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

Abstract: Method for handling material in a pneumatic pipe transport system, in which material, such as waste material, is input from the input aperture of an input point, such as from the input aperture of a refuse chute or of some other input point, and is handled with a press device, arranged in connection with the input point or in the proximity of it, to be more compact and transferred onwards in the transfer piping. The press device is a rotary press, a part of the rim-like handling device of which are rotatable, and which handling device includes an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to its axis of rotation, and a part are stationary, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the rotary press and/or through it at least partly by means of suction and/or a pressure difference of the pneumatic pipe transport system.

Abstract: A high-pressure pressing arrangement includes two coaxial end closures; a high-pressure cylinder including two coaxial end openings, which are closable by the end closures; a frame for resisting outward axial movement of the end closures; a load basket for carrying articles to be treated, wherein the high-pressure cylinder and the frame are arranged transversally movable relative to each other between an operating position and a loading/unloading position; wherein, in the operating position, the end closures are positioned to cover the end apertures and in the loading/unloading position, at least one of the end closures is positioned to uncover at least one end aperture. Further, a first locking element is provided on an end closure and a second locking element is provided on an outward end surface of the load basket, so as to mate with the first element to prevent rotation of the load basket.

Abstract: A continuous-operation baler assembly is provided which includes a separate and leading surge bin followed by a baler. The surge bin and baler each comprise a separate pick up mechanism for collecting agricultural material. When the baler has collected material and is ready to finish a bale the surge bin receives a signal and begins collecting agricultural material. Once the bale nears finish, the material collected by the surge bin is metered out into the path of or otherwise transferred to the baler during the next bale formation cycle, where it is picked up and formed into a bale.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a reconfigurable device comprises flexible bladder that encloses a jammable material. The geometry of the device can be altered by unjamming the jammable material (making it flexible), changing the shape of the device while it is flexible, and then jamming the jammable material (making it rigid). In some applications of this invention, a joint connects rigid arms. The ends of the rigid arms are enclosed in the bladder. By varying the stiffness of the jammable material in the bladder, the stiffness of the joint can be controlled.

Abstract: A grooving insert comprising a cutting edge (16) extending over the width (B) of the insert (10), a main flank (18) and a rake face (14) and also a supporting side (20) opposite the rake face (14) is characterized in that the grooving insert has a substantially cube-shaped outer contour and consists of two geometrically identical cube halves merging into one another in a parting plane, wherein each cube half has a separate cutting edge and the cube halves lie so as to be rotated by 90° relative to one another and turned by 180° relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing arrangement for a cover, in particular in a laboratory thermostat, having at least: a first component disposed to exert an excitation force, a second component, in particular a plate component disposed to exert a pressing force Fz in at least one target position, a transmission device disposed for transmitting force from the first component to the second component, characterized in that the transmission device comprises a transmission component disposed to be driven by the first component and to drive the second component, and the transmission device comprises at least one elastic tensioning member disposed to be driven by the first component so as to change its tension and to drive the transmission component, and the transmission device or the transmission component causes the setting of the pressing force Fz in dependence on the target position. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for pressuring.

Abstract: A method that makes a thickness of an absorbent body, including a liquid absorbent fiber and a superabsorbent polymer, thin, the method includes transporting the absorbent body by moving a holding surface while holding the absorbent body on the holding surface with suction air from a suction hole on the holding surface, and making the thickness of the absorbent body thin by sucking a belt member towards the holding surface using the suction air from the suction hole, in a predetermined range of a travel path of the holding surface, the belt member being arranged opposing the holding surface along the travel path and being arranged movably along the travel path over the predetermined range of the travel path, and sandwiching the absorbent body between the holding surface and the belt member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stuffer method of a baler, the method comprising conveying with a plurality of pivotally-biased elements coupled along a moveable link a first portion of crop material from an inlet of a stuffer chute to a location proximal to an outlet of the stuffer chute; and responsive to a crop material density of the first portion meeting or exceeding a first predefined threshold density, conveying with a subset of the plurality of pivotally-biased elements a subsequent portion or portions of crop material from the inlet to the first portion until the subsequent portion or portions meets or exceeds a second predefined threshold density that substantially equals the first predefined threshold density.

