Oscillatory Or Hinged Platen Or Piston Patents (Class 100/233)
  • Patent number: 7434507
    Abstract: A system and trash receptacle for compacting trash within the trash receptacle including a receptacle having upstanding front, side and back panels, a closed bottom, and a lid. The front panel is pivotably movable about a lower pivot axis located at a lower margin thereof by a drivable power unit operably connected between one side panel and front panel. This pivotal movement of the front panel into the interior volume of the receptacle compacts the trash within the receptacle to minimize the frequency of receptacle emptying required. A vehicle includes a power output which is temporarily engagable with the power unit as the vehicle is driven up to the trash receptacle, the power output driving the power unit to close the front panel to compact the trash within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher R. Sherwood, Lisa Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7415925
    Abstract: A refuse compactor especially designed for use in fast-food restaurant environments includes a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor for actuating a hydraulic ram to compress restaurant waste materials. The compactor includes a unique outer support structure that derives strength from the outer housing skins to support a compaction plate assembly. The compaction plate assembly maintains the platen inclined at a predetermined angle to the vertical when the platen is elevated and which forces the platen to a horizontal disposition during a downward compaction stroke. A motor operated closure member selectively blocks and unblocks a refuse-receiving opening formed in a front door of the compactor unit and with a motion detector controlling the opening and closing of the refuse entry door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Buhl Hardwick, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 7416143
    Abstract: The invention is a tablet crusher including a linkage that is operable to bring to bear a force on a platen so as to urge it against an anvil, wherein platen and anvil are shaped so as to bring about a crushing force upon a tablet disposed therebetween. The device comprises: (1) a base; (2) an anvil integrally fixed to the base, the anvil having a concave crushing face; (3) a platen having a convex crushing face, coupled at a pivot to the base so as to be moveable against the anvil; (4) a screw actuator for facilitating movement of the platen against the anvil, the screw actuator having a handle; whereby movement of the handle produces movement of the platen relative to the anvil, for crushing a tablet between the anvil and the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Healthcare Logistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Leyshon, Joe Young
  • Patent number: 7395757
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for crushing aluminum cans, plastic containers and other crushable waste that is manual and portable. On the underside of the lid to the apparatus is a detachable handle with a plate attached thereto that has a series of rough ridges. The handle can descend down the height of the apparatus through a pair of parallel channels located down the front and rear of the apparatus. At the bottom of the apparatus on the interior is a mating plate that has a second series of rough edges that fit like a zipper with the ridges of the top plate for crushing of waste. The handle is lockable through latches to the lid of the apparatus when not in use. A second lock holds the handle in place on the rear of the apparatus when not in use. The bottom of the apparatus has one or more pairs of wheels to allow for easy portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Sossy L. Baghdoian
  • Patent number: 7343852
    Abstract: A loose media compacting apparatus including a charging chamber with retractable walls where variable geometry components including pivotable opposed front and rear retractable charging chamber walls of a closed and compact charging chamber are retractably and expandingly positioned to present a large capacity open and expanded charging chamber having a volume sufficiently exceeding the capacity of the charging chamber in the closed and compact position. Upon accommodation of loose media by the expanded geometry of the open and expanded charging chamber, the front and rear retractable charging chamber walls are forcibly repositioned, whereby loose media is compressed in the reconfigured closed and compact charging chamber to form precompressed media which can subsequently be further compressed by an onboard ram or other compression devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Emory L. Olds
  • Patent number: 7341000
    Abstract: A slip-sheet compactor for an imaging device with automatic media handling capabilities provides a two-stage compaction for a slipsheet removed from a media sheet to be imaged. A pair of rollers advances the slipsheet into a pre-compression chamber effecting a first compression or folding operation. In a second compression, a plunger sweeps the pre-compression chamber, which is narrowed towards an exit aperture thus effecting a second compression on the slipsheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kodak Graphic Communications Canada Company
    Inventor: Kelly F. Williams
  • Patent number: 7337716
