Material Presence Or Position Starting Patents (Class 100/49)
  • Patent number: 11383471
    Abstract: A system and method including a control/monitoring unit that is either integrated with or exterior-mounted on a waste compactor are provided. The unit can have control functionality, monitoring functionality, or both control and monitoring functionality with respect to the waste compactor. The unit can also include a remote on/off control feature which gives a user the ability to remote start/stop the waste compactor and render it operable/inoperable from another remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: WM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Angelo Costantini
  • Patent number: 11338531
    Abstract: An automatic can crusher apparatus for crushing cans for recycling includes a housing having a ram aperture extending through to a housing inside. A ram has a pneumatic cylinder body, a ram arm extending through the ram aperture, and a ram head coupled to the ram arm. The ram moves the ram head between a load position and a crush position adjacent a housing right side. A can positioner is coupled to a housing left side within the housing inside to secure a can adjacent the ram head in the load position. A feeder chute is coupled to the housing top side to receive a plurality of cans through a chute top end and dispense each can through a chute bottom end onto the can positioner when the ram head is in the load position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Wallace
  • Patent number: 11173678
    Abstract: A compactor has a plunger housing with a door for insertion of waste. The plunger presses waste into a bag on a pallet within an enclosure with panels and a pair of panels in the form of doors at the rear. Side panels, are joined along their lower edges to a floor panel, the side panels supporting the end panels at vertical hinges. There is resilience due to the ability of the various panels to move, in which each side panel is cantilevered about the corner at which it is joined to the floor panel, and the end panels can rotate about the relevant vertical axis of the hinges. As the plunger presses axially to compact waste within a bag when the bag approaches being full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: James Walsh, Therese Walsh
  • Patent number: 9067245
    Abstract: A waste collection system to identify and classify waste materials into a plurality of pre-established categories and then to sort into and collect the waste materials by the plurality of the pre-established categories for subsequent disposal comprising a cabinet to house a plurality of collection bins or containers corresponding to the plurality of pre-established categories of waste materials to receive and collect the waste materials by the corresponding pre-established category, a waste sorting assembly to selectively direct the waste materials into the collection bin or container corresponding to the particular category of waste material, a latch mechanism to selectively engage the waste sorting assembly to control access into the cabinet and a system control to identify and classify waste materials into one of the plurality of pre-established categories and to direct the categorized waste material into the appropriate or corresponding collection bin or container for subsequent disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gerald Hubbell, James Hughes
  • Patent number: 8726800
    Abstract: A method for preparing a pressed article comprises providing a first and a second pressing ram in a compression chamber; supplying biomass particles in the chamber closing the chamber; extending the first pressing ram; displacing the biomass particles with the first pressing ram towards the second pressing ram; detecting abutment of the biomass particles on the second pressing ram; applying pressure to the biomass particles with the first pressing ram and with the second pressing ram detecting a pressure applied to match a predetermined pressure and continuing to extend the first and the second pressing ram until a predetermined time at the matched compression pressure has elapsed; stopping the extension of the second pressing ram when a predetermined extension length is reached; continuing to extend the first pressing ram until a predetermined additional time has elapsed after the stopping; ejecting a pressed article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: 9177-4331 Québec inc.
    Inventors: Donald Louis Murray, Guy Côté
  • Publication number: 20140125490
    Abstract: A collection apparatus weight and fullness level reporting system includes: an inlet; a removable collection bin receiving material placed into the collection apparatus; a compacting mechanism including a ram body, wherein the ram body travels between a home position located above the collection bin to a maximum travel position located inside the collection bin, wherein during each compaction cycle the ram body travels along a variable length of the compaction path; a fullness-reporting module that determines the height of the material in the collection bin; and a controller that determines the length of the compaction path the ram body travels during each compaction cycle based on the input received from the fullness reporting module, wherein at the end of each compaction cycle in which the material height is below a maximum height, the ram body is brought to rest at a height below the home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DRATONX, INC.
