability.

Abstract: Dry, compactable radioactive waste material having a low specific activity and comprised approximately of eighty-five percent plastic material and fifteen percent non-plastic material is shredded and granulated. The granulated material is supplied under heat and pressure to an extruder which will extrude the waste material in plasticized form into a drum for disposal. Radioactive ion exchange resin beads may also be dewatered and mixed in predetermined amounts with the dry granulated material for encapsulation within the plasticized waste for disposal. The plasticized waste material, with or without the resin, is horizontally extruded into a horizontally disposed drum between a compacting disk secured to the extruder barrel and the bottom of the drum. Controlled pressure is applied against the bottom of the drum whereby the plasticized material will completely fill the space between the disk and the bottom of the drum and gradually push the drum bottom away from the sik as the drum is filled.

Abstract: An offset compactor assembly includes an elongated chamber having a waste receiving end portion and a waste discharge end. A ram is displaceable therein for causing compaction of waste during transfer therebetween. A first cylinder and piston assembly is operably connected to the ram for causing displacement thereof. A gate is positioned proximate said end and is movable into and out of said chamber for selectively restricting said chamber and thereby controlling the passage of waste therethrough. A second cylinder and piston assembly is operably connected to the gate for causing displacement thereof. An hydraulic control operably interconnects the first and second cylinder and piston assemblies for causing offsetting operation thereof so that the waste compacted in the chamber has a substantially uniform density.

Abstract: In a rectangular baler wherein a plunger is reciprocated by connecting rods to force crop material through a bale casing, and a microprocessor-based control circuit monitors the stress in the connecting rods to develop a digital value representing the pressure which should be applied to the tension rails of the casing in order to obtain baled crop material of desired density, the digital value is compared with upper and lower limits of the pressure which may be applied to the tension rails. If the digital vaue falls below the lower limit or exceeds the upper limit a visual indication of the condition is displayed for the operator.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the volume of spent ion exchange resins containing radioactive contaminants, and a filter aid having groups reactive with the functional groups of the resins. Spent ion exchange resin and the filter aid are dewatered, then subject to a pressure of about 2000 psi in conjunction with 250.degree. C. heat to reduce the volume occupied by the resin by up to a factor of 5 and impart rewet stability.

Abstract: A first body has a cylindrical section that is adjacent a conical section so as to form a constricted passage through which granular solids are forced under pressure. Passage through the constriction results in the application of shear forces to the granular solids which degrades some of the particles to create fines to fit between the larger particles and which induces interparticle motion that facilitates the compaction process. After passing through the constriction, the compacted solids are received in a cylindrical receiving chamber, into which a piston can be inserted for the application of direct compression forces. In a preferred embodiment, the granular solids are forced through several constricted passages in sucession, resulting in several stages of compaction prior to the final stage of direct compression.

Abstract: In a rectangular baler wherein right and left conrod load cells measure the force applied to plungers for compacting crop material, a microprocessor based control circuit monitors the loads registered by the load cells. The microprocessor produces output signals to control the baler in accordance with the loads sensed by the cells. On a stroke of the plunger, a one-quarter second interval is tolled after one cell registers a load. If the second cell does not register a load within the interval it is assumed that it is faulty. In order to permit continued operation of the baler, the output of the good cell is assumed to be, and is used by the microprocessor as if it were the output of the faulty cell.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control circuit monitors mistie switches provided for the knotter mechanism of a rectangular baler. Each knotter has a switch which is actuated a first time when the knotter cycles and a second time if the knotter ties a knot in a loop of twine around a bale. The control circuit controls a visual display to give an operator a first indication if the knotter does not cycle and a second indication if it fails to tie the knot.