    Abstract: A fruit press, in particular a citrus fruit press, having the following features: the fruit press has a mounting stand and a driving and pressing unit; the driving and pressing unit is mounted pivotably on the mounting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Gebr. Graef GmbH & Co., LG
    Inventor: Ralf Scheel
  • Patent number: 7191701
    Abstract: A manual trash compactor for a trash bin is disposed inside a lavatory unit of an aircraft. A trash bin disposed within a wash basin in a lavatory unit of an aircraft has a lid through which trash is thrown in disposed on an upper surface of the wash basin. Below the lid is equipped a container for trash. A trash compactor has a trash compressing member pivotably disposed via a shaft 154 on a frame. The trash compressing member is pivoted manually using a handle to compress and reduce the quantity of the trash inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Masahito Fukuizumi, Ushio Itakura
  • Patent number: 7185584
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable lateral heat press machine that allows an operator to quickly and economically transfer graphic characters or images using an ink transfer paper process or a sublimation process, or vinyl onto the surface of a garment or an object. The device includes a vertical aligned sliding arm assembly perpendicularly aligned to a horizontally aligned chassis assembly. Attached to the chassis assembly is at least one workstation assembly and a console. The workstation assembly includes a pedestal with an exchangeable, horizontally aligned lower platen that may be selectively rotated and locked in portrait or landscape orientation and a height and pressure adjustment feature. The sliding arm assembly extends upward and forward and includes a heated, upper platen attached to a manually operated plunger. The console contains the controls for operating the heating element inside the upper platen and a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woods, Linda M. Woods
  • Patent number: 7124680
    Abstract: A trash compactor designed for public use is powered by a photovoltaic cell array. This allows the trash compactor to be placed in locations where no power is available, but with frequent human traffic. The compaction feature allows the unit to be emptied less often than a typical trash container. The trash compactor can include a storage system to store power for compaction cycles. A removable bin allows easy removal of the compacted trash. The removable bin can include multiple chambers for different trash types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Seahorse Power Company
    Inventors: James Poss, Jeffrey Satwicz, Bret Richmond, Mikell Taylor
  • Patent number: 7096780
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A compacting mechanism is provided for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing. Access to the trash by-pass chute is controlled by a hatch that can be closed by activation of a hatch stop. An actuator automatically activates the hatch stop during operation of the compacting mechanism. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents is automatically disabled if the door is open. A controller operates in conjunction with non-contact magnetic sensors to control operation of the trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7077060
    Abstract: A compacting container compresses cellulose-containing waste, paper and cardboard. The container has a filling opening which can be closed by a door and pulling hydraulic cylinders. The door pivots about a horizontal axis at the bottom of the container. A compressor mounted at the filling end, extends across an interior of the container and is suspended by one side edge on a shaft traversing the container at a beam. The waste is filled into the door and its side edges. When the door is full the compressor is activated as respective cylinders pivot the transverse compressor down against the paper waste. Shovelling occurs into the container while the door is simultaneously drawn against the container open end. Waste is compressed into container the interior. A greater container volume is used, and the pressing force is further reduced for simple location of the pulling cylinders along the container sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: SHARK Solutions A/S
    Inventor: Bent Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7011018
    Abstract: The material compactor generally includes a feed apparatus and a final compaction apparatus. The final compaction apparatus generally includes a compaction chamber having confronting compression plates and an adjustably taperable portion. The area of the inner cavity of the final compaction chamber can be adjusted to become measurably smaller (tapered) or larger at the opened discharge or expelling end. Consequently, compacting movement of the material within the compaction chamber and through the chamber significantly subjects the material to restrictive compacting pressure which in turn compacts the material and performs liquid separation with each operationally continuous movement through the final compaction apparatus and out an open discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane G. Schroeder, Raymond J. Koski
  • Patent number: 6938662
