Abstract: A structural laminate in which an end-grain balsa core panel is sandwiched between and adhered to facing skins that cover the edges of the panel as well as its opposing faces. To make it possible for facing skins that cannot be sharply bent to conform to edges of the panel, these edges are bevelled to impart a gentle slope thereto. Bevelling is effected by means of a high-pressure die whose angled face has a staircase formation defined by a series of right-angle microsteps. When the die is forced against a right angle edge of the core panel to be bevelled with a pressure exceeding the compressive strength of the balsa, each microstep then impose pressure in a direction parallel to the axes of the cluster of internal balsa cells engaged by the microstep to more or less collapse this cluster to an extent depending on the staircase position of the microstep, thereby densifying the internal structure of the balsa at the edge of the panel without disintegrating this structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic press assembly and method of making the same in which a substantial portion of the housing encompassing the press is formed of a unibody construction from structural tubing to provide a durable lightweight hydraulic press.

Abstract: A low profile trash receptacle housing carries a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced hydraulic cylinders (A) and (B) for incrementally and simultaneously supplying a downward stroke upon a horizontally disposed compaction plate (C) so that upon retraction of the compaction plate and cylinders to a raised position following a compacting cycle adequate space is provided so that a door (D) may be opened to extend inwardly for reception of trash into a lower compacting portion of the housing with guides (E) providing stability to the compaction plate at all times during the compacting cycle.

Abstract: A hydraulic press for moving a slide up and down by the use of a hydraulic cylinder, the slide is lowered from a descending region to a molding region while its position is controlled on the basis of a position signal detected by slide position detector, and a pressure signal obtained from a pressure detector for detecting the pressing force of the slide is compared with a predetermined capacity set in accordance with a machining condition in this molding region. If the set capacity is not reached, the slide is made to continue its descent to a lower dead point while effecting successively the position control and holding it at that position for a set time. When the set capacity is reached, pressure control instead of position control is carried out and the pressure is held for the set time.

Abstract: A breakthrough buffer for a mechanical press (1) includes at least one buffer body (20) disposed between punch slide (2) and lower press frame (7) to cushion punch plate (3) during breakthrough of punch (4) through a workpiece, a timing regulator (40, 70, 90) connected to each buffer body for regulating timing of buffering during breakthrough, and a control system (60) to provide a command signal to this regulator to minimize noise or vibration occurring during the breakthrough. The control system includes a controller (63) which is responsive to the output of noise sensor (61) or vibration sensor (65) during breakthrough. The buffer body can include fluid driven buffer piston (22) in a buffer cylinder (21), with the buffer piston being associated with a guidepost (5). Alternatively, the buffer body can include piston (82) which contacts the guidepost and which is fluid driven (30, 81) in opposition to spring (83).

Abstract: A process supplies energy to electronically controlled drives, particularly drives for workpiece handling devices, in and on a press having a press slide. The workpiece handling devices are electromechanically driven and electronically controlled. In the event of a power supply system outage, at least the workpiece handling devices are supplied at least for a short time by an intermediate circuit of a drive amplifier or an uninterruptable power supply system with voltage. Thereby, all devices important for the movement of the workpiece handling devices are supplied with voltage from the intermediate circuit or the uninterruptable power supply system.

Abstract: In a die cutting press for elongated material, a registration system includes a die unit that is shiftable along the path of travel of the material, along a direction of travel transverse to the path of travel, and about a reference axis perpendicular to a plane containing the material. At least one camera is provided for receiving images from the desired locations that are occupied by indicia on the material when defined areas of the material are in a predetermined relationship relative to the die unit. Reference image data representative of the desired locations of the indicia relative to the die unit is produced so that a comparison can be made between the reference image data and the actual positions of the indicia.

