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 chip compressing apparatus, including a housing which has an inner space having opposite open ends, a movable member which is movable, along one of the opposite open ends of the housing, to a closing position where the movable member closes the one open end of the housing and to an opening position where the movable member opens the one open end, a movable-member moving device which moves the movable member to the closing position and to the opening position, a compressing ram which is inserted in the inner space of the housing through the other open end thereof, such that the compressing ram is movable in an axial direction of the housing, a ram moving device which moves the compressing ram in the axial direction so that the ram cooperates with the housing and the movable member being positioned at the closing position to compress metallic chip which is stored in the inner space of the housing, and a supporting device which supports the housing and the movable member such that at least when the compressing

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. In the case of a machine wherein said roller (16) is simultaneously rotatively driven around its own axis, the direction of such rotation also preferably is reversed after said roller (16) has been raised.

Abstract: A press (10) for operating a tooling unit in the performance of a manufacturing operation, such as crimping terminals onto a conductor. The press is adapted for attachment to the frame of a host machine (12), such as a lead maker, and for receiving a tooling unit, such as a terminal applicator (52). The press (10) includes a frame (13), a carriage (20) arranged for reciprocating motion with respect to the frame (13) and a ram (110) in sliding engagement with and carried by the carriage (20). A relatively low powered actuator (22) causes the ram (100) to move through a first incremental amount of movement during the first portion of the crimp cycle and a second, more powerful, actuator (80) causes the carriage (20) and ream (110) assembly to move through a second incremental amount of movement to complete the crimp cycle.

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

Abstract: A magnetic press (10) for performing a manufacturing operation includes tooling (60) operatively connected to reciprocating parts comprising rods (22), and a magnet (41) connected to the rods (22) through a stationary plate (31). A control circuit (200) electrically operates a reciprocating magnet (41) and a stationary magnet (51) for inducing flux fields of attraction in the magnets (41,51), and for reversing the polarity of the flux fields to eliminate residual magnetism and for cushioning the landing of magnet (41) on a return stroke.

Abstract: A new automatic aluminum can crusher for compacting aluminum cans for disposal includes an upper housing comprised of a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has an open upper end with a lid hingedly coupled thereto. The first compartment has an opening through a bottom thereof. A crushing mechanism is disposed within the upper housing. An activation system is disposed interiorly of the upper housing and is in communication with the crushing mechanism.

Abstract: An electropressing apparatus has a pressing ram axially movable to apply a pressure to a workpiece to be pressed.

Abstract: A magnetic press (10) for performing a manufacturing operation includes tooling (60) operatively connected to reciprocating parts comprising rods (22), and a magnet (41) connected to the rods (22) through a stationary plate (31). A control circuit (200) electrically operates a reciprocating magnet (41) and a stationary magnet (51) for inducing flux fields of attraction in the magnets (41,51), and for reversing the polarity of the flux fields to eliminate residual magnetism and for cushioning the landing of magnet (41) on a return stroke. FIGS. 2 and 4.

Abstract: A high ratio screw actuated device used as a press to provide high pressure under small increments of movement which includes a frame or base for a housing rotatably carrying a screw having large pitch threads, a nut within said housing receiving said screw and having internal threads of the same pitch as the screw threads but a pitch diameter larger than the screw pitch diameter, a thrust/radial bearing encompassing said nut, a compression spring in said housing urging said nut downward, the free end of said screw carrying one piece of a two-piece die set, a guide rod having one end received in a socket in the frame, and a motor mounted on the guide rod for slidable movement thereof, the upper end of the screw terminating in a coupling receiving the drive end of the motor to engage the screw in rotational movement.

Abstract: The sorter-compactor (10) for urban refuse comprises: a sorting drum (24) rotatable about its axis (22), the drum being provided with at least two compartments (26, 28, 30, 32) of identical shape and dimensions, of which each compartment, intended to receive one type of refuse, extends parallel to the drum axis of rotation (22), has a constant cross-section along its entire length and has at least one of ills two open ends closable by a relative cover (60, 62, 64, 66); and a compacting device (34, 38) comprising a piston element (34) slidable in the two directions within any one of the compartments (26, 28.30, 32) when the piston element (34) is located in correspondence with that compartment, and an actuator (38) for operating the piston (34) in the two directions so as to compress the refuse contained in the relative compartment against the corresponding closure cover (60, 62, 64, 66).

