Abstract: A fixing jig includes a support plate for supporting a workpiece. A fixing member is arranged on the support plate and defines a receiving groove penetrating a bottom surface of the fixing member. A stopper is slidably received in the receiving groove. A bottom surface of the stopper is flush with the bottom surface of the fixing member and contacts the support plate. An end of the stopper extends out of the receiving groove and abuts against the workpiece. The adjusting member is coupled to the fixing member. One end of the adjusting member extends into the receiving groove and is coupled to the stopper. The adjusting member is used to adjust a position of the stopper. The locking member is arranged on the adjusting member and used to lock a position of the adjusting member, thereby locking the position of the stopper.

Abstract: Provided is a lacrosse stick conditioning apparatus comprising a retainer, a lever, and a conditioning tool. The retainer may be adapted to hold a lacrosse stick in a substantially fixed position relative to the retainer. The lever may be rotatably mounted relative to the retainer at a primary axis. The lever may having one or more conditioning tool mounts, each mount being adapted for pivotable engagement of a conditioning tool, and defining a mount axis parallel to and offset from the primary axis. The conditioning tool may be rotatably engageable with any of the tool mounts and may have a conditioning tool head engaged therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove packing apparatus for packing gloves into a box, and to a method of packing gloves into a box, particularly to the packing of disposable medical gloves. A glove packing apparatus (1) for packing gloves into a box comprises a receptacle (26) for forming a stack of gloves to be packed, the receptacle having a perimeter wall (24, 25) for containing a stack of gloves, a floor (22) within the perimeter wall for supporting the stack of gloves, and an opening (27) opposite the floor into which additional gloves may be added to during stacking of gloves. The floor (22) is movable relative to the perimeter wall (24, 25), so that, in use, the floor may be moved relatively away from the receptacle opening (27) so that as gloves are added to said stack of gloves, the perimeter wall continues to contain the stack of gloves. The floor (22) may then be moved relatively toward the opening to remove the stack of gloves from the receptacle (26).

Abstract: A can compacting apparatus is provided to compact commercial cans including larger commercial cans. The apparatus comprises an assembly including a top plate member, a concave-shaped base member and a bottom plate member collectively forming a compacting chamber adapted to receive a vertically disposed larger can. The apparatus further comprises a mounting member configured to mount the apparatus against a standing structure, a compactor member configured to supply a compacting surface and guidingly move the surface, a lever member having a pivotally anchored lever and configured to generate force through displacement of the distal end of the lever, and a lever-to-compactor member configured to link the surface and the lever, such that pivotal displacement of the distal end in a downward direction causes the surface to guidingly urge downward against the disposed can, and the downward urging generates big enough counterforce against the can to cause compaction thereof.

Abstract: A lid construction is described for compression of the content of a container, where a body in connection to the lid of the container is set up to create a pressure down onto the content such that it is compressed. It is characterized in that it comprises a moment arm construction which on rotation is set up to push the element down to its active position, and to be pulled up to its passive, rest position. The moment arm construction is preferably integrated in the lid, and it comprises compacting a relatively longer arm part (40a,40b) which is firmly connected to the relatively shorter arm part (48a,48b), and where the moment arm is rotary mounted in the lid. Also described is a construction of a docking station for a waste container and where the lid construction is integrated. Application of the inventions is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus that crushes beverage cans and similar containers to reduce waste volume in recycling bins comprises two (2) metal platens held when closed by a hinging mechanism that allows one (1) of the platens to be moved away from the other. The surfaces of the platens which face each other are provided with a textured or ribbed surface to prevent the object to be crushed from slipping out from between the closing platens. A first platen is mounted onto a pair of mounting brackets and a second platen is attached onto a pair of moving links. A pair of parallel operating arms is interconnected by a handle and operates the connected hinging mechanism. The hinging mechanism provides a toggle action which generates an adequate force between the platens to crush the containers. When the handle and the hinging mechanism are returned to the starting position, the opening between the platens allows the crushed object to fall out into the recycling bin.

Abstract: A compactor device is provided including a cylindrical housing having an elongate channel for receiving a bottle to be compacted therein and elongate guide slots, an end cap attached to a first end of the housing for seating the bottle and protecting the neck end of the bottle, a piston slidably disposed within the channel and having a forward ram for stuffing the bottle, and a lever for actuating linear movement of the piston within the channel, whether manually or automated.

