Abstract: A can crushing device, which crushes the can along its cylindrical axis, supports the can on a can platform, dents the side of the can and flattens the can. A can chute or feed hopper feeds cans to the crush chamber, while various collection devices receive the crushed cans.

Abstract: A baler comprises a baling chamber and a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one sensor arranged to provide information about a mechanical property of a bale built in the baling chamber and a control unit receiving signals from the sensor. The control unit is operable to automatically calibrate the signals from the sensor based upon at least one signal from the sensor received in at least one known state of the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a bale of lint cotton fiber by pre-compressing each consecutive charge of fiber fed from the lint slide to a predetermined and uniform density. The apparatus includes a supply chamber predisposed with both vertical and horizontal platens driven by independent hydraulic cylinders. The movement and cycling of the platens is such that measured charges of fibers are presented to a vertical tramping device at consistent and uniform density. The tramping device, consisting of a platen driven by two hydraulic cylinders, packs each charge into a stationary box, one charge after another. This process continues until the desired bale weight is reached. The tramper cylinders are driven to a predetermined pressure setting during the tramping phase of each stroke cycle (extension) resulting in uniform compression (density).

Abstract: A propane bottle recycler comprising a bottle station, first and second propane collection tank, compressor, liquid propane storage tank, bottle crusher, and crushed bottle storage compartment. The bottle station comprises a bottle manifold and bottle station frame, and the bottle manifold is pivotally connected to the bottle station frame. Propane bottles are placed in receiving cavities in the bottle manifold and held in place with cam levers, and the bottle manifold is raised to a vertical position. The propane drains out of the propane bottles, through propane hoses into a propane manifold, into the first and second collection tanks, and to a compressor, which repressurizes the propane. The propane is then stored in a liquid propane storage tank. The used propane bottles are crushed by the bottle crusher and stored in the crushed bottle storage compartment.

Abstract: A rotating speed of a main motor (61) of a second press (3) is regulated so that an angular difference between a press angle of a first press (2) and a press angle of a second press (3) is constant. Further, when the work is carried-out from the first press (2), a work transportation device (10) is controlled based on a press angle of the first press (2). When the work is carried-in into the second press (3), the work transportation device (10) is controlled based on a press angle of the second press (3). Further, when the work is transported, the work transportation device 10 is controlled based on a signal from a transportation device control section (31) for controlling the work transportation device (10). The arrangement above improves production efficiency in press forming and reduces maintenance cost and frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating sludge, comprises a press for dewatering the sludge, a compaction device for receiving and compacting sludge dewatered by the press, a shredder for receiving and shredding sludge compacted by the compaction device, and a tube conveyor for conveying shredded sludge from the shredder. The press is controlled to vary the flow rate of the sludge in response to at least one sensed operational parameter of the press, such as the momentary power for operating the press, pressure in the sludge in the press, sludge concentration in the press, sludge feed flow to the press or separated water flow from the press.

Abstract: A baling press having a rectangular pressing space in which a pressing piston is movably disposed. The pressing space includes a crop material inlet in which the crop material to be pressed enters the pressing space from the feed channel. The material is pre-pressed in the pressing space by a compressing fork before it is forcefully inserted into the pressing space by a loading fork. The baling press further includes a sensor system which determines at least one value which represents the vertical distribution of the material and/or the vertical distribution of the density of said material, in the pressing space.

