Abstract: A hold-down beam is provided on a rapid acceleration conveyor to hold articles, such as an unstable stack of newspapers, tightly against the conveyor for providing frictional engagement between the stack and the conveyor and move the upper part of the stack with the conveyor so that the stack will not topple. The hold-down bar is unpowered, that is, it is mounted for reciprocation in low-friction bearings so that its own frictional engagement with the top of the stack carries it along with the top of the stack until the stack is brought up to the desired velocity. A unique cable system for lowering both ends of a hold-down bar synchronously through an infinite number of positions and does not interfere with operation of a strapping machine.

Abstract: This relates to a compactor for crushing aluminum containers of the type, for example, which contain soft drinks and certain alcoholic beverages. The empty container is placed between a first stationary plate and a second crushing plate. The crushing plate is coupled into a guide assembly and to a handle assembly. Lowering the handle assembly causes the crushing plate to be lowered, guided by the guide assembly, thus crushing the interposed aluminum container.

Abstract: A hold-down beam is provided on a rapid acceleration conveyor to hold articles, such as an unstable stack of newspapers, tightly against the conveyor for providing frictional engagement between the stack and the conveyor and allow the upper part of the stack to move with the conveyor so that the stack will not topple. Compression blocks are provided at adjustably spaced locations on the bar for pressing bowed stacks.

Abstract: A manually operated press for crushing aluminum cans in the specific and exact manner of end to end while maintaining their original diameter, having a crushing chamber enclosed on its two sides by parallel walls of a frame, furthermore enclosed by a fixed stationary end, while the opposite end of crushing chamber is enclosed by a manually operated crushing member which is movable within sides of frame toward and away from fixed stationary end of crushing chamber with the bottom of crushing chamber enclosed by a base which crushing member guide slides upon, leaving top of crushing chamber open in which an aluminum can is placed horizontally in crushing chamber with the sides of the aluminum can parallel to the sides of the frame whereby the crushing member by means of mechanical advantage is advanced toward fixed stationary end of the crushing chamber thereby crushing the aluminum can by forcing one end toward its opposite end; while the walls of the crushing chamber, because of their close tolerance to the a

Abstract: A modular refuse compactor having a shiftable rear compacting platen mounted at the lower end of an electro-hydraulic operated cylinder piston rod, and camming means to shift a folded front compacting platen from a vertical position to a horizontal position during downward movement of the rear platen and retain it in said horizontal position as an extension of said rear platen on the compacting cycle, and return it to the vertical position upon the retraction of the rear compacting platen, and appropriate cams and followers to effect such action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies of the type comprising an array of fuel pins disposed within an outer metal shell or shroud. A spent fuel assembly is first compacted in a known manner and then incrementally sheared using fixed and movable shear blades having matched laterally projecting teeth which slidably intermesh to provide the desired shearing action. Incremental advancement of the fuel assembly after each shear cycle is limited to a distance corresponding to the lateral projection of the teeth to ensure fuel assembly breakup into small uniform segments which are amenable to remote chemical processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing and vacuum treating cheese curd to provide a cheese block wherein the receptacle for the curd is used as part of the vacuum chamber. The apparatus includes a simple attachment for a curd receptacle whereby the curd within the receptacle can be pressed while at the same time the curd is deaerated with vacuum.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having a packing blade hinged under the cover of a container and movable through an automatic refuse packing cycle involving initial downward extension of the blade through a packing stroke by atmospheric pressure and gravity, to effectively compact refuse within the container, and final upward return of the blade by air pressure to a normal retracted position against the underside of the cover each time the cover is locked in closed position. The compactor embodies a safety feature whereby the packing blade is securely latched in the retracted position and positively inactivated against extension through its packing stroke except when the compactor cover is locked in closed position.

Abstract: A compactor device for large round bales is disclosed comprising a horizontally disposed cylindrical housing containing a plunger, a double toggle mechanism connected to the plunger, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the double toggle mechanism for driving the plunger, and a stabilizer linkage connected to the plunger and the double toggle mechanism for maintaining the plunger in a vertical position during compaction of a bale.

Abstract: Manufacturing process and straightening jig for a hollow tapered rod characterized in that in mid-process of curing the resin in a fiber-reinforced resin-impregnated sheet wound around a mandrel, the mandrel is pulled out of the wound sheet in a semi-cured state or the mandrel is pulled out and again thrust into the wound sheet; then the wound sheet with the mandrel pulled out or the wound sheet with the mandrel reinserted is placed on a straightening jig and left there until the curing is completed.

