Abstract: A press (10) for waste has a chamber that is enclosed in part by a sliding door (20). The door has an extrusion section (22) and an expulsion section (24). The extrusion section encloses the chamber while waste (18) is compressed in the chamber to extrude a wet fraction (32) of the waste. The expulsion section abuts the chamber when a remaining dry fraction (40) of the waste expelled. Preferably, the expulsion section is above the extrusion section. Various details of the door account for leakage of wet fraction waste between the chamber and the door.

Abstract: An intelligent stuffer trip mechanism is configured to detect a characteristic of a charge within a stuffer chute and actuate the stuffer in response to the characteristic. A user interface may receive desired characteristics of a charge from a user, a sensor may be used to detect characteristics of a charge in a stuffer chute and a controller configured to actuate the stuffer in accordance with a predetermined scheme and the detected characteristics of the charge.

Abstract: A large number of green veneers for plywood respectively having high water contents and formed in a rectangular shape are vertically laminated to obtain a veneer laminate having a quadrangular prismatic shape. The veneer laminate is located between upper and lower platen members so that two opposite side faces of the veneer laminate vertically form cut face gathering planes. The upper and lower platen members are moved toward each other to apply a pressing force to the veneer laminate. The pressing force applied to the veneer laminate is released or weakened while the water drawn through the cut face gathering planes by the pressing force is dripping downward along the cut face gathering planes of the veneer laminate vertically formed.

Abstract: A square baler includes a control system having a closed loop mode of operation in which at least one of the volume of the feeder duct and the threshold pressure of the pressure sensor is varied automatically to maintain the capacity parameter within one of a plurality of desired capacity ranges. The desired capacity range is selected by the control system in such a manner as to maintain the width of each slice in the finished bale within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely.

Abstract: A large number of green veneers for plywood respectively having high water contents and formed in a rectangular shape are vertically laminated to obtain a veneer laminate having a quadrangular prismatic shape. The veneer laminate is located between upper and lower platen members so that two opposite side faces of the veneer laminate vertically form cut face gathering planes. The upper and lower platen members are moved toward each other to apply a pressing force to the veneer laminate. The pressing force applied to the veneer laminate is released or weakened while the water drawn through the cut face gathering planes by the pressing force is dripping downward along the cut face gathering planes of the veneer laminate vertically formed.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a compactor/baler includes a controller and a plurality of switches coupled to inputs of the controller. A first switch is in a first position when a ram of the compactor/baler is below a predetermined location, and a second position when the ram reaches the location. A second switch is in a first position when pressure driving the ram is below a predetermined pressure limit, and a second position when the ram exceeds the pressure limit. A communication port and display are operatively coupled to outputs of the controller. The controller is configured to, upon actuation of the first switch to the first position, activate a ram timer to count to a predetermined timer setting, and, if the second switch is actuated to the second position before the ram timer reaches the timer setting, output an alert of a full bale condition the communication port and/or display.

Abstract: An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus using a motor, in which a driving device for fast feed, which lowers a upper die to a position immediately before pressing, and a motor for pressing, which performs a pressing operation, are used to cause the driving device for fast feed and the motor for pressing to operate cooperatively, and only one position detector, which detects a present position of a slider, is provided for a set of the driving device for fast feed and the motor for pressing. A lock device is provided so as to lock the slider and the screw shaft while the motor for pressing is operating for pressing a work piece.

Abstract: A split-trash compacting system for a vessel having a plurality of compartments comprising a trash compacting assembly disposed in a first compartment of the vessel readily accessible to persons on the vessel for receiving and compacting trash. At least one fluid actuator unit is provided for forcing the compacting head downward into a trash bin for compacting trash during a compaction cycle and retracting the compacting head during a retraction cycle. A fluid actuating assembly is disposed in a second compartment of the vessel remote from the trash compacting assembly for supplying pressurized fluid to the trash compacting assembly for actuating the fluid actuator unit. At least one fluid line connecting the fluid actuator in the first compartment and the fluid actuating assembly in the second compartment.

Abstract: An integrated system for: complete waste compactor operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor controller/monitor system allows for periodic real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use.

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: 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.

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 press apparatus for pressing connector plates into opposing surfaces of structural members which are to be secured together to form a structure such as a roof truss. The apparatus includes a frame particularly constructed to reduce stress concentrations and failure. Forces applied to the frame are transmitted in a loadpath which is smooth and free from discontinuity to inhibit concentration of stress and thereby strengthen the frame against fatigue damage. The frame includes ribs spanning and connecting an inner rim and outer rim for strengthening the frame. A powered actuator has a body which is removably attachable to the frame, and a timer control operates the press to make sure the connector plates are fully embedded.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable, compact hot press. The hot press includes a frame that has a press unit attached thereto. The press unit has a crown plate, a bolster plate, and a base plate. An upper press unit is attached to the crown plate and a lower press unit is attached to the bolster plate. The lower press unit is configured to contact the upper press unit when the press is in a closed position. The press further includes a control unit attached to the frame. The control unit is configured to manually or automatically control press operation. Additionally, the press includes a hydraulic unit that is attached to the frame and is configured to facilitate motion of the press operation.

