Abstract: A two stage oil filter press having a housing with a precompression chamber and a main compression chamber together with a vertically reciprocating precompression ram and a horizontally reciprocating main compression ram powered by individual fluid cylinders. A feed chute with a scoop is raised through a void in the hopper created by a baffle which insures feeding a measured quantity of spent oil filters to the precompression chamber through a feed window. A main compression chamber is defined at the lower end of the precompression chamber by the lower horizontal end surface of the precompression ram, the floor, a pair of side walls of the precompression chamber, the thrust end of the main compression ram and a discharge door.

Abstract: A closer for pressing a lid onto a container includes a presser foot mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of force applying engagement with the lid; an actuator moveable between retracted and extended positions; and a force multiplying assembly disposed in operative relationship intermediate the presser foot and the actuator for multiplying an input force from the actuator to a predetermined maximum lid pressing force at the extended position.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for crushing aluminum cans, plastic containers and other crushable waste that is manual and portable. On the underside of the lid to the apparatus is a detachable handle with a plate attached thereto that has a series of rough ridges. The handle can descend down the height of the apparatus through a pair of parallel channels located down the front and rear of the apparatus. At the bottom of the apparatus on the interior is a mating plate that has a second series of rough edges that fit like a zipper with the ridges of the top plate for crushing of waste. The handle is lockable through latches to the lid of the apparatus when not in use. A second lock holds the handle in place on the rear of the apparatus when not in use. The bottom of the apparatus has one or more pairs of wheels to allow for easy portability.

Abstract: An aesthetic and useful device for enclosing a vacuum pump within a framed enclosure for the evacuation of air from used containers is herein disclosed. An enclosure for a vacuum pump comprises a latching access door, a lid, and a container-staging area that extends downward, effectively housing a vacuum pump supported by an interior shelf. A vacuum chamber for collecting any entrained liquids or solids from used containers is coupled at one end to vacuum plumbing extending from the inlet of the vacuum pump and at the other end to a container adapter. The container adapter has a stepped female diameter opening to accommodate various sized container mouths. A sealed and latched access door maintains the integrity of the vacuum chamber as well as provides an aesthetic and protective shroud for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection bin comprising a body having an integrally-formed and cylindrically-shaped sidewall. Downwardly from the cylindrical sidewall is a floor. The sidewall and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the sidewall is a body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intended to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention. The sidewall is a carrier for indicia applied to the sidewall or to a label or wrap that encircles the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-standing unit designed to compact aluminum cans. A stand is connected to a vertical housing, which is hollowed out and contains a can slot, a slot for a handle, and a plurality of slots for a plurality of springs to operate. Connected to the vertical member are the springs, which also connect to a crushing device. The crushing device fits inside the hollow section of the vertical member and has the handle located near the top of it. The invention is spring loaded so that the can slot normally stays open for placing a can inside to be crushed.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing objects includes an inlet for serially feeding objects to the apparatus and a driver roller that is rotatably driven about a first axis by a power input mechanism, wherein the driver roller has a first notch. The apparatus further includes an idler roller rotatably coupled to the driver roller so as to be rotatably driven about a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. The idler roller has a second notch wherein the first and second notches coordinate to at least partially receive the object therein throughout a portion of respective revolutions of the driver roller and the idler roller. The apparatus may further include a crushed object outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that is capable of crushing paper and aluminum and steel cans. The machine is assembled using the following components: hydraulic bottle jack, extension springs, single-phase geared motor, sliding contact mechanism, and pressure gauge. The input system consists of two major parts, the driving system and the sliding contact mechanism. The driving system is an electric motor with a gearbox. This geared motor is single-phased so it can be utilized in residences and restaurants. The sliding contact is divided to three main parts: the crank, slider and lever. The hydraulic jack is a lifting device that uses liquid-oil to raise heavy objects, but in this case its objective is to crush the cans while being raised. The frame is divided into four main parts: container, vertical frame, lower plate and upper plate.

