Abstract: A chopped roving thermoplastic composite sheet includes a web or mesh of chopped rovings and a thermoplastic resin that fully saturates the web or mesh of chopped rovings. The web or mesh of chopped rovings is not mechanically bonded and does not include a binder that bonds or adheres the chopped rovings together other than thermoplastic resin. As such, the thermoplastic resin and the web or mesh of chopped rovings are able to flow and conform to a mold or cavity when the chopped roving thermoplastic composite sheet is pressed within the mold or cavity and when the chopped roving thermoplastic composite sheet is heated to above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for compressing an elongate stack of folded absorbent tissues to form a tissue log. A stack of folded absorbent tissues is transported along a compression path from an input end to an output end, the compression path being defined between first and second opposed transport surfaces provided on first and second compression members. The first compression member is moved towards the second compression member from a first spacing to a second spacing to compress the stack and form the log. The compression path has a length greater than the stack length and during compression, the stack moves along the compression path with respect to the compression members. During this process, the stack will be compressed from a first height to a second height corresponding to the second spacing.

Abstract: A device for transporting elongated metal material comprises two chain drive units with a continuous chain, which are arranged such that the elongated material is passed through between the chains with frictional contact so that the elongated material is moved; two controllable pressure units configured to apply pressure forces to the chains towards each other; at least one controllable adjusting unit which is mechanically connected to at least one of the chain drive units and which is configured to move same in a longitudinal direction of the elongated material during operation. A plant can have such a device, and a process is used for controlling such a device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an interconnect cable including a edge finger connector, and associated configurations and methods. The edge finger connector may be disposed at a first end of the interconnect cable and may connect the interconnect cable to an edge finger included in or coupled to a package substrate. The package substrate may be included in a processor package assembly, and a processor may be mounted on the substrate. The interconnect cable may include one or more elongate conductors, with contacts directly coupled to respective conductors. A second connector may be disposed at a second end of the interconnect cable, and may couple the interconnect cable to a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) case that is configured to connect the interconnect cable to an SFP cable. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The manner in which a liquid filtration in which a liquid is separated from a solid substance by means of a filter can be best realized generally depends on the specific conditions. The invention relates to a filter device for separating a mixture of solid substance and a liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, napkins or the like, wherein the articles (10) are supplied on a first feed conveyor (11) and are removed as a compressed group (12) of articles (10) on a removal conveyor (14). The invention is characterized in that the feed conveyor (11) and the removal conveyor (14) are continuously driven and a group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the continuously driven feed conveyor (11) to a continuously driven compressing device (16) in which the group (13) of articles (10) is compressed, and in that the compressed group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the compressing device (16) to the continuously driven removal conveyor (14).

Abstract: A caterpillar traction apparatus (110), wherein two pairs of pulleys (122 & 123, 132 & 133) can be driven at different speeds, so that the linear member (40) being driven by the mechanism is subjected to either compression or extension forces.

Abstract: A compacting device is disclosed that is an at-home compactor for a variety of recyclable containers. The compacting device comprises a pair of opposing side units, wherein each of the opposing side units comprises a plurality of rollers secured together, creating a compacting zone. Typically, the plurality of rollers are secured together via a conveyor belt, and the surface of the conveyor belt would comprise a textured surface which creates friction to direct a recyclable container downward through the compacting zone. Furthermore, the compacting device comprises a storage unit for collecting the compacted recyclable containers, and a push component that assists with the downward movement of the recyclable containers through the compacting zone. The compacting device also comprises a selector component that funnels different types of recyclable containers into separate storage units, and a lid which acts to seal the contents of the compacting device and prevent leaks.

