Abstract: An auto-tamping funnel system for tamping a product in a container includes a downwardly converging funnel having a bottom outlet disposed adjacent an open top of the tray and a side recess or cutout near the bottom outlet. A door is sized to fit closely in the bottom outlet and in the side recess and a mounting mechanism mounts the door for movement such as rotation between a tamping position where the bottom outlet is closed by the door and a receiving position where the side recess is substantially closed by the door and the bottom outlet is unobstructed. A moving mechanism moves the door between the tamping and the receiving positions. Preferably, the mounting mechanism includes a pivot axis for the door which is adjacent the bottom outlet and the bottom outlet and the recess of the funnel are rectangularly shaped. A pressure distributing mechanism also provides a maximum tamping pressure against the product, when the door is in the tamping position, at a location which is spaced from the pivot axis.

Abstract: A device for crushing cans and cutting plastic containers to facilitate efficient, space-saving storage, compact disposal, and recycling of the material. The device includes a rigid base member adapted for placement on a level surface, a handle plate portion pivotally connected to the base member and adapted for crushing cans, a handle projecting outwardly from the handle plate portion and adpated for manual gripping, and a longitudinally-extending groove located on the base member. A pair of oppositely-disposed sculpted recesses for holding a can upright while the handle plate portion is pivoted downward for engaging and crushing the can are located adjacent the groove. A removable crushing plate is adapted for placement over the groove to support a can positioned lengthwise thereon for crushing by the handle plate portion. Projecting up through the groove is a rotary blade which is driven by a motor unit located within the base member.

Abstract: A compactor which includes a framework 10 adapted for reception of an open-topped rubbish container 14, a compacting plate 16 pivotally mounted on the framework 10 about an axis 20 adjacent to and parallel to the rear upper edge 22 of the rubbish container 14 and two piston and cylinder devices 28, 34 operable to pivot the plate 16 towards and away from the container 14.

Abstract: A slide cradle is provided that includes a stationary well, a feed slide that is movable along the stationary wall, and a compactor wall this is disposed across from the stationary wall, rests upon a loading and compacting base, and is angularly adjustable about both ends, with this compactor wall being pivotably guided at one of the ends along a stationary side wall about a hinged support. The opposite, convexly curved free end of the compactor wall rests against a concavely curved side of the closure wall, with the convexly curved free end and the concavely curved side of the closure wall having the same center of curvature and being positively interconnected in such as way as to permit the convexly curved free end of the compactor wall to be guided along the concavely curved side of the closure wall.

Abstract: An industrial-type compactor for a waste material container is disclosed. The compactor includes a supporting frame that receives the waste material container, with the supporting frame having a waste material channel that communicates with the waste material container. A waste compacting ram is pivotally supported at one end of the supporting frame for compacting waste materials. In order to keep the waste material within the waste material container during compacting, locking levers are operatively associated with the waste material container to maintain a pivotally mounted cover in a fixed and non-movable position atop the waste material container. The locking levers are activated when the waste material container is positioned relative to the supporting frame. In addition, a door is operatively associated to the supporting frame for closing off the waste material channel during compacting.

Abstract: A refuse collector comprising a body defining a chamber for receiving refuse and a compactor for compacting refuse in the chamber, wherein the compactor includes a compression member for engaging and applying pressure to refuse in the chamber, a mounting member, a guide for guiding the mounting member for movement relative to the body and motors for moving the mounting member relative to the body and for moving the compression member relative to the mounting member, wherein the guide includes a rotary bearing mounted in a fixed position on the body and supporting the mounting member for pivoting relative to the body about a first axis, wherein the compression member is mounted on the mounting member for pivoting relative thereto about a second axis spaced from said first axis and wherein there is provided a control system for controlling pivoting of the mounting member relative to the body about the first axis and controlling pivoting of the compression member relative to the mounting member about the second

Abstract: A used master disposing apparatus comprises a receptacle for receiving a discharged master, a pressing member vertically movably mounted in the receptacle, and a device for vertically moving said pressing member. The pressing member compresses the master when the pressing member is lowered. The pressing member has a pressing surface, an area of which decreases when it is raised.

Abstract: A mop wringer (10), which is adapted to be positioned on the rim of a pail or the like, includes a body member (11) having a front wall (14). A pressure plate (30) is pivotally connected to the body member (11). The inner surface of the front wall (14) has passageways (15A) therein and the outer surface of front wall (14) is formed with a downturned lip (59) to define additional passageways (15B) below the passageways (15A). A rotatable arm (41) carries a linkage mechanism (49) which is connected to the pressure plate (30). Rotation of the arm (41) pivots the plate (30) to evacuate water out of a mop positioned between the plate (30) and the front wall (14). The water passes through the passageways (15A) and is downwardly directed in the pail through the passageways (15B) by contact with the downturned lip (59).

