Abstract: A portable refuse compacting container including a container for receiving a flexible refuse collection bag of the type typically known as garbage bags or leaf bags. Bulky refuse such as leaves, grass clippings and the like may be placed in the refuse collection bag where these materials are compressed by a compacting plate which is loosely received inside the container. The compacting plate is used to compress the refuse by an attached plunger arm which is affixed to the compacting plate and which is pivotally attached to a compaction lever. The compaction lever is pivotally attached to the edge of the top of the container. The compaction lever may be latched in place on the container. The container is provided with wheels for ease in moving either the full or the empty container from place to place. When the compaction lever is latched to the container, the handle of the compaction lever also serves as a handle for moving the container about on its wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises three stages. The first stage extracts soy milk from soybean go, and comprises a cylindrical pot, a cylindrical filter for receiving go held within the pot, there being an annular gap between the filter and the pot, a wire cloth disk movable within the filter, the disk having a circumferential seal for sealing between the edges of the disk and the sides of the filter, and a press assembly for urging the disk downwardly within the filter, whereby soy milk is extracted from the go, passes through the filter and into the annular gap. The soy milk is cooked in the pot. A solidifier is added while a second stage of the apparatus of the invention creates a gentle turbulence within the soy milk. After the soybean curds are formed, the third stage of the invention compresses the curds into tofu. The third stage comprises a form having openings for escape of whey which fits within the pot.

Abstract: A metal shavings and chips compactor for extruding oil from metal chips and shavings and compacting the metal into easily transportable pellets. A compactor cylinder contains a piston and has an opening through which an auger feeds metal chips and shavings. A gate doses an end of the cylinder. A first hydraulic drive drives the piston under low pressure to close the opening and apply a first compacting pressure on the metal to form a loosely compacted pellet in the cylinder. High pressure then operates the piston to form a compact metal pellet substantially void of interstices. A second hydraulic drive opens the gate; the piston is operated at low pressure to discharge the compact metal pellet from the chamber and oil is collected below the cylinder. The compacting pressures are achieved through mechanical advantages provided by the size of the piston to that of the first hydraulic drive.

Abstract: A compression device adaptor for compacting discarded oil filters having a compacting member (10) which is connected to various types of compression devices, such as a hydraulic press, by way of a compactor connector (12). Formed within compacting member (10) is an interior drain channel (30) providing escape of waste oil held within an oil filter (28) upon pressure being applied by operation of a compression device. An oil filter platform (20) accommodates oil filter (28) as well as containing excess oil and providing drainage of same through a drain port (22).

Abstract: A device for applying lotions, creams and similar substances to any part of the body, particularly to the back and other difficult-to-reach areas is provided. The applicating device comprises three basic components: a one-piece frame having an elongated handle portion at one end and a reservoir retaining means at the distal end thereof, a pressure applying lid having top, central and bottom portions and a removable flexible reservoir having a porous, permeable or perforated applicator surface. The pressure applying lid and retaining means are configured to interact thereby advancing the lotion through the applicator surface. The applicator surface has a convex curvature which is substantially identical to the curvature of the bottom portion of the pressure applying lid, thereby minimizing waste of the lotion.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to reduce filter abrasion in fruit juice presses of the type where juice is removed through a boundary wall (1) from a compression chamber by way of channels in each of a plurality of drainage cores (4) covered by filter envelopes (29). Each filter envelope (29) is attached to its drainage core (4) outside the region (35) in which the drainage core (25) is mounted on the boundary wall (1) of the press. Also, the drainage core includes a bending zone formed so that only slight bending stresses occur. Consequently the service life of the apparatus is distinctly increased with respect to the known systems.

Abstract: A combination can crusher, juicer and slicer having a main housing with a vertically adjustable cutting blade holder or can holder and a ratcheted lever adapted to raise and lower a pressure plate into contact with either a can disposed in the holder or a cutting blade retained in the holder. Moving the pressure plate, which will vary depending on the operation desired, downwardly against a can disposed in the holder crushes the same. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating cutting blade cuts a fruit or vegetable therebetween. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating juicer assembly juices a vegetable or fruit disposed therebetween and juices the same.