Abstract: A work table stowage and support fixture includes a bracket to fixedly mount to a substantially vertical wall. A vertical guide has a top end fixed to the bracket and a bottom end distal to the top end fixed to the bracket. A sliding hinge has a hinge body, a bearing disposed on the hinge body to engage the guide and to substantially prevent horizontal motion between the bearing and the guide wherein the bearing is vertically translatable along the guide between a working position and a stowed position, and a hinge pin protruding substantially horizontally from the hinge body wherein the hinge pin has a distal end opposite the hinge body to matingly engage a complementary socket disposed on a work table. A gravity stop is on the bracket to vertically support the sliding hinge when the work table is in a working configuration corresponding to the working position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving of wood veneer quality is provided. In the method, veneers are conveyed through a compression gap made up by two press elements, the gauge of said gap being adjustable. The method comprises the use of an endless felt assembly, which is adapted to circle around at least one of the press elements and which passes through the compression gap in such a way that at least one face of the veneer is brought against the felt assembly in said compression gap.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a strapping station that integrates with a machine for wrapping and clamping a strap around a load, particularly a palletized load. The strapping station includes a transfer conveyor and a compression conveyor that is supported to be lowered onto the upper surface of a load to apply pressure to or compress the load during the strapping operation. The compression conveyor is maintained in that position, continuously applying pressure to the load, even as the load is moved for the application of straps at different locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling compressible materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes compressing means adapted to compress a first charge of compressible material into a first compressed charge in a compression area, a holding area which is substantially the same size as the first compressed charge, and push means adapted to push the first compressed charge from the compression area into the holding area. The compression means is also adapted to compress a second charge of compressible material in the compression area to form a second compressed charge. The push means is also adapted to push the second compressed charge from the compression area into the holding area, such that it will eject the first compressed charge from the holding area into a bag configured to receive the first compressed charge. A related method and attachment for handling compressible materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. The process includes the step of partially dewatering a tissue web and then subjecting the web to multiple deflections against fabrics prior to drying the tissue web. For instance, in one embodiment, the tissue web is deflected multiple times in between two opposing fabrics. The tissue web can be deflected against the fabrics under sufficient pressure to cause the tissue web to mold against the fabrics. By deflecting the tissue web multiple times, rearrangement of the papermaking fibers contained in the tissue web occurs increasing the bulk of the web.

Abstract: A press for pressing a mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press plates on the frame, and upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal and longitudinal transport direction and respectively running below and above the upper and lower press plates. Upper and lower flexible intake plates are juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and define therewith a downstream portion of an intake mouth flaring upstream. Upper and lower rollers are respectively braced against the upper and lower stretches of the belts at an upstream portion of the intake mouth immediately upstream of the downstream portion of the intake mouth. Further actuators connected to the rollers set a shape of the upstream portion of the intake mouth.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting assembly includes a feed hopper unit, a mixer unit, a conveyor unit and a compactor unit all of which are separate and distinct from each other. The units are detachably connected to each other so that the units could be assembled at the mushroom house itself adjacent to the mushroom beds. Compost would be fed to the hopper unit and then to the mixer unit which would spread the compost and feed some of the compost to the conveyor unit with the remaining compost being fed to the compactor unit. The compactor unit includes a series of compactor drums for compacting the compost. The compost fed into the conveyor unit would be discharged directly on the netting of a mushroom bed while the compacted compost from the compactor unit would be delivered to the mushroom bed directly on the compost delivered by the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting objects such as plastic bottles and cans whose material is to be recycled includes a detector device, two discharge openings and a compactor device. The detector device has at least one code reader for distinguishing approved from rejected objects. One of the two discharge openings is intended for approved objects and the other for rejected objects. The compactor device compacts the approved objects and has continuous, non-cyclic operation. As a result, waiting times are avoided between the discharge of an approved object and the commencement of the compaction thereof.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting assembly includes a feed hopper unit, a mixer unit, a conveyor unit and a compactor unit all of which are separate and distinct from each other. The units are detachably connected to each other so that the units could be assembled at the mushroom house itself adjacent to the mushroom beds. Compost would be fed to the hopper unit and then to the mixer unit which would spread the compost and feed some of the compost to the conveyor unit with the remaining compost being fed to the compactor unit. The compactor unit includes a series of compactor drums for compacting the compost. The compost fed into the conveyor unit would be discharged directly on the netting of a mushroom bed while the compacted compost from the compactor unit would be delivered to the mushroom bed directly on the compost delivered by the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening pieces of meat without piercing nor shredding the meat including a first roller set, each roller in the first roller set having non-sharpened outer edges; a second roller set, each roller in the second roller set having non-sharpened outer edges, the first roller set directly opposing and being spaced and fully separated from the second roller set, the first and second roller sets together having a product in-feed end into which meat pieces are drawn and having a product out-feed end at which flattened meat pieces are expelled from between the first and second roller sets; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the first roller set and the second roller set, where meat passing between the first and second roller sets is substantially flattened but not pierced nor shredded; and an in-feed conveyor belt assembly at the in-feed end including an in-feed conveyor belt and a rolling mechanism for rolling the in-feed conveyor belt in a direction to advance meat pieces p

Abstract: A press arrangement for treating a fibrous web, especially a paper or board web, comprises at least two press rolls to form at least one press nip. At least one press roll is mounted on at least one roll end by means of a floating bearing, whose bearing rings, arranged inside the bearing housing, can be displaced relative to each other in the direction of the roll axis.

