Abstract: A device is disclosed for individually flattening cylindrical containers, such as metal cans. A base is provided for supporting a can in a crushing position in which the can is disposed on its side on the base. A lever mechanism is pivotally attached to the base and is swingable upwardly therefrom to a raised position to permit a can to be positioned on its side on the base and downwardly toward the base for crushing the positioned can. The lever mechanism is jointed and includes a can engaging edge projecting from the joint whereby the edge is pivotable both about the pivot axis of the lever mechanism on the base and about the joint to effect crushing of one side of the can at one end thereof with the one end flattened over the crushed side. The partially flattened can then is turned over for similarly flattening the other side and other end thereof until the can is completely crushed into a flattened condition.

Abstract: A combined cover and compactor assembly capable of being mounted on a container for trash or other compactible material has a housing having at least one side wall defining a transfer and compacting chamber therein. The housing has a side opening located in the side wall serving as an inlet to permit the compactible material to be charged into the transfer and compacting chamber, and a lower end opening in registry with the transfer and compacting chamber. The housing is connectible to the container by a housing support that is adjacent and defines the lower end opening to allow compactible material charged into the transfer and compacting chamber through the side opening to either fall or be forced into the container. A retainer assembly including an upper end opening is disposed at the upper end of the housing to releasably support a compactor within the transfer and compacting chamber.

Abstract: A die clamp arrangement for attaching a die member to a press slide includes an elongated attachment member rotatably and slidably attached near its upper end in guide slots of a support bracket attached to a vertical face of the press slide. In attachment position, the lower threaded end of the attachment member extends below the press slide. A pin on the attachment member rests on the press slide and a square shaped intermediate section of the attachment member is located in a like shaped slot in the press slide to thereby distribute to the press slide the compressive clamping and torque loads which result from a nut being threaded on the attachment member to secure the die member to the press slide. In a self-stored position, the elongated member is moved relative to the guide slots to engage the upper end thereof with the support bracket under the force of gravity and maintain the lower end of the attachment member free of the area below the press slide.

Abstract: Household garbage compactor, including a press or stamper for executing a piston stroke for given short periods of time in a container disposed in a frame holding garbage to be compacted, a pressure plate for compacting the garbage, and a device for easily releasably holding and re-attaching the pressure plate to the press means.

Abstract: A compact can crusher in which used beverage cans and the like are dropped into a chute and are crushed flat between an oscillating crusher plate and a wall of the chute, the crushed cans being dropped through an open lower end of the chute. A drive motor is coupled to the crusher plate to apply maximum thrust at opposite ends of the oscillating stroke, so that cans are effectively flattened to a minimum thickness. In one form spring stored energy adds to the initial crushing action when the most pressure is needed, and provision is made to prevent cans from jamming in the chute and to prevent the mechanism from being jammed by articles which are not readily crushed.

Abstract: A baling machine is disclosed having a single ram means horizontally spaced from the baling chamber to reduce the overall height of the baling machine, while avoiding the complications of two side-mounted ram means. The baling machine includes a vertically movable platen which is supported on a sleeve which is mounted around and supported on a vertically extending support column horizontally spaced from the baling chamber. The ram means is preferably located between the support column and the baling chamber in a position which extends substantially below the top of the baling chamber.

Abstract: A restoration apparatus for restoring a painting and bonding a canvas backing to a painting having a panel member and a frame attached thereon. A flexible mat is stretched over the frame to form an airtight chamber which is in communication with a source of vacuum. A planar heating device is yieldably disposed over said mat. The heating device is comprised of a clear glass panel with heating elements in contact therewith. A heating control means is in communication with the heating device.