Abstract: An elongated post member having a handle at the upper end and an enlarged compacting head at the lower end thereof provides a portable tool for compacting paper waste in waste cans of the type generally having a plastic liner therein and normally receiving predominantly paper waste such as cups, bags, napkins, straws, wrappers, light cardboard boxes and the like. The compacting head is in the shape of a flat, generally open, framework formed of a smoothly joined, solid round or tubular, non-porous, metallic material with a non-porous chrome, vinyl, or smooth baked enamel finish for sanitary purposes. The compacting head is flat on the bottom and of sufficient size to make the tool self-standing when not is use. The operative area of the compacting head covers at least 20% of the cross-sectional area of the waste can with which the tool is to be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material portioning apparatus and a method which provides portions of material of predetermined weight by measuring and portioning an appropriate volume of the material. Although the apparatus is especially useful when the material consists of whole pieces larger than the portioned sizes, such as fillets of fish or meat, it can also be used for portioning granular materials, or materials of sizes smaller than the portioned sizes. It is only necessary that the material, or bulks of the material, be of such a nature that, when it is compressed in one direction, it will expand or be forced to move in a different direction. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus comprises a preforming stage having an adjustable volume, and a weighing stage also having an adjustable volume. Material is fed, through the preforming stage, into the weighing stage and the weighing stage is overfilled to include a volume greater than the desired weight.

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: A compactor-strapper comprising spaced forward and rearward fixed jaws, forward and rearward moveable jaws, hingedly attached independent actuators for said forward and rearward jaws, said jaws having removeable and replaceable insert members providing cavities forming a work reception chamber, and a strapping machine having a strap applying portion arranged around a strapping space defined by said cavities and between said forward and rearward jaws, and pneumatic circuitry with automatic cycling, controlling said jaws, said strapper, and a bundle ejector, resultant from a single manual control motion.

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

Abstract: 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: A small portable housing forms a trash compacting chamber in the bottom. At one side of the housing interior, above the chamber, is a space through which trash can fall to the chamber from an upper trash compacting opening. At the other side of the interior of the housing and above the chamber is the compacting mechanism powered by a hydraulic ram. This mechanism includes a carriage supporting a two-part platen, one part of which is below the ram and fixed to the carriage and the other part of which is articulated for movement between a vertical position when raised, and a generally horizontal position across said space when being lowered. Several lost motion mechanisms are disclosed for initially so moving the articulated portion as the ram is extended and thereafter providing carriage movement. A gate is mounted to swing across the space when the platens are lowered so as to catch any trash introduced at that time.

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 testing apparatus comprising two platens one of which is a self-aligning pecimen contacting platen which includes an upper portion comprising a first member which contacts the specimen and a second member which is spaced from a base by a plurality of balls. The first and second members are movable relative to each other to pivot the specimen into proper alignment between the platens when the specimen is subjected to compression. The plurality of balls are juxtaposed between and engage the second member of the upper portion and the base and serve to support the upper portion for lateral and rotational movement relative to the base to facilitate alignment.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices designed to crush metal cans such as beverage containers and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a can crushing device having a base upon which to place the can to be crushed and having a means for criming one side of said can when pressure is applied to the top of said can by a pressure exerting means connected to said base. Said device further has means for allowing air to escape from said can when the same is being crushed.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning and packing tobacco leaves after curing. The cured tobacco leaves are conveyed to a rotating drum of wire construction to allow sand and dirt to be removed from the tobacco leaves while being tumbled. The cleaned tobacco leaves are then deposited within a sheeting ring which is positioned on a tobacco sheet. A power operated compression member engages the tobacco leaves within the ring to compress the same. Locking elements are provided for selectively engaging the sheeting ring with the compression member for removing the same as a unit from the tobacco, following which the ends of the tobacco sheet are tied together.

Abstract: A portable waste compactor for automatically compressing, from above, waste material deposited in a dolly-supported waste bin has a hydraulically actuated reciprocable ram mechanism including a ram plate operative to compress the waste material within the waste bin. A chute leading to the waste bin extends forewardly thereof and of the ram mechanism, and has a top opening for the feeding of waste material to be compacted. The ram plate is pivotally mounted with respect to a ram cylinder piston and cam means is provided for tilting the forward end of the ram plate upwardly to provide for unimpeded passage of refuse through the chute into the compacting bin when the said ram is at its uppermost position of rest at the end of a cycle of ram operation. Electrical interlocking means controlling operation of the hydraulic system prevents operation of the ram mechanism unless the dolly and its associated refuse bin is in proper position, and unless a cover covering the waste discharge chute is in closed position.