Abstract: A compressing device for plastic bottle uses a pair of plates which are strapped on each side of a bottle. The straps are tightened as the bottle's content is used up. The plates are shaped in such a way so as to reduce crimping on the bottle. Optional accessories such as a saddle to hold the plates on the side of the bottle while installing; a stand to hold the bottle upright; and a handle to facilitate pouring are available.

Abstract: A combination can crushing and retrieving device having a circular or tubular housing containing a plunger and having a rectangular opening in its side wall. The housing has a knife-edged slightly concave indent on the bottom of the housing opposite the rectangular opening, which indent generally conforms to the arch section of the necked down portion of a beverage can. When the concave indent is placed on the lip of a can laying on its side and forced down the can will “snap” upright, through the rectangular opening and into the housing. The can is then retained in the housing around the necked down portion by a foam/rubber lining located at the lower inside end of the housing. Then the weighted plunger is forced down onto the can, crushing the can and expelling any fluids remaining inside the can through the drinking opening. The can may then be ejected from the device by pressing an ejector rod.

Abstract: An empty container pressing apparatus is disclosed. The empty container pressing apparatus includes at least one pressure applying cylinder section in which a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber separated by a pressure receiving piston which slides in a cylinder chamber having the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber are disposed. In addition, an inlet to which a pressure applying medium supplied from the outside is input and an outlet which drains the input pressure applying medium is connected to the first cylinder chamber. Further, the empty container pressing apparatus includes at least one pressing section which is connected to the pressure applying cylinder section and provides a pressing piston that moves together with the pressure receiving piston via a pressure transmitting member and applies pressing force to a empty container, and the empty container is pressed.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection catch bin comprising a main catch bin body having integrally formed front wall, back wall, and opposing walls. Downwardly from the front, back and side walls, is a floor. The walls and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the floor, the side walls are tapered inwardly towards a body neck and opening. The upper most portion of the front and back walls also terminate at the body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intent to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing containers includes a die defining an opening, a punch, and a system for displacing the die and punch relative to each other. The punch may be fixed and the die may be moved from a first position spaced apart from the punch such that a container to be crushed can be placed between the punch and die and a second position in which the punch extends into the die opening to define an annular gap between the punch and die opening. The arrangement is such that a container crushed between the die and punch as a result of displacement of the die to the second position is at least in part forced into and deformed within the annular gap.

Abstract: A compacting press having a support section, a compacting section which undergoes translational movement along a vertical axis (Z, Z?) which is fitted with a thrust-plate and which forms a ram designed to compress cases by the application of pressure, and a guide assembly made up of a skirt, with a liner, a hoop and a cradle. The cradle is fitted to a skirt holding section by a removable connection made up of a reversible assembly system involving the fitting into place and horizontal movement of at least one key-hole shaped opening which passes vertically through the cradle and at least one vertically orientated mushroom-shaped lug. This press is preferably used for compacting a case containing hazardous materials, in particular radioactive waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically feeding an oil filter(s) into a crushing zone to shear a canister from a connector plate. The apparatus feed the oil filters into the crushing zone one at a time for the crushing by a movable wall against a fixed wall (211) to flatten the canister while blade shears the canister from the connector plate. The apparatus enables capture of oil and recycling of the canister and connector plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile crusher for crushing containers such as 55-gallon drums. The apparatus includes a crusher head and crusher base, each of which are quickly and easily attached to a forklift. When actuated, the forks of the forklift drive the crusher base and container resting on it into the crusher head, thereby crushing the container. The apparatus may be configured to accommodate different sizes of forklifts and may include an optional device to puncture the container at the onset of the crushing action.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing or frame for receiving the bottle, an element for fixing the bottle, a heating element surrounding part of the bottle and compressing means for compacting the softened bottle, wherein the housing or frame is constructed to receive the bottle with its mouth part upwards, the heating element or the part of the heating element surrounding the bottle is at most 60 mm high, and is arranged around the neck part of the bottle in its starting position and the fixing element is a sealable plug in the compressing means, to be fitted into the mouth of the bottle and having an air channel, the cross section of which is preferably adjustable, preferably with flow control means. The flow control means may be a valve.