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 media binding device is operable to apply pressure on a plurality of media sheets, while applying heat to melt adhesive provided between the sheets of media. The media binding device may be implemented in conjunction with an image forming device, e.g., printer, facsimile machine, photocopier, etc. More specifically, the media binding device may be implemented in a position generally at an output end of the image forming device, following a collating or stacking of the printed media. The media binding device applies a predetermined amount of pressure on the plurality of media sheets. In this respect, the media binding device operates to apply a gradually increasing amount of pressure onto the media sheets until a predetermined amount of pressure is reached. The predetermined pressure is applied on the media sheets by shutting off the current flowing into a motor operating the media binding device when a predetermined current level is reached.

Abstract: There is disclosed compaction apparatus for waste management and recycling purposes including a hydraulic cylinder driven ram capable of exerting very large forces to compact waste paper, trash, or similar commercial or residential waste material. The hydraulic system of the apparatus includes a pump powered by a large electric motor. Forward and reverse motion of the ram is controlled by solenoid valves controlled by limit switches or position sensing switches responding to ram position, and in some cases to time delay devices coordinated with the travel time of the ram. Means for sensing a high resistive force encountered by the ram indicates that a waste container is full or nearly full or in certain apparatus may indicate a need to reverse a baler ram to a rest position to receive more waste material.

Abstract: A paper sample press has a drawer slidably mounted on a base. A plurality of generally vertical guide posts are mounted on the base on opposed sides of the drawer. The drawer has a lower platen mounted thereon for supporting a stack of paper samples. The drawer is slidable on the base from a retracted position between the guide posts to an extended position wherein the lower platen is extended out from between the guide posts, and returnably slidable on the base from the extended position to the retracted position. A vertically selectively actuable press cover is vertically mounted on a piston above the lower platen when the drawer is in the retracted position. The piston is selectively actuable so as to selectively lower and elevate the press cover between a raised position and a lowered paper sample engaging position.

Abstract: In a hot press according to the present invention, a control panel detects the fact that the viscosity of bonding resin of multilayer circuit board materials is minimized by taking thereinto at least one of the values measured by a speed sensor of a lower bolster, a measuring portion for measuring a control current of an electromagnetic proportional relief valve and a relief amount detector for detecting the relief amount of the electromagnetic proportional relief valve, and gives an instruction of an optimum air pressure addition timing. Accordingly, even if the multilayer circuit board materials and the like are varied, it is always possible to change over from a vacuum condition to an air pressure added condition at the best timing, thereby making it possible to obtain a multilayer circuit board of a uniform thickness without causing generation of void.

Abstract: A computer controlled, laboratory heat-sealing machine is employed as a quality control device to ensure that adequate heat seals are formed under pre-defined and outputted pressure, dwell time and temperature parameters. The apparatus includes sensors for monitoring temperature and pressure conditions throughout the sealing dwell period. The clamping pressure is constantly adjusted to be maintained at a preset level by sensing the clamping pressure and controlling the top heat-sealing bar through an eccentrically driven crankshaft linkage. Load cell arrangements for monitoring pressure in high and low pressure ranges are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil filter crushing apparatus includes a frame on which is mounted a filter platform configured to receive a used oil filter for crushing. An air spring actuating device is secured within the frame, and a ram is secured to a lower end of the air spring. A control valve regulates the flow of a pressurized gas into the air spring which then forces the ram toward the filter platform to crush the filter. A safety pneumatic circuit prevents inadvertent actuation of the ram.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus has a die to receive the workpiece in powdered or other form. An abutment holds the workpiece in a fixed position against the application of force, while a hydraulic cylinder is positioned to exert force against the die in the direction toward the abutment. A pump feeds hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, and a pressure control valve is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder to control the maximum pressure in the hydraulic cylinder. The pressure control valve has a sealing member, a seat which engages the sealing member with the sealing member closing the outlet, a spring which urges the sealing member towards the seat, closing the outlet, and a backing member putting the spring under compression by maintaining a distance between the backing member and the seat. A stepping motor is rigidly mounted with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A waste container crusher particularly adapted for crushing automotive type oil filters or other structurally rigid disposables containing hazardous waste has a housing with an open bottom which is closed off by an anvil plate. The anvil plate slideably receives three equiangularly spaced posts which are secured to a roof plate at the top of the housing, above the anvil plate. Nuts on the posts support the anvil plate below the roof plate, so that the anvil plate is suspended from the roof plate by the posts. The roof plate is secured to a hydraulic cylinder which produces a 10 ton driving force for a platen guided by the posts to crush a container placed on the anvil plate below the platen. In the anvil plate, four blind bores in a rectangular pattern in the top surface intersect a central blind bore extending from the bottom surface, and a smaller central through-bore provides communication between the lower central blind bore and the top of the anvil plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus has a die to receive the workpiece in powdered or other form. An abutment holds the workpiece in a fixed position against the application of force, while a hydraulic cylinder is positioned to exert force against the die in the direction toward the abutment. A pump feeds hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, and a pressure control valve is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder to control the maximum pressure in the hydraulic cylinder. The pressure control valve has a sealing member, a seat which engages the sealing member with the sealing member closing the outlet, a spring which urges the sealing member towards the seat, closing the outlet, and a backing member putting the spring under compression by maintaining a distance between the backing member and the seat. A stepping motor is rigidly mounted with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A pressurized filter is disclosed of the type including a filter media layer disposed in a filter chamber which is pressurized with a feed layer to cause filtering flow therethrough, and a diaphragm in the chamber operated to dewater the chamber after each cycle of operation, featuring a total volume totalizer measuring the volume of liquid inflow required to operate the diaphragm during each dewatering cycle, the duration of the next filtering cycle adjusted in a direction to increase or decrease the cycle duration so as to increase or decrease the accumulation of filtered solids to achieve on optimal accumulation. A plurality of filter units are stacked and organized into independently operated sets, enabling continuous filter operation by alternate cycling of each set.

