Abstract: The pusher plate which pushes foodstuffs through the chute to the food processor in a vegetable slicer is divided, each portion being separately operable and having divider walls for selectively reducing the effective capacity of the chute to expedite handling of small and odd-sized foodstuffs.

Abstract: A compacting machine has a reversible induction motor drive for a ram movable in a cycle consisting of a compacting stroke, followed by a sustained dwell period, and a retracting stroke. Directional controls prepare the drive for a compacting stroke when the ram is at its fully retracted starting position and prepare the drive for a retracting stroke as soon as the ram leaves the starting position. When the ram encounters a predetermined resistance the drive automatically reverses. The ram is stopped at this time, and later is moved through its retracting stroke to complete a full cycle. Circuits are disclosed to retract the ram automatically after a lapse of time, or under manual control. A selector is also provided to make this feature optional by choice of the operator.

Abstract: In a trash compactor which includes a ram for compacting waste materials deposited in the compactor, a two-piece, reusable liner is positioned within the compactor to receive the waste material and facilitate removal of the waste material after compaction thereof. Each of the sections is formed of a fairly rigid material, such as polyethylene, and each is provided on its outer surfaces with ribs which serve to both strengthen the liner sections and prevent the liner from sticking to the interior surfaces of the drawer. Each of these sections is constructed of intergrally formed, upstanding sidewalls and a bottom wall with one side wall of each of the sections being just high enough to retain liquids within the liner while permitting their ready assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A trash compactor includes a container and a ram for compacting waste materials deposited therein, and a reusable liner positioned within the container receives the waste material, and facilitates removal of the waste material after compaction thereof. The liner has interfitting sections each with upstanding sidewalls and a bottom wall with one side wall of each of the sections being shortened to permit their ready assembly and disassembly. A tubular bag of seamless plastic sheet material having one sealed end is placed in the liner. The bag has a cuff portion which folds over the upper end of the liner and the container. Holes in the cuff portion engage buttons on the exterior of the container. The bag is longer than the liner depth to permit the sealed bag end to bunch in the bottom of the liner, and when a bag of compacted trash is removed, the material drops to the sealed end of the bag leaving an excess at the cuff portion for closing the open end of the bag.