    Abstract: A bonding machine for lamellar pieces of wood to be joined to a board has at least one clamping and pressing device and at least one drive. The clamping and pressing device has at least two pressing members which are configured to be loaded independently of one another against the board by a pressure force. The pressing members extend parallel to the pieces of wood and transversely to a feeding direction of the board. The drive has piston-cylinder units configured to adjust the pressing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: GreCon Dimter Holzoptimierung Süd GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Erhard Jung
  • Patent number: 6935228
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for varying the dwell parameters for a platen press are disclosed. The method involves creating an impression force between first and second platens using a driven biasing member where movement of the member is controlled by a tensioner. The apparatus includes a driven biasing member that is linked to at least one of the first and second platens that form the press and a tensioner linked to the biasing member. The bias and tensioner permit the dwell time to be extended and allows the impression force between the platens to be variably applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Brandtjen & Kluge, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry A Brandtjen, Jr., Kenneth Rinard, Robert W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6925928
    Abstract: A refuse compactor especially designed for use in fast-food restaurant environments includes a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor for actuating a hydraulic ram to compress restaurant waste materials. The compactor includes a unique compaction plate assembly that maintains the platen inclined at a predetermined angle to the vertical when the platen is elevated and which forces the platen to a horizontal disposition during a downward compaction stroke. A motor operated closure member selectively blocks and unblocks a refuse-receiving opening formed in a front door of the compactor unit and with a motion detector controlling the opening and closing of the refuse entry door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 6889604
    Abstract: A lid 14 for fitting to an open-topped refuse container 10 has a compacting mechanism comprising a compacting plate 36 mounted under the lid, a telescopically adjustable actuating rod 42 mounted over the lid, and means 40 slidably coupling the plate to the rod through an aperture in the lid such that the rod may be manoeuvred from a storage position wherein the rod lies across the lid and the plate is drawn up under the lid to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture and may be pushed downwardly through the aperture (as seen in FIG. 4) to push the plate down into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Tibor Ernst
  • Patent number: 6835262
    Abstract: There is provided a pressure bonding system for applying pressure onto at least one tile of a workpiece. This system comprises upper and lower gripper members each having first and second gripper ends. The second gripper ends are connected to each other. The first gripper ends are movable relative to each other to receive the workpiece therebetween. Moreover, an upper pressure applicator assembly is slidably engaged to the upper gripper member. The upper pressure applicator assembly is slidable along the upper gripper member between the first and second ends along a length of the workpiece. The workpiece is placed between the upper and lower gripper members with an edge thereof being adjacent the second gripper ends. The upper pressure applicator applies pressure to the tile(s) upon relative movement of the first ends towards the workpiece to a position adjacent the tile(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Reis, Thomas Ambrose, Chandrakant Shah
  • Patent number: 6772681
    Abstract: A pressing device is disclosed including a housing, a lower engaged to that housing and adapted to receive products to be pressed and an upper platen engaged to the housing and manually translatable with respect to the lower platen. A handle mechanism is connected to the upper platen for translating the upper platen with respect to the lower platen. The handle mechanism includes a resilient over-center locking mechanism for translating the upper platen to a locked position proximate the lower platen, whereupon the upper platen is further translated towards the lower platen independent of manual force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Proprocess Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Michael Raio, John Boyer
  • Publication number: 20040144266
    Abstract: The invention provides a cardboard baling press cart of the manual operated type, used for baling loose cardboard. This baling press cart includes a two layer rack and a movable baling ram which moves horizontally back and forth in-between the front and back frame within the center space of the upper layer of the rack. The baling ram is moved by two struts, which are hinge jointed together. The lower strut is hinge jointed to the lower layer of the rack and the upper strut is attached to the bottom of the baling ram. A tension spring is attached under the baling ram to provide resilience to relocate the baling ram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Guanghui Xue
  • Patent number: 6763762