Abstract: The food preparation utensil disclosed herein facilitates both the pressing and slicing of a foodstuff such as cloves of garlic. A first handle member provides a pressing cavity having an apertured or screen-like bottom and a slicing cavity having a series of parallel blades. A second handle member is pivotally joined to the first handle member and provides first and second plunger members for pressing a foodstuff placed in the respective cavity. A cover member is attached to the first handle member between the bottoms of the two cavities and is adapted to selectively close either the pressing apertures or the blades, the side of the cover member facing the first cavity carrying a plurality of pins which can project through and clear the pressing apertures.

Abstract: A garlic press is disclosed with includes an enameled coating of a low friction material, preferably PTFE, on the inside surface and holes of the press chamber in a smooth, even layer, with excellent adhesion to the underlying surface, and with an integrated cleaning tool which is retained with the press at all times while the press is being used, but which can be easily and quickly separated from the press for cleaning crushed garlic clove residue from the press.

Abstract: In the device disclosed, a foodstuff is placed in a carrier which can be rotated eccentrically around and over the face of a blade providing a circular cutting track by means of a plunger which is slidable within the carrier and can be gripped by a user to rotate the carrier while exerting pressure on a foodstuff contained in the carrier thereby to work the foodstuff against the cutting track.

Abstract: A garlic press including elongate arms pivotally joined at one end by a releasable hinge assembly. The arms, spaced from the hinge assembly, include an apertured receptacle and a press member pivotally received therein. The hinge assembly includes hinge knuckles forming a transverse passage and a removable hinge pintle rotatably joining the knuckles. The hinge pintle has a cleaning member on one end thereof with projections insertable within the receptacle apertures for cleaning of the apertures upon removal of the pintle from the hinge knuckle passage.

Abstract: A press for garlic which does not require the clove to be separated and peeled, effecting the pressing operation without orienting the clove in the press, subsequently permitting the mechanism to automatically open when pressure is released, permitting removal of the remains.Cleaning the parts is simple because of the open construction and ease of washing the parts when in open position.

Abstract: A male pot for presses for pressing cacao and oil seed has a body provided, on the opposite surfaces thereof facing the press pots, with a disc-shaped element rigid with the body and defining channels for draining therefrom the liquid portion separated by the pressed seed mass, a fine filtering cloth to be mounted on the edge of the press being associated with the disc-shaped element.

Abstract: A device for removing excess grease and juices from a cooked hamburger. The device includes a container having a bottom and sidewall which extends upwardly to define a container cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the container cavity. A cover having a top and integral sidewall extends downwardly to define a cover cavity, the periphery of the sidewall defining a rim. A handle is coupled to the sidewall remote from the cover cavity, and a hole is disposed through the top wall. A coupling component is for coupling the cover to the container. A draining plate having a plurality of draining holes therethrough is adapted to rest on the rim of the container between the cover cavity and container cavity when the container is coupled to the cover. A pressing component is disposed through the hole of the container and located within the cover cavity and is used to press a cooked hamburger against the surface of the draining plate.

Abstract: A food press apparatus for squeezing liquid from a food product in a container. The food press apparatus includes a drive component operatively connected to a frame. The drive component moves a plunger, which is operatively connected to a press plate that engages one end of the container. A spring compressible between the plunger and the press plate biases the press plate against the container end. A platform for engaging another end of the container is positioned in spaced relationship with the press plate to allow introduction of the container therebetween. As the press plate moves toward the container engaging platform, the food product is compressed therebetween to squeeze liquid from the food product.

Abstract: A metal shavings and chips compactor for extruding oil from metal chips and shavings and compacting the metal into easily transportable pellets. A compactor cylinder contains a piston and has an opening through which an auger feeds metal chips and shavings. A gate closes an end of the cylinder. A first hydraulic drive drives the piston under low pressure to close the opening and apply a first compacting pressure on the metal to form a loosely compacted pellet in the cylinder. High pressure then operates the piston to form a compact metal pellet substantially void of interstices. A second hydraulic drive opens the gate; the piston is operated at low pressure to discharge the compact metal pellet from the chamber and oil is collected below the cylinder. The compacting pressures are achieved through mechanical advantages provided by the size of the piston to that of the first hydraulic drive.

Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus includes a frame on which is mounted a filter platform configured to receive a used oil filter for crushing. An air spring actuating device is secured within the frame, and a ram is secured to a lower end of the air spring. A control valve regulates the flow of a pressurized gas into the air spring which then forces the ram toward the filter platform to crush the filter. A safety pneumatic circuit prevents inadvertent actuation of the ram.

Abstract: A hand press which includes a first lever arm having adjacent one end thereof a hollow receptacle having one end opened, the other end covered by a perforated screen, and a second lever arm pivotally mounted at the one end of the first lever arm. A piston is fixededly positioned on the second arm for insertion into the open end of the receptacle, the receptacle typically being shaped as a toroidal segment having its axis of elongation conforming to an arc having a mean radius of curvature defined by the distance between the pivot point and the center of the face of the piston. The periphery of the piston face is provided with a ring to insure a tight sliding fit of the piston in the receptacle.

Abstract: The rod-shaped flexible core (6) of a drainage element (2) mounted in a pressing space (1) of a fruit press has several longitudinal grooves (8, 13) on its periphery, through which the extracted juice is conveyed to juice collecting spaces (5). The free ends of each drainage element (2) are detachably fastened by drainage locks (3) to juice collecting plates (4) bordering the pressing space (1). In the area of rigid drainage lock (3), through which the juice is guided, the longitudinal grooves (8) are widened, so that in this area, in which the flexibility of core (6) to assist the flow process is absent, the risk of clogging by solid sediment particles in the juice is prevented.

Abstract: A can crusher for environmental protection is generally composed of a hydraulic pump to drive a piston, upwardly or downwardly. When the piston is driven downwardly, a plate is driven downwardly to crush a can. A groove is formed at an inner bottom portion to drain any residues left in the can to a collecting pan.

Abstract: A mobile, hydraulic-powered device for compacting the contents of containers, preferably 55 gallon drums. The compactor comprises a haulable frame having a pair of wheels, a compaction housing, two hydraulic cylinders, a hydraulic pump for operating the cylinders, a motor for operating the pump, and a complete system of operational control valves. The first hydraulic cylinder is mounted on top of the compaction housing and operates to drive a compaction plate down into a container positioned within the housing. The second hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the frame and is used to move the compaction housing between an operating position on the ground behind the frame and a transporting position up over the frame. Also, the compactor minimizes excess movement and the release of container liquids during compacting operation, which can apply a force of up to 1000 psi.

Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus has a crushing frame (12, 312) mounting a filter platform (16, 316) on which a used oil filter is supported on end for crushing by a ram device (40, 336) having a single ram rod (52, 338). An air spring actuating device (42, 344) is mounted on the frame (12, 312) and operates on low pressure shop air for selectively forcing the ram device (40, 336) downwardly to crush the filter against the platform (16, 316).

Abstract: A piston plate received within a container is provided, such that the container having an apertured container floor directs squeezed water from a chamois positioned between the piston plate and the container floor. The container is arranged for reception within a supporting plate that is further apertured, wherein an articulated linkage is arranged to project the piston plate into the container permitting periodic extraction of water from the chamois.

Abstract: An upright oil filter crusher assembly has a horizontal head plate (A) and an air cylinder formed by a cylindrical wall (B) welded at an upper end to an underside of the head plate and freely suspended therefrom above a horizontal platen (G) with spaced tie rods (H) extend between and connecting the head plate and the platen, with an open well (I) for automatically dispensing lubricating oil in the air cylinder.