Abstract: A foldable table for a vehicle provides a durable work surface suited for construction work and the like. The table includes a planar member, a mounting structure, a bracket and a support member. The mounting structure is provided to vertically position the planar surface at the side of the vehicle. The bracket secures the mounting structure to the side of the vehicle and the support member retains the planar surface. The support member is pivotally attached to the mounting structure whereby the support member and the planar surface may be stowed by pivoting the planar surface and the support member toward the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for producing pressed board deforms the mat with compression and decompression between heated plates upstream of the platens.

Abstract: A citrus-juice extractor has two squeeze belts (1, 2) with vertical squeeze surfaces (4) on opposite sides of a progressively narrowed squeeze channel (3). A fruit-half feeder (10) at a wide end of the squeeze channel halves uncut fruit (37) and positions it cut-face-down on a horizontal conveyor (7) intermediate the fruit-half cutter and entrapment positioning between the vertical squeeze surfaces for progressively squeezing conveyance between the vertical squeeze surfaces while the fruit halves are in transit to a narrow exit end (6). Clean-water sprayers (13) and/or other conveyor washers spray-clean the squeeze belts of oil and other contaminants continuously intermediate return belt travel from exit end to the wide end of the squeeze channel. Width of the squeeze channel is pressure-controlled to accommodate widths and consistencies of fruit halves without rupturing the fruit peel.

Abstract: A plurality of unit bags 2a, 2b . . . are composed of a permeable strip-shaped nonwoven and arranged in a successive fashion without break so that they can be easily accommodated and stored by being rolled. An annular elastic body 5 disposed around an opening 3a formed to an end of each bag 2a permits the opening 3a to be opened. Since an optically sensing object or a magnetically sensing object is disposed around the opening 3a or at a position spaced apart from the openings 3a, 3b . . . a prescribed distance, the portion of the sensing object can be positioned by a sensing device 15. Further, when, for example, sludge, and the like containing water are accommodated in a waste accommodating bag 1 and squeezed, the sludge, and the like can be easily dehydrated.

Abstract: A press for pressing a mat into a thin panel has a press frame, upper and lower press plates on the frame, upper and lower press belts having confronting lower and upper stretches defining a press gap extending in a horizontal and longitudinal transport direction and respectively running below and above the upper and lower press plates, and upper and lower flexible intake plates juxtaposed respectively above and below upstream ends of the lower and upper stretches of the belts and defining therewith an intake mouth flaring upstream. An array of spaced fluid-powered actuators carried on the frame each have outer ends juxtaposed with one of the intake plates. Thermal insulation is provided between the actuator outer ends and the one intake plate to protect the actuators from the heat of the intake plates. Swivel joints, normally ball joints, are provided between the actuator outer ends and the one intake plate.

Abstract: A device to drain a fibrous pulp suspension including an arched surface that is impermeable. The arched surface, moreover, is surrounded by a permeable belt. The belt and the arched surface are able to be moved such that there exists a relative velocity between the belt and the arched surface. The arched surface includes recesses that are able to take up quantities of fluid.

Abstract: A device for dewatering solid-liquid suspensions, in particular pulp suspensions, in which the suspension is dewatered between two belts and a dewatering zone is formed in the shape of a wedge between the two belts. The wedge height at its end closest to the outlet is adjustable over the entire belt width by an adjusting element.