Abstract: A trash compaction system includes a trash receptacle through which trash is input; a compaction chamber in which trash is compacted, the compaction chamber having a closeable receiving opening in communication with the trash receptacle to receive trash into the compaction chamber, the compaction chamber also having closeable ejection opening through which the compacted trash is ejected; and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction chamber to compact trash in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the compaction chamber receives the trash.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a roller bale chute accumulator apparatus includes a roller bale chute configured to receive a bale from a discharge opening of a baler and a bale drop mechanism configured to change the roller bale chute between a drop condition for dropping the bale from the roller bale chute and a non-drop condition for maintaining the bale on the roller bale chute. In one example embodiment the bale drop mechanism comprises a brake that is configured to manipulate a roller of the roller bale chute. In another example embodiment, a foldable bale chute portion is movable between a lower bale drop position and an upward non-drop position.

Abstract: A self-contained compactor apparatus which includes a charge chamber and a compacting chamber for compacting and storing waste contained within the chamber. The charge chamber and the compacting chamber are integrally formed as a compacting/storage container. The compacting/storage container has a top wall, a bottom wall, a sidewall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and a protective coating provided on at least a portion of an interior surface of the bottom wall and on at least a portion of an interior surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: A Bulk Bag Material Conditioning System that includes a main conditioner frame and a plurality of bulk bag conditioner assemblies engaged to the upper portion of the main conditioner frame where the bulk bag conditioner assemblies travel a non-linear path, typically on an arcuous path from a bulk bag disengaged position to a bulk bag engaging position.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing sputtering target assemblies and assemblies thereof are provided, particularly targets made of powders. Powders are adhered to a backing plate by use of a vacuum hot press, the powder preferably contacted by non-planar surfaces, and is compressed with at least about 95% density and substantially simultaneously diffusion-bonded to the backing plate.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and a pickup conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The pickup conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler.

Abstract: In a working method using a device for operating presses comprising a ram and a die, such as forming presses or cutting presses, for example multiple-die presses for large workpieces, transfer presses, multi-ram transfer presses, such forming presses or cutting presses also being arranged in press lines, smaller ram strokes result in optimized freedom of motion of the press, in place of the existing large freedom of motion, the acceleration and speed of the ram are at most maintained, or reduced, while parts output is increased, and smaller paths are made possible due to dynamic ram stroke and transfer movements. To this end, the work process of the ram stroke of presses is controlled according to a curve that follows the function f(x)=a(0)/2+a(1)*cos(1*x)+ . . . +.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a baler with a bale clear indicator is provided. A passive bale ramp may be configured to deposit a bale clear of the path of a tailgate of the baler. One or more sensors may be used to determine the position of the passive ramp and whether a bale is clear of the ramp and the tailgate path and an indicator provided to notify an operator that the bale is clear. In one embodiment a bale up sensor is used to determine the position of the passive bale ramp. In another example embodiment, a ramp down sensor is used. In another example embodiment, a bale up sensor and bale down sensor are used to determine the position of the passive ramp.

Abstract: In one embodiment, bale density door system of a baler, comprising: plural bale density doors defining a chamber, the chamber comprising a front end and a rear end; and plural tracking surfaces associated with a portion of the plural bale density doors, the plural tracking surfaces moveable in a direction from the front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A square baler weighing system weighs a bale during a weighing timespan when the rear portion pivots into the bale discharging position. The rear portion further comprises a brake for changing the speed of a bale moving along the rear portion. The brake is configured to exert an adjustable braking force.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stuffer system for a baler, the stuffer system comprising: a pre-compression chamber used to transport crop material to a plunger; and plural stuffer arms having coupled to the plural stuffer arms a retractable fork, each of the plural stuffer arms pivotable about an axis and driven in a clockwise and counterclockwise shared path by a first motive apparatus, the fork driven by a second motive apparatus, the fork and stuffer arm independently controlled, wherein the first and second motive apparatuses cause the plural stuffer arms and the fork, upon engagement, to advance plural crop material charges along the pre-compression chamber before delivering the plural charges to the plunger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding and/or treating a sample material. A sample material may be positioned in a vessel between top and bottom flexible films where the flexible films are connected together by a substantially rigid support structure that surrounds the sample material. A crushing force may be applied to the sample material via the top and bottom flexible films, e.g., to pulverize the sample at cryogenic temperatures. A sample holder may have two vessels, one arranged for applying a crushing force to a first sample and another for holding a sample for other processing, such as a histology analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is a reverse vending machine which accepts non-metallic and metallic beverage containers for processing. The beverage containers are inserted by the user into an intake chute, where they are then compacted, sorted, and deposited in storage bins contained in the machine. A number of additional functions are provided by the reverse vending machine, including a self cleaning system, a video screen for displaying information to users, a bar code scanner for scanning bar codes, a user ID reader, and a coupon printer for issuing coupons to users. All transaction information is processed by a computer and stored electronically. The invention automatically returns non-empty containers and containers with unacceptable or unreadable bar codes to the user. The user is also provided warning messages when the storage bins are nearly full, or when a container is jammed in the machine.