Abstract: An electropressing apparatus includes an electric motor driven through a motor driver circuit to operate a pressing ram through a rotational mechanism constructed to move the pressing ram in a vertical direction relative the workpiece. Various detecting and control arrangements are used to detect, memorize, set and change the following: an initial position of the pressing ram; an upper limit stop position of the pressing ram with respect to the workpiece; a lower limit stop position of the pressing ram immediately above the workpiece; a position at which the pressing ram starts to apply a pressure to the workpiece; and a terminal position at which the pressing ram stops to apply pressure to the workpiece.

Abstract: A refuse packer includes a paddle (14) which oscillates horizontally about axis (19) through about 200.degree. to sweep refuse into a storage chamber of a vehicle (not shown). The paddle has an actuating assembly (26) supported by a single housing (27) secured to a vehicle chassis. The actuating assembly has a drive shaft with a hexagonal end clamped in a hexagonal opening (21) of the paddle. The drive shaft also has a pinion engaged by a pair of opposed toothed racks which slide in respective hydraulic cylinders (35, 36, 37, 38) which act to oscillate the shaft and paddle. A pair of hydraulic resistance cylinders (40) oppose side loads set up by the engagement of the racks with the pinion. In former arrangements the paddle was coupled to a crank plate moved by hydraulic rams which swung as they reciprocated. This led to uneven torque on the paddle and a tendency to stall midstroke, whereas the present drive provides even torque, throughout the oscillations.

Abstract: An oil filter crusher includes a housing within which a piston assembly is mounted for reciprocating movement. The crusher is connectable to an external source of pressurized air, and an air valve is located in the interior of the housing for controlling supply of pressurized air to the piston assembly. A door is mounted to the housing for movement between open and closed positions. An actuator arrangement is provided between the door and the air valve, for actuating the air valve upon closing of the door to initiate a crushing stroke of the piston assembly. A locking arrangement is provided between the piston assembly and the door, to prevent the door from being moved to its open position during the crushing stroke of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A can crusher comprising a container, a reversible motor mounted therein, a pinion gear driven by said motor and a gear driven by said motor and a gear of greater diameter driven by said pinion gear. A threaded shaft, having right hand threads on one side and left hand threads on the opposite side, is provided as the gear of greater diameter. A pair of can-crushing arms, one geared to the right hand threads and the other geared to the left hand threads, effects crushing of a can therebetween. A reversing switch is operated by one of the can-crushing arms after predetermined movement in the crushing direction to drive the arms apart.

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

Abstract: A trash compactor includes a receptacle with a receptacle opening, a closure member, and a collapsible compacting mechanism mounted in the closure member. The closure member is adapted to be secured over the receptacle opening in a compacting position. With the closure member in the compacting position, the compacting mechanism is adapted to be operated, preferably driven by an electric drive motor, so as to extend a compacting head into the receptacle through the receptacle opening to compact trash received therein. The compacting mechanism is also adapted to retract the compacting head substantially from the trash receptacle. A drive motor control system controls the operation of the drive motor in driving the compacting mechanism. Once the compacting head is retracted from the receptacle the closure member is adapted to be released from the compacting position thereby exposing the receptacle opening so that more trash may be deposited into the receptacle for compacting.

Abstract: A system for baling strands of material wherein a predetermined quantity of strands of material is compressed into a bale of strands of material having a density of at least about 14 pounds per cubic food and having a substantial portion of the bale unmatted, the system being particularly useful for baling easter grass. The system includes a baler wherein the strands of material are compressed in a substantially enclosed portion of the baler to form the bale of material. In the system, a predetermined weight comprising a portion of the total desired weight of a bale of material is compressed, and additional portions are added and compressed until the total desired weight has been compressed into a bale of material.

Abstract: A die bonding apparatus including a vertically moving block, a collet holder provided on the vertically moving block such that the collet holder itself freely moves up and down, a collet which holds a die to be bonded to a substrate and is installed in the collet holder, a first contact provided on the vertically moving block, and a second contact provided on the collet holder so that the second contact is pressed by a spring to make contact with the upper surface of the first contact. The position where rapid downward movement of the collet is stopped and the bonding load applied to the substrate are decided based upon a signal which is generated upon separation of the two contacts.

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: In a refuse compactor wherein refuse in a disposable bag within a receptacle is compacted by a ram driven by a reversible electric motor, a "full bag" indicator lamp is energized when the refuse compacted in the receptacle is at a predetermined level. The motor drives the ram downward into the receptacle to compact the refuse, and when the ram slows in response to the reactive load of the refuse, a centrifugal switch reverses the direction of the motor to return the ram to a rest position above the receptacle. The bag is diagnosed full to energize the indicator lamp if the ram is at a predetermined level in the receptacle when the motor reverses. The indicator lamp is controlled by a latching relay that requires only one pair of contacts to energize and latch on the lamp.

