Abstract: A baling apparatus includes a housing having a fixed portion and a hinged door to release a bale, a series of rollers and belts for compressing and rotating baling material into a bale, a wrap feed mechanism for feeding a wrap around a bale, and means for compressing the bale during the baling operation. The instant baling apparatus may be used for materials that have traditionally been difficult to bale successfully, including small particulate such as mulch, and other materials such as common household trash. The baling apparatus may be utilized as a separate unit, or may be combined with a brush cutter/mulcher, or incorporated into trash removal equipment. A touch screen display and computer may be used in combination with sensors to monitor and control the baling operation, and a hydraulic system is used to drive the components.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing and drying a pre-defined amount of waste includes a metal main frame positioned to provide rigid support, and a body mechanically linked to the main frame through a plurality of linkage plates. The apparatus also includes an inlet vertically mounted on the body and a twin screw assembly to press and dehydrate the pre-defined amount of waste. A plurality of mesh screens is rigidly linked to the main frame along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to remove compressed liquid. The body is also designed to support rotation of the twin screw assembly, and the inlet includes an ingress cross-sectional opening to receive the pre-defined amount of waste.

Abstract: A baling apparatus includes a housing having a fixed portion and a hinged door to release a bale, a series of rollers and belts for compressing and rotating baling material into a bale, a wrap feed mechanism for feeding a wrap around a bale, and means for compressing the bale during the baling operation. The instant baling apparatus may be used for materials that have traditionally been difficult to bale successfully, including small particulate such as mulch, and other materials such as common household trash. The baling apparatus may be utilized as a separate unit, or may be combined with a brush cutter/mulcher, or incorporated into trash removal equipment. A touch screen display and computer may be used in combination with sensors to monitor and control the baling operation, and a hydraulic system is used to drive the components.

Abstract: A meat dewatering assembly (10) includes a support frame (12), a twin screw dewatering unit (14), a drive assembly (16) coupled with the unit (14), and a perforated housing (60). The unit (14) has a pair of tapered, non-parallel, intermeshed, helically flighted screws (52, 54) presenting nip clearances (59) between the fighting (55). The drive assembly (16) serves to counter-rotate the screws (52, 54). In use, emulsified meat is passed into the housing (60) during counter-rotation of the screws (52, 54), in order to compress the meat within the clearances (59) and thereby express water from the meat. Adjustment collars (38) permit selective size alteration of the nip clearances (59).

Abstract: A device for maintenance of floor cover material present on an animal-shed floor in an animal shed, and including: a pick-up mechanism, a press, a moisture collector, and a moisture supply mechanism. The pick-up mechanism is configured to pick up floor cover material from the animal-shed floor and supply it to the press, the press is configured to press the supplied floor cover material and to supply moisture which has been squeezed out to the moisture collector and to convey pressed floor cover material to the animal-shed floor. The moisture supply mechanism is configured to supply moisture to the floor cover material which has been picked up.

Abstract: A belt press filter belt changing assembly that includes two upright members, a wrap bar, a dowel rod, and a means of temporarily affixing the assembly to a belt press filter. The belt press filter changing assembly facilitates rapid, efficient, and safe changing of the belt press filter's continuous belts while requiring less personnel using less physical exertion than current solutions.

Abstract: Stalk separator for the de-stalking of small fruit picked in bunches, in particular for the de-stalking of grapes. The invention includes a conveyor belt and a de-stalking device positioned above this conveyor belt. The de-stalking device includes at least two spaced assemblies positioned opposite each other, each assembly featuring a number of stacked separator arms. The mechanical drives communicate a high frequency oscillating movement to the assemblies of stacked separator arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying preservative to agricultural crops during baling. More particularly, a baler has a preservative application system and a bale size sensor. The preservative application system has a preservative storage container, a preservative transfer device and an applicator device. The preservative transfer device is in communication with both the storage container and the applicator device to transfer a preservative stored in the storage container to the applicator device. The bale size sensor is in communication with the transfer device so that the transfer device and therefore the application of preservative to the crop can be controlled in response to a bale size sensed by the bale size sensor.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying preservative to agricultural crops during baling. More particularly, a baler has a preservative application system and a crop moisture sensor array. The crop moisture sensor array is in communication with the preservative application system so that the application of preservative to the crop can be controlled in response to a moisture content sensed by the crop moisture sensor array that exceeds both a moisture content threshold value and a threshold value relating to the percentage of crop material having a moisture content above the moisture content threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp including a pair of rotatable press rolls with a permeable outer surface in a casing including a vat in which the press rolls are installed is provided. A gap is provided between the vat and the press rolls as well as means for feeding the pulp into the gap between the rolls and the vat includes a first segment partially enclosing the first roll and a second segment partially enclosing the second roll, and casing members for each segment are pivotable about axes of rotation to open and close the casing, and the distance between the axes of rotation is less than the sum of the outer diameter of the two press rolls.