Abstract: A system is described for processing an entire tree into wood fiber material for molding the constituent wood elements into custom molded wood products. A delimber removes limbs and leaves from the trunk, a debarker removes bark from the trunk of the delimbed tree, and a splitter separating sequence is constructed and arranged for separating the debarked trunk into elongate pieces of substantially equal cross-sectional area. A graduated roller mill having a sequence of pairs of compressor rollers with the rollers of each pair spaced successively closer together receives the elongate pieces of wood and extrudes and delivers thin sheets of wood at the output end. Liquid squeezed from the wood sheets is collected and separated into resins and water. A shredder shreds and fragments the wood sheet wood fibers into a loosely bonded mat of substantially separate striated wood fibers. The mat is cut or chopped into wood fibers of substantially uniform length.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting a solid waste material includes a hollow cylindrical body having a charging inlet for charging the solid waste material therethrough into the hollow cylindrical body, a heating portion for heating the solid waste material in the hollow cylindrical body, and a discharging outlet for discharging the solid waste material from the hollow cylindrical body; a rotatable shaft disposed in the hollow cylindrical body and having a helical screw blade thereon, the screw blade and an inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical body being spaced from each other with a clearance provided therebetween for allowing the solid waste material in the hollow cylindrical body to form a bridge therein; a support for radially movably supporting an end of the rotatable shaft; a prime mover coupled to the end of the rotatable shaft through the support; and an outlet nozzle coupled to the discharging outlet for compressing the solid waste material discharged from the discharging outlet.

Abstract: In a bale case (20) of an agricultural baler, a reciprocating plunger (71) is connected by a connecting rod assembly (90) and a wrist pin (92) to a driving crankshaft (74). A tension adjusting system (60) is provided for adjusting the dimensions of a bale case (20). The tension adjusting system (60) is responsive to a signal produced by sensors which sense stress when a compactive force is applied by the plunger (71) to crop material in the bale case (20). In one embodiment shear stress sensors (124, 126, 128, and 130) are mounted in annular recesses (120, 122) on the exterior of a wrist pin (92) to sense upon compaction the shear stress experienced by the wrist pin (92) in shear planes (160A, 160B). In another embodiment shear stress sensors (170, 171, 172, and 173) are mounted on an interior surface (174) of a wrist pin (90') to sense the shear stress experienced by the wrist pin (92') in shear planes (176, 177).

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine controls the density of bales of crop material discharged therefrom by monitoring the stress experienced by a reciprocably driven plunger assembly (22) employed to apply a compactive force to crop material introduced into a bale case (20). The bale case (20) is comprised of rails (54, 56) which are positionably adjustable in response to applied tension in a manner whereby the dimensions of the bale case (20) are changeable, thereby facilitating a change in the degree of resistance caused by the bale case (20) to crop material movement therein. Signals produced by stress sensors (124, 126, 128, 130) mounted relative to the plunger assembly (22) are analyzed by a programmed signal processor (200) which accordingly generates a control signal for controlling a servo valve (61).

Abstract: Radial compression of a cylindrical body made of compressible material, is achieved by axially leading the body through a rotationally symmetrical space, which tapers in the transport direction and whose smallest diameter is smaller than that of the body to be compressed, the envelope of the rotationally symmetrical body being generated by roller shaped bodies which rotate in the same direction and cross the axis of rotation of the space at an angle of between 5.degree. and 45.degree. but do not intersect it. During such passage, the body performs a helical movement relative to the envelope of the rotationally symmetrical space and is compressed, the compression being made permanent by wrapping at the narrowest point of the space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for calendering paper webs or the like wherein a plurality of hard calendering rolls are situated to constitute a roll stack and wherein a plurality of soft calender rolls are situated in nip defining relationship with respective ones of the hard rolls whereby a plurality of corresponding hard and soft or supercalender nips are defined. The apparatus is adapted to be directly associated with a paper machine and force apparatus are provided in conjunction with the apparatus for supporting the hard and soft calender rolls so that the hard nips are closed and the soft nips are open during threading of the web through the apparatus during the start-up phase while the hard nips are opened and the supercalendering nips are closed after the web is threaded in order to perform continuous supercalendering of the paper web.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered in a two-stage process. The first stage dewaters the sludge to a solids content above about 40 to 45 wt. %. The first zone comprises a cylindrical porous chamber with a centrally mounted screw conveyor which does not contact the porous wall of the chamber. The second stage further dewaters the sludge. The second stage applies pressure directly, as with a piston, to a stationary quantity of sludge which is in contact with a porous wall. The effectiveness of the second stage is increased through use of the first stage, which reduces the thixotropic nature of the sludge by dewatering it.