Abstract: A compactor device is provided including a cylindrical housing having an elongate channel for receiving a bottle to be compacted therein and elongate guide slots, an end cap attached to a first end of the housing for seating the bottle and protecting the neck end of the bottle, a piston slidably disposed within the channel and having a forward ram for stuffing the bottle, and a lever for actuating linear movement of the piston within the channel, whether manually or automated.

Abstract: A safe, inexpensive, easy to use, manual trash compactor that can be used with almost any trash container with components that store out of the way when not in use. A hand or foot control is easily manipulated to compact trash in the container. The compacting mechanism can be made easily adjustable so that the amount of force or the size of the unit can be changed for different operators or different trash containers. The unit can be used with no container to compact materials like cardboard. The compactor can have wheels and can optionally be operated by a foot lever.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection bin comprising a body having an integrally-formed and cylindrically-shaped sidewall. Downwardly from the cylindrical sidewall is a floor. The sidewall and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the sidewall is a body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intended to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention. The sidewall is a carrier for indicia applied to the sidewall or to a label or wrap that encircles the sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing coffee has a base and housing supporting a filtercup and a pressing cylinder. The pressing cylinder has a forked end engaging a cylindrical body and attached to a rocker arm. A counterweight is attached to an end of the rocker arm. The cylindrical body has a rack engaging a ring gear activated by a lever. Movement of the lever causes movement of the cylindrical body and pressing cylinder. A pinion attached to the cylindrical body moves along a second rack. Movement of the pinion is translated to a bevel gear pair and a pin between the prongs of the forked end.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection bin comprising a body having an integrally-formed and cylindrically-shaped sidewall. Downwardly from the cylindrical sidewall is a floor. The sidewall and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the sidewall is a body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intended to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention. The sidewall is a carrier for indicia applied to the sidewall or to a label or wrap that encircles the sidewall.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection catch bin comprising a main catch bin body having integrally formed front wall, back wall, and opposing walls. Downwardly from the front, back and side walls, is a floor. The walls and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the floor, the side walls are tapered inwardly towards a body neck and opening. The upper most portion of the front and back walls also terminate at the body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intent to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention.

Abstract: A string hopper making machine has a dough container removably mounted in a vertical manner in a frame. An extrusion piston is mounted on a vertical rod extending through a vertical guide channel formed in a guiding block mounted on the frame. The vertical rod is pivotally mounted to a front end of a lever arm which has a rear end pivotally mounted to a pivot arm of a pivot block rotatable relative to the frame. An elongated handle rod is mounted at a front end of the lever arm and is operative for pivoting the lever arm for moving the piston in an up and down vertical direction for mounting the dough container to the frame and for extruding the dough mixture from the dough container to form the string hopper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.

Abstract: A packing attachment for front loader machines includes a substantially elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a mount and a compacting end, the mount end having a mounting structure disposed thereon, the mounting structure defining spaced mounting points for connecting to a front loader machine, and the spaced mounting points defining a plane which is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of between about 60° and about 80°.

Abstract: A pressing device is disclosed including a housing, a lower engaged to that housing and adapted to receive products to be pressed and an upper platen engaged to the housing and manually translatable with respect to the lower platen. A handle mechanism is connected to the upper platen for translating the upper platen with respect to the lower platen. The handle mechanism includes a resilient over-center locking mechanism for translating the upper platen to a locked position proximate the lower platen, whereupon the upper platen is further translated towards the lower platen independent of manual force.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for applying a compression force to a stack of filter disks comprising a compression activator and a compression applicator is provided. The compression activator includes a sleeve mounted on a first rod element, a first locking means for locking said sleeve in an upper position on the rod, a second locking means for locking said sleeve on a lower position on the first rod element and a lever for applying a force on said sleeve to move the sleeve along said first rod element. The compression applicator includes a compressible spring mounted on a second rod element, a third locking means for locking the spring in a compressed position when the third locking means is in a lower position on said second rod element.

Abstract: The lowermost of a plurality of vertically stacked cans, which have their longitudinal axes substantially vertical, is held at a first stop. A crush plate is advanced to have a first portion of its front wall engage a mid portion of the lowermost can to fold it about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. When the crush plate is withdrawn, the lowermost can falls to a second lower stop and the next stacked can is held at the first stop. The crush plate has the first portion of its front wall engage the next can to fold it and a second portion of its front wall engage the entire surface of the folded can to flatten it to enable the flattened can to exit past the second stop.