Abstract: A method and a device for pressing a liquid extract from a material to be pressed include a screw press which conveys the material to be pressed along a pressing route and applies pressure to it. In addition, at least one extracting agent is added to the material to be pressed and is removed, together with the extract, from the pressed material. The extracting agent is supplied to the material to be pressed in an amount that is no more than twice the weight of the extract contained in the material to be pressed. At least a portion of the extracting agent dissolves in the extract.

Abstract: A press machine controller (10) for controlling a press machine (30) having a servo motor (41) to drive a slide (38) via a reduction mechanism (37) changed in reduction ratio in accordance with the position of the slide (38) is disclosed. The device includes a command generator (20) for generating at least one of a position command, a speed command and a torque command for the servo motor (41); a vibration command generator (13) for generating a vibration command based on a parameter preset for the press machine controller (10); a slide position detector (12) for detecting the position of the slide (38); and a vibration command adding portion (21, 22, 23) for adding the vibration command to any one of the position command, the speed command and the torque command for the servo motor (41) in the case where the slide position is in a predetermined range. The press machine, even if stopped with the slide at the bottom dead center, can be restarted with a small torque.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving of wood veneer quality is provided. In the method, veneers are conveyed through a compression gap made up by two press elements, the gauge of said gap being adjustable. The method comprises the use of an endless felt assembly, which is adapted to circle around at least one of the press elements and which passes through the compression gap in such a way that at least one face of the veneer is brought against the felt assembly in said compression gap.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for fluid flow control, for particular user in a hay baler. The system involves calculating or inputting a preferred flow rate (the Set Point), measuring the “actual” flow rate of liquid through the system, and controlling the speed of a pump used to move the liquid through the system to ensure that the flow rate is maintained as close as possible to the Set Point flow rate at all times during operation. The flow rate Set Point can be calculated using one or more user or sensor inputs, including the dose rate, the mass flow rate of fodder, the moisture content, etc.

Abstract: The present invention shows a process and device of calendering a web. The process includes drying the web and winding the web at the end of a production section. The process includes transporting the wound web to at least one off-line calender, unwinding the web and passing the web through the at least one off-line calender. Further, the process includes treating the web between drying and winding of the web in at least one on-line calendering unit. Further still, the process includes at least one on-line calendering unit includes at least one nip defined by at least one hard roller. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The moisture profile and/or moisture gradient of a paper web of at least SC quality paper is controlled in a paper machine comprising a calender (1) which has at least two roll stacks (21, 22; 31, 32), one stack has at least three rolls and another has at least five rolls. The web is moisturized to a desired pre-moisture content M1 by a pre-moisturizer (7) before the calender. At least one intermediate moisturizer (3) is arranged between two roll stacks moisturizes the web to a desired intermediate moisture content M2 before the last roll stack (31, 32), in which the web is dried to a desired final moisture value M3. For continuously controlling and optimizing the moisture profile and/or moisture gradient of the web, the pre-moisturizing W1 of the web is controlled by a pre-moisturizer (7) control parameter which corresponds to the final moisture value M3 of the web.

Abstract: A paper web moistened in a paper machine and reeled on a machine reel is calendered in a multinip calender arranged apart from the paper machine, whose roll assembly is formed of a first set of rolls and a second set of rolls in the travel direction of the paper web. At least one surface of the paper web is moistened with at least one pre-moisturizer, whereafter the paper web is guided to the first calender nip of the first set of rolls and one surface of the paper web is moistened with at least one intermediate moisturizer, whereafter the paper web is guided to the first calender nip of the second set of rolls, wherein a paper web having a roughness of 1.0-1.1 ?m and/or gloss of 54-57% or 56-60% is produced as a result of calendering.

Abstract: A steam injection manifold assembly is mounted to a crop pick-up assembly and is provided with an elongate manifold disposed lengthwise of the pick-up assembly. A plurality of steam injection tubes are releasably mounted to the manifold to receive steam exiting through respective steam outlet openings provided in the manifold. In one embodiment the injection tubes are shaped similarly to tine stripper bands of the pick-up, and in another embodiment the injection tubes define the stripper bands of the pick-up.

Abstract: A steam generator is controlled for applying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during the baling process so as to raise the temperature of the crop being treated with steam by an amount which is within a desired range known to result in bales of crop of good quality.

Abstract: A direct-fired steam generator used for supplying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during baling is controlled so as to produce a desired constant steam temperature output by collecting data from which the heat output of the steam generator can be calculated and using this calculation together with the difference between the actual steam temperature and the desired steam temperature to control the amount of process water sent to the steam generator in order to correct any error in steam temperature. Steam temperature is measured in either one of the steam injection manifolds or in an injection tube coupled to an injection manifold so as to be close to the point of application of the steam to the crop.