Abstract: A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes an inclination to the side as well as in the longitudinal direction. This inclination sensor generates a signal coupled to a computer that, in turn, controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a base that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be safely unloaded considering the existing inclination of the rotobaler. In the event an unsafe inclination is present, either the computer sends out a control signal which blocks an operation for depositing the bale on the ground, or causes the bale to be oriented in such a way during the discharge process that the longitudinal centerline of the bale is parallel to the inclination of the slope.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating sludge, comprises a press for dewatering the sludge, a compaction device for receiving and compacting sludge dewatered by the press, a shredder for receiving and shredding sludge compacted by the compaction device, and a tube conveyor for conveying shredded sludge from the shredder. The press is controlled to vary the flow rate of the sludge in response to at least one sensed operational parameter of the press, such as the momentary power for operating the press, pressure in the sludge in the press, sludge concentration in the press, sludge feed flow to the press or separated water flow from the press.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the throughput of a parallelepiped agricultural baler. The baler has a feed duct communicating between a crop pick-up assembly and a baling chamber and the feed duct serves as a pre-compression chamber to accumulate crop to a predetermined density before the crop is transferred to the baling chamber. The transfer of the crop from the feed duct (pre-compression chamber) to the baling chamber is accomplished by a stuffer mechanism actuated in response to a crop density sensor associated with the feed duct (pre-compression chamber). The baler further has a plunger mechanism that compresses the crop into a column to form a bale in the baling chamber. The invention senses when the crop in the feed duct (pre-compression chamber) has reached a predetermined density for transfer to the baling chamber and when the plunger has attained a home position that allows for transfer of crop from the feed duct (pre-compression chamber) into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A trash compactor includes a loading vestibule which extends forwardly of a cabinet. Pivotally mounted to a lower edge of the vestibule entrance is a carriage having a panel which functions as a vestibule lid. When the lid is pivoted downwardly, a distal panel of the carriage pivots upwardly, blocking access to a trash discharge outlet. Trash is then loaded on the carriage. When the lid is closed, the distal panel is sloped downwardly to an angle which discharges the trash through the discharge outlet and into a trash compaction compartment. An overhead compaction mechanism includes a reciprocating ram which compresses the trash in the compaction compartment.

Abstract: A method and a briquetting press for briquetting metal chips, wherein stable briquettes/pressed component are produced. The actual length (Lact) of the pressed component is obtained by applying pressure (Pmax/Preq) using at least one pressing ram (1, 2) and measuring the length with a measuring device (5, 6). The measured value is compared to a desired nominal value (Lnom) and a difference value (?) is subsequently determined.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A bundling assembly for use with a strapping machine that is configured to position a strap material around a load and tension the strap material around the load includes first and second moving belts positioned at the strapping machine entrance in opposing relation to one another. The belts each have a paddle mounted thereto and define a pathway through the bundling assembly. A movable stop is positioned at the exit of the strapping machine and is movable between a stop position and a convey position. The moving belts rotate to contact the paddles with the load, urging the load into the entrance of the strapping machine and into an area under the chute. The belts stop rotation, thus stopping movement of the load upon contact of the load with the stop. The movable stop then moves to the convey position and the moving belts rotate such that the paddles move the load out of the exit of the strapping machine. A stabilizing assembly applies a slight pressure on the load during the strapping cycle.

Abstract: A method and a briquetting press for briquetting metal chips wherein stable briquettes/pressed components are produced. The actual length (Lact) of the pressed component is obtained by applying pressure (Pmax/Preq) using at least one pressing ram (1,2) and measuring the length with a measuring device (5, 6). The measured value is compared to a desired nominal value (Lnom) and a difference value (&Dgr;) is subsequently determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for crushing and sorting cans to collect waste cans in an optimal weight-to-volume ratio are provided. The method includes determining whether or not an object is supplied to a can crushing device and whether or the supplied object is a can by a proximity sensor installed at a can supply unit, and when it is determined that the supplied object is a can, opening an opening/closing plate installed at the can supply unit, thereby supplying the can into a crushing/sorting/discharging unit, and crushing/sorting/discharging for crushing the supplied can by a crushing plate installed in the crushing/sorting/discharging unit, sorting the crushed can using an electromagnetic force applied to the crushing plate by electromagnets mounted on the crushing plate, in accordance with the material of the can, and then discharging the sorted can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for compressing empty packaging waste. The compression stroke is characterized by three different possibly positions and the compression device is situated on or above a container for collecting empty packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a waste compressed solid according to the invention is provided with a hopper having an opening for receiving a waste in an upper side thereof and a discharge port in a bottom side, a feed screw conveyor for transferring the waste in the hopper to the discharge port, and a compression chamber connected to the discharge port of the hopper and having a compressing means. A shaft of the feed screw conveyor is formed in a taper shape so as to become gradually narrow toward a side of the discharge port of the hopper. Further, draw screw conveyors are provided with the hopper in a symmetrical manner so as to cross to the feed screw conveyor. A waste such as a metal chip or the like supplied to the hopper is drawn to a side of the feed screw conveyor by the draw screw conveyor, is fed to the compression chamber by the feed screw conveyor and is compressed by a piston. The waste compressed solid is continuously produced by continuously repeating the operation.