Abstract: A cargo consisting of stacked compressible bales, such as bales of straw, positioned on a flat cargo bed of a cargo vehicle is compacted and compressed laterally of the cargo bed to eliminate excessive overhang of the cargo beyond the sides of the bed by pressing compacting members against opposite sides of the cargo to exert opposing compacting forces on the cargo laterally of the cargo bed. The disclosed compacting members are rollers between which the cargo vehicle is driven in a manner such that the rollers undergo relative rolling movement along the sides of the cargo to progressively compact the cargo from one end to the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing the dies (10, 13) in thermoforming equipment provided with a base (2), a supporting structure (12) supported by the base (2), a supporting head (9) for a counter-die (10) carried by the supporting structure, a supporting table (12) for a die supported by the base (2) beneath the supporting head (9), actuation means for the head (9) and for the supporting table (12) to control a sequence of controlled insertion and withdrawal movements between the head (9) and the supporting table (12) to cause the die (13) to close against and open away from the counter-die (10), feed means for a sheet of thermoformable material for pressing designed to operate synchronously with the activating means and including a pair of longitudinal members (15) to advance the sheet in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which the die (13) opens and closes.

Abstract: A compacting method and apparatus particularly adapted to compacting hazardous materials, and in particular radioactive waste, in which a container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is compacted inside a compacting skirt (20) by cooperation between a support surface (7) on which the compacting skirt (20) with the container (1') is placed and a compactor (9) disposed faing the support surface (7) and displaceable along a vertical axis inside the compacting skirt (20). According to the compacting method the compacting skirt (20) containing the container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is moved in translation, in particular between a loading station (I) for loading the container (1), a compacting station (II) where the container (1') is compacted, and an unmolding station (III) for unmolding the compacted container (1") and for evacuating the compacted container (1"') downwards.

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: In a method for palletizing tube sections of paper or similar materials closed by means of a longitudinally glued seam into a tube form for producing sacks or bags, the tube sections are supplied in the form of tube packages from a tube machine with loading equipment to a palletizing apparatus. The tube packages are turned over individually or in groups with this loading equipment to a respective supporting base of a multideck pallet and held, compressed flat on their respective supporting base in a storage position of the pallet between the process of palletizing and a later depalletizing. To implement a palletizing process, the respective tube package is lifted into the loader and then moved into the pallet into a position, in which it is a distance above the supporting base. When it reaches the intended position, it carries out a vertical deposition motion and is deposited on the supporting base.

Abstract: A truss bend correction system having a pair of in-feed correction rollers, a pair of finish rollers, and an out-feed correction roller define a path for counterbending the joints of a truss to reform the nail plates and thereby flatten the overall truss. The in-feed correction rollers and the out-feed correction roller are oriented downwardly with respect to the finish rollers so that an undesired upward bow of a truss joint is counterbent downwardly, thereby straightening the joints of the truss.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading presses with a nonhydraulic press unloader. The apparatus generally includes a support frame, a reciprocating tray, a tray arm, a link arm, an actuating arm, and an attachment arm. The support frame has a pair of support frame members having top surfaces. A tray roller, for supporting the reciprocating tray, is rotatably mounted to each end of the support frame member. The tray arm is slidably engaged with the top surface of one of the support frame members and is pivotally attached to the link arm. The midsection of the tray arm is pinably connected to the reciprocating tray. The actuating arm is pivotally connected to the other end of the link arm and to the support frame. A pickup roller is rotatably attached to the actuating arm near its midsection. A release roller is rotatably attached to the actuating arm also near the midsection and adjacent the pickup roller. As the press ram rises, the arms draw the tray in between the gap presented by the separating die halves.

Abstract: A method for controlling the drive of a hydraulic press and an associated device for carrying out the method are proposed, the piston/cylinder unit belonging to a press ram being driven via several hydraulic devices connected in series. Depending on the operating phase of the press, the hydraulic devices are here used as required either as hydraulic motors or hydraulic pumps, which effect a delivery of pressure medium into the respective cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A method for hydraulic control of a toggle lever press in which the velocity of a driving piston rod is increased at least once in the working region of a press ram. The velocity of the press ram is thus kept relatively constant up to bottom dead center (or upper dead center) of the press ram. A toggle lever press has a control adapted for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A system for measuring the dynamic pressure distribution between rolls in a nip roll press comprises a roll adapted to rotatingly contact at least one other roll in a press nip, having one or more sensors thereon, for measuring the nip pressure at several locations along the roll length, wherein the measurements obtained by the sensors are transmitted to a computer and a display, to provide tabular, numerical and graphical representations of the pressure at one or more locations on the roll. Optionally a control system may be incorporated in the system for determining the pressure distribution along the roll and initiating corrective measures. The system of the instant invention can further measure temperature variations, if desired, as thermal sensors can be used on the sensing roll, or a computerized correlation scheme can relate sensor readings to temperature as well as pressure.

