Abstract: A continuous press for pressing glued press charges is provided. The press includes first and second generally parallel press platens, a driver for driving the press platens through a working stretch at a predetermined rate of travel, and a system for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the press platens to compress and unify the press charges disposed between the first and second press platens. The system is designed to travel through the working stretch of the press, with the press platens, at the predetermined rate of travel.

Abstract: A structural component such as a car door panel or door trim insert panel is produced in a single molding operation. For this purpose at least one premolded hard foam material block or member is inserted in a respective nesting mold cavity. Then an intermediate fiber material layer preferably in fleece form is placed on top of the foam material block. Then, a surface cover layer, such as a layer with a decorative exterior surface is placed on the intermediate fiber material layer with the decorative surface facing an upper mold section. The mold is then closed and the necessary heat and molding pressure are applied to laminate the intermediate fiber material layer to the cover layer. Then a nesting die applies additional pressure to the hard foam block for bonding the hard foam block to the intermediate fiber material layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for gluing together first and second pieces of a foam pattern to be used in a lost foam casting process, the apparatus comprising a frame, a glue tank adapted to contain glue, a glue platen supported by the frame for vertical movement relative thereto, the glue platen being movable relative to the frame between a lower position submerged in the glue and an upper position raised above the glue, a center platen located above the glue platen to hold the first pattern piece, the center platen being supported by the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis, and a top platen for holding the second pattern piece located above the center platen, the top platen being supported by the frame for vertical movement relative thereto between upper and lower positions. While in one pivotable position, the foam piece held by the center platen faces downward and, in the other position, it faces upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving upper and lower molds toward and apart from each other and giving additionally increased clamping force to the engaged molds.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving upper and lower tool parts for punching, cutting and stamping, and more particular to such an apparatus using a rotary screw rod and a nut member threadedly engaging with the screw rod so as to move up or down therealong.

Abstract: A method and press for pressing material by way of feeding the material into a gap formed between two pressing surfaces, in which gap the cross section of the material flow is tapered in the forward transfer direction of the material. The material is pressed between pressing surfaces formed by parallel, beam-shaped transfer elements which are reciprocatingly moved in the direction of material flow in two alternating groups so that the mutually opposed transfer elements of both pressing surfaces are moved in a mutually synchronized manner in the same direction. During the forward transfer motion the pressing force exerted by the transfer elements on the material is greater than the pressing force exerted during the return motion of the transfer elements.

Abstract: A mechanical press includes a slider which is reciprocated, through connecting rods, by an oscillating plate oscillating around a driving shaft to obtain a press load. The press further includes a swash plate rotatable with the driving shaft. The oscillating plate oscillates in accordance with the rotation of the swash plate. A plurality of lock pins are concentrically disposed in parallel with the driving shaft on a side of the oscillating plate opposite to the swash plate. Each of the lock pins has a spherical head housed in the oscillating plate so as to make the pins rotatable and axial movable. A slider guide supports the pins and the slider.

Abstract: An apparatus for dismantling filter inserts, especially disposable oil filters which comprise a filter paper element and an internal metal supporting tube, as well as metal end plates. The apparatus has two support rails 15 and 16 with upper edges formed as cutting edges. The support rails are mounted in a frame 11 for displacement transversely toward or away from each other to vary the spacing between them. Vertically above and perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the two support rails is a platen 26 driven by a compressed-air cylinder 24 or the like to move along the perpendicular such that the platen will compress a filter insert 19 placed upon the two support rails and sever the end plates 21 and 22 from the filter paper element 20.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for pressing objects by lifting the objects into a waiting pressing shaft. The shaft includes a forming element at its lower end for forming the object, and the shaft is engaged by its upper end through a pivot member to an air cylinder in a manner which provides a force advantage to the air cylinder. Also, a system for pressing objects is disclosed, in which the press device is employed in conjunction with a turntable for sequential and continuous pressing operations.