Abstract: A drill cuttings slurry process system is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be discharged directly in the environment at or near the well being drilled or chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination. The system comprising a cuttings press having solids/fluids separation a dryer and/or a retort for flashing off any residual petroleum residue and moisture, a fines grinder and a chemical injection system. The retort including an analyzer system for weighing and determining rate of throughput and analyzing the cuttings for residual petroleum residue content prior to discharge to environment or further refinement prior to reinjection into the well or transport to environmental depository sites.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A drill cuttings slurry process system is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be discharged directly in the environment at or near the well being drilled or chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination. The system comprising a cuttings press having solids/fluids separation a dryer and/or a retort for flashing off any residual petroleum residue and moisture, a fines grinder and a chemical injection system. The retort including an analyzer system for weighing and determining rate of throughput and analyzing the cuttings for residual petroleum residue content prior to discharge to environment or further refinement prior to reinjection into the well or transport to environmental depository sites.

Abstract: Aa process for operating a press arrangement involves a press slide and at least one workpiece transport device that are electromechanically driven and electrically supplied by a supply and feedback device having at least one input and at least one output. In the event of a voltage drop at the input of the supply and feedback device, the current intensity at the input of the supply and feedback device is increased.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A method of producing high-density bales from harvest products in a bale press with a variable volume compression chamber which is circumferentially limited by belts, a chain conveyor rolls and which yields to a force imparted by preloaded means, with the method including controlling a pressing power applied to a harvest product by the belts, the chain conveyor and the rolls dependent on a driving torque of the bale press, and automatically increasing the pressing power during formation of a bale upon an interruption of product delivery or a relative reduction in the product delivery into the compression chamber of the bale press; and a bale press for effecting the method.

Abstract: A system for compacting organic material such as silage and inserting compacted material into an elongate plastic bag. A feed table delivers material to a rotor that propels and compacts material into an inlet of a tunnel. A proportional valve controlling the hydraulic motor of the feed table controls the rate of which the feed table delivers material. A speed sensor senses the speed of the rotor and transmits a signal to the control unit connected to the proportional valve of the feed table. Overfeeding of material to the rotor results in a reduction of the rotor speed. Such reduction is sensed and the feed table delivery rate adjusted accordingly to optimize filling of the bag.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A refuse collection system includes a plurality of waste receptacles arrayed adjacent to, or in the midst of, an eating area. Some of the waste receptacles may include compactor elements, and others may not. The receptacles have electronic control units and sensors for detecting the presence of patrons adjacent to the refuse receiving inlet door, or chute, and to sense the quantity of refuse accumulated in the receptacle. The patron sensor employs a wide angled feature for better detection of patrons who approach the unit from and oblique angle. The units have signal conveying devices, such as loudspeakers, by which aural messages can be communicated to patrons or servicing personnel. The electronic control units are able to communicate to a remote monitoring location, whether a fixed station or a portable station carried by a staff member.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A baler is described which has a collection chamber or duct and a baling chamber. Crop material enters the duct until a pre-determined level has been reached at which time a stuffer transfers the pre-compressed crop to the baling chamber. A control system is provided for calculating the ratio between the amount of crop material which should be formed into bales under optimal conditions and the rate of flow of crop material entering the duct. This ratio can be displayed and used to control the speed of the towing vehicle. The present invention uses the duct as a kind of measuring cylinder to determine the rate at which crop material is entering the baler.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing and destroying hypodermic syringes and needles includes a waste compression cylinder having a cylinder side wall and a closed cylinder abutment end wall, and having a cylinder waste receiving port in the cylinder side wall and a waste releasing port in the cylinder side wall; a waste compression piston slidably retained within the waste compression cylinder; a piston drive mechanism drivably connected to the waste compression piston for driving the piston away from the abutment end wall to open space for receiving waste within the compression cylinder and for driving the piston toward and into close proximity with the cylinder abutment end wall to crush needles; a sterilizing air blowing mechanism oriented to blow sterilizing air into the compression cylinder; and an air heating mechanism for heating the sterilizing air to a sterilizing temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing scrap metal. The scrap metal is compressed in a portable container. The container rests on two scales that rest above the ground surface. The fullness of the container is primarily evaluated based on the weight of the container. The scrap metal is initially delivered to a static compactor to which the container is mated. The compactor includes a ram that forces the scrap metal into and compresses the scrap metal in the container. The weight of the container is continually monitored while the container is mated to the compactor. The actuation of the ram is controlled so that, as the amount of scrap metal in the container increases, the frequency with which the ram is actuated increases. After the volume of scrap metal in the container increases above a certain level, each actuation of the ram actual comprises running the ram through plural extension and retraction cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a waste compressed solid according to the invention is provided with a hopper having an opening for receiving a waste in an upper side thereof and a discharge port in a bottom side, a feed screw conveyor for transferring the waste in the hopper to the discharge port, and a compression chamber connected to the discharge port of the hopper and having a compressing means. A shaft of the feed screw conveyor is formed in a taper shape so as to become gradually narrow toward a side of the discharge port of the hopper. Further, draw screw conveyors are provided with the hopper in a symmetrical manner so as to cross to the feed screw conveyor. A waste such as a metal chip or the like supplied to the hopper is drawn to a side of the feed screw conveyor by the draw screw conveyor, is fed to the compression chamber by the feed screw conveyor and is compressed by a piston. The waste compressed solid is continuously produced by continuously repeating the operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for continuous production of pigment flushes and an apparatus for carrying out the process. In the process of the invention, the pigment press cake is first fluidized. The fluidized press cake and a hydrophobic liquid organic medium are fed into a twin screw extruder. The kneading of the organic medium and press cake between the twin screws flushes the pigment into the organic medium. The water phase and flushed pigment phase are separated by removing at least part of the water phase through a vent in the extruder. An impediment to the flow of material downstream of the water vent causes the flush to accumulate in the vented section for a period of time sufficient to remove the desired amount of the water phase. The flush works over the impediment and passes downstream to where vacuum is applied to remove residual water from the flush. The flush may be further combined with other ink ingredients to form an ink product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for continuous production of pigment flushes and an apparatus for carrying out the process. In the process of the invention, the pigment press cake is first fluidized. The fluidized press cake and a hydrophobic liquid organic medium are fed into a twin screw extruder. The kneading of the organic medium and press cake between the twin screws flushes the pigment into the organic medium. The water phase and flushed pigment phase are separated by removing at least part of the water phase through a vent in the extruder. An impediment to the flow of material downstream of the water vent causes the flush to accumulate in the vented section for a period of time sufficient to remove the desired amount of the water phase. The flush works over the impediment and passes downstream to where vacuum is applied to remove residual water from the flush. The flush may be further combined with other ink ingredients to form an ink product.