Abstract: An electronic device for monitoring the fullness of a trash receptacle is disclosed. The trash receptacle is associated with a compactor that has a compression member for compacting trash within the receptacle. The compression member is powered by an electric motor. The current drawn by the electric motor is monitored by a current sensor. As more trash is deposited and compacted, the sensor detects an increased current flow in the electric motor. A microprocessor operates on the current sensor readings to determine the relative fullness of the receptacle. The current sensor readings are evaluated by an algorithm which distinguishes the current readings due to foward compactor ram motion of the compression member from current readings due to reverse compactor ram motion. The algorithm compares modified derivatives of the current sensor readings to threshold values of the derivatives in order to determine the relative fullness of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling loose materials, such as waste material, includes a controllably moveable door assembly. In one embodiment, the door is adapted to open from an initial position to a final position such that the compacted bale can be ejected from the compaction chamber through the opening defined by the open door. In this embodiment, the leading edge portion of the door is moved to a final position in general alignment with the compacting ram platen such that bales of various sizes, including oversized bales, can be readily ejected from the baling apparatus. For example, the leading edge portion of the door can be moved into alignment with or rearward of the compacting ram platen. In another embodiment, the baling apparatus operates in a plug bale mode and includes a door which is urged against an at least partially ejected bale so as to securely hold the plug bale within the opening defined to the compaction chamber during the compaction of a succeeding bale.

Abstract: In a mechanical pressing machine, a torque compensation plate cam is mounted on one end of a crankshaft, and a cam follower mounted on a distal end of a piston rod of a resilient force-producing device is held in pressing contact with the torque compensation plate cam so as to cancel a load fluctuation produced on the crankshaft. The resilient force-producing device employs a compression coil spring or an air spring. The crankshaft may be of the dual type, in which case a slider is supported by two connecting rods. With this construction, a periodic inertial load fluctuation, repeatedly produced for every revolution during the operation of the mechanical press, is compensated for by the system for reserving energy, and hence is cancelled, thereby balancing the energy, so that variations in rotation of the crankshaft are eliminated, thereby reducing vibrations and noises.

Abstract: In a mechanical pressing machine, a flywheel is fixedly mounted on an input shaft, and a drive cam plate is fixedly mounted on the input shaft intermediate opposite ends thereof, and a torque compensation plate cam is mounted on the other end of the input shaft. A cam follower mounted on a distal end of a piston rod of a resilient force-producing device is held in pressing contact with the torque compensation plate cam so as to cancel a load fluctuation produced on the input shaft. The resilient force-producing device employs a compression coil spring or an air spring. With this construction, a periodic inertial load fluctuation, repeatedly produced for every revolution during the operation of the mechanical press, is compensated for by the system for reserving energy, and hence is canceled, thereby balancing the energy, so that variations in rotation of the input shaft are eliminated, thereby reducing vibrations and noises.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system 50 and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism B and a second blade mechanism C. The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions 80a, 80b, and distribute tobacco into a charger 30a. The charger includes a vertical chute 32a and an internal container 34a which inserts into a tobacco container 22a which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head 12a. First blade mechanism B includes a primary distributor blade 82 which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism C may include secondary distributor blades 94 and 96 which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade 82, provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container 22a.

Abstract: A hydraulic press of the type having at least one hydraulic pump driven by a rotary shaft and a hydraulically operable ram is provided with an improvement comprising a flywheel connected to the pump shaft. According to another aspect, the ram is reciprocated between retracted and extended positions by rotating the pump shaft and the flywheel at a predetermined rotational speed so as to operate the pump(s) and deliver fluid to the hydraulically operable ram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting a plurality of flat, stacked, non-woven cotton and cotton blend articles from a normal size to a greatly reduced size to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid exchanging of calender rollers 350,352 for a calendering apparatus 302 is disclosed. The apparatus 302 has two or more generally cylindrical calender rollers 350,352 which are clamped and supported at each end by a rotatable support 314,316. A pair of the supports 314,316 are axially aligned and movable relative to the other axially aligned support. The method of exchanging rollers 350,352 includes the step of unclamping a roller 350 or 352 by increasing the spacing between the first and second rotatable supports 314,316, removing the roller 350,352, and clamping a different calender roller 350,352 between the first and second supports 314,316 by decreasing the spacing between them and engaging the respective ends of the different roller 350,352 with the first and second supports 314,316. This apparatus and method greatly facilitates rapid calender roller changeover and is particularly useful in the tire building art.