Abstract: The can crushing device disclosed herein comprises two parts. One part uses a relatively narrow bar to bend inwardly the middle of the can, preferably one made of aluminum. This step also tilts the ends of the can inwardly, thereby making it more susceptible to be more easily crushed into one compact, relatively flat piece. This second step is effected by a second part which comprises a base portion on which the partially bent can is positioned and an upper movable portion which is pivotally connected to the base portion.

Abstract: An improved pivoting ejector mechanism is disclosed for use in a rear-loading refuse compacting and hauling truck which adds a significant amount of useful refuse stowage capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming objects from a moldable material such as wax. The apparatus includes upper and lower mold pieces having upper and lower mold cavity halves attached thereto. A lever arm extends from the upper mold piece and is pivotally attached to a linear actuator. The upper and lower mold pieces are pivotably connected to one another. Movement of the linear actuator results in opening and closing of the upper and lower mold cavity halves about the pivotable connection of the upper and lower mold pieces.

Abstract: A mechanical robot having hydraulically operated arms, mandible claws, neck, head and jaw, resembles a giant prehistoric reptile. It is driven from an on-board cockpit and is capable of picking up an automobile and crushing it, then biting into it with large teeth located within a powerful jaw. Various audible and visual effects are produced during operation thereby generating a frightful spectacle for exhibition, promotion and entertainment. The robot is capable of folding into a rigid structure and being attached to a trailer tractor for road hauling on its own wheels.

Abstract: A can crusher for compacting cans, such as aluminum soft drink cans, into a substantially flat configuration for storage, recycling or disposal. The can crusher includes a base with opposing flanges and a handle which rotates about the flanges. The handle includes an extending crimping member which compresses the center of the can downwardly, and also forces the ends of the can inwardly. The handle also includes a flat surface which then flattens and rotates the ends of the can towards a mid-portion of the can into a substantially flat configuration. The first action of the extending crimping member against the can and the second action of the flat surface against the can crush the can into a substantially flat can which is environmentally and ecologically useful in recycling processes. The crushed can consumes less space in recycling operations or disposal, and environmentally and ecologically presents itself in a more pleasing manner for recycling or disposal.

Abstract: The machine has a containment box which holds the material to be compacted. The material is advanced through the containment box by a pivoted inlet wall of the containment box which is acted upon by a fluid actuated cylinder. Two compaction stations are arranged in series inside the containment box to achieve two successive compactions of the material. Each compaction station has an L-shaped presser element which is provided to the containment box and which oscillates under the action of a fluid actuated cylinder. The L-shaped presser element oscillates between a non-working position, and a working position in which the volume inside the compaction station is decreased to compact the material. Guillotine shears are arranged after the compaction stations to cut the compacted material.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus for recyclable waste materials is particularly adapted to be mounted on a recycling collection vehicle to allow the additional collection of large volume recyclable containers, such as large plastic beverage bottles and the like. The compactor apparatus occupies a very small total volume, but provides a highly efficient compaction of the recyclable materials thereby allowing it to be added to existing vehicles without significantly increasing the overall size. The appartus utilizes a flow-through arrangement including an inlet hopper on one end of the housing and a serially connected payload chamber having an outlet on the opposite end of the housing. A hopper platen is rotatably mounted on one end of a slide panel for sequential rotary and linear movement to sweep uncompacted materials from the hopper and compact them into the payload chamber.

Abstract: A device, suitable for household use, for the purpose of crushing ordinary aluminum beverage cans between a movable and a stationary compression plate. The movable compression plate moves generally parallel to a can's axis, initially engaging the can at an edge thereof to apply crushing force along one side of the can and tending to overcome the can's structural integrity. The movable plate rotates slightly as it moves through a compression stroke. At the end of the stroke the two compression plates are parallel to one another and spaced apart sufficiently to (1) make the crushed can as compact as possible and (2) to minimize the possibility of injury which might result from, for example, closing the plates on human fingers when a can is not in place. The operating portions of the device are mounted to a back plate which is sufficiently long to provide leverage to allow the device to be operated without being mounted to a surface such as a wall.