Abstract: A system for securing the thrust platen of a plywood press against movement during a panel pressing cycle to avert over compression of the panels being cured. An initial fluid circuit pressurizes the press cylinder. A timer terminates the first fluid circuit and establishes a fluid locking circuit which includes a valve assembly which may be coupled to a platen appendage so as to sense platen movement. Pressurized fluid is regulated to and from the press cylinder by the valve assembly to maintain desired platen position.

Abstract: A power operated press for moist, fibrous waste employing a pair of spaced grates which are moved relative to each other only when a waste collection chamber above the press discharges to a space between the grates a predetermined amount of waste. A ram is provided for moving the grates relative to each other to compress the waste and remove a predetermined amount of moisture therefrom in timed sequence with the movement of the waste into and out of the press.

Abstract: A sludge processing system includes a cylindrical chamber with a piston slidably mounted therein. The chamber includes an inlet valve and an output port. Sludge contained within the chamber is compacted by the piston as expressing liquid exits from the chamber via the outlet port. The inlet port admits the sludge upon a withdrawal of the piston. Sieves on opposite ends of the chamber contain the particulate matter in the sludge as the liquid exits therefrom. A cake of solid sludge matter builds up upon successive strokes of the piston, and is then expelled by a final stroke of the piston via a door in an end of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dewatering screenings collected at a sewage treatment plant or the like continuously and effectively by preliminary and secondary dewatering processes. Any alien substance mixed in the screenings such as stone, chips of wood, etc. which cannot be dewatered can be detected automatically and extracted immediately, without suspending the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for controlling a heated panel press in the switchover from a contact pressure mode to a curing pressure mode, in connection with the assembly of multilayer stacks of printed circuit boards with interposed thermosetting resinous bonding layers, the device consisting essentially of a displacement transducer measuring the decrease in the stack height in terms of displacement pulses and a pulse counter and count comparator producing a switchover signal at a predetermined threshold count which reflects attainment of the flux point in the bonding layer resin. After an adjustable delay, the switchover signal is transmitted to the control unit of the press.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in compaction bodies of the type used for the collection of refuse, garbage, and the like, and having means therein for compacting such refuse during collection and for discharge therefrom. The invention relates specifically to automatic controls to regulate the operation of a compaction head located inside the compaction body for compacting material therein.

Abstract: Continuous cycle demuster press consists of perforated cylinder divided into two portions, a cylindrical pressing piston inside a smaller section downstream portion, and annular piston being disposed inside a larger section upstream portion; the two pistons are coaxial, and the annular piston is disposed between the skirt of the smaller piston and the larger perforated cylinder.

Abstract: A press comprising an apertured press box which opens on a side parallel to its axis to admit the product to be pressed. After closing of the press box a ram is forced axially through the press box to compress the material and squeeze the liquid therefrom. A restricted opening is then formed at the end of the press box and the material in the cylinder is extruded therethrough.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for baling fibers in which the baling chamber is defined at least in part by one wall mounted for movement from a first position relative to an opposite wall to a second position farther from the second wall. There is means for moving the movable wall away from the second wall after the platen has entered the baling chamber but prior to final compression of the bale therein or means to move the wall in response to a predetermined bale compressing position of the movable platen. Further, the wall may be moved in response to a predetermined compressive force exerted by the platen on the bale. Still further, means is provided to overcompress the bale to some extent thus to destroy some of the inherent spring-back of the bale of fibers.

