Abstract: A workpiece shift apparatus includes a bottom plate (30), a middle plate (50) slidably attached on the bottom plate, and a top plate (80) slidably attached on the middle plate and defining cutouts (86). A first pushing means is installed on the bottom plate and includes a first piston cylinder (32), a first piston rod (34), and a first handspike (38). The combined middle plate and top plate is moveable in a first direction by the first pushing means actuating the first handspike to push the middle plate. A second pushing means is installed on the middle plate and includes a second piston cylinder (56), a second piston rod (58), a third piston cylinder (70), a third piston rod (72), and a second handspike (73). The top plate is moveable in a second direction by the second pushing means actuating the second handspike sequentially inserted into the cutouts.

Abstract: A vehicle recycling system includes an hold-down mechanism, a crane having an engine puller, a component disassembly station, a feed press, and a material press, all of which are housed within a building. A vehicle is placed onto a hold-down table where it is held in place by the hold-down mechanism while the engine and other valuable components are removed using the crane. Components not requiring further processing are placed into bins. Components requiring further disassembly are fed to the component disassembly where they are further disassembled and placed in bins. Once the high value components are removed, the crane loads the vehicle onto the feed press. The feed press then moves the vehicle onto the material press where it is compressed by the press. The back wall of the press is then raised so the crushed vehicle can be removed.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to a device for stacking and compressing a plurality of soft elements. One purpose of the invention is to avoid damage to the soft elements due to excessive pressure. The device comprises a stacking shaft, drive means and movable receiving means arranged on two opposite sides of the stacking shaft, which receiving means in pairs are arranged in level with each other. Moveable compressing means are arranged on two opposite sides of the stacking shaft. Both the receiving means and compressing means are movable in a vertical direction. The receiving means are arranged to successively receive elements. Each pair of the compressing means is movable from above the stack for compressing the elements.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a shearing and compacting press for the production of pressed parts, preferably packages (20) from waste material, especially scrap and sheet clippings. The material used is pre-compacted in a first compacting step. In a second compacting step, the material, which has been pre-compacted to the width of the package, is subjected to intermediate compacting until the height of the package (20) is reached. In a third compacting step, final compacting of the material to the final width or length of the package (20) is carried out. According to the invention, the material is pre-compacted with a continuos force and optionally sheared until the compressor (3.1) reaches its final position. The compressor (3.2) is securely adjusted and guided to its end position on a parallel plane. Subsequently, the compressor (3.3) is guided in a position in which the compressor (3.1) releases the opening of the package chamber (2.3) when the compressor (3.1) is driven back.