Abstract: Molding press apparatus (20) for simultaneously operating a plurality of molds (M) having multiple mold parts (M1, M2) including, a framework (25), first and second platen assemblies (U,L) supported by the framework for carrying the mold parts of the molds, a third platen assembly (I) interposed between the first and second platen assemblies for mounting mating mold parts in opposed relation to the mold parts carried by the first and second platen assemblies, a drive assembly (80) for simultaneously moving the first and second platen assemblies relative to the third platen assembly for opening and closing the molds. Loading and unloading apparatus (150) may be provided for simultaneously transporting preformed fiber reinforcements (R) to the molds and for transporting molded parts (P) away from the molds associated with the platen assemblies.

Abstract: A tire compacting machine has a pair of compactor plates mounted on hydraulic cylinders formed around the tie bars of the frame to move the compactor plates from the ends of the machine toward the center of the machine to compact therebetween a number of tires positioned about a mandrel hinged to one of the compactor plates. The tires are positioned in the machine about the mandrel and are captured between the compactor plates about the mandrel as the plates are moved together to compress the tires into a dense compacted uniform cross section bundle for efficient storage, handling and/or disposal. The machine can compact a wide range of numbers of tires from a few to twenty or so and the degree of compaction can be varied to suit the application, i.e., usable tires compacted slightly, unusable tires tightly compacted. The mandrel is pivotally mounted on one compactor plate and slidably received in an aperture in the other compactor plate so that tires are completely contained during the compaction cycle.

Abstract: A rotary pelletizing machine comprises a rotatable matrix disc, a plurality of upper plungers and lower plungers guided in the matrix disc, and an element for holding the lower plungers from falling out during a dismounting of the matrix disc, the holding element including a braking ring arranged in the matrix disc and pressing radially against the lower plungers so as to hold the lower plungers from falling out.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering liquid from refuse liquid-filled containers comprises an elongated compression chamber formed by a cylindrical wall having a perforated cylindrical wall portion provided with a plurality of liquid collection orifices, an annular liquid collection chamber surrounding the perforated wall portion, a first plunger and a second plunger axially movable in the compression chamber relative to the first plunger. The first and second plungers have respective first and second perforated plates mounted in spaced relationship thereon and each provided with a plurality of liquid discharge orifices. When the second plunger is moved in a direction toward the first plunger to compress the refuse containers between the first and second perforated plates and thereby cause the containers to burst and expel liquid, the liquid is discharged through the liquid discharge orifices and the liquid collection orifices, and into the liquid collection chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing liquid from particles of compressible material includes feeding particles to two opposing press surfaces that are separated by a distance that decreases along a feeding direction wherein at least one of the press surfaces is formed of a number of parallel transfer elements and wherein each transfer element is connected to a corresponding pressing actuator. The sum of a surface area of each transfer element forms a total press surface area for one of the press surfaces. The transfer elements are reciprocated in a forward and backward motion along the conveying direction such that a total press surface area includes at any particular time a forward moving surface area that is larger than any backward moving surface area.

Abstract: Pressing apparatus comprising a die made up of a number of segments defining a cavity in which metal swarf is compacted to form a billet. The die segments are held together by one or more sleeves housed in a housing which is mounted on a pedestal which pivots between a first position in which the cavity is aligned with one or more rams which are advanced into the cavity to compact the swarf, and a second position in which the cavity is aligned with gripping devices which grip the ends of the die segments and separate them radially to release the billet after a jacking device mounted on the housing is actuated to move the sleeves in the axial direction and release the die segments. One of the gripping devices may comprise a cylindrical bore through which an empty tube can be fed into the cavity and the other gripping device may similarly comprise a cylindrical bore through which the billet can be fed after it has been ejected from the die cavity.

Abstract: A punch press is oriented horizontally with the first and second opposed tools being mounted on first and second members both of which are movable horizontally. These motion members are driven with rapid acceleration toward each other for impacting the fast-moving first and second tools simultaneously against opposite sides of material to be formed between the tools. The two opposed motion members are arranged for the momentum of the first tool with its associated moving parts at the instant of impact be equal to the momentum of the second tool with its associated moving parts so that equal and opposite impulses resulting from momentum cancel each other out. As a result of this opposed motion with momentum-balanced-at-impact, very little energy or work is wastefully lost into the platform on which the punch press is supported and only an insignificant or very modest amount of mechanical shock and vibrations are induced into t he platform.