    Inventors: Julie Ann Ullrich, Thomas Albert Ullrich
  • Patent number: 8631742
    Abstract: In a working method using a device for operating presses including 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) +...+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller Weingarten AG
    Inventor: Thomas Spiesshofer
  • Patent number: 8571744
    Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brubaker, Phillip A. Cobb
  • Patent number: 8555777
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the meat. The method includes causing the food to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable, and adjusting the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Calzada, Paul G. Simmons, Jerry Sus
  • Patent number: 8549997
    Abstract: A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Crown Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Wayne Nyquist, Mark D. Stephen, Zachary Johnston Renner, Michael A. McCurdy
  • Patent number: 8448570
    Abstract: A portable electric can crusher is disclosed that crushes cans, at the “point of collection”. The can crusher crushes cans into a crushed relationship wherein the upper and lower circular end faces are generally unaltered and aligned in a co-planar position, the crushed pattern accomplished by the result of placing the can in a perpendicular position adjacent a ram plate and an elongated rectangular crushing plate which is used for creasing a center portion of the can followed by moving the ram plate against the can into contact with a rigid vertical wall. The crushing motions of the crusher are achieved through dual cam and slot means cooperatively drivably connected to a force transfer block which imparts a predetermined relation translation motion of the plates in response to rotation of the transfer block. A high powered rechargeable battery provides the force necessary to crush cans faster and more productively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Turner
  • Patent number: 8234033
    Abstract: An automated method and system includes an automatic guidance system (AGS) and swath pattern. The AGS steers a vehicle towing a rotary baler in an “S”, or oscillatory pattern around a predetermined approximate centerline of the swath path. The oscillatory pattern may be user defined. By steering the vehicle in an oscillatory pattern referenced to the A-B line, a windrow of crop material may be distributed into an even and optimal bale size and density by the baler. Bale chamber sensors detect an imbalance of crop density and in response, AGS adjusts an interval or amplitude of oscillatory pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brubaker, Philip A. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20120073455
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Dirk A. R. Vandamme
  • Publication number: 20120042793
    Abstract: A method and a press for preparing a pressed article from compressible and cohesive biomass particles are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Louis MURRAY, Guy CÔTÉ
  • Publication number: 20110168037
    Abstract: A system and method for autonomously forming a biomass module, comprising a module builder and a control system. The method comprising autonomous operation the module builder to determine the location of biomass, transmitting data signals indicative of the biomass to the control system, and moving and compressing the biomass according to predetermined algorithms stored in the control system to produce a module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Stephen W. Searcy, Robert G. Hardin, IV
  • Patent number: 7926317
    Abstract: A press machine includes: an electric motor for raising and lowering a slide by rotating a crank shaft; a motion datum receiving module through which, by an input operation, an operator inputs a motion datum including, as input items, height positions at which the slide starts and ends an oscillation process, a speed at which the slide carries out the oscillation process, an angle at which the crank shaft is rotated in a direction during a drive-in operation, and an angle at which the crank shaft is rotated in the other direction during a return operation; a motion pattern generator for generating a motion pattern of the slide on the basis of the motion datum inputted through the motion datum receiving module; and a motor controlling module for controlling the electric motor on the basis of the motion pattern generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Amada Press Technology Co., Ltd., Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Soga, Hideo Itakura
  • Patent number: 7913616
    Abstract: A ram driving method including the steps of fixing one end of a large-diameter piston rod integral with a large-diameter piston reciprocably included in a large-diameter cylinder attached integrally to a ram to a fixing unit, connecting one end of a small-diameter piston rod integral with a small-diameter piston reciprocably included in a small-diameter cylinder integral with the large-diameter cylinder to a moving member moved by a motor driving, integrally moving the small-diameter cylinder and the small-diameter piston and communicating a first compartment and a second compartment of the large-diameter cylinder divided by the large-diameter piston with each other, moving the ram integrally with the small-diameter piston rod moved by the moving member, and communicating the small-diameter cylinder with the large-diameter cylinder, thereby moving the large-diameter cylinder with a strong force by a working fluid supplied from the small-diameter cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Aoki, Hiroyuki Mizushima, Nobuaki Ariji, Shigeki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7540235