Abstract: A transportable recyclable materials densifier including an integrally configured conveyor, separator, and compactor chamber mounted on a trailer frame that is transportable along public and private roads, for separation of ferrous from non-ferrous materials, and for compaction of non-ferrous materials at each location to which the trailer is transported. A conveyor is directs materials to the separator for separation of non-ferrous materials that are directed into an upper opening in a first end of the compactor chamber, with rejection of ferrous materials from the separator for discharge. A reciprocally extendable piston and compactor end extends through the compactor chamber to compact the materials into a second end of the chamber. The compacted materials form a densified shape against a movable end wall that is raised after compaction for ejection of each densified shape from the compaction chamber for storage and/or transport to a recycling operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic sorting compression machine for iron, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. An inlet is provided atop the main body of the present invention. At least one detecting switch is arranged in a preset position of the inlet. A receptacle is disposed under the inlet. A one-way outlet and a two-way outlet are fitted at the front and rear ends of the receptacle. An exit selector controlled by a change-over magnetic valve is disposed at the two-way outlet. A container is placed under each of the three channels of the outlets. The press shaft of a spindle passes through the receptacle. The press shaft is fitted with an electrified magnet and an electrified pole at the front end thereof while another electrified pole opposite to the electrified pole is mounted in preset position of the main body. A microswitch is disposed in the farthest position of the press shaft being drawn back.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the volume of a cylindrical tube for disposal by crushing flat and then shearing into small coupons. Shearing is accomplished by opposed dies having a checkerboard grid of cutting edges. The resulting coupons are preferably substantially square in shape. The invention is particularly useful for reducing the storage volume of irradiated radioactive pressure tubes from a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for compacting waste in a machine including an cylindrical, open-top tank (2-4) and a compacting head (15, 16), wherein a horizontal toothed roller (16) is arranged in said tank (2-4) and bears on said waste under its own weight, and said roller (16) can be rotated around the central vertical axis of said tank by the action of a driving member (15). The method is characterized in that a quantity indicative of the force exerted by said driving member (15) is monitored, and in that, when said quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, an unclogging operation is performed by (a) first raising said roller (16) up to a predetermined height and (b) then releasing said roller (16) thus causing it to lower back onto the waste, while being rotatively driven in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a transfer rail in a press transfer system having a drive frame for imparting reciprocating movement to the transfer rail. The drive mechanism comprises a drive housing securable to a transfer rail in the press transfer system, a drive bushing received and secured within the drive housing, and a drive member slidably received within the drive bushing and securable to the drive frame of the press transfer system such that movement of the drive frame causes movement of the drive member in a direction generally corresponding to the direction of the movement of the drive frame. The movement of the drive member is transmitted through the drive bushing to the drive housing and the transfer rail causing movement of the transfer rail in a direction generally parallel to the movement of the drive frame.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: An apparatus that is made integral with, attached to or attachable to machines for compacting and baling materials, particularly waste materials. The apparatus generally has a hopper compartment and a conveying assembly attached to a frame. The hopper compartment receives waste materials therein. The conveying assembly has a motor driven conveyor belt for conveying the waste materials from the hopper to the compactor/baler machine through an opening in the housing of the machine. Preferably, the first end of the frame attaches to the door that is used for removing compacted bales from the machine, thereby becoming integral with the machine, so as to allow the apparatus to pivot or swing to and from the machine with the opening and closing of the door. Wheels on the second end of the frame facilitate movement of the apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: The invention is a method, and its accompanying apparatus, for charging and discharging short-cycle and/or coating presses with layered pressing material. In order to reduce the charging and discharging times, the method entails inserting a first transport device, or charging device, having a plurality of clamping devices into a charging region and inserting a second transport device having a plurality of suction devices into a pressing chamber, wherein the first and second transport devices are inserted transverse to a longitudinal central axis from a pair of supply axes to a pair of charging and discharging axes. The pressing material is clamped in the charging region and a plate is accepted in the pressing chamber; the first transport device is then moved into the pressing chamber and the second transport devices into a discharging region.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a waste compressed solid according to the invention is provided with a hopper having an opening for receiving a waste in an upper side thereof and a discharge port in a bottom side, a feed screw conveyor for transferring the waste in the hopper to the discharge port, and a compression chamber connected to the discharge port of the hopper and having a compressing means. A shaft of the feed screw conveyor is formed in a taper shape so as to become gradually narrow toward a side of the discharge port of the hopper. Further, draw screw conveyors are provided with the hopper in a symmetrical manner so as to cross to the feed screw conveyor. A waste such as a metal chip or the like supplied to the hopper is drawn to a side of the feed screw conveyor by the draw screw conveyor, is fed to the compression chamber by the feed screw conveyor and is compressed by a piston. The waste compressed solid is continuously produced by continuously repeating the operation.

Abstract: A transfer device combines an advance-return drive mechanism and a clamp-unclamp drive mechanism. The transfer device operates from only one side of a press to position both drive mechanisms above a pair of feed bars thereby greatly reducing spatial constraints and costs and enabling an increase in speed. The feed bars operate to process a work piece along a process direction. The feed bars are cantilevered from the transfer device for easy use with a press, raw materials feeder, and product gatherer.

Abstract: According to a method of transferring a sheet through a working apparatus, a first sheet is moved by feed rolls partially into a working area of the working apparatus, which is followed by moving a second sheet by the same feed rolls to allow the leading end of the second sheet to be brought into abutment with the trailing end of its preceding first sheet and then to push the first sheet to a predetermined position within the working area. After the first sheet is thus placed and the second sheet is moved back out of the working area, the apparatus is operated to work the first sheet, for example, by pressing. The second sheet is moved forward into abutment with the trailing end of the worked first sheet and moved further while pushing the first sheet toward delivery rolls of the apparatus, which then removes the first sheet out of the working area of the apparatus. Such steps of operation is repeated to transfer a series of sheets successively through the working apparatus.