Abstract: A citrus fruit squeezing machine has a section for accumulating and feeding the fruit, a section for squeezing the fruit and respective sections for conveying and collecting the juice and the peels of the squeezed fruit. The section for squeezing the fruit includes two plates disposed laterally as well as symmetrically to a cutting blade. The plates are supported in such a way as to be convergent and inclined downwards and towards the cutting blade. The cutting blade is fitted on a support plate having its lower part pivoted on the framework of the machine. The support plate is also connected with a toggle compound lever which can be manually driven or driven by a motor. The toggle compound lever moves the support plate towards the plates which are both straddled by the cutting blade when they are in the starting position. At first, the cutting blade moves toward the piece of fruit and cuts a fairly good part of it.

Abstract: A food press having an elongated body including a forward end to which a perforated cap or the like is removably attached and through which pressed foodstuffs pass, and a chamber means within the body adjacent the forward end of the press for receiving and pressing foodstuffs. A reciprocating piston is slidably fitted within the chamber means for moving and pressing foodstuffs, wherein the piston is adapted to be positioned rearwardly of the foodstuffs in the chamber means in its retracted position and against said forward end for pressing the foodstuffs through the perforations in the cap in its forward position. The press also has a rotatable handle pivotally connected to the elongated body rearwardly of the piston, and a linking member connected to the handle and to the piston. When the handle is rotated in one direction the piston is moved to it's retracted position to allow the chamber means to received foodstuffs.

Abstract: A waste container crusher particularly adapted for crushing automotive type oil filters or other structurally rigid disposables containing hazardous waste has a housing with an open bottom which is closed off by an anvil plate. The anvil plate slideably receives three equiangularly spaced posts which are secured to a roof plate at the top of the housing, above the anvil plate. Nuts on the posts support the anvil plate below the roof plate, so that the anvil plate is suspended from the roof plate by the posts. The roof plate is secured to a hydraulic cylinder which produces a 10 ton driving force for a platen guided by the posts to crush a container placed on the anvil plate below the platen. In the anvil plate, four blind bores in a rectangular pattern in the top surface intersect a central blind bore extending from the bottom surface, and a smaller central through-bore provides communication between the lower central blind bore and the top of the anvil plate.

Abstract: A machine for crushing oil filters and collecting the oil therefrom. The machine has a piston and cylinder assembly for moving a crushing member into a crushing chamber to crush an oil filter. A control valve controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to the piston and cylinder assembly. Air under pressure is also supplied to the piston and cylinder assembly to move the crushing member back to its initial position. A lock is mounted on the actuator of the control valve for holding a door providing access to the crushing chamber in the closed position. When the actuator is moved to a position to allow fluid to flow to the cylinder the door is locked in the closed position. A second lock structure maintains the door in the closed position during the time that the crushing member is performing the crushing operation. The crushing member must be moved to its initial position to release the second lock structure before the door can be opened.

Abstract: Food press of the kind comprising pressing means adapted to operate on the food(s) to be pressed comprising at least one grid (12) and at least one plate (13) between which the food(s) (42) must be disposed, characterized in that hydraulic operating means (15) are associated with said pressing means and adapted to move the grid and the plate towards each other so that they exert pressure on the food(s), the hydraulic operating means (15) comprising at least one single-acting piston-and-cylinder actuator (24) operated by a hydraulic pump (25) adapted to operate in compression and in suction.

Abstract: A can crusher apparatus having an end wall plate and a relatively movable press plate selectively directed onto the end wall plate to crush can members therebetween. The end wall plate having longitudinally aligned recesses contained therewithin cooperative with press plate recesses to position can members to be crushed therebetween. A modification of the invention includes vacuum manifold structure to eliminate residual fluids from within can members to be crushed.

Abstract: Machine for extracting juice from citrus fruit in which the fruit are squeezed between a fixed plate (41) and a movable plate (42) mutually convergent at their lower part. At the beginning of every operative cycle, the fruit (6) is introduced between the plates from their upper part. During the first half of the operating cycle, the movable plate (42) approaches the fixed plate (41) by the action of a crank (31-32-34) - connecting rod (35) unit controlled by a motor reducer (30). The approaching movement of the movable plate (42) causes the squeezing of the fruit (6). The squeezed juice falls into the hopper (22) and, then, into the container (8). Afterwards, the movable plate (42) goes away from the fixed plate (41) and the squeezing residual product (6A) comes off said plates (41,42), it falls on the inclined grill (23) and it slides from the grill into the drawer (26).