Abstract: A can crusher has a removable arm member hingedly connected to a base member, and the arm member has a crushing portion which is received in nested fashion by a can receiving portion on the base member. The crushing portion has a bearing wall with a lip and a plurality of struts perpendicular to the bearing wall. The lip extends above the struts. The base member has a step pad so that the can crusher may be either wall mounted or portable. The lip engages the rim on a container to be crushed to captively secure the container between the lip and the base member. This avoids accidental ejection of the container from the can crusher. When the arm member is in the open position, the lip is spaced from the base member a sufficient distance to accommodate aluminum beverage cans, steel cans and plastic bottles of common household sizes. The struts may also be provided with protective elements to prevent undue wear on the crushing portion.

Abstract: A baling apparatus is provided for forming large rectangular bales of fibrous material. The apparatus includes a rectangular bale chamber having an inlet for receiving baling material beneath the bale chamber and an outlet for discharging completed bales at the top of the bale chamber. Balable material is gathered from the surface of the field of by the pickup mechanism, formed into a mat by clamping rollers and transported toward the bale chamber by a conveying mechanism. A conveyor sweep apparatus detaches a segment of the mat on the conveyor and feeds it to a compressing mechanism located beneath the bale chamber inlet. The clamping rollers ensure that the mat separates cleanly when engaged by the sweep apparatus. The compressing structure then compresses the segment of baling material in a slow upward compression stroke into the bale chamber inlet. As a result, a rectangular bale comprising successive horizontal layers is formed within the bale chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming paper blocks installable in offices to form paper blocks out of office-use paper such as computer printer paper, etc. including a treatment chamber, paper feeder and an adhesive apply device. Used and waste paper is fed into the treatment chamber by the paper feeder while being coated with adhesives by the adhesive apply device, and inside the treatment chamber, the paper with the adhesives coated thereon are pressed by a pusher or by air against the bottom of the chamber, thus forming firm paper blocks solidified by the adhesives.

Abstract: An agricultural baler (1) having a duct (26) for the transportation of crop material to a bale case (10), wherein it is compressed into bales. Above the duct (26) is provided a loading device comprising a pair of cyclically rotating cranks (74), pivotably connected to a pair of levers (72) of a stuffing fork assembly (66). During operation the levers (72) are moved along journals (88) which fit in oblong slots (90) of said levers (72). The journals (88) are installed on pivotable members (94) which are forced upwardly in a first position against stop members (98, 100) by springs (99). Upon rotation of the cranks (74) the tines (70) of the fork follow a generally kidney-shaped path (92). When the tines enter the duct (26), the pivot members (94) are forced downwardly to a second position by the abutment of the journals (88) against plugs (106) in the slots (90), whereafter they are force upwardly by the cam member (102) of the cranks (74).

Abstract: A baler machine including a charging chamber for receiving materials to be baled. The charging chamber has a charging passageway communicating with a baling compression chamber. A compression ram is operable to force material from the charging chamber into the compression chamber to thereby form a bale. The compression chamber has an exit passageway through which the baled material is forced by an ejector ram. A bale release mechanism is mounted adjacent the exit passageway. The bale release mechanism includes a rotatably mounted gate member movable between a normal operating position and a retracted open position wherein the size of the exit passageway is increased to allow the passage of an oversized bale. A power cylinder is operatively connected to the bale release mechanism to move the mechanism between its closed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive for a hydraulic press employed for at least one of forming and cutting sheets of metal. The method involves a press comprising: a press ram and at least one piston-cylinder unit operatively connected to the press ram and including a drive piston having an upper side and a lower side, the drive piston further comprising an upper cylinder chamber communicating with the upper side, and a lower cylinder chamber communicating with the lower side. The method comprises the step of pressurizing the drive piston with hydraulic medium on at least one of its upper side and its lower side for driving the press ram.

