Abstract: A fluid flow control and mechanical actuation system for controlling fluid flow in and mechanically actuating a tool includes an upwardly biased and vertically movable actuating assembly for actuating a tool upon downward movement. Two passages extend through the actuating assembly. A vertically and rotationally movable valve having a radially offset bore extending therethrough is also provided. The valve controls fluid flow to the two passages in the actuating assembly upon successive downward strokes of the valve so that when the bore in the valve is aligned with one of the passages in the actuating assembly, a pressure build-up occurs which is sufficient to cause the actuating assembly to move downwardly for actuating a tool. On the other hand, when the bore in the valve is aligned with the other passage in the actuating assembly, the build-up of pressure does not occur and the downward movement of the actuating assembly is prevented.

Abstract: A press is provided for compacting small scale objects such as beverage cans. The press includes a hollow, cylindrical housing having a floor and sidewalls extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom to define a housing cavity, a compacting arrangement slidable within the cavity, the compacting arrangement being arranged to travel within the cavity in close proximity to the sidewalls of the housing, and an arrangement for drawing the compacting means downwards toward the floor of the housing. The drawing arrangment may include an arrangement for producing negative pressure within the housing cavity or an electromagnet and is capable of drawing the compacting arrangement toward the floor of the housing with sufficient force to substantially crush an object positioned between the compacting arrangement and the floor of the housing.