Abstract: The invention relates an apparatus for the dewatering of sludge and similar substances with a sludge chamber (20) provided with filter areas (25) having at least one sludge inlet being connected to a device (3) creating a hydrostatic filtration pressure. The sludge chamber is formed by pressure plates (22, 23) which can be pressed against each other to create an additional mechanical dewatering pressure by high pressure generators (33). Further there is provided a predewatering stage (2) containing filter areas which is forming a compensation container (5) and which is connected to a continuous sludge feed (6). The device (3) for creating the hydrostatic filtration pressure is formed as one or more syringe-like piston cylinder units (14) of preferably as one or more containers being changeable in volume.

Abstract: A filter press for reducing the water content in a starting material including a pressure chamber with a stationary lower plate and five hydraulically mobile chamber walls for applying pressure to the starting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous production of a running mat (6) of stocked particles (2) of different dimensions by the use of a conveyor spreading method, for the production of wood material boards or similar boards by subsequent pressing of the mat, for the solution of the problem of having a well-defined supporting plane for the spread material independently of the rotary speed of the spreading rolls, it is proposed that, during the conveyor spreading action (11), at first holdouts be formed deliberately and continuously over the entire spreading width and the entire spreading length of the conveyor spreading mechanism, out of which individual spreading is done for the continuous formation of the advancing mat (6); at the same time an apparatus is proposed for the practice of the method for the performance of the already-named tasks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a belt press for dewatering sludge, such as sewage sludge. The press includes a camera to monitor physical operation of a gravity belt section of the press. A numerical control device uses electromagnetic radiation received from the gravity belt section to control the physical operation of the gravity belt section. An actuator device may be used to control a height of a weir for distribution of the sludge over the gravity belt section, and another actuator device may be used to control positions of ploughs which plough the sludge.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for removing water from sludge the sludge is introduced into an intermediate chamber from which it is fed into at least one sludge chamber having a filter surface. A hydrostatic pressure is built up in the sludge chamber to remove the water. The sludge chamber is then opened and the filter surface moved out of the sludge chamber to remove the filter cake. The hydrostatic pressure is generated by the sludge being transferred out of the intermediate container, after the continuous feed of sludge thereto has been cut off, by positive displacement of the volume of sludge from the intermediate container into the sludge chamber. The feed of sludge into the sludge chamber may occur simultaneously at a plurality of points from a corresponding number of intermediate containers.

Abstract: A refuse assembly is disclosed and which is useful for reducing the size of deformable objects. The refuse assembly includes a frame defining a passageway, the passageway having an intake end, and an opposite, exhaust end; a pair of continuous rotatable belts mounted in converging relation, one to the other, in the passageway, the pair of continuous belts partially occluding the passageway, each of the continuous belts having an upstream end, which is movably mounted near the intake end of the passageway, and a downstream end which is substantially fixedly mounted near the exhaust end of the passageway; and an engine mounted in force transmitting relation relative to the respective continuous belts to rotate each of the continuous belts in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A slot machine shaped can crusher comprising: an outer case formed as a hollow rectangular shaped box with an open roof, the roof of the case including a large aperture and one sidewall including a circular aperture, the lower portion of the front wall extending frontwardly therefrom, the lower portion including a rectangular shaped hole with a generally rectangular shaped removable tray positioned therein; and an inner frame comprised of a horizontally positioned planar floor and two vertically positioned planar side brackets, a plurality of rollers being coupled between the brackets, one of the rollers including a plurality of symbol wheels positioned therearound, a plurality of rubber belts being positioned around at least two of the rollers, a plurality of drive cables being positioned around at least two of the rollers, a handle being operatively coupled to at least one of the rollers and adapted to cause rotational movement of the rollers when pulled by a user, the moving rollers causing an inserted can

Abstract: Method and device to extract and deposit coils leaving a coiling machine (11), the coiling machine (11) forming the coils (22) according to an inclined axis and depositing the coils (22) on a a removal conveyor belt (12) positioned with its axis substantially horizontal, a coil-retaining assembly (13) in its first working position closing at least partly the outlet of the coils (22) from the coiling machine (11) for a period enough to permit the formation and accumulation of a desired number of leading-end coils within the coiling machine (11) and then being opened in its second release position, in which it frees the outlet of the coils (22) from the coiling machine (11) and enables the number of leading-end coils to fall simultaneously onto the removal conveyor belt (12), this simultaneous fall causing the flattening of the leading-end coils on the removal conveyor belt (12) owing to the weight of that number of leading-end coils.