Abstract: A method of forming a higher density bale of waste paper from two or more lower density bales of waste paper includes positioning the lower density bales intact and in side-by-side relationship with respect to each other, moving them to a compression zone, and compressing the bales together in the compression zone to form a higher density bale. The higher density bale can then be strapped to maintain its higher density configuration and shape. Thus, a larger tonnage of waste paper in bales can be loaded into a shipping container for transport. A rebaler for carrying out the method includes side feed and side retrieval of bales, significantly improving over traditional top feed machines.

Abstract: A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism, and a storage chamber that includes an interface for the trash chute. Trash deposited in the trash chute is channeled into the storage chamber. Either or both of the compactor mechanism and the storage chamber are rotatably attached to one or two axles. During maintenance or trash removal, the compactor mechanism or storage chamber may swivel around an axle to permit ease of access.

Abstract: A debris removal and compacting tool includes a lifting device having a flexible sheet with a first edge secured to a first support member, a second edge secured to a second support member, and a compaction device including a first surface attachable to the lifting device and a second surface for contacting the loose material within the receptacle. A fastening mechanism is provided to removably secure the lifting device to the compaction device. During use, a user engages the first and second support members and places the sheet into contact with the material, utilizes the support members to move the sheet to consolidated and maneuver the loose material. The lifting device is placed within the interior of the receptacle, and the material is released into the receptacle. The compacting device is then placed into contact with the material to compact it within the receptacle to achieve better receptacle utilization.

Abstract: A Bulk Bag Material Conditioning System that includes a main conditioner frame and a plurality of bulk bag conditioner assemblies engaged to the upper portion of the main conditioner frame where the bulk bag conditioner assemblies travel a non-linear path, typically on an arcuous path from a bulk bag disengaged position to a bulk bag engaging position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for compressing the lamination stack for a dynamoelectric machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of weight distribution plates and a plurality of pressing plates. The plurality of weight distribution plates are placed on one end of the lamination stack of the dynamoelectric machine. The plurality of pressing plates are placed on the plurality of weight distribution plates. A compressive force is applied to the lamination stack via the plurality of weight distribution plates and the plurality of pressing plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for compression of a lamination stack for a dynamoelectric machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of hanger brackets attached to a face frame, a plurality of force application tubes secured to the brackets, a plurality of force applying rams located beneath the force application tubes, a plurality of pressing plates located beneath the force applying rams, and a plurality of weight distribution plates located beneath the pressing plates. A compressive force is applied to the lamination stack by the force applying rams via the pressing plates and weight distribution plates.

Abstract: A control system of a servo press and a control method are provided for preventing an overload on a pressure capability of a press and a torque capability of a drive system. A control device of a servo press for pressing by transferring a drive force of a servomotor to a slide via a drive mechanism includes: a motion calculation unit for calculating slide target position data; a torque calculation unit for calculating process torque for pressing and control torque for speed change of the servo motor on the basis of slide target position data; a process system limit unit for limiting the calculated process torque to predetermined process limitation torque; and a drive system limit unit for limiting combined torque of the limited process torque and the control torque to predetermined drive limitation torque. The servo motor is driven on the basis of a command of drive limitation torque.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a self-supporting ale of metal cans comprising a baler adapted to compact metal cans into a bale. Opposite side walls of the baler include an array along each side wall of parallel open-face grooves. A platen having defined along each of its opposite sides walls, an array of projections adapted to be received within respective ones of the wall grooves in meshing relationship whereby movement of the platen along the length of the baler functions to compact the cans disposed within the grooves to a higher degree of densification than the degree of densification of cans proximate the central portions of the bale.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a combination trash collection and compaction trolley that has a main front door with a trash door that provides access to an interior of the trolley so that trash can be front-loaded into the trash door, as well as an open top portion, which allows trash to be top-loaded into the open top portion.