Abstract: A compactor device for the automatic compacting of empty containers (5), e.g. disposable bottles/cans of metal, plastic, glass or other suitable material, wherein the container (5) is essentially being pressed flat and possibly punctured, possibly crushed, and wherein the compacting area is formed by a cuneiform area between a conveyor belt (20) and a first jaw set (36a) and a second jaw set (36b), and wherein a plurality of jaws (32), which are provided with teeth on their active side, are arranged in such a way that each alternate jaw (32), as seen transversally to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt (20), is connected to the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) respectively, the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) being rotatably connected to two common eccentric shafts (38, 38?), and the eccentric shafts (38, 38?) being formed in such a way that the eccentric motion of the jaw sets (36a, 36b) is out of phase, typically by 180 degrees.

Abstract: A compressing device is provided that is suitable for crushing cans. A compressing device is provided that includes a plurality of linear drive actuators located along side a compression chamber to both reduce height/size of the compressing device, and provide a more uniform compression force to the can. A compressing device is provided that includes a workpiece receptacle that collects liquid or other debris, increases the safety of the compressing device by shielding sharp edges of the crushed workpiece, and provides for easy cleaning due to it's removability and dishwasher safe construction. A compressing device is provided that includes crimping portions that provide more controlled easier crushing of work pieces such as aluminum cans.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting objects such as plastic bottles and cans whose material is to be recycled includes a detector device, two discharge openings and a compactor device. The detector device has at least one code reader for distinguishing approved from rejected objects. One of the two discharge openings is intended for approved objects and the other for rejected objects. The compactor device compacts the approved objects and has continuous, non-cyclic operation. As a result, waiting times are avoided between the discharge of an approved object and the commencement of the compaction thereof.

Abstract: The lowermost of a plurality of vertically stacked cans, which have their longitudinal axes substantially vertical, is held at a first stop. A crush plate is advanced to have a first portion of its front wall engage a mid portion of the lowermost can to fold it about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. When the crush plate is withdrawn, the lowermost can falls to a second lower stop and the next stacked can is held at the first stop. The crush plate has the first portion of its front wall engage the next can to fold it and a second portion of its front wall engage the entire surface of the folded can to flatten it to enable the flattened can to exit past the second stop.

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

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

Abstract: A compactor device for the automatic compacting of empty containers (5), e.g. disposable bottles/cans of metal, plastic, glass or other suitable material, wherein the container (5) is essentially being pressed flat and possibly punctured, possibly crushed, and wherein the compacting area is formed by a cuneiform area between a conveyor belt (20) and a first jaw set (36a) and a second jaw set (36b), and wherein a plurality of jaws (32), which are provided with teeth on their active side, are arranged in such a way that each alternate jaw (32), as seen transversally to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt (20), is connected to the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) respectively, the jaw sets (36a) and (36b) being rotatably connected to two common eccentric shafts (38, 38′), and the eccentric shafts (38, 38′) being formed in such a way that the eccentric motion of the jaw sets (36a, 36b) is out of phase, typically by 180 degrees.

Abstract: A recycling machine is provided which compacts containers using a multi-purpose compacting system which includes a roller assembly having a roller configured to draw containers through an adjustable container-receiving throat. The compacting system also includes a base plate assembly with a movable base plate which at least partially defines the throat, the base plate being mounted for movement between a first orientation wherein the base plate is a first predetermined distance from the roller so as to define an open container-receiving throat, and a second orientation wherein the base plate is a second lesser predetermined distance from the roller so as to close the container-receiving throat. The throat typically is closed as the container passes between the roller and the base plate so as to compact the container therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing and collecting a can utilizing a tray having a first portion with a surface and a second portion with an opening through the same. A housing is also provided and includes a press which is movable between a first position and a second position. The tray is guided relative to the housing such that the surface of the first portion lies opposite the press and is capable of collapsing a can when placed on the first tray portion. When the press moves to its first position the can is collapsed. The collapsed can passes through the tray when the tray second portion lies opposite the press.