Abstract: A device for compacting empty beverage containers of metal or plastics is provided with a substantially wedge formed container receiving space. Compactor elements subject the container to gradually increasing compacting forces as it moves through the container receiving space. The container is then engaged and punctured by puncturing elements as the container moves through the container receiving space. The compactor elements include a pair of mutually inclined, cooperative endless belts of a flexible material having a container engageable front surface and a rear side. The engaging and puncturing elements include a plurality of metal studs provided in the front surface of each of the belts along the length thereof.

Abstract: A device for collecting used paper containers is formed of a housing, and a volume reduction mechanism situated in the housing. The volume reduction mechanism squashes the paper containers in a falling passage extending from an inlet port of the housing to thereby reduce the volume of the paper container for efficient collection. The squashed paper container is discharged to a collection box.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering sludge. The dewatering apparatus has a pressure plate device for compressing the sludge on a surface such that the sludge is dewatered. The dewatering apparatus also has a device for confining the sludge within a predetermined area on the surface as the pressure plate device compresses the sludge. The confining device is disposed adjacent to the pressure plate device. Preferably, the dewatering apparatus also has a device for transporting the sludge on a belt to the pressure plate device. The belt is preferably a porous belt filter cloth. For instance, the transporting device can have a first conveyor belt device and a second conveyor belt device having the belt. The first conveyor belt device transports partially dewatered sludge, or sludge cake, from a belt filter press to the second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt device transports the sludge from the first conveyor belt device to the pressure plate device on the belt.

Abstract: A apparatus for continuously casting a liquid thermoset resin or composition in which a liquid thermoset resin or composition is fed into a space defined between a pair of moving endless belts arranged such that the lower run of the upper belt is disposed above the upper run of the lower belt; the adjacent runs of the belts are moved concurrently with each other at substantially the same speed and a first fluid container is provided above the upper belt with its lower surface in contact with the lower run of the upper belt. A second fluid container is provided below the lower belt with its upper surface in contact with the upper run of the lower belt. The fluid in the first fluid container is maintained at a first desired temperature and the fluid in the second fluid container is maintained at a second desired temperature. The lower run of the upper belt is maintained in contact with the lower surface of the first fluid container whereby the lower run of the upper belt is held up without any substantial sag.

Abstract: The horizontal press appears as an elongated hollow structure (1) of flat profile resting on a frame (2a, b, c, d), and comprises a ram (6) reciprocated by a fluid power cylinder (5), a hopper (8) through which crushed and stemmed grapes fall into an inlet chamber (9) coinciding with the space swept by the ram, and a compression chamber (112) of tapered longitudinal section terminating in a narrow outlet (13) from which the pressed skins emerge. The top of the compression chamber consists in the flexible undersides (115) of a succession of inflatable cushions (120a . . . n) by which a downward compressive force is applied to the grapes, whilst the bottom takes the form of a continuous belt (122) fashioned from a filtering material, looped flexibly around at least two end rollers (123, 124) and supported by a frame (128) in such a way as to pass above and below a trough (125) from which the filtered juice is drawn off by conventional means.

Abstract: A can compactor includes an electric motor connected to drive a chain which, in turn, drives a pair of crushing belts arranged in opposing fashion to form a V. One of the belts is driven clockwise while the other belt is driven counterclockwise. Cans to be crushed are placed through a guide in an open area at the top of the two belts, where they break a light beam, triggering a photo-sensitive switch, which starts the motor. A normally closed limit switch is placed in close proximity to the chain drive, and a special link on the chain is positioned to engage the limit switch to open the normally closed switch, and thus stop the motor after a single revolution of the chain. This is sufficient time for the crusher belts to thoroughly flatten the can. Can gripping lugs on at least one of the belts assure that the cans are positively fed through the mechanism and out the bottom of the V.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making structural panel from the rinds of sugarcane and similar woody grasses. The method includes providing a collection of straight and rather long rind fiber-bundle strands, coating them with binder, depositing coated strands in a loose pile with the strands randomly oriented in substantially parallel planes, pressing the pile to a final thickness, and curing to interconnect each strand with others. The curing step preferably includes moving air through the pile, which had been deposited on a perforated belt and pressed between a pair of such belts.