Abstract: A simple household type can crusher to be used on aluminum beverage cans causes a crushing action in which the ends of the can are rotated so that they lie flat on an upper surface of the crushed can with the peripheral wall of the can remaining in tact on one side of the crushed can for inspection of the printed material so that the origin of the can can be determined. The can crusher includes a pair of handles which, when rotated to the vertical position brings two rods into contact with the upper surface of the can while it lies horizontal thereby creasing the can and causing the ends of the can to rotate towards the creased portion. When the handles are rotated to the horizontal position this brings two paddles into contact with the partially rotated ends of the can and, with minimal pressure on the handles, the can is compressed into a readily salvagable shape of four inches by six inches. The handles are then rotated to the original clear position which allows easy removal of the compacted can.

Abstract: A vertical trash compactor (10) comprises a dual ram assembly (18) for compacting trash which has been placed into an open top container (16) through a loading door (28). A primary ram unit (20) is pivotally mounted to a housing (12) for movement between a retracted loading position above the container (16) and a normal position adjacent to the top of the container (16). A secondary ram (22) unit is mounted to the primary ram unit (20) for pivotal rotation in a direction opposite the primary ram unit (20), between a retractive position relative to the primary ram unit (20) and an extended position within the container (16). A door lock (30) is also provided whereby the loading door (28) cannot be opened unless the primary ram unit (20) is in the retracted loading position.

Abstract: A refuse-collecting utility vehicle with a refuse-charging system located behind the driver's cabin has an adjoining refuse-compacting device and a refuse-collecting bin arranged behind the compacting device. A dual compaction system makes it possible to accomplish uniform compaction of the refuse charged within the refuse-collecting bin, so that the capacity of the refuse-collecting bin is exploited to its fullest capacity. Specifically, a counterpressure plate is arranged within the zone of action of the refuse-compacting device on the top of the refuse-collecting bin. This counterpressure plate is supported for upward and downward pivotal movement and is capable of being acted upon by a pressure force and forms a counterpressure element for the refuse charged.

Abstract: A can crusher comprises a bottom plate and a handle that rotate about a first axis. A top plate is slidable along the handle. A link pivotally connects the top plate to a second axis offset from the first axis. Rotating the handle and bottom plate tends to revolve the top plate away from the second axis, but the link keeps the top plate at a fixed distance from the second axis by controlling the top plate to slide along the handle toward the bottom plate. A can or other object placed between the top and bottom plates is crushed between them as the handle rotates. The handle normally rotates from a vertical attitude toward a horizontal attitude during the crushing operation. The handle and bottom plate can rotate to a stable rest configuration below the first axis.

Abstract: A metal container crushing device comprising a base member and an arm which are each pivotable attached to one another at one end. The arm fixedly supports a compact member adjacent the pivoted end of the arm and a dent member. The compact member includes a lip which, along with the compact surface, captively engages with one end of the container. The metal container crushing device is lightweight and manually operated so that metal containers and the like can be conveniently crushed in a three step operation.

Abstract: A trash compactor has a reciprocable platen with a pivotable outer leaf. An electric motor rotates with a telescoping drive-screw mechanism which reciprocably drives the platen in its compaction and retraction strokes. A toggle linkage mechanism automatically pivots the outer leaf to an upwardly inclined orientation from a coplanar relationship with the platen in response to upward and downward reciprocable movement of the platen by the drive-screw.

Abstract: Paper towel dispensing and soiled towel stowing equipment includes a receptacle (24) for used towels, a dispenser containing a supply of paper towels and tamping means (44) for compressing used towel material in the receptacle (24). The tamping means 44 is biased into an uppermost position where it urges towel engaging means (47) into engagement with the paper towels. The towel engaging means (47) disengages the towels when the tamping means is depressed by means of a pedal (42) to compress the contents of the receptacle (24). Thus, the availability of the towel material is restricted unless the user depresses the pedal (42) to compress the soiled towels.

Abstract: A device for loading refuse into, and compacting it inside a container carried by a refuse collecting vehicle, includes a link and a shovel extending throughout the width of the container and hinged together by a hinge. The link also has its other end hinged to a fixed structure of the vehicle in such a manner that the link is adapted only to swing about the axis of that hinge. Hydraulic jacks are provided for driving the link and shovel into motion. The hydraulic jacks operate such as to cause the free end of the shovel to describe, during the effective loading steps, a curved path that thoroughly follows the curvilinear shape of a bottom of a refuse receiving trough.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for pressing a stack of signatures including a first pressing member mounted on a bracket upwardly and downwardly movable by drive means for pressing the stack of signatures over an intermediate upper surface area thereof, a pivotally movable second pressing member connected at its one end to each end of the first pressing member for pressing the signature stack over the remaining upper surface area at each end thereof, an arm for pivotally moving the second pressing member and air cylinder-plunger means for driving the arm, the apparatus being characterized in that the cylinder-plunger means is disposed above the first pressing member and attached to the bracket, the plunger of the cylinder-plunger means being directed downward and having a lateral support member, the arm having one end pivoted to the support member and the other end to a base portion of the second pressing member.