Abstract: Temperature-controlled press plates are spaced apart from the pressure plates of a press by spacers which limit the heat flow from the temperature-controlled plate to the pressure plate and vice versa. The spacers comprise cupshaped members for a pin received in a bore of one of the plates, the recess of the cup accommodating an insulating layer which is compression resistant and carries a friction-reducing layer against which the surface of the other plate bears.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing waste material comprises a piston arrangement acting upon a mass of refuse in a receptacle formed by a cylindrical wall and a counter-piston constituting the bottom. The counter-piston can rise in such a way as to block sludge outlets in the cylindrical wall during the initial phase of compression of the waste by the piston arrangement. Thereafter, the counter-piston descends so as to free the sludge outlets when a certain pressure is attained. The compression-piston arrangement comprises two coaxial pistons designed to ensure constant, substantially uniform pressure in the mass of waste. Thus, virtually all liquid, semisolid, or viscous materials can be extracted from the waste to obtain sludge useful in agriculture. Also obtained are virtually dry and non-brittle blocks of refuse which has not been crushed but subjected to internal shearing and contraction, thus yielding a good agglomerate. These blocks may be used as fuel briquettes.

Abstract: A compacting device for crushing aluminum beverage containers to render them more readily storable and transportable to salvage facilities. The device comprises a housing with a side opening for receiving an empty container, an open end aligned with a movable piston actuated by a linkage controlled by a hand lever, and a closed end supporting a pivotal anvil. The can is initially crimped as it is inserted through a narrowed portion of the side opening to help start its axial crushing when engaged by the piston. When the can is fully collapsed, the anvil pivots to eject the can from a lower opening in the housing. The device is preferably constructed from a strong, light, plastic material and can be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal position.

Abstract: A composite tape made of highly different components is laminated in a process that maintains registry between the components. Strips of metal and insulating material are aligned in registry and first tack bonded at intervals. Then the strips are area bonded to create the composite.

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 crusher is provided utilizing a single lever arm pivoted in two places to a pivotal link and a crusher plate respectively and having a unique action wherein upon lifting the lever arm space is provided for a can and a foot extended from the lever arm crushes one end of the can, and upon depressing the arm the can is completely crushed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding and crushing empty cylindrical cans such that after being folded and crushed the can end faces are essentially coplanar. The apparatus comprises a flat stationary anvil and a flat parallel reciprocable platen defining therebetween a folding compartment into which an empty can is inserted, an independently reciprocable creasing element or plunger slidably inserted in an aperture through the center of the reciprocable platen such as to enter and leave said folding compartment, and a drive arrangement simultaneously advancing the reciprocable platen and reciprocable creasing element into said folding compartment towards the can, the creasing element being advanced more rapidly than or ahead of the platen, and drive retracting the creasing element after the creasing element has nearly passed through the can without stopping the advance of the platen, and subsequently retracting the platen.

Abstract: A crusher assembly which includes a base having a first and second shelf portion extending therefrom, at least one guide rod interconnecting the upper and lower shelf portion, a presser member slidably mounted on the at least one guide rod for movement between a first open position for receiving an object to be crushed and a second compression position, a pin member connected to the presser member, a handle member, a pivot member pivotably connecting the handle member to the first shelf portion, a link member pivotably connecting the handle member and the pin member, the link member being interconnected to the handle member in the open position above the pivot member wherein the pivot member, the at least one guide rod, the handle member and the pin member are disposed in substantially the same plane in the open position for maximizing the crushing force applied to the object to be crushed positioned between the presser member and the at least one of the first and second shelf portions.

Abstract: A press for forming self-supporting bales of fibrous material from a pulpy mass of the same having a high liquid content wherein the inner sides of the fixed walls of the baling chamber are provided with parallel narrow grooves having holes in their bottoms extending through the walls to the outside of the chamber. The pulpy mass creates rib-like formations in the grooves which block loss of solids but permit escape of liquid from the chamber. The grooves are parallel to the movement of the press head so the grooves are self-cleaning.

Abstract: A container closed by a lid for receiving and compacting waste paper includes a volume-occupying lid (3, 14) which fits inside the container (1, 13). The container (1, 13) defines a chamber large enough to accomodate individual pieces of waste to be deposited and compacted. The lid (3, 14) is retained in the container-closing position.

Abstract: Seed cotton is built into a module to be picked up and moved to a gin by dumping and tromping the cotton into a short box to form a first segment. After this first section of the module is formed the rear gate of the builder is opened and the box moved forward. Then, an additional segment is built, tramping the cotton of the additional segment into that of the segment already built. Then the box is again moved forward. After packing the first segment the rear gate remains open. The cotton is tramped with a pipe having a circular cross section for better packing. Weight is transferred from the tractor to the box while packing.