Abstract: A baler is equipped with a crop re-hydration system including a steam injection manifold mounted for discharging steam onto a windrow of crop as the windrow is being fed into the baler. The steam injection manifold has a steam discharge orifice arrangement which can be adjusted to vary the discharge width. A flexible duct guides discharged steam to the crop windrow.

Abstract: A device for wringing moisture from a mop includes pressure elements between which a holder of the mop, together with a mop cover attached thereto, can be pressed. The mop cover projects beyond the holder, thereby forming a cushion at edges of the holder in order to prevent the holder from doing damage, for example to furniture. In order to be able to wring moisture in a defined manner from both the projecting edge of the mop cover as well as the portion thereof covered by the holder, the two interacting pressure elements form a gap having a height which decreases toward the edges. In particular, the height decreases in a gradual manner. The pressure elements are preferably rollers, several cylinder sections of which can have different diameters in order to be able to obtain gap sections of different heights.

Abstract: A method for washing a fibre suspension with washing liquid, in which, in accordance with the invention, the fibre suspension is introduced into an annular treatment channel (24) that has an inlet end (72) and an outlet end (73) and is concentric with an axis of rotation (5) to form an inner annular layer (74), washing liquid simultaneously being introduced into the treatment channel form an outer layer (75), which surrounds the inner annular layer. The fibre suspension and washing liquid are caused to rotate in the treatment channel whilst moving from said inlet end to said outlet end, fibres in the fibre suspension being caused to move into the outer layer of washing liquid, under the influence of the centripetal force, so that an accept (29), the liquid phase of which completely or mostly consists of washing liquid, is discharged at the outlet end of the treatment channel.

Abstract: A sheet metal washer system for cleaning metal blanks includes a washer cassette with an open bottom that is selectively mounted on a tank assembly, a drive motor assembly and a filter assembly. The washer cassette includes an inlet opening and an exit opening with upper and lower entry rollers having a first predetermined durometer positioned adjacent to the inlet opening and upper and lower exit rollers having a second predetermined durometer positioned adjacent the exit opening. Upper and lower manifolds for delivering cleaning fluid from the filter assembly to the interior of the washer cassette are positioned between the entry and exit rollers. The sheet metal blank is cleaned by the entry rollers and dried by the exit rollers, as it passes through the sheet metal washer. The washer cassette preferably includes a safety mechanism for locking the upper entry and exit rollers into a storage position when the washer system is not in use.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling evaporation and moisture in a multinip calender (10) when a continuous fibrous web (W) is calendered in calendering nips (1,_2,—3,—4,—5) placed one after the other before the fibrous web is wound on a reel-up/winder (9). With a view to making the net evaporation from and the final moisture content of the web (W) constant when the running situations in the calender (10) change, the web is passed in the calender from the outlet of at least one nip into an air-float chamber (20) of the turning airborne type.

Abstract: A paper web is smoothened by passing the web through a pre-calender device on a paper machine before the application of a coating. The pre-calender device comprises at least one pair of steel rolls, one of which is heated, and a liquid application device which applies a thin film of water to the surface of the web which contacts the heated roll before the web enters the nip between the rolls. The web is then dried after exiting the nip either by wrapping the heated roll and/or by applying heat externally to the web.

Abstract: A sheet metal washer system for cleaning metal blanks includes a washer cassette with an open bottom that is selectively mounted on a tank assembly, a drive motor assembly and a filter assembly. The washer cassette includes an inlet opening and an exit opening with upper and lower entry rollers having a first predetermined durometer positioned adjacent to the inlet opening and upper and lower exit rollers having a second predetermined durometer positioned adjacent the exit opening. Upper and lower manifolds for delivering cleaning fluid from the filter assembly to the interior of the washer cassette are positioned between the entry and exit rollers. The sheet metal blank is cleaned by the entry rollers and dried by the exit rollers, as it passes through the sheet metal washer. The washer cassette preferably includes a safety mechanism for locking the upper entry and exit rollers into a storage position when the washer system is not in use.

Abstract: In the method for leading a web between calendar roll nips (N), a web (W) is guided between the calender roll nips (N) in a loop which runs apart from the calender rolls, inside which loop an air pocket (3) is formed. The mass and/or beat flow in the air pocket (3) is prevented in the cross direction of the web by means of obstacles (5) placed in connection with the pocket.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing surface-treated printing paper, a paper web is first dried down to a target moisture of the surface treatment, and it is wetted again to the target moisture before the surface treatment. The rewetting to the target moisture is conducted on the web running to the surface treatment before a device effecting the surface treatment of the web, as seen in the travel direction of the web. Before re-wetting, the moisture profile of the web is adjusted in the drying section by wetting the web at a point which is located before the area of the heavy shrinkage (cd shrinkage area) in the travel direction of the web.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.