Abstract: A bindery compactor and/or baler receives and compacts or bales simultaneously large particulate paper waste and pneumatically conveyed fine paper waste. The compactor and/or baler operate with a platen cycling within a chute. The platen is normally forward in the compacting position with a sealing plate attached to the platen extending to close the top of the chute and form the bottom of two waste paper receiving bins. A first of these paper waste-receiving bins is for large particulate paper waste loaded from a cart dumper or conveyor. A second of these waste-receiving bins is for pneumatically transported fine paper waste from a cyclone separator. In both bins, accumulation of paper waste occurs to a height where an electric eye triggers cycling of the compactor only when a sufficient volume of material is present for compaction and an excess volume is present for preventing pneumatically induced escape of material.

Abstract: A process for operating a workpiece transport system for a press arrangement includes driving, the system by at least one driving device which can be held in a stoppage position with a braking device. By application of a predefined torque by the driving device, the functioning of the braking device is checked.

Abstract: Aa process for operating a press arrangement involves a press slide and at least one workpiece transport device that are electromechanically driven and electrically supplied by a supply and feedback device having at least one input and at least one output. In the event of a voltage drop at the input of the supply and feedback device, the current intensity at the input of the supply and feedback device is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing large hay bales of approximately 750 kg to produce smaller recompacted manageable units to facilitate shipping in containers. The apparatus provides means for cutting the bales into at least two slabs, preferably three slabs, and means for cutting those slabs into two approximately equal pieces. Means are provided for each piece to be recompressed, strapped and cut again to provide units having an approximate weight of 35 kg.

Abstract: A bindery compactor receives and compacts simultaneously large particulate paper waste and pneumatically conveyed fine paper waste. The compactor operates with a platen cycling within a compactor chute, in which the platen is normally forward in the compacting position with a sealing plate attached to the platen extending to close the top of the chute and form the bottom of two waste paper receiving bins. A first of these paper waste-receiving bins is for large particulate paper waste loaded from a cart dumper. A second bin of these paper waste-receiving bins is for pneumatically transported fine paper waste from a cyclone separator. In the second bin, accumulation of fine particle paper waste occurs to a height where an electric eye triggers cycling of the compactor. When cycling is triggered, the compactor platen retracts from extension to the chute withdrawing the sealing plate and allowing the stored paper waste from either bin to fall into the chute ahead of the retracting platen.

Abstract: The invention is a method, and its accompanying apparatus, for charging and discharging short-cycle and/or coating presses with layered pressing material. In order to reduce the charging and discharging times, the method entails inserting a first transport device, or charging device, having a plurality of clamping devices into a charging region and inserting a second transport device having a plurality of suction devices into a pressing chamber, wherein the first and second transport devices are inserted transverse to a longitudinal central axis from a pair of supply axes to a pair of charging and discharging axes. The pressing material is clamped in the charging region and a plate is accepted in the pressing chamber; the first transport device is then moved into the pressing chamber and the second transport devices into a discharging region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading bulk materials is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a track and a frame movable on the track between a retracted and extended position. A first plate is movably mounted on the frame, and a ram is operably connected to the first plate for moving it between a retracted and extended position. A feeder may also secured to the frame. In operating a press such as the one disclosed, the frame and plate are moved within the container, a compressible material is transferred into the container, the compressible material is compressed, and the frame and plate are moved to a position outside the container. The steps of transferring compressible material into the container and compressing it may be repeated as desired. The frame may also be equipped with a second plate in which case one plate may be compressing material while additional compressible material is simultaneously being transferred into another portion of the container.