Abstract: A wet mop liquid extractor having a rollable support frame carrying a resiliently mounted pressure plate against which a wet mop is supported and from which liquid is to be extracted, and a pressure roller adapted to be brought into rolling pressing contact with the wet mop in a rolling type manner to maximize the squeezing pressure on the mop to extract the liquid therefrom, and a bucket is carried on the support frame beneath the pressure plate to catch the liquid extracted from the wet mop.

Abstract: A self-compacting refuse container has a receptacle for refuse, having a top opening. There is a lid adjacent the opening sized to slidably fit within the opening. A hinge connects the lid to the receptacle and permits hinged movement of the lid into the opening or out of the opening. There is a power source for forcibly moving the lid about the hinge into the top opening to compact refuse within the receptacle. Preferably, the container has a release mechanism for releasing the power source to permit hinged movement of the lid away from the opening for emptying refuse from the receptacle.

Abstract: A wet mop liquid extractor having a rollable support frame carrying a fixed arcuate pressure plate for supporting a wet mop from which liquid is to be extracted, and a movable pressure plate adapted to be brought into pressing contact with the wet mop on the fixed pressure plate in a rolling type manner to maximize the squeezing pressure on the mop to extract the liquid therefrom, and a bucket is carried on the support frame beneath the fixed pressure plate to catch the liquid extracted from the wet mop.

Abstract: A portable crusher for removeable attachment to the boom structure and hydraulic system of a mobile power source such as a backhoe, or front end loader-type machine for compacting scrap metal and in particular automobile bodies. The crusher includes a frame having a large panel-shaped fixed jaw, integral with and depending from one end of the frame. The portable crusher also includes a panel-shaped operable jaw adjacent the frame and depending therefrom. The operable jaw is connected to the frame by two pairs of links so that the operable jaw can be swung towards and away from the fixed jaw, and so that during such movement the operable jaw is maintained in a substantially parallel relationship with the fixed jaw. The crusher includes a hydraulic cylinder secured on one end to a pair of the links and on its other end to the frame for operating the operable jaw.

Abstract: A can compactor in which there is relative movement between a cam and a can, in a direction generally tangential to the can. Such relative movement progressively collapses the can sides, following which the can ends are bent over further than they were bent as the result of the can-side collapsing.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling large panels, e.g. solar panels, from smaller, preformed sections comprising a plurality of press tables which are coupled to a carousel structure whereby each table can be located at one work station and then moved through a series of controlled stops to an unloading station. Each press table is comprised of a frame having a smooth surface onto which the preformed sections of the panels are positioned and, a press rack which is lowered to bring supports into contact with the adhesive on the backs of the preformed sections to form the large panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucket for compactable products comprising a compaction member mobile in rotation about an axis rigidly connected to the bucket bottom and situated in the lower portion of the compaction member. According to the invention, the compaction member has a shape such that it bears against at least a portion of the wall of the bucket substantially parallel to one direction and is articulated at its other end about an axis situated in the bucket bottom, off-set toward the center of the bucket and substantially parallel to that one direction, its upper end comprising at least a coupling with a pulling and/or pushing member possibly independent of the bucket. The invention is applicable to buckets, notably so-called "multi-buckets", in order to increase their transportation capacity in the case of compactable products.

Abstract: A compactor particularly for junk vehicles, has a flatbed supporting a pair of opposed, hinged compaction doors. Each door has a linkage hydraulically operated to open and close the door for compaction of the vehicle against the flatbed. A winch disposed on the front of the compactor has its tow line extending beneath the doors and connects to the front or rear end of the vehicle to progressively advance the vehicle over the flatbed for compaction by the doors. A sequence control circuit is also provided which automatically opens and closes the compactor doors and automatically operates the winch to sequentially advance segments of the vehicle into the compactor. Additionally, the compactor can easily be made portable facilitating its transportation from one location to another.