Abstract: A compressed gas, e.g. carbon dioxide, is injected under pressure into a press to increase the yield of oil from a natural material. The effect is brought about by the gas dissolving in the oil. The mass of gas required is typically less, often much less, than the mass of natural product.

Abstract: Method and device for forming local compressions (7) in a material (31) wherein moisture (17) is applied locally to the areas being compressed during the compression operation.

Abstract: The invention provides texturized, baled hay or other animal fodder, preferably fortified with a flavoring or other additive. The hay is characterized by a substantial amount of long stems, substantial leaf retention, and substantial manipulation of stem structure, i.e., disruption of the lignin. Baled hay according to the invention is consistently uniform in texture, flavor, and appearance, bale after bale, for a given type or grade of hay. A machine and a method for making same are also described.

Abstract: A calendering method and calender in which a web material is passed through a calender, the calender nip being defined between a heatable hard roll and an endless, flexible and substantially non-compressible calendering belt. The heatable roll is heated in order to plasticize the surface layer of the web and the web is brought into contact with the heatable roll before the calendering of the web. After the preliminary contact of the web with the heatable roll a press treatment proper is applied to the web to be calendered in two stages. First a deformation is produced in the web in a press stage, after that the deformation that was produced is allowed to be reversed partially in a reversing stage and then a new deformation is produced in the web by pressing the web again in a finishing stage.

Abstract: The moisture application system of the present invention comprises in combination a first means for applying liquid to a paper web and a second means in contact with the web for scraping off excess liquid and spreading the liquid uniformly across the paper web. The moisture application system of the present invention is particularly useful when combined with a machine calender for finishing a paper web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing calendered paper by an on-line manufacturing system comprising at least a paper machine and a multi-nip calender. The method comprises following steps: removing water from a formed paper web by pressing, drying the pressed paper web by at least one dryer, calendering the dried web by the multi-nip calender, measuring a cross-machine moisture profile or a variable relative thereto, and altering the moisture of the web so that the moisture profile of the web in the cross-direction is even when the web enters the first nip of the calender.

Abstract: A process and device for increasing the gloss and/or smoothness of a web of material are described, whereby a web of material (5) is passed through a roller gap where it is exposed to pressure. A steam dispensing device (7) is provided upstream of the roller gap relative to the direction of travel (9) of the web of material (5). The increase in gloss and/or smoothness is to be accomplished without consuming much energy. To do so, the steam is condensed on the web of material and the web of material (5) is guided through the roller gap before the increase in moisture content of the surface due to the steam treatment has dropped below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a material web and a press arrangement with a plurality of press gaps. A roll has a flexible press jacket supported from an inside, and forms a respective press gap with each of at least two further driven rolls. The drive power, or speed of one of the driven rolls, is regulated in accordance with a predetermined desired value, to ensure a common speed of the driven roll. A maximum line force and/or drive power of a front press gap, considered in a web running direction, is controlled and/or regulated, at least within a certain range, in accordance with a maximum line force, or drive power, of a rear press gap, considered in the web running direction.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calender), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calender) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus includes a housing with a door which opens to facilitate placement of trash within a trash receiving chamber of the apparatus. A sweep within the trash receiving chamber is actuated upon closing the door, forcing the deposited trash into a first compaction chamber, wherein the trash is mixed and compressed into a condensed mass by converging chamber walls and a downwardly directed spray of water released from high pressure nozzles at the top of the chamber. A reciprocating horizontal plate at the lower end of the first compaction chamber slices off a bottom layer of the mass of trash with each cycle of forward and rearward movement. The sliced layers of trash are pushed and compacted into a second compaction chamber until the second chamber is full. The trash is then compressed to form a composite unit of predetermined size and configuration.

Abstract: A calender is provided for calendering a fibrous web wherein the moisture profile of the web can be controlled. The calender includes a plurality of rolls wherein at least one of the rolls comprises a profiling roll. The profiling roll has a plurality of profiling zones extending in a cross-machine direction to define a profiling nip. The roll is independently expandable in each of the zones, such as by an internal pressurized shoe arrangement, so that the pressure in the profiling nip can be varied in the cross-machine direction. A waterbox is positioned adjacent to the profiling nip and water is carried directly into the profiling nip where at least a portion of the water is transferred to the web such that the moisture profile of the web can be varied in the cross-machine direction by varying the nip pressure in the respective profiling zones.

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 and apparatus for heating a paper web in a calender in which the paper web is heated before it is passed into a calendering nip of the calender. The paper web is heated by a source of radiation and the heat radiation coming from the source of radiation is condensed and guided by a reflector face or an equivalent optical device onto the paper web and/or onto a face of one of the rolls in the calendering nip substantially directly before the calendering nip.

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.