Abstract: A device for compacting and dewatering moist refuse comprises a tube and a piston reciprocable therein. Varying consistency of the refuse matter will require a varying resistance to the compacting action of the piston. A throttling device within the tube comprises a number of plates which are swingable about an axis arranged perpendicularly to the tube, and are actuable so as to occupy a position practically level with the wall of the tube, or to a position in which they extend into the tube, respectively. The piston is operated by a double acting hydraulic ram, and the plates are operated by a further hydraulic ram. Both rams are connected to a source of pressure fluid, and are interconnected so the power stroke end of the further ram communicates with the return flow end of the piston ram, and vice versa. Two oppositely directed non-return valves are fitted in parallel in the conduit connecting the power stroke end of the further ram with the return flow end of the piston ram.

Abstract: Apparatus for the expansion of oil bearing seeds and of the kind comprising at least one screw (11) rotatable in a barrel (10) for conveying seed through the barrel from one end to the other, there being a die plate (14) having orifices (15) therein at the output end of the barrel and through which the seed material is extruded by the action of the screw or screws, there being a plurality of throttle needles (17) having portions (19) of tapering cross-section and movable linearly with respect to said orifices thus to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof in response to conditions within the barrel such as temperature as detected by a temperature sensor (22), the cylindrical wall of the barrel being either wholly plain or in part comprised by a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending bars forming a press cage, the position of the throttle needles ensuring control of the state of the seed material prior to extrusion through the die plate.