Abstract: A reversible granulator includes double-edged cutting blades mounted on a rotor with each of the edges on an opposite side of the cutting blade. A pair of fixed bed knife members each have a pair of peak cutting edges with an intervening clearance space. One peak cutting edge in each bed knife cooperates with one blade cutting edge when the rotor is rotated in one direction to cut material, while the other peak cutting edge cooperates with the other blade cutting edge upon rotor rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and decontaminating discrete batches of waste material to reduce the volume, to render it unrecognizable and to render it safe for subsequent handling. The minimum volume of decontaminant fluid to be added to each batch is determined by its weight. Batches of differing weights are fed consecutively to the comminuting apparatus either manually or by a conveyor. A batch weigh scale is employed to preset a timer which controls the duration of operation of a device feeding decontaminant fluid to the batch. The feeding means can be made operable to withdraw reactive agents from separate storage means, to mix them to produce the decontaminant fluid and to feed the reacted mixture into the comminuting apparatus.

Abstract: A granulator for waste material having rotating and bed knives respectively mounted for repeated detachment, sharpening and reinstallation with unskilled labor. Accurate predetermined knife gap distances are maintained by the configuration of surfaces on each rotating knife, whereby a cylindrical surface thereon forming the cutting edge is coincident with a cutting cylinder having a fixed location in the frame. Thus the cutting radius is unaffected by sharpening.

Abstract: Size reduction system for processing plastic articles is disclosed. The system includes granulating means operable to comminute articles delivered to it, an article feed means which serves to move articles in a generally vertical path from a loading point to the granulating means while simultaneously crushing each of the articles into a compacted form. The feed means includes projections which operate to pull the articles into the article feed means while concurrently puncturing those articles. The invention provides a simple and efficient means for processing articles into reduced size for reclaiming. The invention further provides a system which utilizes minimum operating space by virtue of the vertical orientation and integration of the feed system relative to the granulator and the functioning of the feed system to compact articles preliminary to entry into the granulator, thereby allowing for a granulator of reduced size.

Abstract: A rotary granulator having a rotor positioned coaxially within a cutting chamber defined by a multi-perforate cylindrical screen mounted on an end plate with a fixed bed knife projecting into the cutting chamber in position to cooperate with a rotor knife in cutting up stock introduced axially into the cutting chamber through the end of the chamber opposite the end plate. The rotor includes a hub adjacent the end plate and at least two spaced rotor arms projecting from the hub parallel to the cutting chamber axis with the rotor knife mounted on a rotor arm. An annular rotor bearing member is mounted on the ends of the rotor arms opposite the hub within a fixed bearing member; the two bearing members comprise an outboard guide/support bearing for the rotor, affording support for the rotor but allowing unimpeded axial feed into the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A granulator primarily intended for the granulation of plastic scrap material in which a pair of meshed paddle rolls serve as a combination metering and feed device through which such plastic material is fed to the granulator. The paddle rolls are mounted in such a manner and driven by drive means which enable one of the paddle rolls to move laterally away from the other paddle roll including an angular or skewed relationship yet while still maintaining an articulated; that is, synchronized, movement of the paddle rolls in relationship to each other.

Abstract: A granulator primarily intended for in situ use in combination with an injection molding machine such that plastic scrap such as sprues and runners generated in such formation of plastic parts may be granulated thereby. The granulator is adapted for disposition within the confines of the injection molding machine and particularly within the drop out area thereof. A pair of rails guide the granulator in such drop out area and enable it to be laterally withdrawn to one side of the molding machine for repair, parts changes, cleaning and the like. The specific construction of the granulator includes a pair of meshed paddle rolls serving as a combination metering and feed device and removal means to remove granulated material to that end of the granulator disposed proximal said one side of the machine so as to enable efficient and quiet in situ granulation of plastic scrap generated from the injection molding procedure in a manner heitherto unattainable.