Abstract: A method of and apparatus (10) for compacting harvested crop or fiber (30) such as wool or hay; the method comprising applying a mechanical compacting force to the crop or fiber at the same time as or immediately after subjecting the crop or fiber to an elevated temperature above a base reference temperature and/or an elevated moisture content condition above a base reference moisture content condition whereby the crop or fiber (30) is compressed to a compressed state of predetermined density using less compacting force than would otherwise be the case. The method and apparatus can also be applied to control moisture content and certain other storage characteristics through utilization of compaction apparatus (10) on its own or in conjunction with a pre-processor (35) or post-processor (36) or both.

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

Abstract: A method and device for harvesting hay are disclosed. The method includes injecting steam into hay as it is being processed by a baler. Typically, the hay will be subjected to steam as it is lifted into the baler, and then subjected to steam as it passes through a feed chamber of the baler. Preferentially, the hay will be saturated with steam less than two seconds before it is formed into a bale of hay. The device includes a conventional baler having one or more steam manifolds disposed so as to emit steam into the hay between the point it is picked up by a pick-up mechanism, and the point at which it is ultimately formed into a bale of hay. By saturating the hay with steam, dew moisturization is simulated and less loss occurs. However, the moisture content reading in the resulting bale of hay decreases much more rapidly than dew moistened hay, thus decreasing spoilage and increasing the amount which may be sold to the most lucrative markets.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of a fiber material web with a press gap formed by rolls, wherein at least one of the rolls comprises an adjustable deflection roll with a flexible roll jacket supported in the pressing force plane on a plurality of support elements. A plurality of independent pressing force correction sections that at least substantially do not influence one another are formed over the length of the press gap by the cooperation of the support elements, in particular, hydraulic support elements and associated sections of a roll jacket having inadequate compliance. Preferably the width of the individual correction sections along the press gap lies in the region of 25 mm to 130 mm, and preferably amounts to approximately 50 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for finishing a web of paper, paperboard or the like to achieve enhanced stiffness with a minimal loss of caliper or bulk. For this purpose, liquid spray devices are substituted for the conventional waterboxes of a machine calender. These devices permit the independent control of the thickness of liquid films applied to the transfer rolls of the calender with greater uniformity. The liquid films are transferred to the surfaces of the web at transfer nips. The method produces an I-beam effect in the web with highly densified and smooth surface layers and a bulky interior to maximize stiffness.

Abstract: A waste car disposer which includes a plurality of tunnel-like furnaces connected in series and separately controlled to heat waste cars at different temperatures so that plastic, rubber, glass, lead, zinc, nickel, copper, iron and steel parts of waste cars are separately melted and respectively collected for reclamation.

Abstract: A process and a plant for the continuous production of particleboards and fiberboards, in which a particle mat of a mixture of large-area oriented wood particles and a phenolic resin binder is scattered onto a conveyor, moistened with steam, preheated, and pressed between heated press platens of a continuously operating press using pressure and heat to form a particleboard or a fiberboard.

Abstract: A method which influences the thickness and gloss and/or smoothness in the treatment of fiber material webs in at least one press gap formed by rolls, wherein at least one adjustable deflection roll is used and a plurality of correction sections is provided over the press gap length which can be differently influenced with respect to temperature and/or pressure, and wherein, for the decoupling of the two correction procedures possible pressing force changes in the correction sections of the press gap resulting from local changes in diameter of the relevant roll caused by changes of the surface temperature are at least substantially prevented with the support elements and jacket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for uniformly applying a metered film of liquid to one or both surfaces of a web of paper, paperboard or the like at a waterbox calender to achieve enhanced finishing with minimal loss of caliper. For this purpose, a liquid metering element is adjustably mounted on a conventional waterbox associated with the calender, for precisely controlling the thickness and uniformity of a liquid film applied to the calender roll. The liquid film is subsequently transferred to the web at a transfer nip of the waterbox calender.