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: 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: Stamping and forming machine of the type having opposed tooling assemblies which are reciprocable towards and away from each other has toggle mechanisms for moving the tooling assemblies along their paths of reciprocation. Each toggle mechanism has one toggle link pivoted to a tooling assembly and another toggle link pivoted at a fixed pivot location. The fixed location pivots are adjustable in order to control the position of the tooling assemblies when they are in their closed positions. Additionally, adjustable wear plates are provided in the passageway in which the tooling assemblies are mounted. Advantages achieved include reduced manufacturing cost for the machine, potential for high operating speeds, and compactness when desired.

Abstract: A device for pressing cylindrical containers holding nuclear facility waste materials into disk pellets includes an initial press and a main press. In the initial press, the container is deformed by an arrangement of movable dies and tension-relieving rams into a shape suitable to fit into a compaction chamber in the main press. After the container is collapsed by the dies and rams of the initial press, the initial press is opened and the collapsed container is deposited into the compaction chamber of the main press where it is compacted into a disk-like pellets and discharged from the compaction chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-pressure sensitive recording sheet developing apparatus in which vibratory pressure generated by an ultrasonic wave generating means is applied to a photo/pressure sensitive recording sheet using microcapsules carrying a latent image formed through exposure to thereby develop the photo/pressure sensitive recording sheet by the vibratory pressure. Preferably, the ultrasonic wave generating means is formed as a single resonance system and has parallel surfaces opposite to each other, each of the opposite surfaces having a vibration mode so that the opposite surfaces are displaced in the directions opposite to each other and substantially along a vertical axis of the opposite surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling products such as bagged particulate material, into a multi-tiered stack upon a pallet, is designed to substantially eliminate relative movement between the articles and article supporting surfaces of the apparatus during the stacking operation. The articles are arranged into a tier upon an air table and then transferred to an elevator consisting of spaced parallel rollers. The elevator is then raised to a location above a set of retractable tines which are then projected beneath the elevator into the spaces between the rollers to receive the tier of articles as the elevator is lowered. The elevator then brings a second tier of articles to a location just below the extended tines which are then retracted to drop the tier supported on the tines onto the tier supported on the elevator, which is then raised above the tines. The tines are then reinserted beneath the elevator to receive the two stacked tiers and this cycle is repeated until the stack is complete.

Abstract: A first body has a cylindrical section that is adjacent a conical section so as to form a constricted passage through which granular solids are forced under pressure. Passage through the constriction results in the application of shear forces to the granular solids which degrades some of the particles to create fines to fit between the larger particles and which induces interparticle motion that facilitates the compaction process. After passing through the constriction, the compacted solids are received in a cylindrical receiving chamber, into which a piston can be inserted for the application of direct compression forces. In a preferred embodiment, the granular solids are forced through several constricted passages in sucession, resulting in several stages of compaction prior to the final stage of direct compression.

Abstract: A device for compressing various solid waste materials comprises a matrix receiving waste material to be compressed by compressing hydraulic cylinders, and a bottom plate positioned below the matrix. The bottom plate has an opening for discharging a blank compressed in the matrix from the device. The matrix is formed of two half-shells, one of which is horizontally displaceable so as to close and open the opening in the bottom plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling products such as bagged particulate material, into a multi-tiered stack upon a pallet, is designed to substantially eliminate relative movement between the articles and article supporting surfaces of the apparatus during the stacking operation. The articles are arranged into a tier upon an air table, then transferred to an elevator consisting of spaced parallel rollers. The elevator is then raised to a location above a set of retractable tines which are then projected beneath the elevator into the spaces between the rollers to receive the tier of articles as the elevator is lowered. The elevator then brings a second tier of articles to a location just below the extended tines which are then retracted to drop the tier supported on the tines onto the tier supported on the elevator, which is then raised above the tines. The tines are then reinserted beneath the elevator to receive the two stacked tiers and this cycle is repeated until the stack is complete.