Abstract: Apparatus for the dustfree discharge of fine dust from a dust collector which includes a compression chamber having a discharge end, a conveyor for feeding fine dust from a collector into the compression chamber, a compressing piston in the compression chamber for compressing the fine dust toward the discharge end and a counterpressure device moveable in the direction of compression for applying a controlled counterpressure to the fine dust being compressed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compressing hay such that the hay is suitable for long distance shipping. The hay is texturized by passing the hay through a shredder with an added fog or mist of water. The shredder separates, cuts and bends hay fibers rather than shattering the fibers. Compression of the hay is achieved by feeding the hay through an open ended compression conduit in a peristaltic manner through the use of a hydraulically actuated ram. Increased compression of the hay is achieved by applying transverse pressure to the hay as the hay travels longitudinally through the compression conduit.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for moving work pieces through a press which includes a hollow transfer bar (12) and a motion transmitting mechanism (20) moves the transfer bar (12) inward, outward, and longitudinally for transferring work pieces through the press. A finger (22) is attached to the transfer bar (12) for engaging and transferring work pieces through the press. A proximity sensor (24) is disposed on the finger (22) for sensing the presence of a work piece. In order to establish electrical connection with the sensor (24), an electrical lead is disposed within the hollow transfer bar (12) for connection to the sensor (24). An inline connector (30) electrically interconnects sections (26 and 28) of the electrical lead within the hollow transfer bar (12) to allow the sections (26 and 28) to be removed from the hollow transfer bar (12) and disconnected for movement independently from one another.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting liquid from a liquid-containing slurry. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) includes a plurality of interconnected press assemblies (12), the outlet (82) of one press assembly (12) being connected to the inlet (92) of a successive press assembly (12). Each press assembly has a foraminous cylindrical container (14), and a two-part piston assembly (18) movable between extended and retracted positions within the foraminous container (14). During operation, a pump (90) continuously feeds slurry under pressure through the inlet of the first press assembly to cause liquid within the first stage slurry upstream of the two-part piston assembly (18) to be radially expressed through the foraminous container (14). After a suitable amount of liquid has been extracted from the first stage slurry, batch processing of the partially dewatered slurry will commence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacting process suitable particularly for the compacting of materials with a pyrophoric tendency and especially for the compacting of scrap metal generated in the nuclear industry: and compacting means (4), and a compacting device including said means (4), appropriate for the implementation of said process. In said process the blanketed materials are compacted with optimized complementary external blanketing. The inert gas used for said external blanketing is characteristically conveyed via the compacting means (4) and blown in through their lower end (15).

