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 baler comprises a bale chamber having at least one wall movable generally laterally of the bale chamber to vary the cross-sectional area thereof and hydraulic actuator means operable to move the laterally movable bale chamber wall. The baler further comprises hydraulic sensor means coupled to, and operable to sense the load on, the movable wall of the bale chamber and to control the actuator means when that load exceeds a predetermined value, whereby the cross-sectional area of the bale chamber is increased to relieve said load. This allows the baler to produce bales of substantially constant density irrespective of varying crop conditions.

Abstract: The mechanical press, particularly a toggle press, comprises a hydraulic member connected between the force transmitting and force receiving components, such as a toggle joint, carriage, anvil, and platen. The anvil is mounted on a hydraulic member which is located in a hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic member acts as a press cushion which is continuously connected with a large volume fluid reservoir which is maintained constantly under a gas pressure. The hydraulic member has a maximum filling volume which is at most 1% of the volume of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A horizontal baling apparatus having a compression ram which is provided so as to be reciprocally movable into the baling chamber of the apparatus, and a mechanism which scales the length of stroke of the compression ram to a total stroke of a potentiometer, from the output of which the density of a portion of a bale of material is determined as well as the necessary amount of additional material which is required on successive laminations to maintain the density.

Abstract: A press having a stationary upper bolster and a movable lower bolster carried by two outer and two inner frame plates located near the ends and center of the platens respectively. Through the use of strain gauges measuring the load on the product provided on either sides of each frame plate and servo-operated piston cylinders connected to the lower bolster controlling the output force, a deflection of the lower bolster is made to be parallel to the deflection of the upper bolster so that an equal pressure distribution results in compression therebetween thereby producing a uniform thickness in the product.

Abstract: A control device in particular in a multi-roll press (22 to 24) of a calender intended for the glazing of a continuous thin web, such as a paper web, which said press comprises a compensated upper roll (22), a compensated lower roll (24), and at least one press roll (23) fitted between the rolls. The control device itself comprises a press-load control circuit (B, C, D, 11, 14, 15; A, 29, 30), a compensation circuit (E, 16, 17) for the upper roll (22), as well as a compensation circuit (F, 27, 28) for the lower roll (24). According to the invention, both of the compensated circuits (E, 16, 17 and F, 27, 28) are, via their own feedbacks (12 and 13), connected to the control circuit (B), which is fitted so as to select the most slowly changing one from among the signals of the feedbacks (12 and 13) and to brake down the roll (22 or 24) whose compensation is being varied most rapidly.

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: This cylindrical bale-forming press comprises sets of belts, bands or the like which define a chamber for forming a bale by rolling up crop products. At least one stationary roller drives the belts and is itself driven from a main drive shaft. Some of the guide rollers are movable and are subjected to a biasing action by hydraulic cylinders so as to maintain the belts under tension. According to the invention, a torque sensor is provided on the main drive shaft of the press and operates to provide an electrical output signal which is operatively connected to electrically responsive valve means in the hydraulic circuitry for controlling the hydraulic cylinders so as to reduce or eliminate the tension in the belts when an excessive resisting torque on the main driving shaft is sensed.

Abstract: A charge door assembly for automated operation of a baler utilizes a truncated wedge-shaped door pivotally mounted to the baler at a point beneath the lowest point of travel of a conventional movable platen. The door pivots outwardly to admit a charge of material onto the platen from a feed apparatus. Intermeshing teeth are provided along the door assembly fact to separate any material extending outwardly of the door as the door closes. Sufficient space is provided between the door and the passageway therefor to allow material stringing from the teeth to be attenuated and subsequently entrained by the action of the baler.

Abstract: A tension control system for a baling machine has a pressure switch connected to the high pressure fluid supply. The switch is operable to actuate when the pressure of the fluid supply exceeds a predetermined level, such as when the baling head ram cylinder is approaching a stalled condition. A solenoid controlled valve is located between the high pressure fluid supply and the fluid cylinder which operates the tension mechanism on the throat portion of the baling machine. The solenoid is operatively connected to the pressure switch to close when the pressure of the fluid supply exceeds to predetermined level. When the valve closes, fluid pressure in the tension cylinder is relieved so that the cylinder operating the baling head does not become stalled. When the baling head is again capable of operation, the pressure switch deactuates, returning the valve to an open condition so that tension is restored to the throat portion of the baling machine.