    Abstract: A method for pressing together empty containers, especially drinks bottles or cans made of plastic, especially PET or tinplate, comprises a housing with a fill opening and an outlet, a cutting and pressing disposed in the housing, and a device for driving and controlling the cutting and pressing unit. The cutting and pressing unit contains at least two rollers whose axes of rotation are arranged at a distance from each other. Each roller has at least two sections. Adjacent sections along the same roller have different diameters. When the rollers are mounted, the sections having the larger diameter are offset relative to each other and the peripheral surfaces thereof partially overlap with each other, forming cutting disks whose peripheral surfaces have at least one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Hermann Schwelling
  • Patent number: 7448317
    Abstract: A method of operating a filter press for solid-liquid separation of a product, the filter press comprising a press jacket with an end, and a ram in the press jacket and movable relative to the end to define a pressing space. The method comprising loading a product to be pressed in the pressing space; positioning the ram in a start position so that the product only partially fills the pressing space; advancing the ram, during a first phase of a forward movement, from the start position to a full contact position where the volume of the pressing space becomes equal to a volume of the product; and advancing the ram toward the end from the full contact position during a second phase of the forward movement, the ram exerting no pressure on the product during the first phase but exerting pressure on the product during the second phase to press liquid phase out of the product. At the full contact position, the ram is advanced at a forward velocity lower than an average forward velocity over the first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bucher Guyer AG
    Inventor: Dieter Pinnow
  • Patent number: 7434506
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne William Wilson, Bradley Morris Fimrite, James Schmid
  • Patent number: 7421946
    Abstract: A two stage oil filter press having a housing with a precompression chamber and a main compression chamber together with a vertically reciprocating precompression ram and a horizontally reciprocating main compression ram powered by individual fluid cylinders. A feed chute with a scoop is raised through a void in the hopper created by a baffle which insures feeding a measured quantity of spent oil filters to the precompression chamber through a feed window. A main compression chamber is defined at the lower end of the precompression chamber by the lower horizontal end surface of the precompression ram, the floor, a pair of side walls of the precompression chamber, the thrust end of the main compression ram and a discharge door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Pontus, Bradley M. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7398728
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Sebastien Hel
  • Patent number: 7293500
    Abstract: A pressing apparatus using a motor, in which a fast feed drive lowers an upper die to a position immediately before pressing, and a motor for pressing performs a pressing operation. The fast feed drive and the motor for pressing operate cooperatively, and only one position detector, which detects a present position of a slider, is provided for a set of the fast feed drive and the motor for pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hoden Seimitsu Kako Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Futamura, Takeo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7185585
    Abstract: An apparatus for crushing containers includes a die defining an opening, a punch, and a system for displacing the die and punch relative to each other. The punch may be fixed and the die may be moved from a first position spaced apart from the punch such that a container to be crushed can be placed between the punch and die and a second position in which the punch extends into the die opening to define an annular gap between the punch and die opening. The arrangement is such that a container crushed between the die and punch as a result of displacement of the die to the second position is at least in part forced into and deformed within the annular gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Francis Henry Lee
    Inventor: David Aubrey Plumptre
  • Patent number: 7131371
    Abstract: A press for extracting fruit juice. The press includes a reservoir having a base and a reservoir wall extending from the base, the base having a fruit-contacting side, a non-fruit-contacting side and an opening. The press further includes a tank having a first opened end, a second opened end and a sidewall disposed therebetween, wherein the sidewall has a plurality of openings and the tank is seated on the fruit-contacting side of the base. Additionally, the press includes an actuator module positioned on the non-fruit-contacting side of the reservoir base. The actuator module has a motor and a press shaft. The press shaft is disposed through the opening of the reservoir base. The motor is drivingly connected to the press shaft to move it between retracted and extended positions. A press plate is detachably secured to the press shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Raymond Shober, Anthony M. Reduzzi, Michael Shober, Michael A. Ciolino, John Thomas Shober, Jr., Timothy Nelson Shober
