Abstract: A refuse compactor has a housing for containing a garbage receptacle, and a compression unit for compacting the refuse in the compaction unit from time to time. The compactor has a sensor for sensing the approach of persons wishing to deposit garbage. This sensor causes the opening of an inlet door. It has a second sensor, for gauging the level of refuse in the receptacle. When a sufficient bulk is collected, then the compression unit operates to compact the refuse. The compression unit is subject to three limiting conditions, the first being a “receptacle full” limit, the second being a load limit, and the third being a stroke limit. The compaction unit used is a scissors mechanism having one side of the scissors mechanism held in one plane.

Abstract: A system for remotely managing a network of waste containers (12), each of which is associated with a monitoring unit (38), utilizes a central computer (50) having a communication link to each monitoring unit (38). The central computer (50) provides a dynamically updated display, via a display module (60) having a full container window (or zone) which shows full containers (12), an alarm window (or zone) which shows non-full containers (12) having an alarm condition, and a container status window (or zone) which shows non-full containers not having an alarm condition.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing large hay bales of approximately 750 kg to produce smaller recompacted manageable units to facilitate shipping in containers. The apparatus provides means for cutting the bales into at least two slabs, preferably three slabs, and means for cutting those slabs into two approximately equal pieces. Means are provided for each piece to be recompressed, strapped and cut again to provide units having an approximate weight of 35 kg.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of a dynamic surface having a predetermined shape includes sensing a change in the predetermined shape of the dynamic surface, providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface for applying a counter force thereto, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator for applying the counter force to the dynamic surface for returning the dynamic surface to the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method for detecting contamination on or damage to a web-contacting face in a paper machine or a paper finishing machine, including the steps of detecting vibrations of the web-contacting face over a period of time by means of a plurality of detectors arranged in association with the machine and determining the location of the contamination on or damage to the web-contacting face based on the time the vibrations were detected.

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: This invention concerns a method for compacting waste in a machine including an cylindrical, open-top tank (2-4) and a compacting head (15, 16), wherein a horizontal toothed roller (16) is arranged in said tank (2-4) and bears on said waste under its own weight, and said roller (16) can be rotated around the central vertical axis of said tank by the action of a driving member (15). The method is characterized in that a quantity indicative of the force exerted by said driving member (15) is monitored, and in that when said quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, an unclogging operation is performed by (a) first raising said roller (16) up to a predetermined height and (b) then releasing said roller (16) thus causing it to lower back onto the waste, while being rotatively driven in the opposite direction. In the case of a machine wherein said roller (16) is simultaneously rotatively driven around its own axis, the direction of such rotation also preferably is reversed after said roller (16) has been raised.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid and solid substances, particularly for extracting juice from fruit and the like, such as grapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a calender, comprising a cylindrical heated roll and a flexible belt surrounding a stationary support beam which supports at least one actuator which may urge a concave load shoe against the heated roll by means of said flexible belt to form an extended and heated nip through which a fiber web passes to be calendered and a separating mechanism for having at least one of the rolls movable into and away from the nip characterized in that said flexible belt is a flexible tubular jacket which forms a part of an enclosed shoe roll such that the ends of said jacket have end walls mounted thereto, which end walls are rotatably mounted in relation to said support beam, and in that at least one of said end walls is driven by means of a drive arrangement which drive arrangement may be activated to drive the end walls and thereby also the jacket independently of its position in relation to the fiber web or the heated roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for calendering a fiber web, wherein the fiber web passes through an extended and heated nip, said nip being formed on one side by a cylindrical heated roll and on the other side by a flexible tubular jacket which is pressed against the heated roll by means of a concave load shoe, said tubular jacket surrounding a stationary support beam which supports at least one actuator which may urge said load shoe and said flexible tubular jacket against said heated roll, and wherein the extension of the load shoe in the axial extension is less than the axial extension of the jacket and the heated roll such that when the load shoe is urged against the heated roll there will be formed tapered sections at each side end of the jacket within the nip wherein said tapered section are substantially covered by said fiber web such that a small strips of the fiber web at each edge is not calendered in said extended nip.

Abstract: A method of grading pork bellies which involves flattening the bellies to a pre-selected thickness with a pressure roller. The bellies are measured at a number of locations to establish an average thickness and thereafter selectively directed to collecting areas based on their thickness and surface area. The collected bellies are then given final grades based on their leanness and quality and moved on for further processing.

Abstract: A hemming machine of the type having a base, a nest for supporting a sheet metal part to be hemmed, and at least one die is disclosed in which the nest supporting the part to be hemmed is vertically displaced against the dies in order to form the hem. The improvement includes at least three elongated and external shafts wherein each shaft has one end rotatably mounted to the base so that the shafts are spaced apart and parallel with each other. A nut threadably engages each shaft, and these nuts are swivelly secured to the nest which permits a small amount of angular and radial deflection of the nut and shafts during movement of the nest from its lower to its upper position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting whether platens in a mold clamp remain parallel throughout an entire molding process. The apparatus includes a frame, a first platen having a surface orthogonal to a predetermined axis, a second platen having a surface opposing the first platen, the second platen being reciprocatable along the predetermined axis, actuating cylinders for reciprocating the second platen along the predetermined axis, and positions transducers for electromagnetically detecting the positions of a plurality of points on the surface of the second platen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus calendering a fiber web, wherein the fiber web passes through an extended and heated nip, said nip being formed on one side by a cylindrical heated roll and on the other side by a flexible tubular jacket which is pressed against the heated roll by means of a concave load shoe, said tubular jacket surrounding a stationary support beam which supports at least one actuator which may urge said load shoe and said flexible tubular jacket against said heated roll, and wherein the extension of the load shoe in the axial extension is less than the axial extension of the jacket and the heated roll such that when the load shoe is urged against the heated roll there will be formed tapered sections at each side end of the jacket within the nip characterised in that said tapered section are substantially covered by said fiber web such that a small strips of the fiber web at each edge is not calendered in said extended nip.

