Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a nonsymmetrical hollow article includes a plurality of internal die elements which are inserted into the hollow article and are expanded by a tapered plunger so as to outwardly reform the hollow article into the desired size and shape. An external die restrains the outer surface of the portion of the hollow article during reforming. The apparatus is also usable on hollow articles which do not have a linear longitudinal axis. The surface to surface engagement between internal die members creates an interface which is preferably generally aligned with straight portions of the inner surface of the hollow article except for internal corners of the article. Corresponding methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method of this invention uses a collapsible and expandable articulated mandrel positioned inside portions of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the internal wall surfaces of the elongated hollow metal section against the reshaping forces imposed on the interior of the hollow metal section during the stretch forming operation. The mandrel disclosed herein prevents the formation of wrinkles and crimps being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the receipt of a recyclable container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a manually rotatable carrier having a container receiving station. The recyclable container is inserted into the receiving station where the presence or absence of a container having a metallic sidewall is determined prior to any movement apparent to the user. If the object inserted into the receiving station is determined to be a container having a metallic sidewall, rotation of the carrier for further processing of the recyclable container is permitted. The initial passive screening may include detecting the orientation of the container, detection for the type of metal sidewall, and may also include optical scanning of the container for reading a product code thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and processing used containers including an enclosure with a rotatable carrier having one or more container receiving stations therein. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container inserted into the receiving station. Means are also provided for crushing a container accepted for processing by the apparatus comprising a fixed crushing jaw and a movable crushing jaw adapted for dual engagement with a container to provide two stages of crushing.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the insertion of a recyclable container into a container receiving station in a manually operated rotatable carrier normally maintained in a non-rotatable condition; and for analysis and initial acceptance or rejection of the container for recycling without mechanical movement apparent to the user. The apparatus includes detecting means adjacent the receiving station to determine the presence of a container comprised of material acceptable for recycling and scanning means for reading code markings on the container. The information read from the code markings on the container may be recorded for subsequent use in determining amounts of deposits to be paid as well as sources of containers. Releasing means are provided for subsequently permitting movement of said rotatable carrier if said container comprises a material acceptable for recycling.

Abstract: A process for recycling containers such as used aluminum beverage cans comprises sensing the presence of an acceptable container inserted into a receiving station in a rotatable carrier and unlatching a latching mechanism to permit the carrier to be rotated if the presence of an acceptable container is sensed. Rotation of the carrier conveys the container to a station where the container is crushed. A receipt is then issued for the crushed container. The process is controlled by a central control unit which may include a computer having a program to monitor and control the process steps.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with a first station comprising a pocket in the carrier to receive a container. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container in the pocket and for detecting the type of material comprising the wall of the container. The apparatus also contains latching means to prevent rotation of the rotatable carrier until a container inserted therein has passed all tests performed in the first station. Means are also provided for measuring the weight of the container and for crushing metallic containers having a predetermined acceptable weight.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with one or more stations comprising pockets in the carrier to permit insertion of a container. Means are also provided to detect the presence of a container inserted into the pocket. Shock absorbing means are associated with the rotatable carrier to inhibit damage to the apparatus by rapid or jerking motions during rotation of the carrier to transport an inserted container to one or more subsequent stations for testing and eventual crushing of a container accepted for recycling.

Abstract: Recycling apparatus for receiving and crushing recyclable containers is provided comprising a frame and an enclosure. A manually operated rotatable carrier is associated with the enclosure and has at least one open pocket therein to receive a recyclable container. The apparatus also is provided with detector means to determine the presence of a container in the pocket. Means are provided to lock the rotatable carrier to substantially prevent rotation of the carrier unless a container has been inserted into the pocket. Releasing means are also provided to permit rotation in response to actuation by the detector means when a container has been inserted into the pocket. The container is eventually crushed after rotation of the carrier to carry a container inserted into the pocket to a crushing station.