Abstract: A sheet calendering method and apparatus including a calendering cylinder, a delivering cylinder, and a conveyor for transporting sheets between the calendering cylinder and the delivering cylinder; wherein the conveyor includes two flexible elongated members forming parallel endless loops around the calendering and delivering cylinders, a plurality of support members attached between the parallel loops, and a plurality of calendering plates each linked to an adjacent plate by the support members to form an endless belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for the apportioning and dispensing of fibrous goods, particularly of sauerkraut, is disclosed. The apparatus for the dispensing of fibrous goods which are first mixed with a liquid ensures a precise maintaining of a certain weight of the goods which are drained by the apparatus. According to the invention, it is suggested to provide sieve walls in the form of travelling sieve belts between which a progressively drained strand of fibrous goods is formed. The strand can then be cut into portions. The new apparatus may be used for the apportioning of sauerkraut.

Abstract: A device for separating solids from suspension comprises two filtering belts pervious to water travelling in the same direction and arranged to be supported and guided each by their respective liquid withdrawing surfaces provided with holes which form therebetween a prefiltering chamber converging in the direction of travel. The prefiltering chamber comprises in the beginning a supply inlet for supplying suspension to be treated into the chamber, as well as sealing elements defining the chamber at its sides in directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belts. The sealing elements are formed by rigid walls rigidly joined to the liquid withdrawing surfaces, such that the prefiltering chamber has a substantially closed housing-like construction.

Abstract: In a double-band or similar press the pressure on the mat that is being fed in is increased so rapidly as soon as this mat comes into contact with the heat-transfer surfaces that the outer areas of the mat harden under the great pressure, whereas the heat has still not penetrated into the interior of the mat. This results in an enhancement of the surface quality of the panel. As an example, to this end, a roller gap can be provided before the feed gap.

Abstract: A double screen belt press for dewatering mixtures of fibrous material suspensions has a wedge compression zone comprising rolls and perforated plates supporting generally upper and lower screen belts. For dewatering mixtures of fibrous material suspensions having a high dry solids content, at least one sealed material feed empties into the wedge compression zone with a high pressure. A generally vertically gravity tower with an outlet port is provided to feed material into the entrance of the wedge compression zone above the lower screen belt and in front of the front roll supporting the upper screen belt. The outlet port area of the material feed is sealed on at least the side facing the lower screen belt and optionally on the side facing the upper screen belt and on the other side of the material feed facing away from the wedge compression zone between the material feed and the lower screen belt.

Abstract: A belt press type dehydration device of improved efficiency includes upper and lower pressing belts of dual layer construction. A first mesh member layer is made of Z-shaped interlocked wire members, and to this is fastened the filter sheet layer. The meshed member layer is designed to provide support for the filter sheet layer and to engage sprocket teeth driven by a motor to advance the belts. Since high tensile strength is no longer required of the filter sheet, it can be thinner and coarser than before, leading to increased dehydration efficiency. Also, the number of pressing drums can be reduced due to the increased efficiency. The upper belt mash layer is made of two separate mesh loops attached to each edge of the filter sheet layer. Sprockets adjacent the pressing drums are spaced near the edges of the belts, to reduce or eliminate leakage over the edges during pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquid from a sludge/conditioning agent mixture which comprises a first endless belt (10) of filter material; a second endless belt (12) of filter material; and rollers (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 13, 14, 15) for the belts (10, 12). That part of the belt (10) between the rollers (20, 23) is defined as a gravity de-watering zone; the part of the belts (10, 12) between the rollers (21, 13, 14, 15) is defined as a pressure de-watering zone. Filtrate is collected in a tray (17); liquid is collected in a tray (35). Monitoring means monitors a characteristic of the filtrate and the liquid to enable a rate of change in the characteristic of the filtrate/liquid to be determined. The apparatus functions at its optimum at a loading rate for the mixture which is just less than that which causes extrusion of the liquid in the pressure de-watering zone.

Abstract: The can flattening machine of the present invention comprises a first conveyor for carrying the cans to the upper end of a hopper located above a pair of belt assemblies. The belt assemblies are elongated and are positioned relative to one another so as to create a V-shaped notch therebetween. The cans fall between the belt assemblies and are flattened between the lower ends of the belt assemblies. One of the lower ends of the belt assemblies is spring mounted with respect to the other so as to be yieldably movable away from the other belt assembly.