Abstract: A spiral-wound metal catalyst support is disclosed, wherein the layers of the spiral cannot telescope outwardly in either direction. The support is formed by first winding together a flat strip and a corrugated strip, the strips being wound on a mandrel. The mandrel is removed to leave an axial hole. The catalyst support is then flattened at each end, so as to close the axial hole at each end. The flattening is done in mutually perpendicular directions, so that the catalyst support has tapers in both of two directions. The tapers prevent telescoping of the layers of the support. The catalyst support can be placed in a tube before it is flattened, and then the tube and the support can be flattened together, so that the support becomes firmly anchored in the tube. In an alternative embodiment, a second, tapered mandrel is inserted into the support before flattening, the tapered mandrel having a shape conforming to the inner cavity defined by the flattened support.

Abstract: A molding machine for making bricks, etc. having a mold open on both ends and opposed plungers for cooperation with the mold, the mold and plungers being removable and replaceable as a set.

Abstract: A high pressure press is made without the need for a press frame by wrapping the press plates with a belt. A raising device is located between the plates and the belt, and closes the plates by transmission of force to the belt, which in turn acts upon the plates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for locking the paint containing vessels in apparatus for mixing or blending paints and the like, comprising two movable plates firmly coupled to corresponding parallely extending supporting rods, each supporting a fixed gear wheel at the central portion of which there is provided a lever forming one of the two ends of an open frame structure and on which there are pivoted two arms, in turn pivoted to the movable plates, on which there are coupled two vessel clamping rotatable disks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling tobacco. Five to eight bales are compacted to reduce the transverse dimension of the bales, the compacted group being tied into a single pack. The disclosed apparatus for performing the method consists of a truck having a pair of jaws which are movable toward one another, which are rotatable and which are elevatable to permit the bales to be compressed, raised, rotated through 90.degree. and tied.

Abstract: A transfer vehicle with a special clamping mechanism for clamping a stack of signatures supported on a stacker, and for maintaining clamping engagement with the stack as the transfer vehicle moves the stack to a delivery position. The clamping mechanism can bring an end board over to the stacker, and deposits the end board on the stacker as the clamping mechanism engages a stack. The clamping mechanism also has independently movable clamp members that can move to different coextents in applying pressures to different portions of a stack of signatures during the clamping process. Still further, the clamping mechanism is designed to positively contain a signature stack that is removed from a stacker.

Abstract: In the manufacture of packing containers of the non-returnable type for, e.g., milk, the forming and closing of the ridgelike top of the filled packing container represents the final phase in the manufacture. The top is provided with sealing panels which are intended jointly to form a top fin on the closed packing container. The present invention relates to an arrangement for the processing of a packing container by compressing and sealing the top fin of the container. The arrangement includes two processing jaws which are movably suspended in spring elements and are movable symmetrically between an active position wherein the jaws contact the sealing fin and an inactive position wherein the jaws are spaced from the sealing fin.

Abstract: A base frame supports pairs of parallel compressing arms having a pivoted depending support on an upper extension. These arms are operated between open and bale forming positions by fluid operated cylinders. An article holding cartridge has upstanding ribs arranged to confine articles therebetween for baling. The ribs are spaced such that upon moving the loaded cartridge into place on a cross conveyor, the compressing arms thread through the ribs and compress the articles. The upper extension has powered lifting and lowering means for operation of the compressing arms in a baling sequence and also to open the arms rearwardly for ejecting the bale. Upper straps are associated with the compressing arms to compress the top portion of the bale, and banding mechanism is supported on the frame for applying bands around the bale. The base frame is supported on a wheeled chassis and has longitudinal adjustment on the chassis for positioning between a rear baling position and a forward road traveling position.

Abstract: A conventional Webb cotton press is modified to change the path of bale movement 90.degree.. In additon, an improved debander is located adjacent the new entry location to the press. At the end of one cycle of press operation, a pusher associated with the debander advances a debanded bale into the press which pushes the finished bale out of the press. A heading mechanism is provided to square an unbanded bale push into the press.

Abstract: A press container of a diaphragm press for agricultural products, such as grapes, fruits and other fruits or fruit-like products is driven to be rotatable about its horizontal lengthwise axis and is provided with two substantially hood-shaped diaphragms or membranes. The diaphragm attachment elements are arranged at surfaces which run with opposite inclination in the direction of the inlet and outlet opening, respectively. During the filling of the container the diaphragms are located at the upper side thereof and at the same time juice outlet channels of the press container lie free at the region of dropping of the mesh. This leads to an increased juice extraction by pre-dejuicing. The conveying action of the diaphragm attachment elements facilitates the removal of the grape or product residue.