    Abstract: A device for gathering and compacting compactible goods such as paper towels, includes a housing provided with an opening for supplying the goods, with a holder for acccomodating the compactible goods and a compacting element that is pivotable about an arbor and which extends above the holder. The goods between the holder bottom and the compacting element are compactible by means of the compacting element. A drive extends from the compacting element which, to pivot the compacting element, and meshes with a denticulated element that curves about the arbor, serving as a center of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Wilhelm Blatz
  • Publication number: 20040129151
    Abstract: A compression apparatus for applying a compression force to a stack of filter disks comprising a compression activator and a compression applicator is provided. The compression activator includes a sleeve mounted on a first rod element, a first locking means for locking said sleeve in an upper position on the rod, a second locking means for locking said sleeve on a lower position on the first rod element and a lever for applying a force on said sleeve to move the sleeve along said first rod element. The compression applicator includes a compressible spring mounted on a second rod element, a third locking means for locking the spring in a compressed position when the third locking means is in a lower position on said second rod element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Clifford D. Ash
  • Patent number: 6725768
    Abstract: The lowermost of a plurality of vertically stacked cans, which have their longitudinal axes substantially vertical, is held at a first stop. A crush plate is advanced to have a first portion of its front wall engage a mid portion of the lowermost can to fold it about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. When the crush plate is withdrawn, the lowermost can falls to a second lower stop and the next stacked can is held at the first stop. The crush plate has the first portion of its front wall engage the next can to fold it and a second portion of its front wall engage the entire surface of the folded can to flatten it to enable the flattened can to exit past the second stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell D. Cushing
  • Patent number: 6701832
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A mechanism for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing is provided within the housing. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents includes a frame disposed within the housing, and a compacting mechanism carried by the frame. The compacting mechanism includes a platen and is configured for moving the platen through a compaction stroke to apply compacting pressure to trash contents located in the lower portion of the housing during at least a portion of a compaction stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: AMPRO
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6668712
    Abstract: A portable rock crusher (10)is adapted for attachment to a boom (16) of an earthmoving vehicle (14). The crusher has a hopper (32) with a material inlet (49) and a material outlet (44) spaced from the inlet. A pair of jaws (46,48) is located within the hopper and positioned between the inlet and outlet. The jaws are movable relative to one another to vary the spacing therebetween and an actuator (68) is provided to control relative movement between the jaws. Material moving from the inlet to the outlet thereby passes between the jaws and is crushed upon relative movement of the jaws to provide an aggregate at the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: 1401310 Ontario Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Lucien Fernand Gervais
  • Publication number: 20030183095
    Abstract: A positive lock for infinite adjustable stroke alignment mechanism for a mechanical press with an eccentric bushing disposed within a press connection member with a second eccentric member disposed within the eccentric bushing. A rotatable crankshaft is connected to the second eccentric member. A positive lock alignment mechanism is included for aligning the press connection member with the eccentric bushing to prevent rotation therebetween and permitting rotation of the second eccentric member with the eccentric bushing for infinite stroke adjustment whereby rotation of the crankshaft, when the mechanism is activated causes a press stroke adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: John B. Bornhorst, Richard J. Oen, Charles H. Dickman
  • Patent number: 6612148
    Abstract: A mechanical press includes an easy load tilt out loading position that improves operator visibility when loading parts onto operation specific tooling, and which also increases the speed of which such parts can be loaded (and unloaded), and finally reduces the chance of operator error. The mechanical press includes a frame having a press head, a base pivotable between a load position and a working position, and a tie rod coupling the press head and the base. The press head is configured to reciprocate along a first longitudinal axis, responsive to an operator input such as pulling or rotating a handle. The press head and the base each include features configured to allow respective attachment of a first tool and a second tool, and whose specific configuration depends on the operation being performed by the press (i.e., shaping, assembly requiring pressure, etc.) The press head, when in the first position, is operative via the tie rod to place the base in the load position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph William Rich
