Abstract: The bundling device of the present invention employs a molded plastic strap formed to present three sides, with the ends of the projecting sides having ridges for engaging a clamp member. Strap engaging channels are provided at each extremity of the clamp member and internally carry pawl members to ratchet against the strap ridges.

Abstract: A can crusher includes a ratchet bar having a plurality of ratchet teeth longitudinally formed on the bar and having a piston member secured on a front end portion of the bar reciprocatively held in a squeezing chamber formed in a base of the can crusher, a lever pivotally secured to a driving box secured on a rear portion of the base having a first pawl pivotally mounted on a lower end portion of the lever engageable with the ratchet teeth on the ratchet bar, a second pawl pivotally formed on the driving box for preventing a rearward retraction of the ratchet bar, whereby upon an upward pulling of the lever, the first pawl will urge a ratchet tooth of the ratchet bar forwardly to squeeze a can inserted in between the piston member and a compression end plate secured on the base, thereby gradually intermittently pushing the piston member forwardly for crushing the can with a lighter force.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for articles, especially printed products, comprising a stacking chute or channel which can be loaded from its top end with the printed products and at least one pair of press or contact elements which can be driven to-and-fro in the lengthwise direction of the stack chute and arranged at one side thereof. These press or contact elements periodically engage into the confines of the stack chute, in order to exert a pressure force upon the momentarily uppermost located printed product of the printed product stack. To obtain an uninterrupted action of the pressure or contact force, the press elements, which preferably have the shape of pawls, are arranged almost above one another. The one press element of the pair is driven in counter cycle, i.e., out-of-phase in relation to the other press element.

Abstract: A manual compactor having two handles each pivoted at one end for movement through adjacent arcs toward and away from each other, such reciprocating activation motion being translated into rotary motion in a single direction by means of ratchet and pawl arrangements about the pivot shaft of each handle, and thenceforth to rotary motion of opposing screws one each of which is driven by each handle, which in turn act through ball nut structures to forcibly draw together plates with force sufficient for compacting, the handles also having provisions for actuating push rod within the handles for the purpose of disengaging the pawls from the ratchets thereby allowing retraction through spring loading of the plates and repositioning of the apparatus for subsequent compacting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compactor which may be utilized to compact waste material including small wood or bark pieces and chips, paper, and paper cartons and form the material into a useful form such as fireplace logs. The device employs a cylinder which is removable from a base, and a piston, the rod of which extends through a head removable from the top of the cylinder for loading. Special bail port construction provides for setting a baling wire in place in the cylinder, holding it in place during loading and compression, securing the compression material in its compacted condition with the bail, and removing the formed and secured product from the compactor.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to apparatus for compacting trash comprising a compactor head and a portable refuse container having an open upper end positionable below and in substantially vertical alignment with the head. A foot operated treadle, when reciprocally manipulated, causes a relative joining motion between the head and the trash disposed within the confines of the container thereby compressing the trash. A release mechanism disengages the head and the container permitting the container and the head to be separated and the removal of the container from below the head; thereafter, more waste may be inserted in the container.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a device for crushing containers within a housing by compressive forces created by an end plate on said housing and by a presser plate attached to a pivotable cover. Ratchet means are provided to create substantial forces of compression. The cover is locked in a slidable position by a disengageable tongue mounted on the cover slidably engaging a cam fastened to the housing. The cover is fully retractable and when in the retracted position can pivot open to permit easy insertion of the container into the housing.