Abstract: A system monitors vibration activity in a press machine environment and generates a signal indicative of vibration level severity. An accelerometer can provide measured peak acceleration data that serves as an indication of vibration level. The vibration measurement, is compared to a reference vibration level that corresponds to a run condition of desired operating parameters. A controller controls the press machine shutheight in accordance with the differential expressed in the comparison result. The consequent shutheight adjustment effects a change in the vibration activity that acts as a correction to the deviation in vibration behavior expressed by the differential.

Abstract: A die cushion pad 13 is divided into four small pads 15 and a large pad 16. With this arrangement, a load applied to an action point of each of the small pads 15 can be equalized by the large pad 16, and an overturning moment arising between the action point and a reaction force point that equates the center of the small pad 15 can be canceled, thereby preventing flexure of the small pad 15. Accordingly, since flexure of the cushion pin and the like can be prevented, there is no risk that the cushion pin is frictioned against the penetrating hole of a bolster, and the lifting operation can be smoothly performed, whereby a higher-accuracy pressing forming operation can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a block from carbon dioxide particle is configured to allow changing between precise thicknesses with very little downtime, utilizing both weight based and volumetric dosing. A spacer supports the lower ejection piston during block forming, with a shuttle discharging particles into the forming chamber while simultaneously pushing a previously formed block on to a conveyor. In one embodiment, the shuttle dosing cavity has a volume that is greater than the volume of the forming chamber volume, which allows more pellets, volumetrically, to be dosed into the dosing cavity than the volume of the forming cavity.

Abstract: A method for controlling a braking mechanism for a supply roll with wrapping material for a round baler that passes through a first phase wherein, after detection of sufficient crop material in the baling chamber, wrapping material is brought up to the baling chamber and introduced into the baling chamber. The braking mechanism provides a higher braking force during the wrapping operation than the first phase. The wrapping operation is started on detection of movement in the wrapping material. This prevents the braking mechanism from being activated prematurely and leaves sufficient time to deactivate the braking mechanism after the wrapping operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating a bale size indicator by using inputs from existing bale wrapper material monitors to determine the linear amount of wrapping material necessary to encircle the bale one time. Balers with wrapping mechanisms may include a sensor for measuring the linear amount of wrapper dispensed as a means to alert the operator when the supply of wrapper material is low. Such balers may also have additional sensors for verifying that wrapping material completely encircles the bale prior to allowing the bale to be ejected from the baler. Using inputs from each of these sensors, a control system on the baler can determine the amount of wrapping material necessary to cover one revolution of the bale, also an indication of the bale circumference, and use the measurement to calibrate the display of bale diameter also generated from the control system.

Abstract: A hydraulic fine blanking head for a mechanical press and an infeeding method for same. The hydraulic fine blanking head includes an adjusting mechanism having an adjusting nut provided with an internal motion thread engaged with external motion threads on a main cylinder, the adjusting nut being turnable around a stroke axis, a sprocket wheel rotatable at a frontal surface of the adjusting nut, a hydraulic motor driving the sprocket wheel, and a brake for the motor shaft. Axial backlash between the respective motion threads is prohibited by a pressure generated by a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid which also generates a part forming force in the head. A conduit in communication with a hydraulic system and the interior of the head delivers the locking pressure, locking the threads against the backlash. Removal of pressure unlocks the threads. Infeed of the main cylinder with regard to the ram is adjustable by switching the motor and the brake on and off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compacting trash are disclosed. A disclosed example trash compacting system includes a trash receptacle, a collection bin, a compaction bin proximal to the collection bin, having a receiving opening to receive trash via the trash receptacle, and having an ejection opening through which compacted trash is ejected into the collection bin, and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction bin to compact the trash within the compaction bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing and forming a raw material into a granulated material having a uniform shape by a pair of rolls (1, 2), wherein at least one of the rolls of the pair of rolls has a predetermined number of holes (16) for forming the granulated material on an outer surface thereof, and pressing pins (17), which are inserted into respective holes, and a predetermined number of members (18) for supporting the pins installed in the one of the rolls of the pair of rolls, the members for supporting the pressing pins being configured to be separate from the pressing pins so that the pressing pins slide on the members for supporting the pressing pins; and wherein the granulated material is ejected by the pressing pins as the pressing pins slide on the members for supporting the pins.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for forming an object from a workpiece (40) by hot isostatic pressing, the assembly comprising: a flexible membrane (20) adapted to at least partially form an enclosure around the workpiece; and a former (30) for placement adjacent to the workpiece, the former being configured to form a surface (42) of the object. A method of forming an object from a workpiece (40) by hot isostatic pressing, the method comprising: placing the workpiece adjacent to a former (30) adapted to form a surface (42) of the object; and enclosing the workpiece in an enclosure at least partially formed by a flexible membrane (20).