  • Patent number: 6588330
    Abstract: A top loading trash compactor for compacting trash in a container is provided, including a packing head that is preferably generally pie-shaped in cross section, rotatably mounted to a frame about the apex of the pie-shape. A power unit is provided for providing power to rotate the packing head, via a driver, from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing trash to enter the container and the second position causing the trash to be compacted within the container. The frame holds the apex of the packing head above the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Importico
  • Publication number: 20030121425
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for gathering and compacting compactible goods such as paper towels. Said device comprises a housing (12) provided with an opening (14) appointed for supplying the goods, with a holder (16) for holding the compactible goods, and with a compacting element (18). Said compacting element extends above the holder, can pivot around an arbor (22) and can compact the goods between the holder bottom and the compacting element. The aim of the invention is to permit, with a high degree of reliability, a problem-free compacting of goods using constructively simple measures. To this end, the invention provides that a drive (34) with a gearing (36) exits the compacting element (18). In order to pivot the compacting element, said gearing meshes with a denticulated element (42) that curves around the arbor (22) serving as a center of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Wilhelm Blatz
  • Patent number: 6490967
    Abstract: A folding method for empty disposable packages, e.g. milk cartons, permitting reuse collection in suitable physical standards, as well as a device for this purpose. A bottom plate (3) firmly cooperates with two longitudinal, upright, identical sidewalls, one at each side, between which a pressing plate (1) is led downwardly. The opening portion of an empty milk carton placed beneath said pressing plate between the sidewalls will be closed first. The carton is placed on the base plate with a glued bottom seam oriented vertically. Air within the carton will be compressed and exert an internal pressure against the bottom side, which will be blasted outwardly and deformed, before the air escapes through the opening portion. The thickness of such a compressed carton allows twenty empty cartons to be inserted into one, which is 50% more than normal. The pressing plate (1) of the device is hinged between the lower and outer part of the sidewalls, so that a directed pressing plate (1) will do the folding function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Olav Hovda
  • Patent number: 6412406
    Abstract: A trash compactor and an attachable trash container are disclosed. The compactor includes two compacting plates; one of which is vertically mounted and moves horizontally in the direction of a second compacting plate. The second compacting plate is pivotally mounted and is moved from its horizontal position to a vertical position for compacting trash. The trash compactor is attached to a trash container which is removable from the compactor by means of a forklift device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Custom Engineered Systems & Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Flood, Christopher M. Flood, James P. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20020035933
    Abstract: Accessory for a liquid container (20), in particular a beverage container, such as a glass or a cup, comprising a main body (21) and two clamping members (2, 3, 13) to be placed on either side of the upper edge of the liquid container and integrally formed with the main body, which in unloaded situation leave an insertion opening (23) for the edge open, the first clamping member (5, 6) intended for engagement of the inner side of the liquid container being provided with at least two first clamping surfaces spaced apart in edge circumferential direction and the second clamping member (13) intended for engagement of the outer side of the liquid container being provided with a second clamping surface situated in between them, in which the first clamping member is provided with portions extending with a directional component in edge direction, on which portions the first clamping surfaces are situated, which portions are deformable, in particular bendable, in a plane parallel to the plane in which the edge of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Anne Louise Cordia
  • Patent number: 6330856
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and retrieving garments in a controlled manner. The apparatus retrieves the garments in a secure enclosure while accounting for the garments returned, and compacts the returned garments, all with a single, stand-alone apparatus. A paddle mechanism sweeps the garments into a horizontally extended storage compartment and compacts them with an upward movement. The paddle is articulated at a one-way joint to allow it to pass obstructions on its return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Fitzgerald, Eugene O. Gresens, Ward P. Broom
  • Patent number: 6315548