Abstract: A hand held device for compressing used or empty household containers consists generally of a long, straight handle and a small non-slip base. The handle has a hole in the center to receive the top of the container. The handle has rounded points protruding from the bottom, near the hole that receives the container top. As one slowly pushes the handle downward the points push on the structure of the top of the container. This creates points of failure, and allows the container to be crushed downward in a simple, slow, smooth manner, requiring very little downward force. The non-slip base, where the container is placed before compressing, keeps the container from slipping during compression. Before the container is compressed, the cap is loosened to let air out as it compresses. Once it is compressed, the cap is tightened, so the container remains compressed.

Abstract: An empty-container pressing machine comprises a pedestal including a container bearing portion capable of carrying thereon an empty container in an upright posture, a pair of guide posts provided outside the container bearing portion, a container presser vertically movable along the guide posts, and a buckling mechanism for buckling the body of the empty container. The container presser has a function to press and crush the empty container on the container bearing portion from above. The buckling mechanism has a function to buckle or deform the body of the empty container by pressing the sidewall of the body of the empty container before the empty container is crushed by means of the container presser.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compactor for empty containers consisting of a fixed frame (1) and a mobile element (2) integral with the frame but capable of sliding inside or outside the fixed frame, and of receiving the container (12) between an upper part of the fixed element (7) forming an anvil and a part of the mobile element forming a compressing member. The mobile element can be subjected to a vertical downward force. Said force is applied on the lower part of mobile element (9) by the user's foot. Said lower part forming a pedal is located underneath the fixed frame top part to cause the mobile element (2) to slide and compress the container between the opposite surfaces of said upper parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the compaction of articles, e.g., disposable metal cans or disposable plastic bottles, includes a pair of mutually counter-rotatable, interacting squeeze rollers, wherein the first roller has a fixed support and wherein the second roller is supported in an arm-spring assembly, thereby enabling the space between the rollers to be varied according to the size and compactability of the article. In addition, the apparatus has a precompactor that includes a conveyor, e.g., a belt or chain conveyor, and an elongate press plate inclined relative to the conveyor and preferably spring-loaded, to ensure that the article is gradually flattened upstream of the squeeze rollers. The squeeze roller may be provided with an incurvate middle portion and, optionally with openings having an L, U or V-shaped cross section with gripping edges in order to facilitate the feeding of the articles, such as bottles having a mouth and bottom nipple, through the compactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic sorting compression machine for iron, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. An inlet is provided atop the main body of the present invention. At least one detecting switch is arranged in a preset position of the inlet. A receptacle is disposed under the inlet. A one-way outlet and a two-way outlet are fitted at the front and rear ends of the receptacle. An exit selector controlled by a change-over magnetic valve is disposed at the two-way outlet. A container is placed under each of the three channels of the outlets. The press shaft of a spindle passes through the receptacle. The press shaft is fitted with an electrified magnet and an electrified pole at the front end thereof while another electrified pole opposite to the electrified pole is mounted in preset position of the main body. A microswitch is disposed in the farthest position of the press shaft being drawn back.

Abstract: A press has two pressure levers connected with pressure plates which can be moved against one another by a driving motor. A control device acts upon the driving motor and permits different sequences of movement of the pressure levers during the pressing operation according to different operating programs. An operating program is provided for crushing cans and containers and another operating program is provided for extracting juice. In order to avoid faulty operations, the pressure plates are constructed for receiving different mounts for the various operating modes. At least one pressure plate is connected with a sensor which detects the type of mount and reports it to the control device. Despite an expanded application range, the operating of the press is simple because, for starting both pressing operations, the equipment operator actuates only one starting switch, the selecting of the operating programs taking place automatically, which ensures a high safety standard.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective compactor apparatus and method for crushing empty recyclable containers. The compactor has a housing for containing the container to be crushed with a plunger that is able to be moved downwardly and rotated within the housing. The combined downward and rotational movement serves to achieve a maximally compressed container. The compressed container is ejected from the housing by further extension of the plunger.