Abstract: A reciprocating ram crushes cans along their longitudinal axis. First and second cams move with the ram and operate first and second holding members which feed the cans one by one into a ram passageway for crushing. A valve actuator is movable with the ram for alternately operating a switching valve for directing hydraulic fluid alternately to opposite ends of the ram to operate it in opposite directions during its cycle of operation.

Abstract: A controller and method are provided for controlling pneumatic presses, and similar machines. The controller comprises a gauge to measure increments of stock length passing through the press, a length recorder to set the desired piece length, and a length comparator which compares the readout of the gauge with the preset recorder piece length, and when equal, generates a stroke initiate signal. The stroke initiate signal opens an air valve portion of the pneumatic press to communicate pressurized air with the power side of an air actuated ram, which in turn converges the press platens to perform the desired press function, such as punching holes, notching, cutoff, or the like. The controller also includes a timer to measure time beginning from the stroke initiate signal, a time recorder to set the time the air valve is to remain open, and a time comparator which compares the readout of the timer with the preset valve open time, and when equal, generates a stroke halt signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the fullness of a compactor waste receiving container utilizes the back pressure generated by the compacted waste for determining the fullness of the container. The compactor ram is stopped when in the forward compacting position and the pressure exerted by the waste on the ram is monitored for thereby determining the fullness of the container. The system further includes a timer for monitoring the time required for displacement of the ram should the ram fail to attain the waste compacted position within a pre-determined time period then the hydraulic system is shut down and an indicator is lit in order to show to the operator that the container is full.

Abstract: An electrically actuated can crusher having a housing, a motor mounted within the housing and a shaft rotatable by the motor and downwardly driven thereby having a crush plate thereon. The housing also includes a bottom crush plate allowing a can to be crushed to be placed in the housing between the crush plates. The housing includes an access door which, when in the open position, deactivates the motor. In this manner, when the door is closed, the motor can be activated to lower the shaft crush plate to crush a can placed therebetween. The shaft crush plate may include a lever movable in a slot in the housing to align the shaft crush plate in its movement and a reversing switch may be provided in the lever and slot to reverse the direction of movement of the shaft crush plate after crushing of a can.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in assembling wooden trusses and girders by holding wooden members in proper location and orientation while fastener plates are pressed into place. A frame supports an adjustable grid for supporting a clamp table at the location of each joint between wooden members, and a tower, moveable along the length of the frame, carries an articulated boom supporting an upper clamp assembly which is matable with each clamp table to press fastener plates into opposite sides of the wooden members to join them together. The apparatus is extendable and includes a wheeled undercarriage which is removeable.

Abstract: A trash compactor system which includes a trash compactor unit, a compaction receptacle and a trash deposit door disposed above the receptacle to enable trash to be desposited in the system. The door is automatically opened when a person approaches the compactor to deposit waste material therein by pressure being applied to a mat switch positioned on the floor adjacent the compactor. The compactor member compacts waste in the receptacle by passing through a compaction cycle. When pressure is removed from the switch, a predetermined time period has elapsed and the waste deposit door is closed, the compaction cycle is initiated. At this time, mechanical locks within the compactor are forced against the door, preventing the door from being opened during the compaction cycle. The mechanical locks are released after the compaction cycle is completed.

Abstract: Machine for crushing cylindrical aluminium cans for beer, soft drinks etc. The machine comprises a can intake. A craddle for receiving the can in a substantially horizontal position is displacable between a receiving position in the can intake and a crushing position in a press device for squeezing the cans axially between the end walls thereof. The displacement of the craddle between said position is effected by displacement of a closure member for the can intake between opened and closed positions. A perforated sloping plane is arranged below the press device for receiving the crushed can falling down from the press device at the return movement thereof after crushing, and diverting the crushed can to a collecting container.

Abstract: A can compacter assembly comprising a motor, a fluid pump driven by the motor, a fluid cylinder operatively connected to the fluid pump, a piston movably disposed in the fluid cylinder, a plunger connected to the piston and disposed outside the fluid cylinder but slidably within a plunger slide assembly, and a cradle disposed adjacent the plunger slide assembly, the cradle being adapted to receive a can and being further adapted to receive the plunger, whereby the plunger is adapted to exercise a compressive force against the can to compact the can.