    Abstract: Improved booking drive mechanism for vertically extending mold presses such as SRIM mold presses. Opening and closing of the booking plate relative to its associated moveable ram are actuated by a pair of horizontally disposed hydraulic cylinders. Tension pulleys carried by the extendable pistons of the cylinders are trained around cables that connect the booking plate to the ram. When the pulleys are retracted into their cylinder housings, tension or pull on the cables causes the booking plate to move about a fulcrum to a closed position. Conversely, horizontal extension of the pistons away from the cylinders causes opening pivotal movement of the booking plate about the fulcrum thereby separating the booking plate from the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: French Oil Mill Machinery Company
    Inventor: H. Michael Gallagher, III
  • Patent number: 6289798
    Abstract: A baling machine for baling tobacco and other materials. The baling machine includes a bale chamber that includes a bottom, opposed ends, a ram assembly, and a pair of opposed side and top assemblies. Each side and top assembly is pivotally mounted adjacent the floor of the bale chamber and movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position each side and top assembly extends around the bale chamber and forms a part thereof. In the open position, each side and top assembly extends outwardly from the bale chamber and effectively leaves the bale chamber open from the top, thereby enabling tobacco to be fed into the bale chamber from the top. Once the bale chamber has been filled, the side and top assemblies are closed and the ram assembly pushed through the bale chamber causing the tobacco therein to be compressed and formed into a bale. Thereafter, the bale is either ejected or removed from the bale chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel W. Van Der Hyde
  • Patent number: 6260475
    Abstract: A manually operated coffee bean press for ensuring the proper extraction of coffee. The manually operated coffee bean press includes a frame. The frame includes a base and a leg. The leg includes a first end, a second end, and a front side and a back side with a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The frame also includes a shelf comprising a plate integrally coupled to the leg. The coffee bean pressing apparatus also includes a cylinder integrally coupled to the leg. The coffee bean pressing apparatus further comprises a piston member including a shaft being positioned in the cylinder. The shaft includes a hole with a lever removably coupled to it. The lever is hingedly coupled to the leg by a hinging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Clio Tegel, Warwick Smith
  • Patent number: 6224318
    Abstract: This apparatus relates to improved replaceable wear shoes for use with the slide guides of rear-loading refuse trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Garwin B. McNeilus, William P. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6158336
    Abstract: A compacting system including a double action vertical ram pivotally mounted within a container. The container includes a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a floor and a lid. An opening in the front wall allows refuse or other material to be deposited into the container. A hingedly mounted door covers the opening. The ram includes a pivotally mounted compression plate and a cylinder mounted to one of the side walls with one end thereof mounted above said plate. A shaft extends from a housing of the cylinder and is attached within the container to the plate. In a compaction cycle, the compression plate can travel from a "vertical" position to a substantially "horizontal" position, and compacts the refuse between a lower surface of the compression plate and the floor. A power unit located outside the container provides power to actuate the cylinder. A magnetic safety switch and a door interlock device provide safety features for the compacting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Angelo M. Cambiano
  • Patent number: 6123500
    Abstract: This apparatus relates to improved replaceable wear shoes for use with the slide guides of rear-loading refuse trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Garwin B. McNeilus, William P. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 6070522
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Reino Koljonen
  • Patent number: 6058834
    Abstract: A press is provided for applying heat transfers to rigid or flexible substrates such as plaques, tiles, plates, clothing and the like. The press includes a frame (10) presenting a lower platen (12), and an upper platen (58) supported on an arm (50) for movement toward and away from the lower platen. The upper platen (58) presents a mounting bracket (78) by which it is connected to the support arm, and a pressure adjustment assembly (54) is supported between the upper platen and the support arm for adjusting the position of the upper platen. The pressure adjustment assembly (54) includes a pin (80) supported in apertures of the support arm (50) and the upper platen (58) and a lever (88) protruding generally radially from the pin for permitting the rotational position of the pin to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Hix Corporation
    Inventor: George S. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 6035775