Abstract: A bindery compactor receives and compacts simultaneously large particulate paper waste and pneumatically conveyed fine paper waste. The compactor operates with a platen cycling within a compactor chute, in which the platen is normally forward in the compacting position with a sealing plate attached to the platen extending to close the top of the chute and form the bottom of two waste paper receiving bins. A first of these paper waste-receiving bins is for large particulate paper waste loaded from a cart dumper. A second bin of these paper waste-receiving bins is for pneumatically transported fine paper waste from a cyclone separator. In the second bin, accumulation of fine particle paper waste occurs to a height where an electric eye triggers cycling of the compactor. When cycling is triggered, the compactor platen retracts from extension to the chute withdrawing the sealing plate and allowing the stored paper waste from either bin to fall into the chute ahead of the retracting platen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a in-vivo diagnostic method based on near infrared ra ation (NIR radiation) that uses water-soluble dyes and their biomolecule adducts, each having specific photophysical and pharmaco-chemical properties, as a contrast medium for fluorescence and transillumination diagnostics in the NIR range, to new dyes and pharmaceuticals containing such dyes.

Abstract: A method for automatically loading bags of recyclable containers into a trailer. The containers of plastic bags are put onto a conveyor, which delivers them to a loader having a ram to push the bags of containers into the trailer automatically. In a preferred embodiment, a computer assisted by electric eye sensors controls the number of strokes of the ram, and controls when the conveyor and loader is operating.

Abstract: Apparatus for the dustfree discharge of fine dust from a dust collector which includes a compression chamber having a discharge end, a conveyor for feeding fine dust from a collector into the compression chamber, a compressing piston in the compression chamber for compressing the fine dust toward the discharge end and a counterpressure device moveable in the direction of compression for applying a controlled counterpressure to the fine dust being compressed.

Abstract: Expanded or foamed plastic material is fed into a hopper containing a first auger having a cutting function. The first auger is driven by an electric motor and cuts the plastic material into pieces which are discharged from the hopper into a vertical chamber. The vertical chamber contains a second auger driven by an electric motor. The pieces of plastic material are compressed by the second auger and delivered into a chamber which serves as the inlet end of a horizontal friction chute. The plastic material in the chamber is compressed by a hydraulic ram which forces the compressed plastic material along the friction chute.

Abstract: A baler has a front door assembly formed with an upper loading port and a loading door engageable in a closed position over the loading port. A plurality of guides on the assembly define respective generally vertical paths along which can travel respective elements on the door between an upper position corresponding to a closed position of the door and a lower open position with the door offset from the loading port. The door lies wholly with an outline of the door assembly in the lower open position. The baler door wherein the guides are generally vertical and horizontally flank the door. Each guide is formed of three pieces and forms a respective upper track and a lower track therebelow and the elements include respective upper and lower elements riding in the tracks. Each lower track is formed with a horizontally extending rest on which the respective lower element sits in the open position and with another horizontally extending rest on which the respective lower element sits in the closed position.

Abstract: The sludge filtration device comprises: a filter (1) placed over an approximately horizontal box (4), this filter (1) constituting, in its filtration position, the bottom of a filter chamber (8) of essentially vertical axis; a piston (10) suitable for closing the filter chamber in the top part; means (3, 11) for causing relative movement between the box (4) provided with the filter (1) and the piston (10) so that a liquid filtrate flows downwards through the filter (1) and so that a cake of solid matter remains on the filter (1) at the end of the operation; and a scraper device (31) provided for removing this cake. The piston is made in the form of a filter piston (10) so that a liquid effluent passes through the filter piston (10) as the volume of the filter chamber (8) is being decreased, and a suction pumping means (P) is provided for removing the effluent above the filter piston (10).

Abstract: An inexpensive inner bag loaded into a cylindrical container such as a drum. The inner bag has excellent airtightness and facilitates transferring the inner bag to a separate container. The inner bag comprises two hexagonal first sheets and two pentagonal second sheets. Each first sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a trapezoidal portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. Each second sheet has a pair of opposite sides extending longitudinally and a triangular portion formed around one longitudinal end of the sheet. The first and second sheets are placed in an opposite relation to each other. The peripheries of the first and second sheets, excluding the other ends, are bonded together by heat-sealing.