Abstract: A baling chamber for a fiber press utilizing rigid upright doors pivotally mounted along their lower portions to contain fibers compressed thereinto by a moving platen. The doors separate slightly at the upper portion thereof responsive to the final compression of the bale thereby reducing the lateral pressure on the bale. One of the doors has rollers thereon to cooperatively engage a track parallel therewith such that the door may be displaced for removal of the bale.

Abstract: The length of a bale is normally gauged by a fixed toothed wheel engaging the top of the bale. Therefore the height of the bale can effect the cut-off point so that bales can be of uneven length. This device utilizes a floating gauge wheel or star wheel which therefore rotates at a constant speed so that its actuation point is constant. It is connected to the knotting device which in turn controls the cut-off point of the bale being formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is means for correcting the position of bottom dead center of a slide in a press having a frame, a crankshaft rotatably mounted on the frame, and a slide connected to the crankshaft and movable in a vertical plane, wherein the correlation between the rotational speed of the crankshaft and the bottom dead center position of the slide is determined in one-to-one correspondence. The means comprises a variable speed motor for rotating the crankshaft; a sensor for sensing the position of bottom dead center of the slide; and a control circuit for comparing the signal generated from the sensor which is representative of the bottom dead center position with a signal representative of a preset reference position of bottom dead center of the slide and controlling the speed of the motor to suit the speed representative of the reference position of bottom dead center of the slide.

Abstract: Equipment for compacting trash, in particular cardboard cartons or the like, in upwardly open containers, characterized in that a compacting roll (4) moving to-and-fro on the trash (2) in the container (1) is provided which is rotatably supported from the free end of a pivot arm (5) mounted in articulating manner to a post (6) and of which the telescoped length (L) is adjustable.

Abstract: A system for segregating and baling textile wastes supplied from a plurality of separate sources embodies a plurality of filling stations which receive the wastes from the separate sources. An upwardly opening portable waste receiving bin is mounted within each filling station with the lower end of each bin carrying a detachable bottom platen. A transfer mechanism moves each bin selectively, back and forth between its filling station and a compression station where the wastes are compressed within the bin. Actuator units in the compression station disconnect the bin from its platen and raise the bin to an upper position about a movable ram to thus expose the bale for final bale out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed control and indication system for a mechanical press. In order to enable the press to operate at its full running speed on the first cycle thereof after actuation of the clutch, the flywheel is driven at a speed higher than the set running speed so that as the mechanical inertia of the drive mechanism will cause the press to slow down to its set running speed. The control circuit modifies the speed control voltage after actuation of the clutch so that the press continues to run at the set speed even after the mechanical inertia is overcome. The signal from the tachometer to the speed meter is modified before actuation of the clutch so that it provides a reading at the set running speed of the press even though the flywheel is running at a higher speed. After the clutch is actuated, the true tachometer voltage is fed to the speed meter so that it continues to indicate the true running speed of the press.

