Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic and high throughput smart, robotic, autonomous or driver operated, self-propelled field crops harvester (SPFCH) device of row crops, characterized by the need of selecting harvesting ripen crop, during relative long period of time. Harvesting is done by one or more modular robotic harvesting arms hanged on modular booms. When harvesting orchards fruits the SPFCH comprise at least one hybrid robotic arms equipped with a grabbing hand aimed to grab one or more fruit of a an adjacent fruits and also cut its connecting stem, and arm transporting mechanism that gently collects the fruits and transport them to the SPFCH main accumulation area. When harvesting cotton, the SPFCH of the invention may further comprise vacuum sucking hoses and at least one ginning unit that gin the seed-cotton during harvesting and accumulate the seeds in a self-container, and the lint by bales processed, on board by self-press.

Abstract: An agricultural round baler includes a frame, and a tail gate arrangement carried by the frame and arranged in an arcuate arrangement around a bale chamber. The baler is characterized in that the tail gate arrangement include an upper tail gate arrangement and a lower tail gate arrangement. The upper tail gate arrangement has a first pivot axis located at an upper, forward portion thereof. The lower tail gate arrangement has a second pivot axis located at an approximate center of the bale chamber when viewed in cross section.

Abstract: A fermentation basket for placement in a fermentation tank during wine fermentation which includes a perforated bottom side, at least one perforated vertical side, an open top side having an upper edge with a circumference or perimeter, hoist handles, and forklift pocket legs. The basket is used in connection with a hoist bar that couples to a forklift rotating carriage and together enable manipulation and rotation of the fermentation basket, including lower the fermentation basket into, and raising out from, a fermentation tank, and rotating the fermentation basket to dump pomace after fermentation.

Abstract: A retaining assembly secures an equipment item within an aircraft galley compartment. The retaining assembly may include a turn button assembly including a turn button connected to a front edge of the galley compartment to secure the equipment item within the galley compartment. The turn button rotates between a first position for allowing insertion or release of the equipment item from the galley compartment and a second position for securing the equipment item within the galley compartment. A turn button recess on an inner surface of a panel door that is coupled to an edge of an opening for the galley compartment receives the turn button of the turn button assembly when the turn button is in the second position to allow the panel door to fully close over the opening for the galley compartment.

Abstract: Method of working for processing scrap metal stored on a scrap-metal collecting site using a shearing press, press or shears for the processing of scrap metal, the shearing press, press or shears being provided with a filling tray and with an outlet for the processed scrap metal. The device is a self-powered shearing press, press or shears, namely a shearing press, press or shears provided with its own mechanism for movement.

Abstract: A retracting device, vehicle provided therewith and method for retracting a hose. The retracting device includes a frame, a retraction drive connected to the frame for retracting the hose, a coupling configured to couple the frame to a container, and a displacement drive configured to displace the frame relative to the container such that the retracted hose can be placed in the container. The retracting device further includes a hose guide configured to guide the hose for retraction to the retraction drive, and the hose guide is displaceable in operative connection to the frame.

Abstract: A baler for use with a forming bale having a first bale attribute. The baler including a frame, and a compression system coupled to the frame where the compression system at least partially defines a compression chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the forming bale therein. The baler also includes a feed pan at least partially defining a pre-compression chamber, and where the shape of the pre-compression is adjustable, and where the pre-compression chamber is open to the compression chamber. The baler also includes a sensor configured to output signals representative of the first bale attribute, and a controller in operable communication with the feed pan and the sensor, and where the controller is configured to actively adjust the shape of the pre-compression chamber based at least in part upon the first bale attribute of the forming bale.

Abstract: A container having a compactor and bin for waste is disclosed permitting on-premises and remote monitoring of the system and collection is disclosed. The system can also detect non-complaint materials placed therein and act thereon. Methods are further disclosed for inventorying identification tags for tracking packages, merchandise and tags disposed of.