Abstract: A nutcracker having a horizontal base and a horizontal lower cracking plate removably positioned on the base. An upper cracking plate is horizontally disposed above the lower cracking plate and slidably engaged on an upper frame for supporting the upper cracking plate above the lower cracking plate and allowing vertical and horizontal movement of the upper cracking plate relative to the base and lower cracking plate.

Abstract: This invention is a combination can crusher and exercise device. A spring loaded jaw means acts as an exerciser for the user thereof while at the same time being adaptable for use as a can crusher. The present invention has the additional feature of being self-adjustable for either short or tall cans, particularly cans of the beer and soft drink type.

Abstract: A machine for crushing metal cans into rectangular blocks or bales wherein cans are fed through a precrusher, which flattens and rips open the cans to drain liquids therefrom and leaves protruding torn tabs and flaps that facilitate bonding of the cans into a self-sustaining bale. The flattened cans are collected in a charging bin until a predetermined weight is reached; then the cans are released into a bale-forming chamber, which is closed by a hinged door forming an initial compression member. A ram then compresses the cans longitudinally in the chamber, the ram having ribs on the compression face to form grooves in the bale for future stack-retaining straps. A sliding door opens the end of the baling chamber for ejection of the formed bale by continued extension of the ram.

Abstract: A baling press having a main pressing box of rectangular shape with a side pressing box along one edge. The side pressing box has a plunger for moving material into the main pressing box. A hopper is above the boxes and between the hopper and the boxes is a pre-pressing unit having a pair of doors, each in the form of a quarter section of a cylinder which press material from the hopper downwardly into the boxes for subsequent compression and removal by a pressing plunger which moves along the longitudinal axis of the main box.

Abstract: A transportable bagging apparatus for continual, sequential loading of individual bales of agricultural products such as grass, alfalfa, corn stalks, hay, etc., into plastic tubing. The apparatus can be towed by an ordinary farm tractor or other vehicle, and can be loaded with any fork-type bale carrier or loader. A removably mounted bracket delivers plastic tubing from a roll over one of opposite open ends of a vertically positioned, pivotally mounted drum on the apparatus. When the entire roll of plastic tubing is gathered over the drum outer surface and tied over one of the drum's opposite open ends, the drum is then pivoted to a horizontal operating position with the opposite open end facing a bale engaged by a carriage. The engaged bale activates a hydraulic cylinder to force a telescoping ram against the opposite face of the carriage. This causes the engaged bale to enter the drum and load into the plastic tubing.

Abstract: A one-step, manually operated apparatus for one-handed flattening and folding of cylindrical crushable containers, so as to enable them to be stored in a smaller space when they are in their normal dimensions, and to flatten them in a manner that the vendor identification marks are readily discernible after flattening.

Abstract: A device for sorting packagings such as cans having overall dimensions within a pre-determined range as regards length and diameter, comprising a first sorting stage, including a pivoted supporting member for carrying the packagings and a frame with an opening through which the supporting member is movable to the second stage. The second stage includes pressing members cooperating with the supporting member to effect axial compression of the packagings carried by the supporting member. The opening of the frame is of a size which limits the dimension in at least one direction of the packagings passing through the opening. The second stage is provided with a second opening through which compressed packagings pass whereby the second opening maximizes the axial length of the compressed packagings which pass through the second opening and are thereby sorted out.

Abstract: A press for securing a plurality of workpiece elements in substantially coplanar, side-by-side, pressurized engagement during a gluing operation. The press comprises a bed, a retaining wall adjacent one edge of the bed, a plurality of pusher shoes mounted adjacent an opposite edge of the bed, and a top platen which is positionable in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the bed and has a plurality of spaced platen fingers along one edge thereof for receiving the pusher shoes in interfitting relation between the fingers. The press is operable for maintaining a plurality of workpiece elements in substantially coplanar relation between the bed and the top platen, and because the pusher shoes are receivable between the platen fingers, it is simultaneously operable thereto for urging the workpiece elements into pressurized engagement with each other between the pusher shoes and the retaining wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting packagings such as cans of a certain type of material from packagings of other types of materials comprising a support member transporting the packagings one by one to a compression station at which are disposed first and second pressing members arranged to move relative to each other to compress the packagings transported by the supporting member. The relative movement of the pressing members and transfer of the packagings when relative movement of the pressing chambers has ceased is controlled by a regulating mechanism such that when compressive forces of a magnitude within a predetermined range required for packagings of the type of material in question allow the pressing members to move towards each other to complete the pressing operations whereby the packagings are compressed to a size before transfer to a collecting device. In the case of compressive forces of a magnitude outside the predetermined range, the packagings are prevented from being transferred to the collecting device.