  • Patent number: 7096780
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A compacting mechanism is provided for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing. Access to the trash by-pass chute is controlled by a hatch that can be closed by activation of a hatch stop. An actuator automatically activates the hatch stop during operation of the compacting mechanism. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents is automatically disabled if the door is open. A controller operates in conjunction with non-contact magnetic sensors to control operation of the trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7093536
    Abstract: A fault tolerant operating method for a cotton compactor of a cotton module builder or packager of a cotton harvesting machine, which serves as an alternative to shutting down the compacting process or erratic operation thereof, in the event of indication of a fault or failure condition involving one or more sensors associated with the compactor, or a conductive path in connection with a sensor, all generally identified as a fault or failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Tracy R. Archer, Yun-Ren Ho, Kevin D. McKee, Kevin S. Richman
  • Patent number: 7080595
    Abstract: A manually operated press has an actuating member, the movement of which being translated into a stroke movement of a press ram. A stroke stop is provided for inhibiting an undesired stroke movement of the press ram. The stroke stop comprises a first sensor for detecting the stroke movement of the press ram as well as a clutch. The clutch is actuated under the control of signals of the first sensor and is adapted to inhibit a transmission of force between the actuating member and the press ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmidt Fabrik für Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Babiel, Werner Schubert
  • Patent number: 7007598
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Patras
  • Patent number: 6990896
    Abstract: An electric compression press is disclosed comprising a frame having a fixed plate and a movable plate, a first member rotationally fixed in a stationary member and having a first gear set. A second member is rotationally fixed in the stationary member and has second gear teeth and third gear teeth, the second gear teeth being engaged with the first gear set of the first member. A third member is provided having fourth gear teeth engaged with the third gear teeth of the second member. The third member moves in a linear path when the first member is rotated, and wherein the third member is attached to the movable plate for moving the movable plate toward and away from the fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Wabash Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. White, Kyle R. Schuler
  • Patent number: 6871584
    Abstract: A self-cleaning limit switch is for use in a strapping machine of the type configured to convey strapping material around a load, receive first and second courses of the strapping material, position, tension and seal the strapping material around a load. The strapping machine includes a strapping head having internal and external limit switch channels formed therein. The limit switch includes a sliding element having internal and external sliding portions rigidly connected to one another. The internal sliding portion is positioned in the strapping head internal limit switch channel and the external portion is positioned in the strapping head external limit switch channel. The internal and external sliding portions include an inclined surface at a rearward end thereof and upstanding walls at a forward end thereof. The internal sliding portion has a lip for engaging the second course of strapping material. The external sliding portion includes a position indicating element thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 6871586
    Abstract: A slide drive apparatus and a slide drive method for a pressing machine capable of enhancing positioning precision at the time of adjustment of die height, and responding to pressing work at high stroke per minute. For this purpose, the drive apparatus includes a slide (4), a servo motor (21) for controlling slide motion, a mechanical power transmission mechanism (3, 5, 6) for converting rotational power of the servo motor for controlling slide motion into reciprocating motion of the slide, and a servo motor (31) for adjusting die height, which performs die height adjustment of the slide by a position control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Kenichi Teraoka
  • Patent number: 6851354
    Abstract: A compactor according to the invention comprises a bowl (2) for receiving the matter that is to be compacted, a crushing head (1) comprising at least one shredding roll (11) that is mounted to rotate on itself and to move upon the surface of the matter when the compacting head is in an active position inside the bowl, and a pressing device comprising a pressure plate (3) for pressing the matter onto a bottom of said bowl when it is in an active position inside the bowl. Configuration means are further provided to move said crushing head and said pressing device, each in turn, into its active position inside the bowl while the other is in an inactive position outside the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Techval
    Inventor: Eric Morisse
  • Patent number: 6796225