Abstract: A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle monument, a hose with a fluid line, and an adapter with a triggering unit and a housing, which has a fluid connection. The fluid connection couples to a fluid mating connection, wherein the monument has a fluid main valve and a control unit for controlling the fluid main valve, an inlet of the fluid main valve couples to a fluid suction source, and a first end of the hose connects to the monument such that a first end of the fluid line is coupled to a first outlet of the fluid main valve. A second end of the hose is connected to the adapter such that a second end of the fluid line is coupled to the fluid connection, and the control unit controls the fluid main valve based on a triggering signal from the triggering unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a new and improved compactor or packer. The compactor, which may be used to compact refuse, includes a container, a track disposed within the container, and a ball screw rotatably disposed within the track. The compactor further includes a ball nut operatively coupled around the ball screw, where rotation of the ball screw causes the ball nut to move along or traverse the ball screw. A packer blade is coupled to the ball nut via a floating interface. Movement of the ball nut long the ball screw due to rotation of the ball screw forces the packer blade to move within the container. The floating interface allows the packer blade to float within the container with respect to the ball nut to reduce the likelihood of binding of the ball nut on the ball screw as the packer blade traverses within the container.

Abstract: A system for suctioning fluid is disclosed. In a cabin monument, a vacuum source and a vacuum interface unit is provided. At least one flexible hose provides a connection to the vacuum interface unit, having at least one first fluid line having a connection element. The end connection element connects to a unit to be evacuated. The vacuum interface unit includes an adapter for connection to the at least one fluid line, and a trigger unit. At least one valve unit and a control unit for controlling the at least one valve unit reside in the cabin monument. The control unit controls the valve unit at least indirectly based on a trigger signal generated by the trigger unit. Thus, a flexible positioning of a unit to be evacuated for waste compaction is possible. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, having such a suctioning system.

Abstract: A trolley handling device for guiding a trolley into and out of a trolley stowage, comprising a trolley holder adapted to interact with and secure the trolley against displacement relative to the trolley holder in at least a first direction, and a guiding device comprising a first guiding element attached to the trolley holder and a second guiding element adapted to be provided on a structural part arranged near the stowage. The first and second guiding elements are configured to engage with each other and to guide the trolley between a first position, in which the trolley is essentially arranged inside of the stowage, and a second position, in which the trolley is at least partially arranged outside the stowage. The trolley, in its second position, is arranged offset relative to its first position in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An arrangement for selectively arresting a serving trolley in a cabin includes a walling extending perpendicularly to a cabin floor. The walling has a height at least equal to the height of a serving trolley. The arrangement has an upper arresting unit positioned at an upper fastening section of the walling and a lower arresting unit positioned at a lower fastening section of the walling. The upper arresting unit has a first engagement element and a second engagement element, wherein at least one of the engagement elements is movable relative to the other engagement element. The upper arresting unit releasably engages two distanced recesses at an upper end of the serving trolley by way of the engagement elements. The lower arresting unit includes at least one third engagement element and is designed for engaging a bottom side component of the serving trolley by way of the third engagement element.

Abstract: A FPC flattening jig and a FPC flattening method. The FPC flattening jig includes a pressurization mechanism and a heating mechanism; a bottom of the pressurization mechanism has a planar base surface which is used to contact a warped FPC to exert pressure thereon; the heating mechanism is used to heat the pressurization mechanism, such that the planar base surface of the pressurization mechanism has a predefined temperature when exerting pressure on the FPC. The FPC flattening jig heats the pressurization mechanism by a heating mechanism, and then the heated planar base surface of the pressurization mechanism contacts the warped FPC and exerts pressure thereon. Therefore, the FPC can be flattened. As such, the FPC can be reused, facilitating the improvement on the recycling rate of FPC.

Abstract: An apparatus for paper shredding and compacting which includes a shredded paper storage portion, a movable ram disposed within the shredded paper storage portion, and a movable push rod.

Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.

Abstract: A rotor for bagging silage is disclosed. The rotor has at least four sets of tines forming double helixes with angular spacing between each set of tines. In some embodiments, the tines are spaced further apart and the rotor is rotated at a higher rotational speed.

Abstract: A baler including a baling chamber that includes a bale-forming channel including an inlet end and an outlet end, a plunger mounted within the channel for compressing bale material in the channel and driving the compressed bale material towards the outlet end of the channel, and a rotary drive mechanism for driving reciprocating movement of the plunger, and an additional drive mechanism for driving the compressed bale material towards the outlet end of the channel, thereby reducing torque in the rotary drive mechanism.