Abstract: A can crusher is composed of two basic components. A base member is mountable to a stationary surface and a lever is pivotably mounted to the base. The base includes a stationary anvil surface for receiving the side wall of a can. An inclined stationary abutment surface is affixed to the base surface to receive and abut one end of a can. The abutment surface is inclined at an acute angle to the anvil surface. An elongated lever is pivoted to the base end opposite the inclined abutment surface. The lever includes a flat crusher surface thereon for engaging a can end opposite the end presently engaging the inclined abutment surface. The lever can be manually operated to crush the can by initially moving the can axially against the inclined abutment surface. This folds the engaged end over. The remaining end is folded over by the crusher surface. The folding action may continue until the two can ends are crushed flat against the previously cylindrically can side wall.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and processing used containers including an enclosure with a rotatable carrier having one or more container receiving stations therein. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container inserted into the receiving station. Means are also provided for crushing a container accepted for processing by the apparatus comprising a fixed crushing jaw and a movable crushing jaw adapted for dual engagement with a container to provide two stages of crushing.

Abstract: A process for recycling containers such as used aluminum beverage cans comprises sensing the presence of an acceptable container inserted into a receiving station in a rotatable carrier and unlatching a latching mechanism to permit the carrier to be rotated if the presence of an acceptable container is sensed. Rotation of the carrier conveys the container to a station where the container is crushed. A receipt is then issued for the crushed container. The process is controlled by a central control unit which may include a computer having a program to monitor and control the process steps.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the insertion of a recyclable container into a container receiving station in a manually operated rotatable carrier normally maintained in a non-rotatable condition; and for analysis and initial acceptance or rejection of the container for recycling without mechanical movement apparent to the user. The apparatus includes detecting means adjacent the receiving station to determine the presence of a container comprised of material acceptable for recycling and scanning means for reading code markings on the container. The information read from the code markings on the container may be recorded for subsequent use in determining amounts of deposits to be paid as well as sources of containers. Releasing means are provided for subsequently permitting movement of said rotatable carrier if said container comprises a material acceptable for recycling.

Abstract: The towel cabinet of the present invention includes a first compartment for storing and dispensing clean, unused paper towels, and a second storage compartment for receiving and storing used paper towels. The two compartments are connected by a manual control which, when actuated, opens a door in the first compartment to permit a clean towel to be exposed and removed and at the same time actuates a panel in the second compartment which compresses used towels into the second compartment. An elevator is provided in the second compartment for adjusting the floorplate of the second compartment as more and more towels are compacted into it, and a corridor is provided between the door in the first compartment and the panel in the second compartment into which the clean towels are dispensed and disposed for retrieval by the operator and into which the used towel is discharged for movement by the panel into the second compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with a first station comprising a pocket in the carrier to receive a container. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container in the pocket and for detecting the type of material comprising the wall of the container. The apparatus also contains latching means to prevent rotation of the rotatable carrier until a container inserted therein has passed all tests performed in the first station. Means are also provided for measuring the weight of the container and for crushing metallic containers having a predetermined acceptable weight.

Abstract: Recycling apparatus for receiving and crushing recyclable containers is provided comprising a frame and an enclosure. A manually operated rotatable carrier is associated with the enclosure and has at least one open pocket therein to receive a recyclable container. The apparatus also is provided with detector means to determine the presence of a container in the pocket. Means are provided to lock the rotatable carrier to substantially prevent rotation of the carrier unless a container has been inserted into the pocket. Releasing means are also provided to permit rotation in response to actuation by the detector means when a container has been inserted into the pocket. The container is eventually crushed after rotation of the carrier to carry a container inserted into the pocket to a crushing station.

Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus including a storage body and a tailgate positioned rearwardly of the storage body which defines a hopper that is positioned adjacent to an opening into the storage body. An upper and a lower panel within the tailgate are pivotally connected and movably positioned with respect to the hopper. The upper panel is moved in a downward and rearward convexly curved path between an upward and forward position and a rearward and lowered position and the lower panel is rotated forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the upper panel. A fixed panel positioned in the tailgate structure defines the upper extent of the opening into the storage body and during upward movement of the upper panel, refuse is packed against the fixed panel.The lower surface of the fixed panel may have an upwardly curved lower surface which imparts a forward direction of movement to refuse which is packed against it.