Abstract: The recycling machine is provided with a baling chamber having a cyclable hydraulic ram. The ram cycles continuously, and each time it retracts, no more than a predetermined number of cans are admitted to the baling chamber for crushing and adding to the bale therein. A counting mechanism is provided as well as a mechanism for separating steel cans before baling.

Abstract: A vertical support frame has a top reinforced surface forming a first platen surface. A second platen assembly is movable vertically in the support frame and has a surface above the first platen surface forming a second platen surface. Air bags are disposed between the frame and the second platen assembly in an arrangement to lift the second platen assembly to open the press and also to pull the second platen assembly down to close the press. The second platen assembly includes a retractable carriage for moving the second platen surface rearwardly for loading the press. A multiple bag arrangement is also within the concept of the invention and serves to position pressing surfaces directly over the first platen surface. Operating controls are provided to move the carriage platen between forward and retracted positions and also for controlling operation of the fluid operated bags to cause alternate expansion and contraction thereof in the opening and closing of the press.

Abstract: A refuse handling system for transporting refuse from the lower end of a refuse disposal chute, for example, to a location adjacent the outer wall of a building. The system includes a straight elongate tubular chamber of substantially uniform cross section and open at one end. The chamber includes a refuse-infeed section in spaced relation to the open end and a refuse-compression section located closest to and communicating with the open end. A refuse infeed opening is provided in the wall of the chamber to the refuse-infeed section. A refuse conveying pipe having a larger cross sectional area than that of the chamber is connected to the open end of the chamber. The opposite end of the conveying pipe is connected to a remotely located refuse receiving station.

Abstract: An expandable bag is supported on a base and is associated with first and second platen means. The first platen is movable in a pressing operation relative to the second platen by expansion and contraction of the bag. The second platen is movable relative to the first platen in a plane parallel with the pressing surfaces of the platen for loading articles onto and unloading them from the first platen. The second platen has backup support for pressing functions by the frame of the press. The second platen is carried on a wheeled support for its movement in a plane parallel with the pressing surfaces and is associated with shock absorbers at the limits of its travel. Controls are provided for sequence functioning of the expandable bag and the second platen. The press has an opening at the top adjacent the front which is opened and closed by movement of the second platen.

Abstract: A can crusher having a housing, a hopper removably supported on the housing for holding cans to be crushed, a baffle secured inside the hopper gravitationally supports cans thereon and permits descent of the cans into the bottom of the hopper whereby said cans drop into and rest upon a can cradle attached to a ram, a drive sprocket extending from a motor is connected to a sprocket wheel whereby the sprocket wheel turns upon turning of the drive sprocket, a ram connected to the sprocket wheel pivots on a ram support and reciprocates within guide means on said ram support upon turning of the sprocket wheel, a can engaging plate attached to the ram advances toward a can engaging plate attached to the ram support, a can supported on the can cradle is crushed between the plates as the ram advances with the sprocket wheel, the crushed can drops by gravity through an opening in the bottom of the housing upon the return stroke of the ram.

Abstract: A vehicle towable cotton module compacter (10) is disclosed for use in the cotton field on seed cotton. A rigid framework (12) has upper and lower rectangular frames (28, 22). The upper frame (28) has a hopper (88) with an open top mouth (90). The hopper (88) has a collection box (92) with a push plate (96) for discharging collected cotton rearwardly through an opening (94) into a vertical compaction chamber (30). The chamber (30) is formed by a stationary vertical front wall (32) and a pair of L-shaped doors (40, 42) hinged along vertical axes at their forward edges. The longitudinal sides (44, 46) of the doors (40, 42) form the right and left sidewalls of the compaction chamber (30), and the lateral sides (48, 50) of the doors (40, 42) each form half of the rear wall of the chamber (30). The left, right and rear chamber walls are tapered outwardly as they extend downwardly. The upper frame (28) includes tamper means (108) mounted above the compaction chamber (30).

Abstract: A can crushing apparatus is disclosed comprising a reciprocating head which reciprocates between two fixed walls whereby on each stroke of the head, two crushing operations are performed. Automatic can feeding means, having safety switch prime mover activation capability mounted thereon, is provided. A trash container closure base for said apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Shredded paper for use as animal bedding material is compacted for packing by a reciprocating hydraulic compacting ram which displaces the material into an ejector chamber in a number of successive storkes. The pressure in the compacting ram is monitored by a pressure switch, and when a threshold pressure corresponding to a desired degree of compaction is reached a limit switch is effectively primed to trip the operation of an ejector ram upon completion of a compaction stroke, to eject the compacted material from the ejector chamber.The production of fertilizer particles is also described in which shredded paper impregnated with manure after use is comminuted and at least partially dried.