Abstract: A bolster travels, with a first set of wheels propelled by a first pneumatic motor, along a first pair of rails into and out of a press and, with a second set of wheels propelled by a second pneumatic motor, along a second pair of rails laid at right angles with the first rail pair. The first set of wheels are mounted to the bolster body via hydraulic lift jacks for up-and-down movement into and out of engagement with the rails. The first and second pneumatic motors communicate with a source of air under pressure via first and second pilot-operated selector valves respectively. The lift jacks communicate with a hydraulic pump, driven from the pressurized air source, via a third pilot-operated selector valve. For pilot-operating the first, second and third selector valves there are provided manual control valves and sensors, the latter being actuated automatically to produce pneumatic signals representative of various working conditions of the bolster.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for safe-guarding a press (1) by monitoring the press motion, use is made of the fact that the force exerted by the press is an almost invariable function of the position of the upper press platen in relation to the lower press platen. The force exerted by the press is continuously sensed during each pressure stroke by means of transducers (6). The instantaneous value of the force is compared in a monitoring unit (10) with a reference force value, calculated during the first pressure stroke, at each one of the subsequent positions of the upper press platen of the press in relation to the lower press platen thereof. This comparison is repeated for each such position during the pressure stroke. The monitoring unit (10) directly interrupts the press motion if, on comparison, the sensed force value in any position deviates from the reference force value by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A compactor particularly for junk vehicles, has a flatbed supporting a pair of opposed, hinged compaction doors. Each door has a linkage hydraulically operated to open and close the door for compaction of the vehicle against the flatbed. A winch disposed on the front of the compactor has its tow line extending beneath the doors and connects to the end of the vehicle opposite the flatbed to progressively advance the vehicle over the flatbed for compaction by the doors. A sequence control circuit is also provided which automatically opens and closes the compactor doors and automatically operates the winch to sequentially advance segments of the vehicle into the compactor. Additionally, the compactor can easily be made portable facilitating its transportation from one location to another.

Abstract: A device for compacting and dewatering moist refuse comprises a tube and a piston reciprocable therein. Varying consistency of the refuse matter will require a varying resistance to the compacting action of the piston. A throttling device within the tube comprises a number of plates which are swingable about an axis arranged perpendicularly to the tube, and are actuable so as to occupy a position practically level with the wall of the tube, or to a position in which they extend into the tube, respectively. The piston is operated by a double acting hydraulic ram, and the plates are operated by a further hydraulic ram. Both rams are connected to a source of pressure fluid, and are interconnected so the power stroke end of the further ram communicates with the return flow end of the piston ram, and vice versa. Two oppositely directed non-return valves are fitted in parallel in the conduit connecting the power stroke end of the further ram with the return flow end of the piston ram.

Abstract: Apparatus for the expansion of oil bearing seeds and of the kind comprising at least one screw (11) rotatable in a barrel (10) for conveying seed through the barrel from one end to the other, there being a die plate (14) having orifices (15) therein at the output end of the barrel and through which the seed material is extruded by the action of the screw or screws, there being a plurality of throttle needles (17) having portions (19) of tapering cross-section and movable linearly with respect to said orifices thus to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof in response to conditions within the barrel such as temperature as detected by a temperature sensor (22), the cylindrical wall of the barrel being either wholly plain or in part comprised by a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending bars forming a press cage, the position of the throttle needles ensuring control of the state of the seed material prior to extrusion through the die plate.

Abstract: Control of a laminating press is attained by monitoring the temperature of the heating medium circulating through the press components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating refuse preparatory to its discharge in a body of water in which air incorporated in the pores and interstices of the material of the refuse is replaced with a liquid, such as water, sea water, or brine, by applying fluid pressure in the range of 200-300 p.s.i. to the refuse containing an added quantity of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and system including a combination of apparatuses for handling and baling metallic scrap material nominally into cubes in which a vibrating shaker conveyor hopper assembly, a conventional baling press modified by mounting a dumping hopper on its side, and a belt-type conveyor located between the shaker and dumping hoppers are provided. The scrap material is transferred by a front loader from a storage pad and dumped into the stationary hopper of the vibrating shaker conveyor hopper assembly, the said hoppers, conveyors, and baling press all being operatively interconnected to provide a continuous operative system which can be continuously fed by the front loader. Preferably at the discharge end of the shaker conveyor, a grate is provided to sift out dirt, grit and other extraneous material which falls onto and is carried away to a storage pad or container by a transverse conveyor.

Abstract: A controlled deflection roll system includes a rotative cylindrical shell having an outside adapted to form a nip with a counter roll, a non-rotative shaft extending axially through and radially spaced from the shell's inside and having projecting ends to which force is applied to press the shell against the counter roll. Inside the shell pressure elements press the shell in the same direction, the counter roll providing a reaction, and because the shell does not have its ends journaled on the shaft, the shaft can float inside the shell in dependence on the forces involved. Automatic devices automatically responsive to any radial displacement of the shaft relative to the shell control the force applied to the shaft's ends so as to keep the shaft centered at its ends within the shell, permitting the application of a rotary drive to the shell.