Abstract: A paper web is passed through a calendering nip that is formed between a roll which has been provided with a soft face and a heatable hard roll. The heatable roll is heated so as to plasticize the surface layer of the paper web that is placed at the side of the heatable roll, preferably so that the temperature of the surface layer in the calendering nip exceeds the glass-transition temperatures of the polymers contained in the paper. Before entering into the calendering nip, the paper web is moistened, so as to lower the glass-transition temperatures of the polymers contained in the paper, and pre-heated. The pre-heating of the paper web is carried out by bringing the paper web into contact with the heatable roll before the web enters the calendering nip and by, before the calendering nip, feeding steam or water onto the face of the paper web that is placed at the side of the heatable roll so as to improve the transfer of heat from the hot roll to the paper web.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming paper blocks installable in offices to form paper blocks out of office-use paper such as computer printer paper, etc. including a treatment chamber, paper feeder and an adhesive apply device. Used and waste paper is fed into the treatment chamber by the paper feeder while being coated with adhesives by the adhesive apply device, and inside the treatment chamber, the paper with the adhesives coated thereon are pressed by a pusher or by air against the bottom of the chamber, thus forming firm paper blocks solidified by the adhesives.

Abstract: A densifier and cooling elevator for compressing previously separated burnable waste material into cubes of desired length and shape with the cubes forming a fuel for various purposes in which a burnable product can be effectively used. The densifier includes a rotatable drum and a plurality of circumferentially positioned die tubes which are welded together and held in rigid radial position. The inner ends of the die tubes are supplied with waste material treated previously in various stages of a waste recycling apparatus. Oppositely disposed rollers engage, compress and compact the waste material into the die tubes and extrude the compacted waste material from the die tubes as a dense cube. The cooling elevator supplies the previously treated burnable waste material to the drum and is provided with spray nozzles that may be optionally employed to cool or provide moisture to the waste material to more effectively enable the waste material to be compressed and compacted into cubes.

Abstract: A system for at least partly decoupling the control of sheet finish and sheet caliper in a calender stack is disclosed. The system includes a heating device for heating the sheet with dry heat substantially immediately before the sheet is pressed by an upstream nip of the calender stack and a moisturizer for moisturizing the sheet substantially immediately before the sheet is pressed at a downstream nip of the calender stack. The sheet is moisturized without substantially altering the sheet temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for the apportioning and dispensing of fibrous goods, particularly of sauerkraut, is disclosed. The apparatus for the dispensing of fibrous goods which are first mixed with a liquid ensures a precise maintaining of a certain weight of the goods which are drained by the apparatus. According to the invention, it is suggested to provide sieve walls in the form of travelling sieve belts between which a progressively drained strand of fibrous goods is formed. The strand can then be cut into portions. The new apparatus may be used for the apportioning of sauerkraut.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided having at least a hollow compaction chamber rtically disposed on a base and a compacting ram slidaly fitted within the compaction chamber, such that the compacting ram is disposed above the trash to be compacted. The trash to be compacted is first loaded into the compaction chamber between the base and the compacting ram. A downward compaction force is then applied to the compacting ram to compact the trash within the compaction chamber to the required density. The downward compaction force is then maintained while the compaction chamber is removed from around the compacted trash. Finally, the downward compaction force is removed from the compacting ram thereby leaving a compacted trash slug. The trash may be wetted prior to compaction to further enhance the delamination characteristics of the trash slug.

Abstract: An improved system for extracting soluble substances from fibrous material by using a plurality of maceration and compression steps thereby excerting moderate pressure on the fibrous material up to 15 bars.Arrangements are made to saturate the fibrous material to its maximum absortion potential between each pressure application. Moisture content of the agent fibrous material is finally reduced with the combined application of moderate and high pressure. The application of imbibition liquid in this area and the use of the solvent received for the purpose of maceration in the preceeding extraction steps is made in accordance with the respective concentration of the solvent.The extraction system can operate without the application of process heat; therefore, a lixiviator is not required. Two or more maceration and compression steps can be located in a module, thus permitting a very compact arrangement of the extraction system.

Abstract: A moisture control system including an apparatus for discharging independently variable amounts of working fluid toward selected cross-directional sections of a calendered sheet material after the material has left the calender stack and before it is taken up by a collection device. The apparatus includes a plurality of valves spaced across the width of the calendered material to control the amount of fluid applied to each section. Nozzles provided on the valves direct the fluid from the valves toward a surface of the calenderable material. The system permits cross-directional equalization of the moisture content of the calendered material without affecting other physical properties of the sheet, such as sheet finish.