    Abstract: A pressing device 1 for joining workpieces 44, 45 has a pressing tool 3 and a motorized drive 5 for actuation of the pressing tool 3 over a pressing distance, as well as a control device 26 which has a drive control device 62 with an output control device 67 as actuator for influencing the drive 5, such that at least one setpoint profile is retained as a command variable according to which a manipulated variable, corresponding to the setpoint profile, is generated for influencing the output control device 67. The output control device 67 and the setpoint profile 79 or profiles are part of a servocontrol system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Novopres GmbH Pressen und Presswerkzeuge & Co. KG
    Inventor: Xuong Luong Nghiem
  • Patent number: 5987858
    Abstract: A movable retaining wall is used in a first position in a compression baler to retain a compressed mass, such as microfibers, and is then moved to a second position into an opening in a wall of a packaging chamber filling the opening such that a gap between the edges of the interior surface of the retaining wall and the edges of the opening is too small to allow the compressed material to enter the gap when it passes through the packaging chamber and past the gap. To accomplish this requires the use of hidden hinges to guide the retaining wall as it moves from the first position to the second position and back to the first position. The hidden hinges allow the retaining wall to move essentially straight out of the opening in the wall of the packaging chamber before it begins to pivot towards the second position, thus allowing the tight fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Long
  • Patent number: 5971694
    Abstract: This invention relates to improved replaceable wear shoes for use with the slide guides of rear-loading refuse trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: NcNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Garwin B. McNeilus, William P. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5964144
    Abstract: A tortilla making device for flattening dough into tortillas. A base is included that has a lower pressing surface and a first heat source for heating the lower pressing surface. A pressing plate is pivotally coupled to the base; the pressing plate has an upper pressing surface and a second heat source for heating the upper pressing surface. A thermally insulated handle is coupled to the pressing plate for manually pivoting the pressing plate both toward and away from the base between a raised and lowered position. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the base for engaging the pressing plate when the pressing plate is in the lowered position and for advancing the pressing plate from the lowered position to a pressed position. In another embodiment, the invention takes the form of a method for making tortillas using a single device that flattens dough into tortillas. The method includes the steps placing a portion of tortilla dough upon a lower pressing surface between the base and the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Armando B. Chapa
  • Patent number: 5960710
    Abstract: A refuse compactor (10) has a storage or compaction chamber (11), a lid (12) and a compaction blade (13). The compaction blade (13) is driven by cylinder (18) which may be attached to either the lid (12) or the chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Farnow Pty Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Wayne Holtom
  • Patent number: 5937739
    Abstract: The invention provides a press for bread products which includes two horizontally opposed, inclined press blocks which contain electromagnets with a trapezoidal pendulum block is pivotally mounted between the press blocks. The pendulum includes two large permanent magnets. The polarity of the electromagnets is switched in a manner to force the pendulum to swing from contact with one press block to the other. A dough ball distribution system is also provided which distributes dough balls to interstitial positions between the pendulum and the press blocks, so that when the polarity of the electromagnets is switched, the pendulum press block presses the dough ball into a tortilla. A heating system is provided to heat the press blocks and pendulum block to partially cook the tortilla and aid in removing the pressed blocks after it is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: X-Press Manufacturing
    Inventor: George A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5884556
    Abstract: An improved trash handling device for receiving trash in a trash container enclosed within a housing where the housing has a completely enclosed manually operated trash compactor for selectively compacting the trash received in the container, wherein the compactor includes a pyramid-shaped compacting plate for engaging the trash in the container, a foot lever for rotating the compacting plate downwardly from resting position into the trash container, a pneumatic spring for biasing the compacting plate to resting position, and a safety lock preventing delivery of trash to the container during a compacting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Koncept Kreations, Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank H. Klepacki, David G. Klepacki
  • Patent number: 5845568
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: F. F. Rosser, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5832815
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Machinefabriek Bollegraaf Appingedam B.V.
    Inventor: Heiman Salle Bollegraaf