Abstract: Apparatus for crushing cans or the like comprises a conveyor formed from a plurality of endless chains cooperating with a fixed inclined crushing plate converging toward the discharge end of the conveyor. The crushing plate includes an actuator strip-like member hinged to the plate which when depressed engages an electrical switch to operate a drive mechanism for the conveyor. A can deposited into the apparatus depresses the actuator which operates the electrical switch to start the drive mechanism. The can is gripped by the chain conveyor and pulled downward between the conveyor and crushing plate flattening the can. When the flattened can exits the crushing apparatus the actuator is released stopping the drive mechanism. A support housing for the apparatus is provided with an opening for receiving cans which is spaced a distance from the crushing plate and conveyor to reduce the risk of injury.

Abstract: A gate assembly including an upstanding frame member, an elongated main support member affixed to the frame member, an elongated intermediate support member capable of telescoping into the main support member, the intermediate support member including vertically disposed, spaced support sections, a plurality of rollers mounted on the vertical support sections, the rollers being rotatable on horizontal shafts extending from the vertical support sections, certain of the rollers extending slightly above the top edges of the vertical support sections and other of the rollers extending slightly below the bottom edges of the vertical support sections, an elongated inner support member having a generally T-shaped cross section with the top portion of the T member being disposed in a generally horizontal position, the inner support member being capable of telescoping into the intermediate support section, the horizontal portion of the T member having a thickness slightly smaller than the vertical spacing between the