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

Abstract: A form, loop and trim system is provided with a toggle mechanism for dynamic counterbalancing. The system operates at high speed with reduced vibration. The system may be conveniently adjusted to handle products of different sizes, shapes and materials. An improved feed apparatus for indexing a sheet of thermoformed articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus includes a housing with a door which opens to facilitate placement of trash within a trash receiving chamber of the apparatus. A sweep within the trash receiving chamber is actuated upon closing the door, forcing the deposited trash into a first compaction chamber, wherein the trash is mixed and compressed into a condensed mass by converging chamber walls and a downwardly directed spray of water released from high pressure nozzles at the top of the chamber. A reciprocating horizontal plate at the lower end of the first compaction chamber slices off a bottom layer of the mass of trash with each cycle of forward and rearward movement. The sliced layers of trash are pushed and compacted into a second compaction chamber until the second chamber is full. The trash is then compressed to form a composite unit of predetermined size and configuration.

Abstract: A compactor for crushing metal cans. The compactor includes a magazine for unattended delivery of cans to the crushing chamber.

Abstract: An automated container handling and processing system includes a metal container handling subsystem and a plastic container handling subsystem. Each container subsystem includes a roller conveyor for conveying a plurality of large bins carrying crushed containers derived from reverse vending machines. An automated dumping station receives and inverts the bins sequentially to dump the crushed containers into a central hopper, then sends the bins to a washer which cleans the bins for reuse. A separate belt conveyor receives containers which do not require identification or accounting and conveys them to the central hopper. A second belt conveyor which also leads to the central hopper receives containers from one or more sorting machines which process non-crushed containers from non-RV machine return centers.

Abstract: A multicomponent filling apparatus for filling a first kind and a second kind of lumped products such as salad leaves into a container comprises a collecting container having a first portion receiving the first salad type and a second portion separated from the first portion by a partition wall for receiving the second salad type. A portion comprises at least one hinged base which forms the bottom and may swing downwards into an open position, a partition wall disposed above the hinged base for forming a first hinged base portion for the first product type and a second hinged base portion for the second product type.

Abstract: A fully automated, microprocessor controlled, fiber baling apparatus for converting loose, discontinuous fibers into compressed, high-density fiber bales is disclosed. The fiber baling apparatus produces fiber bales having preselected and substantially identical masses with weight tolerances below one percent of the total bale weight. The fiber baling apparatus includes a conveyor located downstream of a fiber-forming chain, a baler having a first hopper, a second hopper mounted on a scale and a compression assembly, a bagger/strapper assembly, a bag sealer, and a bale lifting system. The fiber baling apparatus separates the fibers into separate mat portions rather than operating to form bales from a continuous stream of fibers. The separate mat portions of fiber are transported by conveyor to the baler and the fiber mat portions are weighed, precompressed, and fully compressed into fiber bales.

Abstract: A compacting press, in particular for waste paper in offices, has a small footprint and a high pressing density. The press ram is disposed in the vertical direction above a pressed part container. Disposed between a shaping chamber and the pressed part container is a closure slide which can move backwards and forwards in the horizontal direction to close the shaping chamber in the pressing position. The pressed part container is removably arranged on one side of the frame of the hydraulically driven compacting press and takes the form of a rolling container which can hold a plurality of pressed parts and is provided with rollers. The base surface of the container corresponds approximately to the footprint of the compacting press.

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: Hinged sidewall member for precompressing waste material in the charging chamber of a horizontal waste baling machine. The hinged sidewall member is located in the charging chamber and has a sidewall and a top cover member extending perpendicularly to the sidewall. The hinged sidewall member is hydraulically operated about a pivot to precharge waste material in the charging chamber prior to compression in an adjacent compression chamber by a reciprocating compression ram.

Abstract: During the pressing of bales in a baler, a portion of a press channel in front of a retracted press ram is in each case completely filled with material to be compacted. During compacting, the pressure forces exerted on the press ram have a resultant which intersects the side of the press ram directed in pressing direction below the center thereof or below the center of the press channel section at the location of that side of the press ram. The press ram shows less tendency to tilt, as a consequence of which the press ram guide is less loaded and less friction occurs between the press ram and the press channel. As a result, the bale is compressed more properly and the press ram guide wears less.