    Abstract: An apparatus for compacting objects such as plastic bottles and cans whose material is to be recycled includes a detector device, two discharge openings and a compactor device. The detector device has at least one code reader for distinguishing approved from rejected objects. One of the two discharge openings is intended for approved objects and the other for rejected objects. The compactor device compacts the approved objects and has continuous, non-cyclic operation. As a result, waiting times are avoided between the discharge of an approved object and the commencement of the compaction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Tomra Systems ASA
    Inventor: Leif Henrysson
  • Patent number: 6701832
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A mechanism for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing is provided within the housing. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents includes a frame disposed within the housing, and a compacting mechanism carried by the frame. The compacting mechanism includes a platen and is configured for moving the platen through a compaction stroke to apply compacting pressure to trash contents located in the lower portion of the housing during at least a portion of a compaction stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: AMPRO
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6684763
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Chang-Geun Park
  • Patent number: 6684762
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Hermann Schwelling
  • Patent number: 6539853
    Abstract: A press that includes a push rod (12) that can be pushed downward to cut and mold miniature components, has a small size and a minimum number of components, and can be easily and precisely controlled. The push rod has a largely upwardly-facing shoulder (140) that lies in a chamber that can receive pressured hydraulic fluid to push down the push rod. A piezoelectric actuator, or piezoactor (18), moves a piston (20) that lies in a pressure cylinder. One end of the pressure cylinder holds hydraulic fluid (130), and when the piezoactor pushes the piston it pressurizes the hydraulic fluid therein. Pressured hydraulic fluid in the pressure cylinder flows through a passage (23) to the rod chamber to press down the push rod. The cross-sectional area of the pressure cylinder is many times greater than the cross-sectional area of the push rod shoulder so slight movement of the piezoactor is magnified many times by the hydraulic fluid to move the push rod with a long stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Achim Hess, Martin Gollhofer, Klaus Siegert
  • Patent number: 6530311
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lely Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Wilkens, Joost Honhold
  • Patent number: 6530312
    Abstract: A press has two pressure levers connected with pressure plates which can be moved against one another by a driving motor. A control device acts upon the driving motor and permits different sequences of movement of the pressure levers during the pressing operation according to different operating programs. An operating program is provided for crushing cans and containers and another operating program is provided for extracting juice. In order to avoid faulty operations, the pressure plates are constructed for receiving different mounts for the various operating modes. At least one pressure plate is connected with a sensor which detects the type of mount and reports it to the control device. Despite an expanded application range, the operating of the press is simple because, for starting both pressing operations, the equipment operator actuates only one starting switch, the selecting of the operating programs taking place automatically, which ensures a high safety standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gabor Jakab
  • Patent number: 6439500
    Abstract: A scrubs returns cabinet for hospital workers to return surgical garment tops and bottoms. A cabinet housing has a door, drawer or similar port through which the customer places the soiled scrub suit after entering customer identification information. There are first and second belts in the housing that unwind from respective back and front reels or drums, and wind over a series of rollers or idlers onto a lower collecting drum. The scrubs fall onto one of the belts, and then are captured between the belts. The scrubs are compressed onto the collecting drum. The direction of travel of the belts is reversed to expel the soiled scrubs from the cabinet. These can be discharged directly into a laundry bin, so that the laundry attendant does not have to reach into the cabinet to retrieve the scrubs. The cabinet can be configured for the return of towels or other articles, or for dispensing such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: S&S X-ray Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
  • Publication number: 20020108507
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Charlotte Mary-Anne May, Glenn Emile Rochone
  • Publication number: 20020100376