Abstract: A screw press for extracting liquids from materials such as fruits, vegetables, or the like having a cylindrical barrel and a rotatable shaft and helical feed and compression screw concentric with the barrel and having the shaft extending through the barrel. A portion of the barrel rearward from the feed and compression screw forms a cylindrical pressing chamber having screen walls for passing extracted liquids therethrough. The outlet end of the cylindrical pressing chamber is closed by a circular door slidably mounted on the drive shaft. Hydraulic actuators apply adjustable pressure to the outside surface of the door closing the chamber when in a non-operating condition. When material is being pressed in the pressing chamber, the internal pressure will overcome the external pressure causing the door to open for ejection of the dried material. The inner surface of the door includes projecting cutter bars.

Abstract: Hydraulic "squeeze cylinders" control the size of the discharge orifice on an extrusion baler and are operated by a control circuit that relieves pressure in the cylinders in response to the build-up of a certain predetermined pressure level in the circuit. Pressurized fluid for the squeeze cylinders is supplied by a single-acting pump cylinder that is connected between the plunger head and its pitman rod in such a way as to deliver a charge of pressurized fluid into the circuit on each compression stroke of the plunger. A pilot-operated relief valve is operated by circuit pressure when the latter reaches a predetermined pressure level to block flow from the pump cylinder and open a relief path for fluid in the squeeze cylinders.

Abstract: A screw press for extracting liquids from materials such as fruits, vegetables, or the like having a cylindrical barrel having a concentric variable-speed helical feed and compression screw. The rearward portion of the cylindrical barrel comprises a cage section having perforate filter screens for passing extracted liquids and filtering out undesired solids from the material being pressed. The cage section is formed by at least one pair of open semicircular frames having a plurality of spaced apart ribs which support replaceable filter screens. The repair of frames is attached along its bottom edge to a set of interleaved hinge blocks which are hingedly attached to the frame of the press. The pair of frames is removably joined along the upper edges of the frame. When the press is nonoperating, the frames are separated at the upper edges and the hinged blocks permit the frames to open in a book-like manner and swing downward and outward completely clear of the feed and compression screw.

Abstract: An absolute-coded angular position indicator coupled to the shiftable one of two mold-clamping plates, produces a position signal indicating the position of the shiftable plate. This signal is applied to one input of a subtractor, whose output signal is displayed on a numerical display. The subtracting input of the subtractor receives a corrective signal from a manually set decades switch arrangement. When no mold is present between the clamping plates and the latter are pressed into direct contact with each other, the displayed numerical value is zero. When a mold is clamped between the plates, an non-zero value is displayed, and the set-up technician sets the decades switch arrangement to the displayed value. As a result the displayed value goes to zero. The output signal of the subtractor is furnished to control elements which must control machine operations in dependence upon the height of the particular mold being employed.

Abstract: In apparatus having an endless pressing band, formed of a layer of rubber with a steel-wire fabric connected thereto, passing around a heating drum, two associated guide rollers and a hitch roller, the relative positions of advancement of the opposite ends of a transverse weft wire of the steel-wire fabric are sensed by photoelectric cell arrangements and, upon sensing of a lagging of one end behind the other, control means are activated to move the bearing at one end of the hitch roller towards or away from the heating drum while retaining the axes of the hitch roller and the heating drum in a common plane.

Abstract: Hydraulic "squeeze cylinders" control the size of the discharge orifice on an extrusion baler and are operated by a control circuit that relieves pressure in the cylinders in response to the buildup of a certain predetermined pressure level in the circuit. Pressurized fluid for the squeeze cylinders is supplied by a single-acting pump cylinder that is connected between the reciprocal plunger head and its push rod in such a way as to deliver a slug of pressurized fluid into the circuit on each compression stroke of the plunger, the pump drawing in a fresh slug from a reservoir during each retraction stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: An "extrusion" type baler controls bale density by regulating the size of the discharge orifice of the bale case, and the "squeeze" cylinders which provide power for changing the size of the orifice are hydraulically connected to a special pump associated with the plunger of the machine so that pressurized oil is added to or taken away from the cylinders depending upon the resistive force encountered by the plunger and its pump during the compaction stroke. The loader which stuffs a new charge of material up into the baling chamber ahead of the retracted plunger may, under certain circumstances, fail to load a new charge of material.