Abstract: A manually operated coffee bean press for ensuring the proper extraction of coffee. The manually operated coffee bean press includes a frame. The frame includes a base and a leg. The leg includes a first end, a second end, and a front side and a back side with a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The frame also includes a shelf comprising a plate integrally coupled to the leg. The coffee bean pressing apparatus also includes a cylinder integrally coupled to the leg. The coffee bean pressing apparatus further comprises a piston member including a shaft being positioned in the cylinder. The shaft includes a hole with a lever removably coupled to it. The lever is hingedly coupled to the leg by a hinging member.

Abstract: A punch activating apparatus is provided which may be used in connection with a plurality of button-activated punches having different shapes and sizes. The punch activating apparatus comprises a base assembly including a base having an upper surface, and a lever assembly secured to the base assembly. The upper surface of the base defines a target area, and the lever assembly is operable to engage and depress the activating button of any one of the plurality of punches when the punch is positioned at the target area.

Abstract: An aluminum can crushing mechanism includes a support base which has a pair of support members extending from it. Situated between the support members is a pair of compacting plates. The compacting plates utilize a pair of alignment rods, one plate having the alignment rods affixed therewithin and the other plate being functionally adapted to be movable along the alignment rods. Rotatably affixed to the movable plate is a handle member which, when rotated from a generally upwardly extending position to a downward position, causes the compacting plates to move towards each other thereby compacting an aluminum can located between the compacting plates. When the handle member is rotated upwardly, the compacted can drops out from the mechanism without further handling of it.

Abstract: A press is provided for applying heat transfers to rigid or flexible substrates such as plaques, tiles, plates, clothing and the like. The press includes a frame (10) presenting a lower platen (12), and an upper platen (58) supported on an arm (50) for movement toward and away from the lower platen. The upper platen (58) presents a mounting bracket (78) by which it is connected to the support arm, and a pressure adjustment assembly (54) is supported between the upper platen and the support arm for adjusting the position of the upper platen. The pressure adjustment assembly (54) includes a pin (80) supported in apertures of the support arm (50) and the upper platen (58) and a lever (88) protruding generally radially from the pin for permitting the rotational position of the pin to be adjusted.

Abstract: A first frame has a first end and a second end, two opposing first frame side walls and a first pivot pin extending laterally between the first frame side walls at the second end of the first frame. A generally planar first barrier is attached to the first pivot pin such that the first barrier is pivotal about the first pivot pin. A second frame has a primary end and a secondary end, the second frame comprising two opposing second frame side walls, each of the second frame side walls being pivotally attached at the secondary end of the second frame to one of the first frame side walls at the first end of the first frame. A second pivot pin extends laterally between the second frame side walls between the primary end and the secondary end. A generally planar second barrier is attached to the second pivot pin such that the second barrier is pivotal about the second pivot pin. The first barrier and the second barrier are positioned in an opposed manner to each other.

Abstract: A plastic bottle heating element compressor for compressing plastic bottles to reduce storage area required for plastic recyclables. The inventive device includes a cylindrical housing having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The open upper end has a lid removably secured thereover. A plurality of heating coils are disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing. A power switch is disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing upwardly of the closed lower end thereof. The power switch is in communication with the plurality of heating coils. The power switch has an electrical cord extending outwardly therefrom for coupling with a standard electrical outlet. A crushing mechanism is positioned interiorly of the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A container crushing apparatus which is particularly useful with plastic beverage containers employs a stationary presser member, a confronting movable presser member, links which constrain the movable presser member for movement along an arcuate path toward and away from the stationary member, and a lever for effecting movement of the movable presser member along the arcuate path. The confronting surfaces of the presser members carry an elastomeric material for gripping the sidewalls of a container to be crushed. As the movable presser member is forced toward the stationary presser member, the sidewalls of the container are displaced toward each other and longitudinally, and the container base pivots toward a position generally aligned with the sidewalls. The lever is connected between the presser members for increased force multiplication as the crushing operation progresses.

Abstract: A can crusher for crushing aluminum cans includes a frame member for mounting to a structure. An elongate tray member for holding objects to be crushed is coupled to the frame member. An elongate handle member is pivotally coupled to the frame member. A hammer member having a can crushing portion and a slot is slidably mounted to the frame member. A roller member pivotally coupled to the handle is disposed within the slot. A stop tab extends from the frame member to position a can directly between the hammer member and the tray member. As the handle member is moved from a first position towards a second position the can crushing portion of the hammer member is moved towards the tray portion upper surface to crush an item such as a can disposed between them.