Abstract: A shutheight adjustment mechanism of a mechanical press including a piston member restrained from moving vertically by a sealed liquid-filled chamber of relatively short height. The chamber acts as a stiff liquid-spring that limits deflection and movement of the piston member and ultimately the slide or bolster. Seals define the chamber to assure that the chamber is filled with liquid. The liquid-filled chamber damps free movement between parts thereby helping to resist changes in shutheight. Liquid also is injected between the piston member and both the adjustment nut and the housing. This liquid reduces torque requirements for shutheight adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid or other means is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconfiguring at least three finishing rolls in a plastic sheet fabricating sheetline includes a base, a pair of spaced upright support structures, and pairs of first and second spaced support assemblies. The upright support structures are mounted on the base and support a center one of the rolls in a stationary position therebetween and for rotation about a first axis. The first support assemblies support a first outer one of the rolls therebetween for rotation about a second axis and are mounted to the support structures for permitting angularly adjustable movement of the first outer roll relative to the center roll about the first axis to reconfigure the angular position of the first outer roll relative to the center roll.

Abstract: Pressing force with which a die tool presses on a workpiece is controlled so as to be constant at all times. The magnitude of pressing force with which the die tool presses on the workpiece during press working is detected with a semiconductor strain gauge (84), and the pressing force detected and a preset pressing force are compared with each other by a controller. If there is a difference between the pressing force detected and the preset pressing force, a screw rod (35) is turned by an AC servomotor (24) so as to adjust the length of a lower ram (60), thereby controlling the pressing force.

Abstract: A method of controlling the maceration of wood chips in a plug screw feeder having an inlet and an outlet, a compression device between said inlet and outlet, a variable speed screw disposed in the compression device, a force feed device connected to the plug screw feeder inlet, a variable speed force feed screw disposed in the force feed device, comprising the steps of introducing wood chips into the force feed drive and the plug screw feeder controlling the speed of the variable speed screw in the plug screw feeder, controlling the speed of the force feed screw disposed in the force feed cylinder to obtain the desired degree of fiber dislocation in the wood chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of preparing discarded food and beverage packagings for recycling. A moisture absorbent powder is added to the packagings prior to shipment to a recycling facility. The present invention may further include an apparatus for breaking open paperboard packages and then treating the open packages with a chemical additive such as baking soda to reduce microbial activity caused by leftover contents within the discarded packages. The packages may then be compressed and sent to a recycling facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting a plurality of flat, stacked, non-woven, cotton, cotton blend, and fibrous articles from a normal size to a greatly reduced size to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid or other means is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: A method for checking the driving and control system of a hydraulic punch press is provided which comprises the steps of delivering a stop order signal to the driving device, sensing the position of the sliding punch member along its stroke and comparing the time or the distance required by the punch member to come practically to a stop, with preset reference values, and producing a fault signal when the time or distance exceeds the preset reference values.

Abstract: A method of operating a press designed to eliminate fluctuations of the pressing force in a press. The maximum actual value of the stroke's pressing force is averaged over n strokes. The average value is compared with a desired value, and when there is a deviation, a position adjustment in the press is triggered by means of a controller. An example of the press position adjustment is a displacement of the axis of the slide.

Abstract: A process for removing residual oil from used oil filters. The process includes washing the oil filters with a wash water while simultaneously crushing the oil filters. The wash water has a carefully selected and limited surfactant to effectively remove the residual oil while reducing emulsification of the removed residual oil into the wash water. The oil is recovered and the wash water is recirculated after having been amended with surfactant and/or water to assure that the surfactant remains within the desired limits.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus and method of manufacturing wood trusses which utilizes an apparatus and method incorporating the use of a vibrator and the application of vibration forces during the process of seating connector plates in the wood cord members of the truss.

Abstract: A method for separating liquid components which have been fractionated into at least an upper layer component and a lower layer component in a soft flexible container provided with a liquid transfer port located either at an upper part or a lower part of the container comprising a step of pressing the container to a flat configuration, so as to flowing out one of the liquid components through the liquid transfer port, characterized in that the inner walls of a liquid storage chamber of the flexible container, except for the liquid transfer port, are partly brought into close contact with each other in advance, so as to define such a flowing passage for the liquid component, the width of which becoming narrower toward the liquid transfer port, prior to the step of pressing the flexible container to a flat configuration.