Abstract: A baling press which is intended for the production of bound bales of predominantly non-metallic waste material and which comprises a pressing box and a pressing plunger which is movable to and fro in the pressing box, has its plunger provided with a binding comb which is movable relative to the plunger in the direction of pressing movement of the plunger. The binding comb comprises a plurality of plates which are mounted parallel to and spaced apart from one another, the plates being movable between a forward position in which they project beyond the pressing face of the plunger and form between them a plurality of grooves for the passage of binding wire in front of the plunger, and a retracted position in which their front edges form parts of the pressing face of the plunger.

Abstract: A manual trash compactor that comprises a housing adapted to receive therein a bag having upstanding walls terminating in an open top for depositing the trash, and formed having a base with vertically extending panels extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper open end such that a rectangular configuration is formed to gain access to the housing. Pressure applying means for compacting the trash within the bag is provided with weighting means associated with the pressure applying means to increase the weight thereof to facilitate the compacting of the trash within the bag. Retaining means for releasably securing the open top of the bag within the housing during operation of the pressure applying means is utilized and comprises a plate operatively associated with each one of the panels to provide retention of the open top of the walls of the bag in fixed relationship to each one of the panels.

Abstract: The trash compactor of the present invention utilizes a three piece toggle linkage mechanism for moving the compactor blade from its inoperative to its operative position. The toggle linkage includes a frame link hinged to the frame of the compactor, a primary link hinged to the frame link, and a blade link pivotally connected to the primary link and also pivotally connected to the compactor blade. Hydraulic cylinders are operatively connected to the linkage mechanism for causing movement of the compactor blade from its initial position to its compacting position. Another feature of the trash compactor, includes a counterbalance mechanism for the door to the compactor, the counterbalance mechanism being adapted to neutralize the weight of the door throughout the swinging movement of the door from its open to its closed position. A safety interlock is engaged by a cam plate on the door so that the hydraulic system is inoperative whenever the door is open. Structure is included for avoiding back packing.

Abstract: A baling press has opposed boxes with a tramper movable along the lint feed box for pre-packing fibrous material fed thereinto. The press box opposed to the feed box has a ram follow block against which the fibrous material is pre-packed, and which moves incrementally away from the lint box as the prepacked fiber mass accumulates. The tramper is reciprocable at a uniform stroke and has a pronged tramper head thereon for restraining the pre-packed bale in the press box as a slotted gate is closed prior to a final compression of the bale. Prepacking in the lint box may then continue for another batch during the final bale compression.

Abstract: A baling press for the production of bound bales of scrap material such as refuse is of the kind which comprises a press box, a press plunger which is movable through the press box to compress refuse fed to the box from a hopper the outlet of which is closed by the plunger as the plunger moves through the press box in a pressing stroke, a press channel which forms an extension of the press box and into which the pressed bales are pushed by the plunger and a binding mechanism disposed between the press box and the press channel for binding the bales as they are pushed into the channel. The press is provided with a separator slide which is movable transversely to the direction of movement of the press plunger and is disposed between the press box and the press channel just upstream of the binding mechanism considered in relation to the direction of pressing movement of the plunger. The slide is movable between an operative position in the path of the plunger and a retracted position clear of this path.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having an auxiliary loading means for introducing small refuse elements into the compacting container for obviating the need to move the compacting container to the normal fully exposed refuse loading position exteriorly of the compactor cabinet. A door may be used to control the small access opening. The compacting ram is disposed at the top of the compacting container in the retracted position and is constructed to define a passage for movement of refuse from the auxiliary opening into the container notwithstanding the disposition of the ram means therebetween.

Abstract: A scrap metal compacting apparatus wherein scrap is compressed between a lower jaw formed on the base of the machine and an upper jaw formed on a lid pivotally mounted on the base. A lever arm connects the lid to a trolley which is moved along longitudinally rails disposed in a channel formed in the base to pivot the upper jaw away from the lower jaw and to pivot the upper jaw toward the lower jaw.

Abstract: In order to make large panels of expanded thermoformable material in a process in which a blank of the material is placed between two heated mold plates, the blank adhered to the plates by hot tack adhesion; the plates separated and the expanded material cooled, while maintaining commercial tolerances, the mold plates are supported on elongated mounting studs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for holding a stack of papers such as paper money in a compressed state before and during the winding of a binder tape around the stack to form a bound paper bundle. The apparatus comprises first and second bases or platforms longitudinally aligned to each other with a gap interposed therebetween. Each of the platforms is in the upper surface thereof formed with an arcuately concaved longitudinal recess which is adapted to be covered by resilient plate for receiving thereon the stack of papers to be bound. Disposed above the first and second platforms is a vertically movable pressing pad plate which has an arcuately convexed lower surface. The stack of papers placed on the resilient plate can thus be clamped between the platforms and the lowered pressing pad and held in the arcuately compressed state.