Abstract: A guard at the inlet side of the nip of two rolls in a calender has a hollow support for two blocking devices with movable sections extending close to the peripheral surfaces of the rolls to prevent injury to the fingers of an operator. The support defines one or more channels for steam or for another fluid medium which is discharged through one or more rows of ports to moisturize a running web of paper, foil or textile material or to dry, heat or cool the web and/or the rolls.

Abstract: A calendar wherein a bottom roll and a deformable top roll flank one or more intermediate rolls is operated in such a way that the shape of the top roll is caused to conform to that of the adjacent intermediate roll before the nip of the top roll with the adjacent roll is narrowed. At least the top roll is heated to enhance the satinizing effect upon paper webs without unduly affecting the specific volume of treated material. It is further proposed to subject the bottom roll to preliminary deformation and/or to heat the bottom roll and/or one or more intermediate rolls.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales, cubes or pellets for shipment.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales for shipment.

Abstract: Two sheets of material are laminated together using a heat-activatable or moisture-curing adhesive by:(a) forming a layered composite of the material with a layer of the adhesive in between;(b) passing steam (preferably superheated) through one sheet of material into the adhesive layer;(c) compressing the heated composite before the adhesive sets;(d) releasing the pressure on the composite; and(e) allowing the adhesive to fully cure.A laminating machine is disclosed that pulls the composite between two open weave belts, past narrow jets of the steam.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a preservative or other substance, in solid or liquid form, onto a crop material being baled, the substance being dispensed onto the crop material before it is baled at a rate which is dependent on the moisture content of the crop material and the bulk rate of flow of crop material through the baler. The apparatus, which may be mounted on a square baler or a round baler, includes a first sensor for sensing the moisture content of the crop material and producing a first signal, a second sensor for producing an output signal indicative of the bulk rate of corp flow through the baler, and a control circuit responsive to the first signal and the second signal for producing a pulse width modulated signal for controlling the speed of a motor. The motor controls the rate at which the substance is dispensed from a container onto the crop material.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a substance, in solid or liquid form, onto a crop material being baled, the substance being dispensed onto the crop material before it is baled at a rate which is dependent on the moisture content of the crop material and the bulk rate of flow of crop material through the baler. The method is applicable to round balers or square balers.

Abstract: Processing and outfit for the extraction of cane sugar by pressing canes and magma between several pairs of fluted rollers, wherein each pair of rollers is completely submerged in a tank (C) and fed through a hopper (13), and wherein a constant recirculation of the magma, from each tank towards the corresponding hopper, with a significant flow rate on the one hand, and a countercurrent circulation of the bagasse and the juice with a lower flow rate in the different tanks (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3) corresponding to the different pairs of rollers on the other, are combined.

Abstract: A system for extracting moisture from sludge of the type handled by municipalities and industries. The system involves the use of a feed line where the sludge is mixed with a chemical treating agent adapted to achieve flocculation. The sludge is conveyed, with or without some partial separation of moisture, to a progressive cavity continuous press for feeding of the sludge through the press. The press is of the type employing a slotted or screened housing with an interior shaft so that the cavity of the press is defined between the shaft and the housing. The size of this cavity progressively decreases from the inlet end to the outlet end of the press whereby the mixture is gradually compressed as it moves through the press. Moisture contained in the mixture is thereby extracted through the housing which is designed to at least minimize passage of solids. A discharge chamber is located at the outlet end of the press for collecting the partially dehydrated mixture.

Abstract: A mobile spray applicator for treating forage with a liquid chemical spray after it first picks up the windrow, and separates and spreads out the windrow material across the width of a moving conveyor belt while holding a portion of the material spaced from the surface of the conveyor belt. The spread out material forms a plurality of openings and interstices therethrough so that as it exits from the end of the conveyor, the upper surface of the forage is flood or mist sprayed with the liquid chemical. The chemical enters the openings and interstices and coats the upper surfaces of the forage disposed therebelow. As the sprayed forage falls away from the conveyor exit, its undersurface is also flood or mist sprayed so that a substantial portion of the forage is coated or wetted with the chemical. Liquid chemical agents which can be so applied include drying agents, nutrients, feed supplements, feed flavorings and the like.