Abstract: An apparatus for tightly compacting material within a wheeled, open top container including a frame composed of a stationary base and a overhead section disposed above the container and coupled to the frame base section by a plurality of telescoping columns which permit the overhead section to raise and lower relative to the container. A plurality of nominally relaxed tension lines extend downwardly from the frame overhead section to interconnect with the upper rim portion of the container. The apparatus also includes a pressing head suspended below the frame overhead section by a pair of spaced apart hydraulic cylinders which are retractable to lift the pressing head to an elevation above the container or extendible to force the pressing head downwardly into the container. As the pressing head pushes against the material within the container, a reaction force is generated which initially causes the frame overhead section to lift upwardly until the tension lines are drawn taut.

Abstract: A double-acting compacting apparatus comprises two movable compaction plates and a stationary compaction plate arranged between said movable plates. Arranged between respective ones of said movable plates and said stationary plate is a free-fall aperture through which compacted objects can fall under gravity. Means are provided for connecting the movable plates together such that during a compaction stroke utilizing one of said movable plates the other of said movable plates defines with said stationary plate a space for receiving further material to be compacted.

Abstract: A trash compactor has a base frame with vertical I-beam piston guide means supporting a rectangular piston for vertical reciprocation; a plurality of suction openings extend about the periphery of the piston adjacent the end face of the piston and are connected to a vacuum source with flexible seal flaps on the periphery of the piston engaging the sides of an open-topped trash container as the piston moves into the container so that dust resultant from trash compaction is removed by the suction openings to a filter box for disposal.

Abstract: A piston/cylinder type element particularly suited for embodiment in a refuse compactor as the ram thereof comprises adjustable guide means for guiding the piston-like element in sliding movement within the cylinder. The guide means are adjustable to accommodate wear in the mating surfaces thereof. There is also disclosed a discharge cone for a compactor which is releasably secured to the ram-housing structure in a selected one of a plurality of positions evenly to distribute wear on the cone produced by the passage of refuse therethrough and that cone is removable from the ram housing to be replaced by a different structure, depending upon the refuse to be compacted. Additionally, the ram member of a compactor includes novel teeth elements to cut through refuse which might otherwise be wedged between adjacent surfaces of the ram and cylinder and cause jamming.

Abstract: A one at a time can crusher, specifically for recycling aluminum cans, includes an aligning and separating feed chute for cans leading to an end-to-end crusher, and a contact arrangement for detecting the type of can, actuates a solenoid crusher. The unit includes storage for a large number of crushed cans, and a magnetic metal and glass rejector, with an overweight can rejector when used for aluminum.

Abstract: Book nipping apparatus having first and second pairs of jaws adapted to apply nipping pressure on a stack of signatures. The first pair of jaws is structured to press the signature stack together adjacent the signatures' back or spine edge in a straight spine edge configuration, and the second pair of jaws is structured to press the signature stack together adjacent the signatures' front edge in a curved, or deformed, front edge configuration. The first and second jaw apparatus functions to prevent the center signatures in the stack from tending to slide or squirt out of book alignment with the outside signatures in the stack when the entire stack is exposed to the full nipping pressure.

Abstract: A press for applying nailing plates across joints of wooden trusses and for other like usage is disclosed. A suspension harness for the press is adapted to be carried by an overhead universally movable support. The lower jaw member of the press is rockably mounted on the suspension harness with adjustment means provided to level the work-engaging jaw plates. An operator-controllable power cylinder is connected between rear arm extensions of the press jaws. The work-engaging jaw plate of the upper jaw is rockable on a transverse axis relative to adjustable plate stops. The lower jaw work-engaging plate is finely adjustable to enable the press to apply nailing plates with even pressure and with the proper degree of penetration into the work pieces and to accommodate variations in thickness of work pieces. Spring loaded guards on the lower jaw working-engaging plate prevent accidental displacement of nailing plates prior to application.