Abstract: A press for compacting scrap metal for subsequent melting, e.g. in an electric furnace, the press comprising a supporting bed, a chamber formed in the bed and open at the top for the introduction of scraps thereinto, a closing cover for the chamber lockable in a closed portion by locking means. Movable and stationary walls define the sides of the chamber and are associated with the bed. Control and guide means for the shifting movement of the movable walls are adapted to bring the movable walls close to each other until there is defined therebetween a cavity. The distances between the walls are smaller than and proximate the distance between the inner walls of the furnace whereinto the compacted scraps are to be molten. A ram with related control means defines with its active face the base of the cavity and is movable in the bed to and away from the cover in order to press, against the cover, the scraps already compacted in the cavity.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a baling apparatus particularly suitable for baling bagasse and similar materials. The apparatus includes a baling chamber formed by a frame having a floor and enclosing sides. A baling head within the chamber is reciprocal between a retracted position and an advanced position, and a ram means connected to the baling head reciprocates the head between its advanced and retracted positions. A support member is mounted on the frame behind the retracted position of the baling head. Anchored at one end in the support member is a mandrel having its other end extending through clearance in the baling head and extending into the baling chamber. The apparatus produces bales having a longitudinally extending opening which tends to prevent the decomposition and decay of the baled material, such as bagasse.

Abstract: The invention is an improved baler for baling loose wire which the baler receives from a loose wire loading device. The baler includes a mounting member, a hopper having an open base which is disposed adjacent to the first end of the mounting member and which is mounted on the top thereof and a cylindrical member having a pair of open ends and also having one-quarter of its sidewall removed therefrom to form an opening having a first edge and a second edge. The cylindrical member is disposed so that the opening has its first edge perpendicular to the top of the mounting member and its second edge parallel thereto and faces the second end of the mounting member.

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: The present invention relates to an improved machine for shearing and compressing scrap metals, in particular, a large scrap metals, such as an automobile. The machine includes a carriage defined by a pair of spaced apart plates, a rigid base disposed between said spaced apart plates to define a U-shaped cross-section, an arm member having a drive motor operatively connected thereto and a supply table having a drive motor operatively connected thereto. A pivot is provided for pivotally mounting the arm member between the pair of spaced apart plates whereby the arm member pivots toward and away from the base. Another pivot is provided for pivotally mounting the supply table at the end of the carriage whereby the supply table rises in order to supply the scrap metals placed thereon onto the base. The supply table is further provided with a put-out table for serving to exhaust the compact block of scrap metals from the machine with the action of the supply table.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a bale of a material within a pair of press platens having a plurality of contoured platen wedges mounted to each of the press platens. The adjacently mounted platen wedges provide bale tie accommodating channels therebetween and permit the insertion of bale ties around the baled material. The platen wedges extend inwardly into the compression chamber engage the corners of the baled material to reduce the girth of the baled material and to provide a more dense bale.

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.

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

Abstract: A can crusher, particularly suited to reducing cans or similar containers to a compact form by crushing the containers between a pair of opposed jaws. The crusher consists of a track which serves as a base for the crusher and a trolley which is attached to and slides along the track. A first plate transversely attached to the track forms the lower jaw. A second plate is attached to the trolley in juxtaposition with the lower jaw to form an upper jaw. A lower pair of parallel lever arms are pivotally attached at their lower ends to opposite sides of the lower jaw. An upper pair of parallel lever arms are each pivotally attached at a midpoint to the opposite sides of the upper jaw and pivotally attached at their lower ends to the upper ends of the corresponding lower pair of lever arms. A handle is attached to the upper end of the upper pair of lever arms to serve as an operating grip.

Abstract: Containers made of various materials, such as aluminum and steel beverage cans, and glass beverage bottles, are crushed and separated to permit recycling of the metallic materials by a method and apparatus comprising crushing the containers in a container crushing means having two cone shaped members being rotationally frictionally engageable with each other, one of the cone shaped members being displaceable from the other against the resistance of a spring means, wherein the containers are crushed as they pass between the cone shaped members, conveying the crushed containers away from the crushing means on a container conveyor and separator means comprising an endless belt member having a first end portion for receiving crushed containers from the crushing means and a second end portion, separating the magnetic from the non-magnetic crushed containers by subjecting the containers to a magnetic field at the second end portion of the belt member whereby the non-magnetic containers are discharged from the belt