Abstract: A device for crushing containers embodies a base having a supporting surface for receiving the container to be crushed. Upstanding crushing members are mounted for rectilinear movement along the supporting surface selectively to a first position in spaced relation to each other for receiving the container to be crushed and to a second position with the crushing members being juxtaposed relative to each other to crush the container. Elongated power transmitting members are connected to the crushing members and are mounted for sliding movement along the supporting surface. A power transmitting element is mounted for rotation above each power transmitting member and imparts rectilinear movement thereto and to the crushing members carried thereby selectively to their first and second positions.

Abstract: A collector and discharge mechanism permits a continuous flow of sheet material into a stacker station while predetermined size batches are removed from the growing stack and discharged for processing and cartoning.

Abstract: A cheese press having a platen is disclosed. The platen is supported by springs that are held in prestressed condition by stops so that the springs will deflect when a pressure of predetermined amount is exerted on the cheese, thus limiting the pressure on the springs to a predetermined amount depending on the strength of the springs selected. The springs can be changed to weaker or stronger springs, depending on the pressure desired.

Abstract: An adjustable sealing mechanism for heat sealing packages in plastic film is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes means for vertically adjusting the position of the heat seal to accommodate objects of varying heights while maintaining a vertically controlled heat seal at the ends of the object.

Abstract: A machine for tying a coil of wire with ties comprises a substantially flat support having at least one cutout, wherein the coil and the flat support are movable with respect to each other to place a portion of the coil into the cutout. A clamp is provided in the region between the closed end of the cutout and the adjacent end face of the coil for gripping one end of the tie at a fixed point. A tie guide rotatably mounted on the flat support defines a path about the cutout and carries an element for gripping a point of the tie adjacent the fixed point so that during rotation of the tie guide the tie is wound about the portion of the coil in the cutout. A cutter arranged in the region between the closed end of the cutout and the end face of the coil serves to cut the tie after being wound about the portion of the coil, whereafter the ends of the tie are twisted by twisting elements.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material such as meat. The apparatus includes a turret which rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into one of a plurality of mold cavities and a discharge station where each formed patty is ejected by a piston. An improved sealing means is provided for effecting sealing engagement of a feed spout assembly with the bottom surface of the rotating turret. An improved cut-off band is also provided for separating the formed patties from the turret at the discharge station. Reciprocation of the piston in each mold cavity is regulated by a control means which includes means for limiting the free upward movement of the piston until the cavity opening is fully aligned with a feed opening in the feed spout assembly.

Abstract: A double acting press is disclosed having upper and lower vertically reciprocable slides and a bolster assembly therebetween, which bolster and slides support tooling for cutting and drawing a cup-shaped article from a flat blank of sheet metal in response to a cycle of reciprocation of the upper and lower slides. The bolster assembly is releaseably clamped in place with respect to the press frame during press operation and is adapted to be released from the frame and supported for rolling movement laterally outwardly of the frame to facilitate tool inspection, maintenance and replacement operations. Tooling associated with the upper and lower slides is adapted to be supported by the bolster assembly so that the entire tool package is movable into and out of the press confines with the bolster assembly.

Abstract: Fruit press comprising a substantially rigid enclosure or cage having two parallel, vertical open ends and a closeable top for introduction of fruit pulp or other material to be deliquified, and including two platens, one abutting each of the two open ends of said enclosure, one of said platens adapted to substantially tightly and slidably seat in said enclosure and compress material to be deliquified against the other platen to form a cake, said other platen then being indexable away from said enclosure while the first platen indexes slightly beyond the distal end of said enclosure to displace said press cake out of said enclosure. Liquid is expressed from said press cake by drainage through suitable channels in the faces of one or both of the platens and/or the sides and bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: A bolster for a press, such as a mechanical press, which is capable of being easily retracted downwardly so as to increase the die separation thereby enabling easy access to the dies for maintenance. The bolster assembly includes a base mounted to the bed of the press, a bolster supported on the base and guided thereby for rectilinear movement in opposed relation to the bed and slide between an extended position for normal press operation, and a retracted position wherein the separation between the upper and lower dies is sufficient to permit easy access, and a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement for rigidly holding the bolster in its extended position when charged with high pressure hydraulic fluid, yet permitting the bolster to retract when the hydraulic pressure is released.