Abstract: A novel toy simulating a crusher for compressing junk cars includes in combination, one or more small toy cars having a hollow body shell formed of readily deformable, thin, sheet material and a crushing mechanism including a guideway with a slide movable in the guideway to press a first wall against a toy car placed therein. A second wall is movable into and out of a stop position between sides of the guideway and faces the first wall. A manually operable mechanism is provided for moving the slide toward the second stop wall and shell of the toy car disposed in the guideway is compressed or crushed and thereafter the mechanism is operated to remove the crushed car from the guideway. A sound generator is activated by movement of the slide when crushing a car sheel to provide a realistic sound effect of a car being crushed.

Abstract: A press for panels or like articles comprising a lower press platen having depressed portions, U-shaped channel beams carried in the depressed portions having parts extending downwardly below the press platen, the beams being vertically movable with respect to the press platen and supporting rollers therein. When the press platen is moved to its lower non-pressing position the downwardly extending parts contact the stationary press structure and move the beams upwardly with respect to the platen so that the upper ends of the rollers protrude above the upper pressing surface of the platen to allow easy movement of the panels over the rollers into and out of the press, and when the press platen is lifted to exert its pressing action it moves upwardly with respect to the beams until the upper ends of the rollers no longer protrude above the upper pressing surface of the platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering metal containers of a selected type from a collection of trash is disclosed. The apparatus includes pneumatic and magnetic separators for removing extraneous debris. The separated containers are crushed and weighed. Compensation is issued in response to the weight of the separated containers. The separated containers are stored in an overhead compartment for collection and transportation.

Abstract: A refuse compactor comprises a container for the receipt of refuse and a compactor unit which inserts refuse into the container and compact the refuse and seeks to overcome the disadvantage of previously proposed compactors regarding the closure of a full container. For this purpose the container of the refuse compactor includes a pivoted door which is releaseably connected to an actuator of the compactor unit and which is moved by the actuator to perform the refuse insertion and compaction operations. Once the container is full, the door is released from the actuator and locked to the remainder of the container to close the full container. The compactor can handle a wide variety of commercial and industrial refuse.

Abstract: A method for compressing and cutting random loaded scrap metal comprises the steps of gravity advancing scrap metal to a cutting zone, applying a first transversal compression to the scrap metal being advanced, guillotine cutting a portion of the scrap metal and concurrently applying a further transversal compression. The machine comprises a scrap metal conveying trough, a transversally movable pressing plunger adapted for traversing the conveying trough and compacting the conveyed scrap metal, a guillotine block for cutting the compacted scrap metal and a guillotine driven compacting block movable perpendicularly to the pressing plunger and cooperating therewith.

Abstract: An improved can crusher has two movable jaws, a first jaw and a second jaw, both movably mounted in a support housing. The jaws are initially spaced apart one from the other a distance sufficient to allow a can to be inserted between them. A member capable of generating a mechanical force is mounted on the housing and is directly connected by a connecting member to the second of the movable jaws by a force transferring member and is indirectly connected by the same connecting member to the first jaw by a force modifying member. The force modifying member modifies the mechanical force so generated to achieve a mechanical advantage. When the member capable of generating the mechanical force is activated this force is first transferred to the first jaw, and because of the mechanical advantage achieved, the first jaw is able to initially overcome the structural resistance of the can and crimp it.

Abstract: A device for baling cut crop, comprising a baling chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port and a compression member adapted to move in the baling chamber, the compressing stroke of the compression member extends along the inlet port to near the outlet port and is equal to or slightly larger than the distance between the inlet and outlet ports; a construction of the device according to the invention is suitable for making bundles having a materially higher "specific weight" than the generally known "straw bales".

Abstract: A storage and banding container is provided having four side walls, a bottom wall, and an open top. Each of a pair of opposing side walls have a pair of vertically elongated slots dimensioned and adapted to receive the tines of a forklift vehicle. Scrap material, such as scrap banding, is accumulated in the container and can then be compressed by the tines of the forklift vehicle and banded together to form a compact bundle of scrap material. Load supports are secured to the bottom wall in order to support the scrap material above the surface of the bottom wall so that banding can be easily slid under and wrapped around the compressed bundle of scrap material. In addition, a portion of a pair of opposing side walls extend below the bottom wall so that the bottom wall is supported above the ground surface to enable the tines of a forklift vehicle to be inserted under the container for transport of the container.

