Abstract: A compactor for metal cans, particularly beverage cans, which consists of a housing and a lid containing therein a primary chamber cavity terminating at one end in transversely extending cavity extension. With the can in position in the chamber a motorized longitudinal ram crushes the can in a longitudinal direction into the shape of a disc whereupon a cross ram operating in the cavity extension transversely crushes the disc into a pellet. In operation of the device the power driven longitudinal ram compresses the can to a predetermined point whereupon the power driven cross ram automatically starts and the longitudinal ram automatically stops. When maximum compaction has been obtained both rams automatically withdraw to their original position and the pellet falls through an opening in the floor of the cavity extension.

Abstract: A counter current decantation system for the fluid separation of liquids or solids having different densities or absorptive capacities wherein the material to be separated is placed in an inclined separator having a series of decantation pipes, each of which is connected at the bottom thereof to a pump for pumping a fluid mixture upstream at varying pressures. The separation fluid enters the separator at the bottom with sufficient force to form a mixture with and agitate the material to be separated. Lighter material is caused to rise toward the fluid surface and the heavier material is caused to settle to the separator floor by gravity. The force supplied is sufficient to cause the fluid mixture to pass forwardly through the length of the separator and thus the fluid mixture has a tendency to flow downstream toward the bottom end of the separator.