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

Abstract: A portable can compactor of the present invention includes a housing, a chamber in the housing sized to accept aluminum beverage cans for compacting. A ram is reciprocally driven in the chamber to compact cans against a front wall or anvil of the chamber. The ram front surface is sloped relative to the anvil to reduce the amount of force needed to compact a can. A feed control includes a vane which pivots between an opened and a closed position in response to movement of the ram to prevent a second can from entering the chamber before a first can exits the chamber. The compactor is operated by a momentary-on push button switch. The switch is surrounded by a guard wall which extends around a least a portion of the push-button switch. A cut-off switch is closed by a removable feed tray when the feed tray is mounted to the compactor housing. The compactor therefore cannot be operated without the feed tray mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compressing hay such that the hay is suitable for long distance shipping. The hay is texturized by passing the hay through a shredder with an added fog or mist of water. The shredder separates, cuts and bends hay fibers rather than shattering the fibers. Compression of the hay is achieved by feeding the hay through an open ended compression conduit in a peristaltic manner through the use of a hydraulically actuated ram. Increased compression of the hay is achieved by applying transverse pressure to the hay as the hay travels longitudinally through the compression conduit.

Abstract: A method for compensating for the variation in shut height of a press during stamping and forming as it is starting and stopping comprising user input of the minimum press speed at which feeding of feed material to the press should commence, monitoring of the actual press speed, and feeding of the feed material only when a minimum press speed representing a desired press shut height has been achieved. A method for inputting a desired shut height range, monitoring actual shut height and feeding feed material only when the actual shut height is within the desired shut height range is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter press for reducing the water content in a starting material including a pressure chamber with a stationary lower plate and five hydraulically mobile chamber walls for applying pressure to the starting material.

Abstract: A fully automated, microprocessor controlled, fiber baling apparatus for converting loose, discontinuous fibers into compressed, high-density fiber bales is disclosed. The fiber baling apparatus produces fiber bales having preselected and substantially identical masses with weight tolerances below one percent of the total bale weight. The fiber baling apparatus includes a conveyor located downstream of a fiber-forming chain, a baler having a first hopper, a second hopper mounted on a scale and a compression assembly, a bagger/strapper assembly, a bag sealer, and a bale lifting system. The fiber baling apparatus separates the fibers into separate mat portions rather than operating to form bales from a continuous stream of fibers. The separate mat portions of fiber are transported by conveyor to the baler and the fiber mat portions are weighed, precompressed, and fully compressed into fiber bales.

Abstract: A device for and method of injecting a bale of ruminant material with a fluid is taught. The device includes a plurality of injection spikes for insertion into the bale. The spikes are attached to a support for supporting the spikes while they are inserted into the bale. The spikes are attached to the support by a resilient member. The device prevents the deformation of the spikes and thereby increases the useable life of the device over devices in which the spikes are rigidly mounted on a driving structure. The device further has injection drive which allows precise control over the amount of fluid being injected into the bale.

Abstract: A system for separating liquid from material, particularly from metal chips, which comprises a housing with a material inlet opening, a material discharge opening, a spiral-shaped pressure member disposed in the housing, and a plurality of openings in the housing for removing extracted liquid.

Abstract: A screw press in which a screw continuously dewaters a suspension. The screw has a threaded section and a downstream compression section with a variable squeeze, and the screw is powered to forward the suspension. A housing accommodates the threaded section and the compression section with the variable squeeze. The suspension is admitted in dilute form at an intake at one end of the press. At another end of the press, the suspension is delivered in dewatered form downstream of the compression section through an outlet. The housing is in the form of a wire basket permeable to liquids and impermeable to solids, and is axially displaceable back and forth adjacent the unthreaded compression section between a non-operating position and an operating position to vary an effective length of the basket. This effective length is zero in the non-operating position for emptying the press.