Abstract: A compactor packs waste material in an open top container which is adapted for movement inwardly and outwardly of a supporting frame. A ram unit is pivotally supported at one end by the frame with its other end being movable selectively to an extended position within the container, a retracted position above the container, and an intermediate position at the top of the container. A housing encases the ram unit and has an opening for feeding waste material into the container while the ram unit is in the intermediate position. A power unit is operatively connected to and moves the ram unit selectively to the extended, retracted and intermediate position.

Abstract: A beverage can compactor including an elongate compaction chamber for receiving emptied beverage cans. A pair of crushing platens are positioned for reciprocating movement from the opposite respective ends of the compaction chamber toward each other and then return to their initial positions at the respective ends of the compaction chamber. The compactor provides increased mechanical advantage at the beginning and end of the crushing stroke when such increased force is needed. Faster movement of the crushing platens is provided at the midpoint of the crushing stroke.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of bulk materials into the suction pipe of a pneumatic transport installation comprises a vertical pipe designed for charging the bulk material, and a closing element installed on its lower end and placing the charging pipe into communication with the suction pipe of the installation. The closing element comprises a cylindrical shell with a coaxially built in sleeve, the inside diameters of both the shell and the sleeve being approximately equal to the inside diameter of the charging pipe, and a helical band located in said shell. The pitch of the helical band is close to the diameter of the shell and its width at the end facing an under-band portion of the shell is equal to the radius of said shell. The band is connected to said sleeve which is kinematically linked with a reversible drive for joint rotation with it so that, when rotating in one direction, the helical band compacts the bulk material in the under-band portion of the shell until said portion is completely filled.

Abstract: An improved punching press employing a crank shaft, two crank arms having wide longitudinal surfaces for driving to a pressure head connected with a slide, and a crank pin connecting punch ram so as to complete the procedures of pressing and punching during one revolution of the crank shaft.

Abstract: A press which has a short ram stroke in which the ram is movable in a single plane in a working direction and return direction, particularly for high speed cutting presses, comprises, a press frame with a ram carried by the press frame which is supported by springs which are rigidly connected to the ram and to the press frame and hold the ram resiliently for movement in the working and return direction but rigidly in all other planes.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for compressing filament tows to bales and packaging them with flexible packaging material and reinforcing strips by means of a novel baling press, the press ram of which is divided into a core ram (4) and a surrounding outer ram (5), so that the relative positions of these two rams may be varied during the compression operations. By means of fingers (10), the collar of packaging material formed on compression can be bent in such a manner when lifting the outer ram (5) that on renewed lowering of the outer ram (5) strip-reinforcement is not hindered any more.Bales of high unit weight are obtained which allow trouble-free processing of the filament tows.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing cans uses a pair of guide rods having an anvil attached at each end, and a pair of sliding rams sliding on the guide rods. Can support wire members are positioned between each ram and anvil to support a can during crushing. A ram drive cam alternately drives each ram to crush a can against its associated anvil. The single drive cam is connected through reduction gearing to a flywheel which is driven by an electric motor. Each ram has a cam follower and the rams are connected together with springs to maintain the cam followers in continuous contact with the cam. A second embodiment has four rams driven by a single motor and flywheel driving a pair of cams and a can feed mechanism feeds cans in synchronization with the movement of rams.

Abstract: A scrap shearing machine of the kind comprising an upper knife support which has an upper knife fixed to it and is vertically movable in a frame, a stationary lower knife and optionally also a vertically movable tamper, which is mounted immediately upstream of the cutting plane of the shearing machine, is provided with a bending plunger which acts on the scrap downstream of the cutting plane of the shearing machine. The bending plunger is movable in the frame in advance of the upper knife so that it comes into contact with the scrap before the upper knife comes into contact with the scrap. Preferably the bending plunger is fixed to an underface of the upper knife support and is inclined across the machine substantially parallel to the cutting edge of the upper knife.