Abstract: A baler for car bodies using a simultaneous compression and cutting of the car body to produce in a working chamber of the baler a partly compressed bale which is then reduced to final dimensions in the working chamber by further compression stages.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially compacting a plurality of containers includes first and second plates each juxtaposed with respect to the other and having respective compacting surfaces, one of the plates being operated by a cam for effecting the reciprocal operation toward and away from the other plate so as to crush containers between the two compacting surfaces. A magazine is provided above the compacting plates for feeding the containers into the space therebetween, the magazine being pivoted above the plates such that downward rotation of the magazine occurs responsive to the weight of a predetermined number of the containers to operate a switch which energizes the cam mechanism.

Abstract: A compactor for metal cans, particularly beverage cans, which consists of a housing and a lid containing therein a primary chamber cavity terminating at one end in transversely extending cavity extension. With the can in position in the chamber a motorized longitudinal ram crushes the can in a longitudinal direction into the shape of a disc whereupon a cross ram operating in the cavity extension transversely crushes the disc into a pellet. In operation of the device the power driven longitudinal ram compresses the can to a predetermined point whereupon the power driven cross ram automatically starts and the longitudinal ram automatically stops. When maximum compaction has been obtained both rams automatically withdraw to their original position and the pellet falls through an opening in the floor of the cavity extension.

Abstract: A refuse compactor with an upright mechanical ram actuated by an electrical power unit interconnected to the ram by a linkage assembly including upright scissor arm pairs. Slots of the compactor container receive the forks of a front loader-type refuse truck. A latching assembly automatically unlatches a dump lid when the forks are fully inserted. A smaller refuse loading lid is provided in the dump lid which is automatically locked when the ram is in motion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved method and device for increasing the extent of compaction of materials having a tendency to reexpand when relieved after being compacted in a bale press. For being able to compensate for the reexpansion of the material compacted in a bale press when pushed forward through the press channel during compacting, it is suggested that the abutment, against which the material is compacted and which consists of the bale last produced, is tightened when the plunger of the bale press has reached a predetermined distance before its forward end position. This results in the desired maximum compaction being achieved when the plunger occupies its forward end position.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted compactor apparatus comprising multiple pressure actuated cylinders connected such that fluid is initially directed to a first cylinder to provide rapid reciprocating movement of a ram through a chamber to form a low density bale and is subsequently directed to second and third cylinders to provide low speed movement at increased compactive force to increase the density of the bale. A bonding agent is sprayed into the chamber to eliminate necessity for tying the bale. An elevator deposits the bale in a storage container pivoted to the frame of the vehicle for dumping.

Abstract: This invention provides a refuse packing apparatus including a frame defining a track along which a ram is adapted to reciprocate. A hydraulic cylinder urges the ram in either direction, and the rearward end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a lever member which in turn is spring-biased to an "at-rest" position. Under overload conditions, additional force is exerted by the hydraulic cylinder against the lever, and the latter is caused to pivot against the restoring tendency of the spring biasing means. Pivoting movement of the lever which exceeds a predetermined amount is caused to trigger a sensing component which is capable of reversing the direction of the ram by reversing the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An object compacting device having a housing with a bearing plate and an entrance opening; a wall, having an object receiving passage, mounted in the housing to divide the housing into an object discharge compartment between the wall and plate and an object receiving compartment communicating with the entrance opening; a workbed secured in the receiving compartment of the housing in endward alignment with the receiving passage and in alignment with the entrance opening; a compression member; and a mechanism mounting the compression member for movement across the workbed to and from the receiving passage in response to the insertion of an object through the entrance opening and on to the workbed.

Abstract: A baler comprises a container with an upper open end, a lid hinged on a rear upper edge of the container and a platen mounted on the lid for compressing the material to be baled. The platen slides up and down through a hole in the lid, and hydraulic rams are used for lowering and raising the platen and for lifting and lowering the lid together with the platen. The container has an upper front door which is hinged at its lower end on a horizontal axis and there is a linkage between the lid and the door so that when the lid and platen are pivoted upwardly and rearwardly, the door pivots downwardly and forwardly, with the result that a hopper mouth of large area is formed into which the material to be baled can be placed.