Abstract: A method for compacting coal in a manner suitable for coke oven chambers is disclosed. The coal is initially compressed by means of a suitable compressing device into one or more coal cakes, and the obtained coal cakes are divided into compacted products by a cutting device. The compacted products are stacked on top of the each other such that they can be loaded into a coke oven chamber for coking. The compacted products enable the coke oven chambers to be loaded in a precise and a coal loss-free manner. The coal compacted products are easy to store.

Abstract: A square baler includes a crop feed duct defining a pre-compression chamber which is curved upwardly and rearwardly from an open forward end and an inlet located across the bottom of a baling chamber. A pair of vertical partitions extend between top and bottom walls of the pre-compression chamber and divide it into three equal sized channels. Respectively located in fore-and-aft alignment with front edges of the pair of partitions is a pair of stationary knives forming part of a crop cutter arrangement including a pre-cutter rotor carrying two pairs of blades, with one of each pair cooperating with one of the stationary knives to cut incoming crop into three segments which are respectively moved into the three channels by a packer arrangement.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for preventing a tool from breaking during fine blanking and/or forming in a press. The device includes a fine blanking head positioned above a ram that carries out a stroke movement. The fine blanking head includes, among other things, a main cylinder retaining a V-shaped projection piston, a touch piston, several V-shaped projection pins, a main plate covering the main cylinder and a touch table to which the tool can be connected. Pressure provided by a hydraulic system is introduced to the device in distinct regions. Gaps between certain device components are maintained and monitored for purposes of determining the undesirable presence of foreign objects in the press operating path. If a sensor determines that the gaps are not maintained then the computer which operates valves that supply the pressure from the hydraulic system will shut the press down.

Abstract: A press machine includes a bottom dead center position correction control section, a speed state determination section that determines the actual press speed, a control cycle count setting section, and a mode selection control section that selects a single-cycle control mode when the actual press speed is in a changing state, and selects a set multi-cycle control mode when the actual press speed is in a stable state. The bottom dead center position correction control section performs position correction control corresponding to each press cycle in the single-cycle control mode, and performs position correction control corresponding to each control multi-cycle count set by the control cycle count setting section in the set multi-cycle control mode.

Abstract: A hydraulic power device usable to power a compactor ram of a waste compactor is provided. The hydraulic power device includes a pump assembly having first and second pumps for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly associated with the compactor ram. A battery is provided for storing energy and for providing energy to the pump assembly. A solar panel converts solar energy and charges the battery. A pump control unit simultaneously operates the pumps when an operating pressure of the pump assembly is less than a predetermined threshold and operates only the first pump when the operating pressure of the pump assembly is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.

Abstract: A servo press line operation control device includes a normal press operation control section, a normal transfer operation control section, an upward movement step delay determination section, a downstream-side transfer step delay correction control section, an upstream-side transfer step delay determination section, a slide downward movement step delay correction control section, and the like.

Abstract: Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.

Abstract: A recycling machine deflection detection system including a cross head movable within a shear box of a recycling machine, one or more sensor units disposed on the cross head, and a controller connected to the one or more sensor units, the controller being configured to receive deflection signals from the one or more sensor units and determine, from the deflection signals, a shear deflection angle of the cross head due to deformation of the cross head.

Abstract: A self-contained compactor apparatus which includes a charge chamber and a compacting chamber for compacting and storing waste contained within the chamber. The charge chamber and the compacting chamber are integrally formed as a compacting/storage container. The compacting/storage container has a top wall, a bottom wall, a sidewall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and a protective coating provided on at least a portion of an interior surface of the bottom wall and on at least a portion of an interior surface of the sidewall.