Abstract: A system for attaching a food processing adapter to a food processing unit includes an upper processing adapter attached to a pressure assembly of the unit, and a lower processing adapter attached to a holder at a base of the unit. The holder includes a first slot extending horizontally into a top portion of the holder, and a second slot opposite the first slot and extending vertically into the holder. A first tab extends horizontally from the lower processing adapter and is configured to be inserted into the first slot. A second tab extends vertically from the lower processing adapter so as to be inserted into the second slot. A locking mechanism is configured to releaseably lock the second tab in place to prevent movement of the lower processing adapter during operation of the food processing unit.

Abstract: The electric aluminum can crusher is an appliance for crushing aluminum beverage cans suitable for use in households and commercial establishments. The crusher has an electric motor rotating a first crusher wheel and a second crusher wheel mounted on a spring biased support arm via a chain drive. Aluminum cans are inserted into a feeder chute having a discharge opening adjacent the junction of the crusher wheels. The feeder chute has a sensor, preferably an electric eye disposed on an interior wall of the chute, which detects the passage of a can through the chute and turns the electric motor on for a timed interval. As a can exits the feeder chute it is crushed between the crusher wheels and is discharged from the crusher. A pair of guides retain the can between the crusher wheels. The support arm may be retracted to clear any jam between the roller wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing cans, including a crush chamber, an air control valve, a pneumatic air chamber, a key lockable air supply assembly, and a plurality of air hoses. The crushing mechanism or apparatus includes the air chamber, a guide plate, and a crush plate. The control valve requires that the lid be in closed position in order to activate the apparatus. The housing also includes a removable liner; the liner is generally U-shaped in cross-section and has a curved portion along its upper edge for hanging the liner inside of the crush chamber.

Abstract: An empty-container pressing machine comprises a pedestal including a container bearing portion capable of carrying thereon an empty container in an upright posture, a pair of guide posts provided outside the container bearing portion, a container presser vertically movable along the guide posts, and a buckling mechanism for buckling the body of the empty container. The container presser has a function to press and crush the empty container on the container bearing portion from above. The buckling mechanism has a function to buckle or deform the body of the empty container by pressing the sidewall of the body of the empty container before the empty container is crushed by means of the container presser.

Abstract: A compactor for containers containing flowable materials in which the containers are compacted in a compaction chamber and flowable materials from the containers are recovered in a controlled manner as by extrusion from the compaction chamber. The compactor advantageously includes a shearing mechanism to assist in controlling the feeding of containers into the compaction chamber and/or the release of the container's contents. The containers are preferably compacted under sufficiently high pressures to rupture the containers and force any flowable materials out of the containers. A collection manifold is preferably provided in sealed communication with the compaction chamber to receive flowable materials extruded from the compaction chamber. A filter or screening mechanism capable of withstanding the pressures generated in the compactor is provided to permit flowable materials to be extruded out of the compacting chamber, yet maintaining the ruptured containers in the compaction chamber.

Abstract: In a method for emptying drums which are filled with solids and the lids of which have already been removed, the drum base is separated from the drum and the solids are forced out of the drum with the aid of a pressing body. An apparatus for emptying drums filled with solids has a cutting ring for removing the drum base. For the purpose of emptying the drum freed from the drum base and the rum lid, the apparatus has a pressing body which is in the form of a ram and, driven by hydraulic cylinders, can be displaced along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the cutting ring. A stop supports the drum against force acting in the direction of displacement while the solids are being forced out of the drum by the ram.

