Abstract: A press for dry fodder comprising a cylindrical matrix which is provided with a radially extending flange extending at right angles to the rotational axis of said matrix and an annular circumferential stepped portion on said matrix in which rotates at least one press wheel. Axial cutouts connecting said stepped portion to a side of said matrix are provided for pressing and discharging said material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the positive actuation of a weight compensating mechanism for a ram of a press accommodating a tool set. The process includes the detecting of at least one condition indicative of the changing of a tool set of the press, preventing working operation of the press in response to such detected condition, and then initiating operation of the weight compensating mechanism. The process also includes the enabling of the working operation of the press upon completion of the weight compensating operation. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes at least one signal generator for providing an output indicative of the changing of a tool set, a device for preventing working operation of the press in response to the detection of such condition and a control arrangement for initiating operation of the weight compensating mechanism in accordance with sensed conditions of the press.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of packaging asbestos fibers wherein damp asbestos fibers are consolidated into blocks having a density of at least about 100 lbs./cu. ft. (PCF). These blocks can then be stacked on pallets, pulpable pallets if desired, and secured to said pallet with various means, for example with a shrink film, to produce a clean, compact package. At the point of use, the blocks are disintegrated using a block-breaker and the resultant pieces are then opened into a loose mass of asbestos fibers in a conventional opening apparatus.

Abstract: A bending foot is placed in the middle of an aluminum beer can laying on the roadside and the foot is pushed down by a stalk extending upward from the foot. This causes the ends of the can to angle inward as the center of the can is flattened out; then, the ends of the can are folded over the foot by stepping on a platen which is telescoped to the stalk. With the can folded around the foot, the tool with the can is lifted and the can slipped off.

Abstract: Process for baling fibers to uniform density within a fixed range even through the bales vary in weight or size. The invention results in bales which exert substantially the same force against the restraining ties or straps placed thereabout, which forces are within safe strength limits for the ties. The application discloses apparatus which may be used to carry out the process including controls for preventing overstressing the press and for actuating an automatic strapping apparatus only at the proper time.

Abstract: Hay and similar crop materials can be efficiently compacted and formed into pellets or cubes through a closely coordinated sequence of operations in which the hay picked up from the field is deposited into a feed bin, then advanced by gravity feed uniformly onto a cross feed conveyor which advances the hay through a compaction stage in which the hay is precompressed to bale density, and thereafter it is continuously advanced between a pair of counter-rotating press wheels which further compress and form the hay into dense pellets or cubes.

Abstract: An improved compacter for flattening or compacting metal cans and the like wherein the can is initially positioned between a pair of spaced gripping members, the gripping members being subsequently moved toward each other compacting the can disposed therebetween. The gripping members grippingly engage the can and secure the can in a stationary position with respect to each of the gripping members and one of the gripping members is initially rotated as the gripping members are moved toward each other thereby twisting and weakening the structural integrity of the can to facilitate the compacting thereof.