Abstract: Mounting pads for attaching tines to a pick-up device of a crop implement such as a round baler may include a tab that extends from a body portion. The tab may be hinged to the main body to allow the tab to loop around the connecting loop of the tine.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a baling chamber configured to receive a compressible material. The baler includes a plunger proximate a first end of the baling chamber and configured to move within the baling chamber to compress the compressible material into a bale. The baler also includes a rear door assembly having one or more rails positioned at a second end of the baling chamber, opposite the first end. The rear door assembly has a rear door with parallel tracks configured to receive and to guide a strap around the second end of the baling chamber to facilitate surrounding the bale with the strap. The rear door is slidingly coupled to the one or more rails and is configured to move along the one or more rails between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus (1) for compacting receptacles has at least one advancing device (2) for conveying a receptacle (G) in a conveying direction (E) to an exit opening (6) of the compacting apparatus (1). The at least one advancing device (2) is configured to act on the receptacle (G) for compacting during conveying. A flap device (5) has an adjustable retaining flap (50) that closes the exit opening (6) in a closed position so that a receptacle (G) conveyed against the retaining flap (50) by the at least one advancing device (2) is retained on the retaining flap (50). The retaining flap (50) is adjustable out of the closed position to release the exit opening (6).

Abstract: A system for recovering hose, including a hose receptacle having an open top portion for receiving a hose and attached hose couplings. The system further including a first device having a hose recovery means comprising an upper roller and a lower roller, at least one of the upper or lower rollers being powered, and a lifting arm operably coupled to the upper roller for moving the upper roller between a first position and a second position, the upper roller being closer to the lower roller when in the first position than when in the second position.

Abstract: A temporary tape removal apparatus that includes: a chassis having fixed and guiding wheels; a boom arm extending outward from the chassis and being movable between up and down and side to side positions; a spool assembly including a rotatable spool for winding used temporary tape thereon mounted on the boom arm; and controllable drive means to rotate the rotatable spool. Using the apparatus to remove lane marking tape from pavements involves moving the temporary tape removal apparatus along a pavement having a length of lane marking tape thereon, and pulling the lane marking tape off the pavement by winding the tape onto the spool. Single lines of tape can be removed and multiple lines of tape can simultaneously be removed. The removed tape is spooled on disposable cores for disposal.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for interacting with an interactive display using a shopping cart. A biometric device integrated with the handle portion on a shopping cart can detect and discriminate between user attributes. At least one RFID tags can store the captured biometric information associated with the user attributes. A RFID reader and a computing system can be disposed within a predetermined distance of the shopping cart. The RFID reader can communicate with the at least one RFID tag in response to the at least one RFID tag being with a range of the at least one RFID reader to transfer the biometric information stored in the RFID tag to the RFID reader. The RFID reader can transmit the biometric information to the computing system. The computing system can authenticate the user based on the biometric information received via the at least one RFID reader.

Abstract: A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system includes a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.

Abstract: Described is a cleaning unit for a device for harvesting long agricultural products, such as grass, straw, pulses, biomass products and the like, of the type that can be pulled by a pulling vehicle along an advancing axis and provided with pick-up means (102) for harvesting said products and with unloading means (106) located operatively downstream of the pick-up means (102), forming a supporting surface (B) for the agricultural products harvested and mobile transversally to said advancing axis along a predetermined axis of movement (A) for releasing the agricultural products to the sides of said pulling vehicle, wherein the cleaning unit comprises a wheel (2) comprising a peripheral annular surface (3) and rotatable about its own axis of rotation (C) and joining means (5) designed to connect said wheel (2) to said harvesting device (100) in such a way that said axis of rotation (C) is transversal to said axis of movement (A) and wherein said peripheral annular surface (3) is positioned at a predetermined hei

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is disclosed for making garbage dumpsters which includes a box comprising: a bottom panel; a back panel; a front panel; a left panel; a right panel; wherein said bottom panel; said back panel; said front panel; said left panel; and said right panel; are configured so that a last remaining one of said panels can be hung on a plurality of hooks protruding from edges of two of said panels, thereby creating a container without using tools and without welding; where said container is configured to be lifted by fork portions of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A guiding unit for agricultural products for a device for harvesting the agricultural products comprising a supporting body (2) connectable to the frame (101) of the harvesting device (100) and equipped with a supporting portion (2a) which, during use, is located above the unloading means (106), and a guiding element (5) extending mainly along the main line (A) and connecting means (8) operatively interposed between the guiding element (5) and the supporting portion (2a) of the supporting body (2), designed to allow a translation of the guiding element (5) towards and away from the supporting body (2).