Abstract: A method of portioning a material and a portioning machine for carrying out the method, the portioning machine comprising a body having an inlet and outlet with gate means movable within the body to selectively open the inlet and the outlet and piston means for compacting material in said body to a predetermined density and for extruding a predetermined quantity of material from the outlet. The piston may be provided with pressure sensitive means which are adjustable so that the density of material compacted can be preselected.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the restrictors in a ram-tube type refuse compacter or pelletizer. Variable restrictors near the discharge end of the tube control the compaction pressure exerted on the refuse as it is forced through the tube. The restrictors are capable of being moved inward and outward on each ram stroke in response to changes in the ram pressure required to advance the compacted refuse through the tube. The method comprises:(1) measuring the ram pressure during the last smallest practicable increment of forward ram travel,(2) adjusting the restrictors slightly inward if the pressure measured in step (1) is less than a predetermined pressure P.sub.1,(3) measuring the ram pressure when the ram is at the lock-out point, normally about 6 inches from the forward end of its stroke,(4) overriding step (2) by making no inward restrictor adjustment if the pressure measured in step (3) is less than a predetermined pressure P.sub.

Abstract: A device for discharging refuse through a discharge pipe being in communication with a hopper having an outlet through which refuse is successively introduced into the discharge pipe from a vacuum transport system performs the following operations:A compactor gate is advanced into the discharge pipe in a direction perpendicular to the length dimension of the discharge pipe at a location between the hopper outlet and a discharge outlet to block the internal longitudinal passage thereof to substantially prevent air from being drawn into the vacuum transport system through discharge outlet and the hopper. Thereafter, a compactor pusher is repeatedly reciprocated in the discharge pipe from a withdrawn limit position in which communication between the hopper outlet and the discharge pipe is open, towards the lowered compactor gate to accumulate and compress successively introduced refuse between the compactor pusher and the compactor gate.

Abstract: A sludge press wherein a piston is reciprocable along a horizontal path between a rectracted position in the interior of a hopper and an extended position in which extending forwardly from and communicating with the hopper so that the piston thereby expels a slug of compacted sludge through the open front end of the barrel. The front end of the barrel can be sealed by the knife-like valve member of a gate valve during movement of the piston to retracted position. The front end face of the piston is surrounded by a cutting edge which cooperates with a complementary annular cutting edge at the rear end of the barrel to sever solid ingredients of sludge during penetration of the piston into the barrel. The cutting edge of the valve member cooperates with a complementary cutting edge surrounding an opening in the rear section of the housing of the valve.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved method and device for increasing the extent of compaction of materials having a tendency to reexpand when relieved after being compacted in a bale press. For being able to compensate for the reexpansion of the material compacted in a bale press when pushed forward through the press channel during compacting, it is suggested that the abutment, against which the material is compacted and which consists of the bale last produced, is tightened when the plunger of the bale press has reached a predetermined distance before its forward end position. This results in the desired maximum compaction being achieved when the plunger occupies its forward end position.

Abstract: Molded or pressed block fuel elements of high power for gas cooled high temperatures are produced by molding in steel tools using outer dies or bars and punches arranged to be freely moveable in the axial direction and moving said moveable dies or bars and punches in the molding process.

Abstract: Refuse is processed for land fill use by comminuting the refuse into smaller particles, blending the comminuted refuse to form an extrudable mass and continuously extruding the mass through a constricted die to form high-density, low-volume shapes which are suitable for burying in a land fill.Apparatus for carrying out the process includes at least one reduction mill, a blender having a shaft carrying radially extending pitched paddles for kneading and blending the comminuted refuse into an extrudable mass and an extruder carrying a constricted die and having a screw feed for continuously extruding the blended refuse to form high-density, low-volume shapes. The bore of the constricted die defines an outwardly tapered land adjacent the discharge end for controllably accommodating the normal expansion of the compressed refuse shape prior to leaving the die.

Abstract: A method of converting scrap or other small pieces of metal into a useful, commercial product while maintaining the metal in a solid state. According to the process, the pieces are maintained together for further processing. They are impacted, while heated, to produce a metal body and thereafter subjected to continued impaction so that the pieces forming the body are welded together into a cohesive, homogeneous slab. There is also disclosure of a novel press and method of operating the press. The press is of the harmonic type. Its novel aspects include control of movement of novel platens during rotation of shafts which drive the platens and perimetral constraint of a workpiece being forged to achieve rapid impaction and self feed of a workpiece.