Abstract: An improved molding apparatus is provided for forming patties from an agglomerable edible material, particularly meat in frozen flake cut form. The apparatus includes a rotating turret with a plurality of mold cavities and reciprocable pistons. The turret rotates between a feed station where the edible material is fed upwardly under pressure into the mold cavities and a discharge station where the formed patties are ejected and separated by a continuous cut-off band. An improved cut-off band is also provided in which the band is disposed at a slight angle to facilitate its entry into the interfaces between the bottom surfaces of the pistons and the formed patties. The leading corners of the pistons are chamfered to receive the blade. The band is looped between a pair of pulleys on adjustable supports for providing the desired inclination of the band. Scrapers and spray nozzles are provided to maintain the cleanliness of the band and the pulley grooves.

Abstract: A conveyor, preferably of the roller type, for receiving palletized loads arranged in two parallel rows. The conveyor is arranged in association with a vehicle whereby the palletized loads to be placed on the vehicle are prestaged on the conveyor and the entire load is moved into the vehicle. Palletized loads are placed on the one end of the conveyor by means of a forklift truck or the like and then the palletized loads are aligned and compacted on the conveyor by means of a movable gantry which straddles the conveyor. The gantry is provided with expansible side walls which move laterally inwardly toward the palletized loads to compact and align the loads laterally. Rear gates are swingably mounted on the gantry between open and closed positions. When the gates are closed, they act as a bulkhead to advance the palletized loads on the roller conveyor as the gantry is advanced relative to the conveyor.

Abstract: Organic materials are fed tangentially into the head of a centrifugal mill by an adjustable rate feeding device. The materials, either in a dry state or in conjunction with a separately supplied liquid carrier, move downwardly through a compacter device which positively feeds the materials through a series of comminution devices which are arranged in an inverted conical housing and are of decreasingly smaller sizes, with the comminution means shredding the materials. The top of the mill is open to freely admit air which is admixed by the communition devices with the materials to satisfy the biochemical oxygen demand so that the output product of the mill is odor free and finely shredded.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing or squeezing a stack of folded, essentially flat products, especially printed products, comprising a stack receiver compartment closed at its lowr end by a support element and a counter pressure device arranged above the support element. The support element and the counter pressure device are movable relative to one another, in order to press together the stack arranged between the counter pressure device and the support element. The counter pressure device comprises at least one pressing element pivotable about an essentially horizontal pivot axis. The pressing element spans over the stack receiver compartment in the direction of the pivot axis. This pressing element can be rocked upwardly by a product stack, out of a lower pivotal position inclined in the direction of the support element, against the action of at least one pressure element acting upon the pressing element.

Abstract: A machine is provided for assemblying the elements of a truss and fastening them together in a positive manner. A supporting table is made up of channel elements which have platforms thereon which are movable upwardly and are adjustable in a horizontal plane toward and away from the center of the table. A carriage runs upon spaced tracks to locate pressure plates which are mounted on a pair of like C-frames which are adjustable toward and away from each other so as to be effective for trusses of different heights. The pressure plates are moved toward each other and apply a substantial pressure for inserting a multiplicity of nails of a nail plate into the areas in which the members of the truss are to be secured together. This provides a truss of exact shape and dimension which is positively secured together and, where necessary, is provided with a rectangular opening in which a heating and/or cooling duct is supported.

Abstract: Apparatus for crushing containers, such as beverage cans, in a crushing zone between a movable ram and a relatively stationary platen, and for delivering the crushed containers to given receptacles according to the material of the containers. Control means for power operated means, such as a container counting device, includes a pair of movable container engaging probe members that are adapted to engage opposite ends of a container in a testing zone through which the container passes during movement to the crushing zone, the probe members comprising portions of an electric circuit also including a selector switch having a movable switch element. The extent of movement of the movable switch element is governed by the extent of movement of the probe members toward and away from engagement with a container. Power operated mechanism imparts movements to the ram, probe members, and a container feeding device.