Abstract: A vertical baler includes a horizontally disposed floor plate having an arched surface for receiving material to be compacted thereon. A compression plate is mounted for reciprocating vertical movement with respect to the floor plate, and left and right hydraulic pistons carried outside the wall of the baler are operably attached between the floor plate and the compression plate for reciprocating the compression plate relative to the floor plate. Material placed between the arched floor plate and the compression plate is compacted and formed with an arched bottom surface for ease in sliding fork elements of a lift truck thereunder. Once compacted and tied, the bale is pushed from the compaction chamber by pusher tabs vertically extending from a rear edge of the floor plate which is operable for horizontal reciprocation causing biasing of the pusher tabs against the material in a horizontal pushing of the bale from the chamber onto an adjacent floor surface.

Abstract: A checkout counter construction and method employs a bag well feature using a cover member which is movable between a first, closed and latched position and a second, open position without using springs, pneumatic cylinders or any electrical connection, and in a manner which reduces the rate of movement of the cover member as it approaches the second position, in order to minimize any risk of injury.

Abstract: A construction for checkout counters useful with security and payment equipment which permits a customer to conduct price scans and enter payment without the assistance of a cashier includes intake, security and packaging modules, with the security module having an internal recess adapted to support required security equipment. Access to the internal recess is facilitated with sidewall ports covered by access panels which can be removed without access to the internal recess. A facile two-part transfer plate assembly is provided at the intake end of the security module, and a rigid slotted construction for lateral cross braces is also employed.