Abstract: A dual-cycle method of extracting juice from fruit and a juice extraction installation consisting of two angular presses in tandem arrangement in which the fruit mash yields first quality juice and pomace in the first press, and this pomace is immediately broken up and deposited on the horizontal run of the second press, under the addition of water which soaks and swells the pomace, before it passes through the second extraction press. The latter yields juice of second quality and twice-pressed pomace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maceration system of the type generally used in the grinding and juice extraction of sugar cane. The last mill has a roll and feed and discharge bottom rolls with elongated trash plate spanning the space between the bottom rolls. Separate troughs extend below each of the bottom rolls to catch and separate juice therefrom. The top roll has longitudinal flow passageways around it opening into ports in the roll surface and water is introduced through these passgeways to flow into the pulp moving over the trashplate to the discharge roll, and the juice from below the discharge roll is directed to the pulp moving to the feed roll. In the case of multiple mills in tandem, the juice recovered from the feed roll is directed to the top roll passageways of the previous mill and the juice from the discharge roll of that mill is directed to the feed roll thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for leveling the surface of a strip of paper. The apparatus has at least two rollers forming a roller pair, which can be pressed against the strip of paper guided between them with an adjustable force by means of a load device. At least one roller may have a surface which can be influenced by means of a temperature device.

Abstract: A distributor (10) of dry, particulate material released in metered amounts by a hopper (22), for the treatment of forage in a mechanical baler (12). A manifold (30) has an air inlet (34) and at least one air outlet (32). An air blower (38) is adapted to discharge into the air inlet (34) at a selected flow rate. A bender (40) has an air tube (48) communicating with the air outlet (32) and a particulate material discharge tube (50) adapted to receive particulate material from the hopper (22). The particulate material discharge tube (50) discharges within the air tube (48), suspending the particulate material in the air. A distributor nozzle (52) communicates with the blender (40) and has a focusing vent (54) and an impact plate (56) facing the focusing vent (54) to receive and deflect particulate material exhausted therethrough.

Abstract: A screw press for pressing liquid from fibrous slurries, such as paper pulp, sludge, sedimentation and like material, in which the material is fed into the press at one end of a press screw arranged within a cylindrical strainer drum and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and fed out of the press through a discharge zone located at the other end of said screw. The core of the screw has a successively increasing diameter along the major part of its length such that the space defined between the core and the wall of the drum gradually decreases in the feed direction. According to the invention the drum is arranged to rotate at a speed which differs from the speed of rotation of the screw. The speed of rotation of the drum is so selected that there is obtained, as the result of the centrifugal force, an effective draining through the drum of free liquid present in the slurry and liquid pressed from said slurry due to the action of the press-screw.

Abstract: A double-acting compacting apparatus comprises two movable compaction plates and a stationary compaction plate arranged between said movable plates. Arranged between respective ones of said movable plates and said stationary plate is a free-fall aperture through which compacted objects can fall under gravity. Means are provided for connecting the movable plates together such that during a compaction stroke utilizing one of said movable plates the other of said movable plates defines with said stationary plate a space for receiving further material to be compacted.

Abstract: A mobile installation for the treatment of household refuse comprises an elongated vehicle having a centrally located water tank into which the refuse is dumped. Heavier components which settle to the bottom of the tank are transported by an endless conveyor from one end of the tank to a magnetic separator which removes magnetic metal. Other heavy components drop into a crusher and the crushed material is mixed with additives such as cement or coal dust and compressed in a press. Lighter components are removed from the opposite end of the tank by an upwardly inclined screw conveyor which squeezes out much of the water. The lighter components are then mixed with additives such as cement and compressed by an extruder press.

Abstract: A round baler has a conventional pickup and an approximately horizontal, wide, lower conveyor for removing hay from a field and delivering it rearwardly in a transversely extending mat to a transversely extending bale chamber where it is rolled into a cylindrical bale. The upper run of the lower conveyor is approximately tangential to the lower side of the forming bale so that there is a "pinch point" where the incoming mat of crop material converges on the periphery of the forming bale. A series of fluid dispensing nozzles spaced across the machine connected to a source of preservative carried on the baler is disposed so that preservative may be applied to the hay close to the pinch point across the lateral extent of the bale chamber.