Abstract: A method of handling recyclable materials through the use of distinctive, and relatively rugged plastic bags is provided. Such bags are furnished to one or more communities as part of a recycling program. The bags preferably include source identification codes particular to each community. The bags are filled with recyclable materials, closed, and left at curb side or other location for pick up by collection equipment. The bags, which may be comingled with other, non-recyclable waste materials, are gathered and compacted in order to reduce the volume thereof. The rugged construction of the bags ensures that a relatively high percentage survive the compaction process without spilling the materials contained therein. Bags are then transported to a delivery point where they are separated from other comingled waste materials. Bags may then be emptied and the materials contained therein recycled.

Abstract: A pellet mill (1) is provided with a control unit with the help of which a desired value of press roll slippage, e.g. zero or a pre-selectable peak value can be maintained. For this purpose, the pellet mill (1) comprises a first measuring unit (27, 28) for measuring the circumferential speed of the perforated die (8) as well as a second measuring unit (23, 24) for measuring the circumferential speed of the press rolls (11, 12). In a comparator (30, 31), the two circumferential speeds are compared and on exceeding a pre-selectable peak value for the difference of the two measured values, a slip signal is created by means of which the mill drive, and/or the supply of basic material to be formed is influenced in such a manner that the slippage will be prevented.

Abstract: The calendering occurs in a press nip of a calender with application of pressure, moisture and heat. To achieve a desired surface quality, the surface of the paper or cardboard web which is to be calendered is brought in the press nip to a condition above the glass transition curve of the materials. Prior to expiration of 20 to 60 milliseconds, the surface of the paper web departing from the press nip is subjected to a transition step by virtue of a cooling device first in combination with a change in moisture content to a condition beneath the glass transition point of the material. The cooling can occur during contact of the surface to be cooled with a cooled surface or by direct contact with a cooling, preferably inert gas. After calendering there thus arises a diminished increase in the roughness of the paper web, so that the surface quality obtained in the press nip is predominantly retained. There have been illustrated suitable apparatuses for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A baler for recyclable materials and any other materials. The baler includes a power unit. An operator console on a deck at a front of a hopper, which provides for operator observation and operation through a high tech control system. Material is fed into the hopper, such as by a conveyor. A compression chamber under the hopper and a bale chamber is at a forward end of the baler for baling of the materials and subsequent discharge by an ejection ram across a bale run-out table for later disposition. A control system provides the capability of automatic control for the baler, as well as diagnostic assistance when necessary. The baler is also the primary building block for a completely automated municipal recycling facility (MRF). The baler can bale such materials as corrugated cardboard, news print, magazines, computer paper, flattened cans, round cans, plastic bottles, scrap aluminum, scrap copper, aluminum radiators, as well as any other miscellaneous materials required for baling on a real time basis.

Abstract: A method and a device for protecting against a press overload is disclosed whereby, when an excessive pressure which exceeds a specified hydraulic pressure is transmitted to a pressure chamber of a press cylinder, this excessive pressure activates the punching of a shear plate by a shear piston and the excessive pressure is released by the shear piston.

Abstract: Restrained bales are formed for transporting high-bulk, crosslinked cellulose fiber in a reduced volume. A limited amount of force is used in compressing the fiber into the bales so that the fiber is not damaged. The limited amount of force used allows the bale, when restraints are released, to expand to about twice its restrained volume. Fiber damage is further minimized by limiting the amount of compression to the minimum required so that a transport container is completely filled to its volume and payload capacities.

Abstract: In a power press having a vertically moveable slide and upper and lower dies which may be transported to and from the power press by means of mobile bolsters, an automatic die change system utilizing microprocessor control. The microprocessor storing data regarding each die set and carrying out the die change operation based on that stored data. The microprocessor control permitting multiple steps in the die change procedure to be carried out simultaneously, thereby reducing the time necessary to effect a die change. The microprocessor control further reducing the time necessary to change a die set by adjusting the slide counterbalance pressure to a level within a predetermined range.