Abstract: A can crusher having an upstanding stationary platen and an upstanding movable platen, the movable platen being reciprocated with respect to the stationary platen. Both platens are canted with their upper ends closer together than their lower ends so that, when a can is placed in the crusher with the can in contact with the platens, the platens trap and hold the can in the crusher and concentrate the crushing forces over a narrow portion of the can perimeter at the beginning of the crushing of the can resulting in a reduction in the total force required to crush the can.

Abstract: Compacting apparatus comprising a first compacting plate and a second compacting plate arranged for linear, reciprocating movement relative to the first compacting plate. Arranged between the plates in the neighborhood of one of said plates is a free-fall aperture, such that a compacted object is able to fall freely, through gravity, from said apparatus subsequent to completing a compacting stroke.

Abstract: Manually operated apparatus adapted for crushing cans including means for attaching the apparatus to a garbage container. The apparatus includes a pair of elongated structural elements rigidly spaced apart in parallel relationship. A fixed crushing plate is carried between the structural elements and a pair of movable crushing plates are rotatably carried on the structural elements and positioned to rotate into contact with the fixed crushing plate. A pair of arms attached to the moveable crushing plate have ends extending out beyond the structural elements. An operating lever is carried by the structural elements and has a first end over said crushing plates and coupled to the arms on the moveable crushing plates. The apparatus is operated by application of manual force to the second end of the lever.

Abstract: A trash compactor is especially designed for industrial and commercial usage. A compacting unit is driven by an electricity-free drive unit for allowing applications in hazardous environments, such as offshore drilling rigs. Specifically, a hydraulic pump is pneumatically driven for powering the compactor. A container used in the compactor is specially designed for facilitating removal of the relatively bulky and heavy compacted trash.

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: A scrap shear machine comprises a compression box for compressing scrap into a scrap log, a shear formed with a throat mounted adjacent to the compression box, and an indexing ram and a ram head mounted thereon for incrementally advancing the log into the throat of the shear, whereby increments of the log are sheared off. Means are provided for adjusting the width of the compression box and shear throat and for adjusting the width of the ram head in accordance with the width of the compression box and shear throat, whereby the maximum dimension of the sheared scrap can be controllably adjusted in one pass through the machine.

Abstract: A scrap shearing machine comprises a pair of relatively movable shearing blades arranged in a shear frame 1, a crusher 6 positioned upstream of the shearing blades 3, 5, a filling trough 8 arranged upstream of the cutter frame 1, a feed device to feed scrap along the trough 8 towards the crusher, press bar 11, 19 for precompacting the scrap in the trough 8 to a predetermined size to enable the crusher 8 and shearing blades 3, 8 to accommodate it. The shearing blades 3, 5 the crusher 8 and the press bar 11, 19 are located in a common plane X--X. The filling trough 8 is connected to the shear frame 1 by a force transferring connection, so that the shear frame 1 reinforces the filling trough 8.

Abstract: A machine for charging a furnace with scrap to be incinerated comprising a hopper in which bulk scrap to be incinerated is fed and whose bottom opens into the interior of a rectilinear and horizontal tubular body connected at one extremity to the inlet of a furnace. Mounted at the other opposite extremity of the tubular body is a push member actuated by a first jack. The push member has a section corresponding to that of the interior passage in the tubular body. A first wall of the hopper is constituted by a trap door capable of being raised to uncover a crushing head articulated by a second jack of high power so that in lowered position it compresses the scrap against the bottom of the tubular body. A second wall of the hopper is disposed opposite the first wall and is pivotably connected to the base of the hopper for undergoing pivotal movement to a lowered position closing the top of the tubular body.

Abstract: The cover of a refuse container, adapted to be sealed upon the container, is internally provided with a bellows having a pressure plate to bear against the material being compacted as the plate moves downwardly in the container in response to expansion of the bellows. The plate assembly and container define a collapsible chamber from which air is evacuated by a power means to reduce the internal pressure while air at atmospheric pressure expands the inside of the bellows. Automatic means to vent the evacuated collapsible chamber to atmosphere is provided in a control system that includes the power means to evacuate air. The container may be independent of the other elements of the invention and may be supported for translatory movement in and out of operative connection to the power means and cover whereby a plurality of containers may be employed with a single power system.