Abstract: A compaction device is removably connected to a refuse receiver and is positioned on a skid mounted frame which is dragged by a utility vehicle through an underground mine for the collection of waste material collected from the mining operations. The waste material is deposited into a compaction chamber and compacted in the receiver. Where electric power is not accessible for operation of the compaction device, hydraulic power is supplied from the hydraulic power takeoff on the utility vehicle. The receiver filled with compacted waste material is disconnected from the compaction device and lifted from the support frame onto the utility vehicle. The receiver is transported out of the mine for pick-up of the compacted waste material by a commercial waste hauler. By collecting and compacting waste material in the mine, the frequency of hauls of waste material from the mine and the associated costs are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A system for recovering hose, including a hose receptacle having an open top portion for receiving a hose and attached hose couplings. The system further including a first device having a hose recovery means comprising an upper roller and a lower roller, at least one of the upper or lower rollers being powered, and a lifting arm operably coupled to the upper roller for moving the upper roller between a first position and a second position, the upper roller being closer to the lower roller when in the first position than when in the second position.

Abstract: A baler having a reciprocating plunger within a main bale chamber for compressing crop material into bales. The plunger has a first guide mechanism for permitting linear movement within the main bale chamber that allows a pivoting of an end face. A second guide mechanism includes a slot allowing the plunger to be oriented so that the second edge of the end face compresses crop material first and then subsequently pivots to compress equally and finally to have the second edge leading the first edge of the end face away from the bale to provide greater bale compression without additional force.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet insert device includes a cassette having a plurality of containing portions each of which contains a plurality of sheets in a vertically stacked state, a moving structure to move the cassette so that the plurality of containing portions are arranged in turn at a pulling-out position, a grip arm to grip the plurality of sheets contained in the containing portion arranged at the pulling-out position in the stacking direction, and a transferring structure which moves the grip arm, to pull out the plurality of sheets at the pulling-out position which are gripped by the grip arm from the containing portion, and transfers the plurality of sheets to a sheet loading part without changing the posture.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the drying of grain and more particularly but not exclusively, to a grain storage bag having grain drying capabilities, includes an elongate flexible container having an air inlet arrangement and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container. The apparatus also includes fluid displacement elements for causing airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.

Abstract: A compactor can include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall, which define a receptacle. The compactor can further include a ram assembly positioned with the receptacle and coupled to a drive assembly. The compactor can further include a frame having a lower longitudinal support member extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and an upper longitudinal support member extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall at the top of the receptacle. A continuous, unobstructed opening is defined between the upper longitudinal support member and the lower longitudinal support member, and a removable cover can be fastened to the frame to overlap the continuous, unobstructed opening.

Abstract: A container for the working and transportation of food product waste is disclosed. The container includes a shell configured for removable disposition within a refuse collection vehicle. The shell includes an opening for receiving product, and a cover for sealing the opening except when open to permit product to be added to container. The cover may be operably connected to a lift and invert mechanism on the refuse collection vehicle for coordinated operation. A separation floor is disposed within the container to facilitate separation of liquid and solid constituents within the container. A working and transfer mechanism is disposed within the container to work food product waste prior to delivery of same to a processing facility, and to facilitate removal of the worked food product waste from the container through an output port of the container as part of the delivery of same.

Abstract: An accumulation windguard includes non-porous sidewalls and a porous cover that extend about an accumulation area of a baler. The sidewalls deflect transverse airflow across the accumulation area and the cover allows for longitudinal airflow. Openings in the cover may be sized to deflect crop material to the accumulation area during the passage of airflow therethrough.