Abstract: A portable refuse compacting container including a container for receiving a flexible refuse collection bag of the type typically known as garbage bags or leaf bags. Bulky refuse such as leaves, grass clippings and the like may be placed in the refuse collection bag where these materials are compressed by a compacting plate which is loosely received inside the container. The compacting plate is used to compress the refuse by an attached plunger arm which is affixed to the compacting plate and which is pivotally attached to a compaction lever. The compaction lever is pivotally attached to the edge of the top of the container. The compaction lever may be latched in place on the container. The container is provided with wheels for ease in moving either the full or the empty container from place to place. When the compaction lever is latched to the container, the handle of the compaction lever also serves as a handle for moving the container about on its wheels.

Abstract: A can crusher device that has a base member with an upper surface connected by linkages to a moveable plate member with a lower planar surface wherein the linkages includes levers that interconnect the forward portions of the base and plate members as well as the rearward portions of the base and plate members in a parallelogram type of linkage so that on movement of the levers the lower surface of the plate member is maintained in a parallel relationship to the upper surface of the base member during the crushing action on the can. The force exerted on the can is an endwise downward force along the full longitudinal length of the can.

Abstract: A can crusher has a handle that pivots about a first axis. A first plate is fixed to the handle. A bottom plate is movable along the handle. A rod rotates about a second axis in response to pivoting of the handle to move the second plate, guided by a carrier, toward the first plate and thereby crush a can between the plates. In a modified embodiment, the second plate tilts relative to the first plate in two steps as the bottom plate approaches the top plate.

Abstract: A press with a base portion (1) having two side walls (15a and 15b), a support plate (3) and an aperture (12) at one end of the support plate and a press portion (16) mounted on the support plate (3) above the base portion (1). The press portion (16) has a handle (7) pivotly mounted on the support plate (3) at an end opposite the aperture (12). A press shaft (9) extends downward from the handle (7). The press shaft (9) has a press cup (10) at its lower end to hold one end of a piece of meat or poultry, such as a chicken drumstick or wing. The bone end of a poultry drumstick, wing or other meat is placed into the aperture (12) and downward pressure is asserted on the handle (7) until the meat is clumped under the press cup (10) above the support plate (3) and the bone (14) is left exposed below the support plate (3). The resulting product is juicier, better tasting and easier to eat.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing empty cans has a U-shaped support with a bottom wall which supports the tubular wall of an empty can and two upstanding sidewalls. The sidewalls pivotably support the free end portions of two legs forming part of a yoke having a web which constitutes a handle. The legs support a first crushing section in the form of a plate which is located between the sidewalls of the support and defines with the bottom wall a compartment for an empty can which is received in the compartment in such orientation that one of its end walls or its single end wall is adjacent the plate. The plate pivotably supports a second crushing section in the form of a single flap or two links which can engage the tubular wall of a can in the compartment.

Abstract: A piston plate received within a container is provided, such that the container having an apertured container floor directs squeezed water from a chamois positioned between the piston plate and the container floor. The container is arranged for reception within a supporting plate that is further apertured, wherein an articulated linkage is arranged to project the piston plate into the container permitting periodic extraction of water from the chamois.

Abstract: A tissue press for shaping or compressing a piece of tissue comprises first and second members movable relative to each other. A first forming element of a predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the first member. A second forming element of predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the second member. The first and second forming elements are positionable on opposite sides of the piece of tissue. The first and second members are relatively movable between a first spaced apart condition and a second condition in which the piece of tissue is held between the first and second forming elements. Means are preferably provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of pressure applied to the piece of tissue, in order to maintain the tissue in a viable living condition. Means may also be provided for draining off fluid from compressed tissue, so that the tissue can be implanted in a compressed state and imbibe fluid from the host site.

Abstract: A hand operated can crushing apparatus installed on a vertical wall or on top of a storage container to crush individual cans and allow them to drop into the storage container using an apparatus with a housing that includes an inside channel to crush the cans between a moving piston surface and an end of the housing with the force applied by a handle that is pivotally connected to a rear end of the housing to pivot downwardly above the housing forcing the piston member to slide lengthwise in the channel. Force against the piston member is first applied through a convex cam surface extending frontwardly from a rear end of the handle member against a rotating wheel cam follower and then through a lever connected at one end to a median position on the handle and at the other end to the piston member with the connecting apparatus of the lever delaying the effect of that lever until the piston movement has moved the cam follower wheel out of range of the cam surface.