Abstract: An apparatus to include a top plate and base plate, with a press plate reciprocatably mounted between the top plate and base plate to crush and deform various containers for disposal and recycling. The use of pivotal link members operative through an actuator rod directed medially of the link members at junctions thereof is directed for rotation to effect reciprocation of the press plate. The invention is arranged to further include drain apertures directed through the base plate. A modified aspect of the invention includes a capture plate positioned between the press plate and base plate and spring biased toward the top plate to secure cans therebetween. An underlying drawer is arranged to receive fluid from the cans, with a pesticide delivery and dispensing container arranged and mounted to the drawer for dispensing a pesticide and fungicide fluid into the drawer.

Abstract: Apparatus for crushing and severely reducing the overall dimensions of used fluid filters before they are discarded includes a housing assembly having a base portion, a head portion, and side wall portions joining the base portion to the head portion. First and second cylindrical sleeves positioned within the housing substantially completely enclose each filter during the crushing operation. During the crushing operation, each filter rests on the base portion and a hydraulically operated ram assembly forces a piston against the filter and crushes the filter between the base portion and the piston. The side walls portions and the first cylindrical sleeve restrict lateral movement of the piston and filter during the crushing operation. A considerable amount of used fluid is re-claimed from the filters as a result of the crushing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating fat from a formed ground meat product while maintaining desireable texture and other eating qualities, comprising the steps of placing the product on a support member configured to promote the flow of fat away from the product; bringing the product to a temperature at which a substantial proportion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified; and compressing the product against the support member only after the product has reached the temperature at which a substantial portion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified, by applying a rolling pressure which repeatedly traverses the product in a plane parallel to the support member for a period and at a pressure level sufficient to exude a substantial portion of the liquified fat from the product. During at least part of the time when rolling pressure is applied, a non-fat liquid is supplied to the top surface of the product.

Abstract: A filter plate for use in a press for separating cocoa butter from cocoa paste includes a plate body having an inlet surface facing the paste, and an outlet surface in which a spiral collection channel is formed. A plurality of holes extends through the body between the inlet and outlet surfaces. The holes communicate with, and are spaced along, the spiral collection channel.

Abstract: A simple, easily cleaned press having a grate (28) in which perforations (34) are created by inside and outside grooves (30 and 32) running at angles to each other. A ram wall (36) is provided with ridges (38) which mate with the inside grooves of the grate. These grooves and ridges can be cleaned by scraping or wiping comb teeth (40 and 42) along them. The comb teeth protrude from the far ends of the two levers (16 and 14): one attached to the ram (12), the other attached to the cup (10). The two parts are joined by a detachable hinge (18 and 24), allowing the comb of one part to be engaged with the corrugations of the other.

Abstract: An improvement for an apparatus for recycling oil filters enables crushed oil filters to be removed from the compartment, in which they are crushed to remove used oil therefrom and to render them safely disposable, by a mechanical means. The improvement involves the use of a U-shaped member disposed through an opening at the base of the crushing compartment. Mechanical means pull the arms of the U-shaped member from the crushing compartment, thereby enabling the base of the U-shaped member to sweep crushed oil filters out through the opening. The crushing compartment has a door which need only be opened to introduce oil filters to be crushed.

Abstract: A food press, having an elongated body including a forward end with perforations through which pressed foodstuffs can pass, and chamber means adjacent said forward end for receiving and pressing foodstuffs. A reciprocating piston is slidably fitted within the chamber means for moving and pressing foodstuffs, wherein the piston is adapted to be positioned rearwardly of the foodstuffs in the chamber means in its retracted position and against said forward end for pressing the foodstuffs through the perforations in its forward position. The press also has a rotatable handle pivotally connected to the elongated body rearwardly of the piston, and linking means which are connected to the handle and to the piston. When the handle is rotated in one direction the piston is moved to its retracted position to allow the chamber means to receive foodstuffs. When the handle is rotated in the other direction the piston is moved to its forward position for pressing foodstuffs through the perforations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter press comprising a substantially cylindrical vessel, a plurality of filter elements disposed in the vessel parallel to one another, and a rotor having a rotor shaft rotatably mounted in the vessel and a plurality of rotor elements fixedly connected to the rotor shaft and extending each between two adjacent filter elements, the surface of the rotor elements being adapted to be forced towards the filter elements for mechanically compressing filter cakes accumulated thereon, wherein the axis of the vessel is disposed in an upright position, the filter elements and rotor elements being formed as cylindrical wall members disposed in concentric relationship to one another with the rotor elements extending into the spaces between adjacent filter elements and being secured to a mounting structure connected to the rotor shaft, while the filter elements are supported on a carrier grid in the vessel.