    Abstract: The electric aluminum can crusher is an appliance for crushing aluminum beverage cans suitable for use in households and commercial establishments. The crusher has an electric motor rotating a first crusher wheel and a second crusher wheel mounted on a spring biased support arm via a chain drive. Aluminum cans are inserted into a feeder chute having a discharge opening adjacent the junction of the crusher wheels. The feeder chute has a sensor, preferably an electric eye disposed on an interior wall of the chute, which detects the passage of a can through the chute and turns the electric motor on for a timed interval. As a can exits the feeder chute it is crushed between the crusher wheels and is discharged from the crusher. A pair of guides retain the can between the crusher wheels. The support arm may be retracted to clear any jam between the roller wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin W. Schell, Gail A. Schell
  • Patent number: 6418841
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: PMDS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Little, Donald R. Schomisch
  • Publication number: 20020056377
    Abstract: A refuse compactor has a housing for containing a garbage receptacle, and a compression unit for compacting the refuse in the compaction unit from time to time. The compactor has a sensor for sensing the approach of persons wishing to deposit garbage. This sensor causes the opening of an inlet door. It has a second sensor, for gauging the level of refuse in the receptacle. When a sufficient bulk is collected, then the compression unit operates to compact the refuse. The compression unit is subject to three limiting conditions, the first being a “receptacle full” limit, the second being a load limit, and the third being a stroke limit. The compaction unit used is a scissors mechanism having one side of the scissors mechanism held in one plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: James Ernest Gawley, Charlotte Mary-Anne May, Glenn Emile Rochon
  • Patent number: 6367377
    Abstract: A refuse compactor has a housing for containing a garbage receptacle, and a compression unit for compacting the refuse in the compaction unit from time to time. The compactor has a sensor for sensing the approach of persons wishing to deposit garbage. This sensor causes the opening of an inlet door. It has a second sensor, for gauging the level of refuse in the receptacle. When a sufficient bulk is collected, then the compression unit operates to compact the refuse. The compression unit is subject to three limiting conditions, the first being a “receptacle full” limit, the second being a load limit, and the third being a stroke limit. The compaction unit used is a scissors mechanism having one side of the scissors mechanism held in one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Compact Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ernest Gawley, Charlotte Mary-Anne May, Glenn Emile Rochon
  • Patent number: 6352023
    Abstract: A bindery compactor and/or baler receives and compacts or bales simultaneously large particulate paper waste and pneumatically conveyed fine paper waste. The compactor and/or baler operate with a platen cycling within a chute. The platen is normally forward in the compacting position with a sealing plate attached to the platen extending to close the top of the chute and form the bottom of two waste paper receiving bins. A first of these paper waste-receiving bins is for large particulate paper waste loaded from a cart dumper or conveyor. A second of these waste-receiving bins is for pneumatically transported fine paper waste from a cyclone separator. In both bins, accumulation of paper waste occurs to a height where an electric eye triggers cycling of the compactor only when a sufficient volume of material is present for compaction and an excess volume is present for preventing pneumatically induced escape of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Wastestream
    Inventor: Daniel Dunaway
  • Patent number: 6289799
    Abstract: A bindery compactor receives and compacts simultaneously large particulate paper waste and pneumatically conveyed fine paper waste. The compactor operates with a platen cycling within a compactor chute, in which the platen is normally forward in the compacting position with a sealing plate attached to the platen extending to close the top of the chute and form the bottom of two waste paper receiving bins. A first of these paper waste-receiving bins is for large particulate paper waste loaded from a cart dumper. A second bin of these paper waste-receiving bins is for pneumatically transported fine paper waste from a cyclone separator. In the second bin, accumulation of fine particle paper waste occurs to a height where an electric eye triggers cycling of the compactor. When cycling is triggered, the compactor platen retracts from extension to the chute withdrawing the sealing plate and allowing the stored paper waste from either bin to fall into the chute ahead of the retracting platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Wastestream
    Inventor: Daniel Dunaway
  • Patent number: 6196123
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: HMS Products Co.
    Inventor: Hugh Sofy
  • Patent number: 6035775
    Abstract: A pressing device 1 for joining workpieces 44, 45 has a pressing tool 3 and a motorized drive 5 for actuation of the pressing tool 3 over a pressing distance, as well as a control device 26 which has a drive control device 62 with an output control device 67 as actuator for influencing the drive 5, such that at least one setpoint profile is retained as a command variable according to which a manipulated variable, corresponding to the setpoint profile, is generated for influencing the output control device 67. The output control device 67 and the setpoint profile 79 or profiles are part of a servocontrol system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Novopres GmbH Pressen und Presswerkzeuge & Co. KG
    Inventor: Xuong Luong Nghiem