Abstract: A can crusher apparatus having an end wall plate and a relatively movable press plate selectively directed onto the end wall plate to crush can members therebetween. The end wall plate having longitudinally aligned recesses contained therewithin cooperative with press plate recesses to position can members to be crushed therebetween. A modification of the invention includes vacuum manifold structure to eliminate residual fluids from within can members to be crushed.

Abstract: A lever-arm can crushing device comprising a base having a disposal opening extending therethrough, a lever arm hingedly secured to the base by a hinge such that the lever arm is movable between an open position and a closed position, a can support surface for supporting a can adjacent the disposal opening before crushing and a can engaging member on the lever arm for engaging the can as the lever arm is advanced from the open position to the closed position. As the lever arm is advanced to the closed position, the engaging member crushes the can and advances the center of gravity of the can from being vertically positioned over the support surface to over the disposal opening such that the can falls through the disposal opening when the lever arm is subsequently advanced to the open position. The can engaging member engages the can on an upper surface thereof on a side of the can upper surface closest the disposal opening.

Abstract: A device for crushing aluminum cans has a lid that can be engaged with a receptacle, and an aperture through which crushed cans can drop is formed in the lid. A housing is mounted on the lid, and the housing forms a channel. The housing has a closed surface positioned against the lid, an open side opposite the closed surface, and a closed end. An opening is formed through the closed surface and is juxtaposed with the aperture of the lid. A crushing plate is reciprocally disposed in the channel and can be moved toward the closed end of the aperture. When a can is to be crushed, it is laid on its side in the channel, and the plate is moved to axially compress the can against the closed end of the housing. When the can has been sufficiently compressed, it drops through the opening into the receptacle.

Abstract: The can crushing device disclosed herein comprises a base plate which has an upper movable arm pivotally connected at one end of the base plate, said base plate having an arm rigidly connected to said base plate with the rigid arm having its upper surface substantially in the same plane as the upper surface of said base plate and said arm being connected to said base plate at a position other than the end of said base plate where said movable arm is connected. The movable arm has a bar rigidly connected thereto and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom and in a position to come down on said arm rigidly connected to said base plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a can crusher formed entirely of wood components that can be easily fabricated by an amateur wood worker. The can crusher has a channel body which, at its upper end, provides a slide for a mechanical wooden ram and, at its lower portion, a crushing station to receive and crush aluminum beverage cans. The front of the crusher is covered with a protective plate which limits access to the slide above the can, thus preventing one, such as a child, from inserting fingers between the can and the ram. The ram is carried on the end of a push rod which is linked to a lever which has its fulcrum at a location, relative to the pivot link between the rod and the lever, which insures that the ram moves over center at the completion of the stroke, thereby withdrawing the ram from the can and preventing jamming of the crushing mechanism.

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: An aluminum can compactor includes a main body fixed on a fixing plate mounted on a wall for receiving a can to be compacted loaded into a trough of the main body from a hopper mounted on the main body, a pressing member urged by a driving device connected with a handle bar, and a colleciton bag hung under the main body, whereby upon a lowering of the handle bar to forward the pressing member to squeeze a can in the trough, the compacted can can be discharged and collected into the collection bag for an efficient can-compacting operation.

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: A trash receptacle compactor for compacting trash in a trash receptacle enclosed in a housing, including a plunger disposed within the housing in alignment with the trash receptacle and lever means outside of the housing and interconnected with the plunger for selectively operating the plunger to compact trash within the receptacle.

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: 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 crusher is provided for crushing typical beverage cans to shorten their height for facilitating disposal and recycling. An upright wall-mounted magazine carries a column of cans disposed with their lengths horizontally and the cans move gravitationally, one by one, into a crushing chamber in which a manually operated plunger functions to crush each can axially to a shortened length enabling it to drop from the crushing chamber into a waiting receptacle.

Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser which is used in a preferred embodiment for dispensing a viscous liquid such as drywall joint compound or "mud", wall plaster compositions and floor leveling compounds used in the construction industry. In a preferred design, the dispenser is characterized by a box-like container fitted with a lever-operated plunger plate, which is sized to slidably extend into the container and force the viscous liquid compound through a nozzle located in one of the container walls by hand operation of the lever. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle is fitted with a removable cutter blade which is exposed to the interior of the container for cutting an encapsulating plastic bag which contains the viscous liquid after the plastic bag and liquid are placed in the dispenser container and pressure is applied to the plastic bag by operation of the plunger plate and lever.