Abstract: Pressurized fluid for the squeeze cylinders of an "extrusion" baler is supplied by a single-acting pump cylinder that is connected between the plunger head and its push rod in such a way as to deliver a slug of pressurized fluid into the circuit on each compression stroke of the plunger, the pump drawing in a fresh slug from a reservoir during each retraction stroke of the plunger. The push rod is connected to the plunger in a cranked relationship so that the radial distance between the end of the push rod and the fulcrum point of the crank comprises one lever arm, such lever arm being many times smaller than the lever arm between the fulcrum point and the point of connection of the crank of the pump cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus capable of producing pellets of compacted refuse having a density of at least 20 lbs./ft..sup.3 comprising:(1) a cylindrical tube having a compacted chamber whose length is shorter than the shortest "critical length" for the refuse to be pelletized, with a feed port in the side wall of the tube and a discharge port at the end of the tube,(2) a feed hopper communicating with the inlet port of the tube,(3) a reciprocating ram in the inlet end of the tube capable of exerting a pressure of at least 200 psi on each forward stroke, and(4) a refuse flow restrictor in the tube in which the degree of restriction is controlled in response to changes in the ram pressure required to advance the compacted refuse down the tube.

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 horizontal baler comprising a compactor chamber with a compaction end and a discharge end. A bale of material is formed in the compaction end of the chamber as loose material is deposited in the chamber and compressed by a plunger which is reciprocally driven in the chamber by a motor. A first bale is formed in the chamber and tied with wire. The first bale is urged toward the discharge end of the chamber by compression of more material in the chamber to form a second bale. The end of the first bale forms an end wall in the chamber against which loose material is compressed to form another bale. The improvement comprises a plate which is urged into frictional contact with the first bale when the first bale is adjacent the discharge end of the chamber to limit further movement of the first bale in the chamber. More material is compressed by the plunger into the second bale until the density of the second bale has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operating steps of a press including a coded pulse generator for providing a coded pulse output in dependence upon the position of a drive shaft of a press drive and a signal generator responsive to the stroke rate of the press for providing an output signal proportional to the stroke rate of the press. A summing unit receives the coded pulse output from the coded pulse generator and the output signal of the signal generator for providing a corrected coded pulse output. A decoding unit is provided for decoding the corrected coded pulse output of the summing unit and for supplying a decoded pulse output to a pulse distributor which provides an output on at least one of a plurality of output paths in accordance with the decoded output of the decoding unit. At least one regulating member for controlling an operating step is coupled to the pulse distributor for receiving an output therefrom in accordance with the position of the drive shaft and the stroke rate of the press.

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: The discharge end of a bale chamber may be constricted or enlarged such that bales being packed rearwardly through the chamber may be increased or decreased in density by regulating their resistance to exit from the chamber. Bell cranks at the four corners of the chamber are coupled with shiftable walls of the latter in such a way that pressure increases or decreases are simultaneously experienced by all of the walls upon introduction or release of hydraulic fluid to a pair of power devices which interconnect the two cranks on each side of the chamber. The two legs of each bell crank are of equal radial length with respect to the axis of swinging movement of the crank so that equal moment arms are produced by such legs to accomplish substantially uniform pressure around the bale within the chamber.

Abstract: A relatively thin briquetting chamber having a filter screen along at least one wall thereof, openable ends, a piston movable through said chamber from one end to the other to squeeze liquid from solid particles collected on the screen in said chamber and form a briquette, and an opening in the chamber for introducing the liquid and solid particles into the chamber. The chamber is so designed that no point inside the chamber is more than about three inches from a filter screen wall. This chamber may comprise a flat rectangular parallelepiped having openable ends, a bottom screen wall, a pair of side walls along the longitudinal edges of the bottom wall, and a top wall having an opening therein for introducing the liquid and solid particles, which if in the form of a sludge, this opening has to have a minimum dimension of at least six inches.