Abstract: Compacting apparatus comprising a first compacting plate and a second compacting plate arranged for linear, reciprocating movement relative to the first compacting plate. Arranged between the plates in the neighborhood of one of said plates is a free-fall aperture, such that a compacted object is able to fall freely, through gravity, from said apparatus subsequent to completing a compacting stroke.

Abstract: Organic materials are fed tangentially into the head of a centrifugal mill by an adjustable rate feeding device. The materials, either in a dry state or in conjunction with a separately supplied liquid carrier, move downwardly through a compacter device which positively feeds the materials through a series of comminution devices which are arranged in an inverted conical housing and are of decreasingly smaller sizes, with the comminution means shredding the materials. The top of the mill is open to freely admit air which is admixed by the communition devices with the materials to satisfy the biochemical oxygen demand so that the output product of the mill is odor free and finely shredded.

Abstract: A method of removing liquid from a slurry of solid material in liquid in which the liquid is squeezed from the slurry by passing the slurry through a roll nip and, simultaneously with the squeezing and passing, the liquid squeezed from the slurry is blocked from flowing through the roll nip.Apparatus for removing liquid from a slurry of solid material in a liquid includes a plurality of liquid guides, disposed in a spaced-apart parallel relationship, being inclined away from and opening adjacent the roll nip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of packaging asbestos fibers wherein damp asbestos fibers are consolidated into blocks having a density of at least about 100 lbs./cu. ft. (PCF). These blocks can then be stacked on pallets, pulpable pallets if desired, and secured to said pallet with various means, for example with a shrink film, to produce a clean, compact package. At the point of use, the blocks are disintegrated using a block-breaker and the resultant pieces are then opened into a loose mass of asbestos fibers in a conventional opening apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying lint cotton in a cotton gin has a lint slide arranged for receiving a batt of cotton from a battery condenser and controlling movement of the batt over a grid made of longitudinally disposed tubular members placed inside the lint slide. Warm humit air introduced through the floor of the lint slide passes upwardly through the grid and, thus, through the cotton, and escapes into the ambient air after raising the moisture content of the cotton. A retarder device is provided on the slide for holding the cotton on the grid for longer exposure times, while the entire operation of the apparatus is controlled responsively to the action of the battery condenser of the gin.

Abstract: A device for reducing solid waste material to a comminuted and/or compacted state for ease in disposal. The device comprises a series of receptacles, one for each class of waste material, provided with power driven cutters. At least one hydraulic ram type compactor compresses waste material.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a stable block from paper including means for providing a plurality of moist paper fragments, means for roughening the outer surface of a group of the moist paper fragments, and means for compressing the group of paper fragments to form the group of paper fragments into a stable block without the addition of an adhesive.

Abstract: The output of a radioactive source is directed through a moving stream of granular material, e.g., coal on a conveyor, and the radiation passing through is sensed by a detector. The detector generates a pulse signal of which the pulse repetition rate varies with the radiation sensed. The pulses generated are counted in a binary counter, and a timer periodically initiates a read-out of and resets the counter to effect successive counting cycles, whereupon the digital count in each cycle is converted to an analog voltage, the magnitude of which is recorded in terms of bulk density of the coal. The recorder controls the addition of water or oil to the coal to, respectively, lower or increase the bulk density of the coal. Controls are included which guard the system from misperforming when a supply of coal has failed, when the depth of coal on the conveyor belt has been lost, and when the coal is so dense that an application of water is required.

Abstract: A baling press has opposed boxes with a press mechanism movable along the lint feed box for pre-packing fibrous material fed continuously thereto. The press mechanism is reciprocable axially along the lint feed box in short strokes and moves progressively from a discharge opening toward an open end thereof. The packing mechanism is movable toward the discharge opening so as to permit leg members thereof to discharge a pre-packed bale of fibrous material of a predetermined size through an open gate at the opening and into a compression mechanism disposed co-axially with the lint box. The compression mechanism includes a compression chamber located adjacent the discharge opening for compressing the pre-packed fibrous material into compact bales which are subsequently exposed for removal as the compression chamber is shifted axially away from the lint box.

Abstract: A process for economically utilising straw in which the straw is compressed into briquettes having a density of at least 500 kg/m.sup.3, preferably at least 1000 kg/cm.sup.3, for subsequent use in a thermal, chemical or microbiological plant.