Abstract: A compactor for containers containing flowable materials in which the containers are compacted in a compaction chamber and flowable materials from the containers are recovered in a controlled manner as by extrusion from the compaction chamber. The compactor advantageously includes a shearing mechanism to assist in controlling the feeding of containers into the compaction chamber and/or the release of the container's contents. The containers are preferably compacted under sufficiently high pressures to rupture the containers and force any flowable materials out of the containers. A collection manifold is preferably provided in sealed communication with the compaction chamber to receive flowable materials extruded from the compaction chamber. A filter or screening mechanism capable of withstanding the pressures generated in the compactor is provided to permit flowable materials to be extruded out of the compaction chamber, yet maintaining the ruptured containers in the compaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously recycling a plurality of used oil filters involves placing a plurality of the filters into a rectangular compartment having a top, opposite sides, a bottom, and first and second ends. Pressure is exerted on the oil filters in a first longitudinal direction, and a second compressive pressure is imposed on the filters in a second longitudinal direction at a substantial right angle with respect to the first longitudinal direction. The first and second pressures are sufficient to compress the air filters to a substantial self-contained rectangular block. This method produces a self-contained block wherein 90% to 95% of the residual oil in the filters is removed.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use is disclosed for a machine used for perforating and flattening or crushing containers of varying sizes and materials. The disclosed machine has a frame having an input opening and a discharge opening. A first plurality of shafts and second plurality of shafts are rotatably supported by the firame. The first plurality of shafts are disposed in a first plane and the second plurality of shafts are disposed in a second plane. The second plane is acutely angled with respect to the first plane. One or more motors rotate the first and second plurality of shafts, each shaft having perforating elements positioned along them. The perforating elements are offset between adjacent performing shafts such that adjacent perforating elements overlap but do not touch the adjacent shaft. The perforating elements have a plurality of spikes capable of perforating the container being perforated and crushed. In use, containers are introduced into the frame through the input opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method in handling of returnable packages, such as bottles and/or cans. The device (10) comprises a rotatable magazine (12) for transferring returnable packages, such as bottles or cans, from a feed station (B.sub.1) further. The device that transfers the returned package from the package feed station (B.sub.1) is a rotatable magazine (12), which includes package spaces (A.sub.1, A.sub.2). The solution of equipment comprises, in the magazine (12), an outer wall, which moves to ahead of the feed gate (B.sub.1) when the magazine is rotated. The identification station (B.sub.2), in which the returned package, such as a can or a bottle, is identified, is placed after the feed station (B.sub.1). The equipment includes means by which a returned package placed in a package space (A.sub.1 or A.sub.2) in the magazine (12) is transferred, by rotating the magazine, from the feed station (B.sub.1) into the identification station (B.sub.2), in which the returned package is identified.

Abstract: An aluminum can crushing mechanism includes a support base which has a pair of support members extending from it. Situated between the support members is a pair of compacting plates. The compacting plates utilize a pair of alignment rods, one plate having the alignment rods affixed therewithin and the other plate being functionally adapted to be movable along the alignment rods. Rotatably affixed to the movable plate is a handle member which, when rotated from a generally upwardly extending position to a downward position, causes the compacting plates to move towards each other thereby compacting an aluminum can located between the compacting plates. When the handle member is rotated upwardly, the compacted can drops out from the mechanism without further handling of it.

Abstract: A compactor for crushing metal cans. The compactor includes a magazine for unattended delivery of cans to the crushing chamber.

Abstract: A device for smashing empty aluminum cans that provides for holding the cans horizontally on the ground while an automobile runs over the cans in order to smash the cans into a flattened configuration for recycling. The device is comprised of a long, narrow backing and a flexible member that is secured to a top surface of the backing. The flexible member is formed into a series of parallel curved flaps for removably holding the cans across the width of the backing and in the path of travel of the automobile. The flexible flaps are resilient and they return to their original configuration after the automobile has run over the device, allowing the smashed cans to be removed from the device and the device to be reused.

Abstract: An automated container handling and processing system includes a metal container handling subsystem and a plastic container handling subsystem. Each container subsystem includes a roller conveyor for conveying a plurality of large bins carrying crushed containers derived from reverse vending machines. An automated dumping station receives and inverts the bins sequentially to dump the crushed containers into a central hopper, then sends the bins to a washer which cleans the bins for reuse. A separate belt conveyor receives containers which do not require identification or accounting and conveys them to the central hopper. A second belt conveyor which also leads to the central hopper receives containers from one or more sorting machines which process non-crushed containers from non-RV machine return centers.

Abstract: A new automatic aluminum can crusher for compacting aluminum cans for disposal includes an upper housing comprised of a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has an open upper end with a lid hingedly coupled thereto. The first compartment has an opening through a bottom thereof. A crushing mechanism is disposed within the upper housing. An activation system is disposed interiorly of the upper housing and is in communication with the crushing mechanism.

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