Abstract: An automatic laminating machine is provided for use with pre-fabricated laminating packets having a tear-off tab with a plurality of notches thereon. The machine is substantially automatic in its operation and can be easily operated by an inexperienced operator. The machine requires no warm-up time and heats up in only 10 seconds each time a packet is inserted. The machine will not operate unless it is used with a laminating packet with a pull tab of proper configuration which not only energizes the machine but also aligns the packet within the machine.

Abstract: System and method to ensure that the pressure in a hydraulic pressure system is at a pre-determined level and is maintained for a pre-determined length of time.

Abstract: The press brake safety device includes a vertically movable guard for moving in advance of the press brake ram, a lightweight protector bar movably positioned on the lower edge of the guard for vertical upward movement and means operably connecting an actuation means for the ram to the ram drive means to control ram actuation. Air operated means connect to these ram drive means to render the same inoperable, and air operated control means connect the protector bar and the air operated means to actuate such last named means when the protector bar is moved upwardly in relation to the guard as the guard is being moved downwardly by actuation of the press brake for work engaging action.

Abstract: A dual press having hydraulic units which are controlled to regulate the pressure exerted on material being treated. A control system includes sensing means along the path of materials passing to the press and sensing means along the path of materials passing from the press. Thus, sensing means control the hydraulic units and regulate the pressure so as to maintain a predetermined maximum pressure when a continuous supply of material is passing through the press. The pressure is reduced or removed completely when the supply of material is decreased or interrupted.

Abstract: A compacting machine has a reversible induction motor drive for a ram movable in a cycle consisting of a compacting stroke, followed by a sustained dwell period, and a retracting stroke. Directional controls prepare the drive for a compacting stroke when the ram is at its fully retracted starting position and prepare the drive for a retracting stroke as soon as the ram leaves the starting position. When the ram encounters a predetermined resistance the drive automatically reverses. The ram is stopped at this time, and later is moved through its retracting stroke to complete a full cycle. Circuits are disclosed to retract the ram automatically after a lapse of time, or under manual control. A selector is also provided to make this feature optional by choice of the operator.

Abstract: A waste compactor having a casing with an opening in the front wall thereof with a wheeled cart movable into the casing and holding a container to receive waste material with means for locking the cart to the casing, a loading chute carried by the cart and compacting structure in the casing including a fluid operated movable disc having a downwardly concave contour to have compacting forces acting radially inwardly toward the centerline of the compacting force and exerting a predetermined maximum pressure for a sufficient period of time to impart a "set" to the waste material in the container carried by the cart.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided with manual controls for causing a compacting cycle and additional clock timer operated controls which can operate the compactor ram through a cycle with an extended delay period after a compacting stroke at some time of day when the compactor is unlikely to be in use for a substantial length of time.

Abstract: Waste compacting apparatus comprising a hopper; a compaction tunnel communicating with the hopper and providing an outlet for waste deposited therein; a packer located and reciprocable through successive forward and return strokes to advance waste from the hopper into and through said compaction tunnel, a ram, forming part of said packer, normally telescoped therein and retractably extendible therefrom in the direction of reciprocation of said packer, the ram having a leading end which forms a small portion of that of the packer as a whole when the ram is telescoped therein; motor means for reciprocating said packer through successive cycles of operation respectively comprising forward and return strokes, a standard cycle of operations commencing at a lead-off position with the ram telescoped in the packer and re-cycling means, responsive to mechanical stalling of the packer in the forward stroke of a standard cycle of operations, for terminating the forward stroke, returning said packer to its lead-off posit

Abstract: The cover of a refuse container, adapted to be sealed upon the container, is internally provided with a bellows having a pressure plate to bear against the material being compacted as the plate moves downwardly in the container in response to expansion of the bellows. The plate assembly and container define a collapsible chamber from which air is evacuated by a power means to reduce the internal pressure while air at atmospheric pressure expands the inside of the bellows. Automatic means to vent the evacuated collapsible chamber to atmosphere is provided in a control system that includes the power means to evacuate air. The container may be independent of the other elements of the invention and may be supported for translatory movement in and out of operative connection to the power means and cover whereby a plurality of containers may be employed with a single power system.

Abstract: An automatic laminating machine is provided for use with pre-fabricated laminating packets having a tear-off tab with a plurality of notches thereon. The machine is substantially automatic in its operation and can be easily operated by an inexperienced operator. The machine requires no warm-up time and heats up in only 10 seconds each time a packet is inserted. The machine will not operate unless it is used with a laminating packet with a pull tab of proper configuration which not only energizes the machine but also aligns the packet within the machine.