Abstract: A hydroextractor in which a liquid material to be processed can be introduced into a hydroextracting chamber under a small pressure and the chamber can be filled with the material in a short period of time to thereby improve the operational efficiency, and a cake of the hydroextracted material can be easily removed from the hydroextracting chamber. For these purposes, this hydroextractor is arranged such that upper and lower filter cloths are provided at the top and the bottom of the hydroextracting chamber extending substantially horizontally, and that a diaphragm (8) shaped like an inverted dish is disposed on the upper surface of the upper filter cloth. Further, a pressure chamber is provided on the upper side of the diaphragm. The hydroextracting operation is performed by filling the liquid material in the hydroextracting chamber and generating a pressure in the pressure chamber so as to press the diaphragm downwardly.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided having at least a hollow compaction chamber rtically disposed on a base and a compacting ram slidaly fitted within the compaction chamber, such that the compacting ram is disposed above the trash to be compacted. The trash to be compacted is first loaded into the compaction chamber between the base and the compacting ram. A downward compaction force is then applied to the compacting ram to compact the trash within the compaction chamber to the required density. The downward compaction force is then maintained while the compaction chamber is removed from around the compacted trash. Finally, the downward compaction force is removed from the compacting ram thereby leaving a compacted trash slug. The trash may be wetted prior to compaction to further enhance the delamination characteristics of the trash slug.

Abstract: A compactor for automotive oil filters is illustrated wherein an upright hydraulic cylinder D is its lower end upon a vertical housing A open on one side for reception of an oil filter and for removal thereof after compaction with a central passageway F in a lower support C for relieving air pressure generated during compression and compaction.

Abstract: To fasten filter covering (4) of a drainage element (2) for a fruit press, rod-shaped, flexible core (3) of drainage element (2) carries an elastic sleeve (11) on its end. Filter covering (4) is pulled over sleeve (11) and is held by an O-ring (13) in a annular slot (14) of sleeve (11). The end of drainage element (2) is detachably fastened in a holder (6) that is placed in container wall (5) of the fruit press to be axially immovable and that overlaps filter covering (4) and O-ring (13). During pulling action on filter covering (4) in the direction of arrow (17), annular slot (14) and O-ring (13) are deformed so that O-ring (13) acts as a wedge and solidly braces filter covering (4) against sleeve (11).

Abstract: An improved oil filter crusher unit is provided for use in recovering used motor oil from an oil filter of the type used in automotive vehicles and for reducing the volumetric size of an oil filter prior to disposal with other trash in a landfill or the like. The crusher unit includes a crushing piston assembly having a pneumatic piston connected via a bearingless piston shaft to a filter crushing head. An air circuit system provides pressurized air to the piston assembly to advance the crushing head into engagement with an oil filter disposed within a crushing chamber. A control lever on the outside of the unit mechanically interlocks with a safety door to prevent access to the crushing chamber during unit operation. In addition, the geometry of the crushing head incorporates one or more protrusions which initiate filter crushing by crimping localized areas of the filter and thereby weaken the filter so that crushing can be accomplished with relatively low peak crush forces.