Abstract: A device for compacting trash and the like comprises a bin having an open top through which the material to be compacted can be passed and walls which define a volume into which the material is deposited. A horizontally disposed, rectangular pressure plate for compacting the material is horizontally driven from a zone horizontally removed from the open top into a region above the volume. The pressure plate is vertically driven between the region and the volume to compact the material in the bin and is returned to the region. The plate is vertically driven by first and second vertical pistons that are respectively positioned to drivingly engage opposite, straight, parallel edges of the pressure plate. The pistons are separately driven by fluid pressure until the fluid pressure acting on one of the pistons reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having a container with a refuse compression space on one side of a pressure plate which is movable by atmospheric pressure, upon evacuation of the refuse space, in one direction through a compression stroke to compress refuse in the space. The pressure plate is movable in the opposite direction through a return stroke by either pressurizing of the refuse space or evacuation of a space, which may be a second refuse compression space, at the opposite side of the plate. The refuse compactor is adapted to be emptied by a conventional trash collection vehicle equipped with a trash bin elevating and inverting mechanism, e.g., a fork lift. The plate includes a wiper for prolonging the life of the pressure plate seal and the compactor includes a novel vacuum pump and valve system for operating the pressure plate.

Abstract: A scrap shearing machine of the type comprising shears, a feed trough for feeding scrap material to the shears, a lateral plunger disposed at one side of the trough for compacting scrap material in the trough in a direction across the trough to produce a column of scrap material in the trough and a pressing lid which is pivotally mounted at one side of the trough and has a drive by which it is movable downwards to compact scrap material downwards in the trough and is also movable upwards into an open position, has its pressing lid provided with one or more electromagnets. The electromagnets, when energized, are operative to grip the column of scrap in the trough and, when the lid is opened, to raise the column from the trough and turn the column as the lid is moved to its open position. In operation, after the column of scrap has been lifted in this way, the magnets are de-energized so that the column falls back into the trough in its turned position.

Abstract: A refuse compactor having structure for preventing displacement of the compactor receptacle beyond a preselected permissible displacement during the compacting operation. The control includes a tilt switch for terminating operation of the compacting ram in the event of a preselected tilt movement of the receptacle during the compacting operation. The control further includes a safety switch preventing operation of the ram when the receptacle is displaced beyond a preselected distance from the compacting position. The displacement limiting structure disclosed herein is carried by the ram so as to be operative during the compacting operation to prevent a movement of the receptacle substantially beyond that effecting an opening of the tilt switch. The ram may be provided with a wiper which may form a portion of the displacement limiting structure.

Abstract: A manually operated, wall-mountable, beverage can crusher having a compact hollow housing of rectangular cross-section, a ram mounted for sliding movement within the housing, and an ejection spring secured to the rear wall of the housing and operative to urge crushed cans forwardly out of the housing as the ram is raised. The ram is raised and lowered by means of a lever arm pivoted to the top of the housing and connected to the top of the ram through a thrust link pivoted at both ends. The lever arm includes a cover plate which completes closure of the housing when the arm is lowered, and also includes a channel section which partly surrounds the thrust link for compactness of construction.

Abstract: A combined can folder and flattener having a base and pivotable handle having associated therewith two blocks or plates or anvils whereby upon rotation of the handle toward the base a can is folded and upon a second rotation of the handle toward the base the can is flattened. The folding block or plate or anvil is operatively associated with the handle such that upon loosening of a wing nut the anvil can be rotated to accomodate cans of varying lengths. The base has two holes for receiving a pin which functions as a can positioner for cans of varying lengths.

Abstract: A load compacting and ejecting mechanism for a refuse truck having an open rectangular body and an openable tailgate. An ejector plate extends across the body and is mounted for movement from front to back through the body. The ejector plate has a centrally located compaction plate which is mounted on the ejector plate structure for movement between a front position in which it constitutes a part of the rear face of the ejector plate and a second position rearwardly of the rear face of the ejector plate. A main hydraulic cylinder means extends between and is connected to the front of the body and to the compaction plate. A second hydraulic cylinder means is connected between the main structure of the ejector plate and the compaction plate. A first hydraulic circuit connects the opposite ends of the first cylinder means to a source of hydraulic fluid and includes a control valve for alternatively extending and retracting the main cylinder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies of the type wherein a plurality of long metal tubes packed with ceramic fuel are supported in a spaced apart relationship within an outer metal shell or shroud which provides structural support to the assembly. Spent nuclear fuel assemblies are first compacted in a stepwise manner between specially designed gag-compactors and then sheared into short segments amenable to chemical processing by shear blades contoured to mate with the compacted surface of the fuel assembly.