Abstract: An easily transportable combination cotton transport cart and module builder includes a side mounted dump basket for receiving a load of cotton bolls from a cotton picker or stripper. The cart is sized to form a module of half standard size, which enables the unit to be readily transportable on fields and roads. The basket expands outwardly, is lightweight and is sized to receive a full load dump from a cotton picker or stripper, then the basket swings up and over a compression chamber. A tamper mechanism extends across the top of the compression chamber and supports a tamper bar which compresses the cotton dumped in the chamber. The compression cycle takes a longer time to accomplish than the time to dump the picked cotton into the side basket, so while the cotton is being compressed and the half module is being formed, the cotton picker or stripper has already been emptied and is back continuing harvest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compacting trash are disclosed. A disclosed example trash compacting system includes a trash receptacle, a collection bin, a compaction bin proximal to the collection bin, having a receiving opening to receive trash via the trash receptacle, and having an ejection opening through which compacted trash is ejected into the collection bin, and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction bin to compact the trash within the compaction bin.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated compaction device is mounted on a mobile support frame and is dragged by a mine utility vehicle through an underground mine for the collection of waste material generated from the mining operations. The waste material is deposited into a compaction chamber and compacted in a receiver of the compaction device. Hydraulic power is supplied from a hydraulic power takeoff on the utility vehicle to actuate the compaction device to compact the waste material in the receiver. When the receiver is filled with compacted waste material, the mine utility vehicle moves the compaction device to a location in the mine where the compaction device is transported out of the mine for pick-up by a commercial waste hauler. By collecting and compacting waste material in the mine, the frequency of hauls of waste material from the mine and the associated costs are substantially reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide various features that help maximize the use of the trash compartment space on single aisle aircraft. There is provided an integral compacting system, as well as a translating bin system. These features may be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A roller tool for installing T-molding is provided. The roller tool is configured to receive the T-molding into a front of the body. The T-molding has a top surface and a bottom surface, with an insert of the T-molding extending from the bottom surface of the T-molding. The roller tool includes a guidance member attached to the body, the guidance member configured to align the body to a channel. One or more T-molding guide surfaces, slidably contacting the T-molding insert, guide the T-molding over the guidance member and the channel. The roller tool includes a pressure roller, rotatably attached to the body, the pressure roller positioned rearward of the front of the body, the pressure roller configured to press on the top surface of the T-molding so that, with the front of the body moving forward, the insert of the T-molding is pressed into the channel by the pressure roller.

Abstract: The present invention is a trash compactor having a housing, with a floor and upper support holding a linear actuator with a plunger and plate to crush trash and garbage in a receptacle supported on the floor of the housing. An electric motor is used to operate the linear actuator, preferably a DC powered electric motor. Hydraulic pumps or pneumatic device may also be used to move the linear actuator. A control panel with PLC capability controls the motor and other devices. An upper door allows for depositing of trash while an opposite lower door allows for the removal and replacement of the trash receptacles.

Abstract: A manual compactor that includes an air ventilation system and also a lid that is capable of being forced downward onto trash within a trash can. The trash can has a wheel base. The air ventilation system includes an internal aerated ring with a series of vent holes, with the ring being attached to a pair of internal air channels that open to the outside air. The lid is capable of either being mounted on top of the trash can or in the alternative, can be shoved downward onto trash within the trash can. A series of serrated blades mounted on the underside of the lid are used to cut up and shred the trash within the compactor while it is being compacted.

Abstract: A manual baler for compressing thin plastic sheeting for efficient recycling including downwardly extending fingers on the compression plate that serve to gather and retain the plastic sheeting during compression and a latch and twine threading system for holding the bale in compression while allowing ties to be wrapped around the bale to retain it in a compressed state.

Abstract: The apparatus forms a unitary bale of agricultural or forestry biomass of uniform density and having a level top. The apparatus includes packer apparatus configured and supported in the chamber for reciprocating movement through a compacting chamber and progressive movement upwardly to form the bale. A crop deflector is supported in the chamber above the packer apparatus for deflecting a stream of the biomass downwardly, and is configured and operable so as to move continuously with the packer apparatus between the ends of the chamber and to substantially constantly reconfigure as a function of a position of the packer apparatus and a direction of the movement thereof so as to deflect the stream of the biomass directly in a path of the packer apparatus in the current direction of the movement thereof so as to be immediately compacted thereby onto the floor or the bale.

Abstract: A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.