Abstract: An easily-cleaned press and grater combination, which can press, extrude and grate material. It also serves to collect and hold material. It opens to release the material and to expose all surfaces for cleaning. It comprises a first cup (12) with a first lever (16) attached to one side. Opposite the lever, the wall of the cup is formed by a first grate (26). This is held on by two hinge pins. The first hinge pin (38) is held at the bottom of the cup. The second hinge pin (20) snaps into the rim of the cup. A second cup (10) nests in the first cup. It is similar to the first, but has a solid wall (18) instead of a grate. The second cup also has a lever (14). A second grate (26) is interchangeable with the first. It shares the second hinge pin with it. The second grate snaps over a cavity (54) on the second cup into a recess (34). Exclusive of the grate and levers, the nesting surfaces of the two cups are concentric about the second hinge.

Abstract: A machine for extracting juice from citrus fruit, in particular oranges, includes an inclined chute conveying the fruits to be squeezed against a step, a spoon that raises the fruit resting on the step, and two squeezing plates below the step. The plates include a front plate and a back plate, the front plate being pivoted at its upper part and urged by a spring toward the back plate. The back plate is connected to a connecting rod and crank driven by a speed reducer by which the back plate is slid longitudinally horizontally toward and away from the front plate. As the two plates converge, the fruit interposed therebetween is squeezed by the back plate. Juice thus extracted from the fruit drips into an underlying hopper and from there is collected in a container. Afterwards, as the back plate moves away from the front plate, the residue of the previously squeezed fuit falls down on an inclined grill disposed over the hopper and is collected in a collecting drawer.

Abstract: A diaphragm press comprises a cylindrical vessel (7) rotating about its longitudinal axis and divided into two diametrically opposing parts by a flexible diaphragm (8). A series of perforated longitudinal channels (10) is fixed to a part of the inner surface of the vessel and connected at one end to an external manifold (12) for collecting the juice. At their other end, the channels (10) are connected to at least one further manifold (15) which is connected to a pumping unit (99) for feeding water under pressure by way of valves (160). The flexible diaphragm (8) is of such dimensions as to perfectly mate with the wall to which the channels (10) are connected and with the channels themselves so as to perfectly close the holes (100) of these channels (10) when the diaphragm is thrust from its rear by the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for extracting juice is disclosed. The apparatus disclosed provide a novel safety switch arranged such that the apparatus may be operated only when fully closed, thereby precluding injury to the operator or damage due to objects being placed in the path of the downwardly descending squeezer. In a preferred embodiment the juice extraction cycle is carried out automatically by means of limit switches, once the safety switch enables the motor. Embodiments are disclosed wherein the limit switches which govern the extraction cycle operate by determining the amount of pressure placed on an object, the level of pressure being adjustable, thus allowing the complete and efficient squeezing of objects of different sizes and firmness. Also disclosed are embodiments incorporating a feeder tube and actuation device whereby the juice extraction apparatus is automatically fed.

Abstract: A ram-type press expresses liquid from material being pressed, particularly from a batch of wet textile materials. A press ram can be moved onto the material being pressed by the action of a pressure cylinder. A cylindrical shell, accommodating the material being pressed, can be closed at its bottom by a perforated thrust plate. The materials to be pressed and the press ram can be introduced one after the other from above into the cylindrical shell. The press ram is connected to an edge of an opening of a pot-shaped elastically yielding cushioning member and includes a union which can be connected to a water main in order to introduce water into the cushioning member. The bottom of this cushioning member forms a membrane which can be pressed against the material from which the liquid is to be expressed.

Abstract: A bean curd producing machine comprising soybean milk coagulating means, means for dewatering and shaping coagulated soybean milk and means for delivering bean curd shaped by dewatering. The coagulating means comprises a bucket conveyor disposed within a heating chamber and having coagulating buckets arranged in parallel rows, and a distributing trough disposed above the paths of travel of the buckets in all the rows thereacross and formed in its bottom wall with filling openings positioned immediately above the respective rows of buckets. The dewatering-shaping means comprises a bucket conveyor having press buckets arranged in parallel rows and each formed in a required portion with many dewatering apertures, a press bar disposed above the paths of travel of the press buckets in all the rows thereacross, and lids suspended from the press bar each by a spring, equal in number to the number of the press bucket rows and each provided for one press bucket.