Abstract: A can crusher and storage system is provided including a piston housing having a first face, a second face, and a periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. The piston housing has an inlet formed in the periphery thereof adjacent the first face. A thin rectangular outlet is formed in the periphery of the piston housing between the inlet and the first face and is further situated opposite of and offset from the inlet. Next provided is a piston assembly situated within the interior space of the piston housing for crushing cans situated within the inlet upon the actuation thereof. A control assembly is provided for selectively actuating the piston assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing wet-formed fiber material boards in a multi-stage press is disclosed, including a vertically movable loading elevator with several stages for receiving transport plates for the boards, and a pusher for moving the transport plates from the loading elevator into the press. A hydraulic system is provided for driving both the loading elevator and the pusher.

Abstract: A waste compacting apparatus is provided for compacting waste in a disposal barrel, and includes a frame on which a ram assembly is supported. The apparatus also includes a movable pallet for supporting the disposal barrel for movement through an opening in the frame between a compacting position in which the disposal barrel is aligned with a ram of the ram assembly, and a handling position outside the frame in which the disposal barrel is accessible for handling. The pallet includes a base plate on which the disposal barrel sits, and the base plate overlies a base of the frame in the compacting position so that the base plate and disposal barrel are supported on the base during compaction of the waste by the ram. A method of collecting and compacting waste in a disposal barrel is also provided, and includes the steps of collecting waste in a collection barrel, and moving the collection barrel onto a dumping apparatus.

Abstract: A can crusher for crushing aluminum cans includes a frame member for mounting to a structure. An elongate tray member for holding objects to be crushed is coupled to the frame member. An elongate handle member is pivotally coupled to the frame member. A hammer member having a can crushing portion and a slot is slidably mounted to the frame member. A roller member pivotally coupled to the handle is disposed within the slot. A stop tab extends from the frame member to position a can directly between the hammer member and the tray member. As the handle member is moved from a first position towards a second position the can crushing portion of the hammer member is moved towards the tray portion upper surface to crush an item such as a can disposed between them.

Abstract: A multi-station press is provided with a press transfer device that engages articles at the press stations after processing and transfers the articles to the next station before the press performs its next press cycle. The press transfer device includes a pair of elongated transfer bars extending along the transfer directions of the press, and grippers or other article engaging elements mounted along the transfer bars to engage the articles for transfer. The transfer bars are moved together by a grip moving unit to engage the articles, the transfer bars are lifted by a lifter, the transfer bars are then moved endwise by an endwise moving unit to the next press station. The lifter then lowers the bars and the grip moving unit moves the bars apart to disengage the articles, thereby leaving the articles at the next station. The grip moving unit ensures that the transfer bars are moved far enough apart so as not to interfere with the press during the next press cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and transporting refuse materials including a collection container including: a front end wall defining a filling opening being bounded by a rigid frame; and a door being movable for opening and closing the filling opening. The vehicle further includes an operating device for moving the door, and a hopper defining an output opening in communication with the filling opening and bounded by a counterframe disposed adjacent the frame for defining a communication region between the hopper and the collecting container. The hopper has a tubular extension extending into the filling opening up to the plane of movement of the door; and a press disposed in the hopper. The press includes a stamp movable into and out of an interior of the collection container through the filling opening, the stamp having an inclined front surface whose upper edge is set back with respect to a lower edge thereof in a direction toward the interior of the collection container.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading sheet material into a stamping press comprising a tool releasably mounted on the outer end of a boom. The tool has grippers for picking up and releasing sheet material. The boom is advanced lengthwise into the press where the grippers release the sheet material for stamping. The boom can be swung laterally to a tool-charting position where the tool can be changed easily and safely.

Abstract: A compactor for metal articles such as cans or oil filters has a feed that receives metal articles from a hopper or feed tube and feeds them into an elongated tapered compaction die. The compaction die has a cross-sectional area that decreases or tapers from the rearward end of the die to the forward end of the die. A reciprocating ram operates near the wider end of the tapered compaction die. The articles enter the compaction die at a location forward of the ram when the ram is in a retracted position. When the ram is actuated, it moves to an extended position, thereby forcing the articles forward in the compaction die. The ram then retracts, allowing additional articles to enter the compaction die. As the ram operates in this reciprocating manner, it moves additional articles forward in the compaction die and adds them to the increasing mass of articles.