Abstract: A compaction and transfer apparatus adapted to measure the length and/or weight of a waste log during compaction and transfer thereof, is provided. The apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a closure device, a compaction ram, and a movement and/or weight detector. The compaction chamber is adapted to receive waste material. The compaction chamber has a discharge opening. The closure device is selectively movable into and out of the discharge opening to control the size of the discharge opening. The compaction ram is movable through the chamber to press the waste material against the closure device and thereby provide compaction of the waste material. The movement detector preferably is mounted on the closure device. The movement detector is adapted to detect movement of the waste material through the discharge opening, which movement corresponds to the length of the waste log extending out of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the fullness of a large capacity waste container (20). Each time the a compactor (22) is used to compress the waste in the container a monitoring unit (24) determines the highest hydraulic pressure generated by the compactor during a selected period of compactor use. The monitoring unit also maintains a count of how often the compactor is used. After the container is filled and emptied a number of times, the monitoring unit then divides the highest hydraulic pressures for the uses by the number of uses to obtain a pressure/use value. This pressure/use value is used as a variable to determine a maximum uses value representative of the number of times the compactor can be used before a container is filled. Once a container data representative of how full a container is, and how many compactor uses remain, is calculated by comparing the number of times the container has been used since it was emptied to the maximum uses value.

Abstract: A guard includes a housing which is mounted on the movable ram of a press brake. The housing supports a pivotally and slideably mounted guard plate and a fluorescent light bulb. The guard plate is positioned in front of the male and female dies of the press brake and prevents accidental contact with the dies. When a work piece is inserted between the dies, the guard plate is pushed upward and the motion of the guard plate actuates a switch which turns the fluorescent light bulb on. When the workpiece is removed, the guard plate returns to the original position under the influence of gravity and the fluorescent light bulb is turned off.

Abstract: A tool support and monitoring assembly for a press. The tool includes upper and lower die shoes, back-up plates, and upper and lower die tooling. The die tooling is secured to the back-up plate and includes a first surface facing the back-up plate and an opposite second surface. The back-up plate defines an air plenum which is connected to a pressure monitoring device. The die tooling defines a plurality of small bores which communicate with the air plenum. The bores extend from the first surface toward the second surface of the die tooling. The pressure monitoring device detects air pressure in the air plenum and bores, and shuts down the press to prevent a subsequent stroke when a pressure drop indicative of tool failure is detected.

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

Abstract: Learning control is adopted in slide control of a press, and the actual behavior pattern of the slide is converged to the optimum pattern thereby breakage of a metal mold or the like can be prevented. The slide control device is provided with a linear motor or a servo motor driving the slide in reciprocation, a position detector detecting position of the slide, and a control circuit fixing and storing previously the command value of the optimum pattern of behavior of the slide, and calculating error between the real position data from the position detector and the fixed command value of the optimum pattern in a prescribed period of time from the drive start of the slide, and correcting the command value to be outputted in order to eliminate the error and outputting the command value after the correction and controlling the linear motor or the servo motor.

Abstract: An injection molding machine has a frame which is C-shaped viewed from the side, the legs of which are pushed apart at their free ends by the effect of the locking force, wherein the two die platens associated with the legs are thereby kept parallel, in that pivoting takes place between at least one die platen and the associated leg. According to the invention, a measuring device is provided for permanent monitoring of the rotation and distortion of the joint providing the pivoting.

Abstract: A press is provided for applying heat transfers to rigid or flexible substrates such as plaques, tiles, plates, clothing and the like. The press includes a frame (10) presenting a lower platen (12), and an upper platen (58) supported on an arm (50) for movement toward and away from the lower platen. The upper platen (58) presents a mounting bracket (78) by which it is connected to the support arm, and a pressure adjustment assembly (54) is supported between the upper platen and the support arm for adjusting the position of the upper platen. The pressure adjustment assembly (54) includes a pin (80) supported in apertures of the support arm (50) and the upper platen (58) and a lever (88) protruding generally radially from the pin for permitting the rotational position of the pin to be adjusted.

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

Abstract: A pressing device 1 for joining workpieces 44, 45 has a pressing tool 3 and a motorized drive 5 for actuation of the pressing tool 3 over a pressing distance, as well as a control device 26 which has a drive control device 62 with an output control device 67 as actuator for influencing the drive 5, such that at least one setpoint profile is retained as a command variable according to which a manipulated variable, corresponding to the setpoint profile, is generated for influencing the output control device 67. The output control device 67 and the setpoint profile 79 or profiles are part of a servocontrol system.

Abstract: A system (22) for monitoring the fullness of a waste container (20). Waste in the container is compressed by a ram (26). The system includes a sensor (42) for monitoring the force employed to actuate the ram. A container state processor (46) receives the signal from the sensor. The container state processor generates data representative of the fullness of the container. The data generated by the container state processor are transmitted through a modem (50) over the public telephone network to a remote location such as to waste hauler's dispatcher. The system also includes a supervisory processor (58) that is connected to both the container state processor and the modem. The supervisory processor monitors operating state signals generated by both the container state processor (46) and the modem (50). If the operating state signals generated by the container state processor (46) indicate that it is malfunctioning, the supervisory processor (58) attempts to correct for this malfunction.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a roll press including a seal extending along at least one of a pair of press rolls, the seal including a resilient member extending from the vat in which the press rolls are disposed towards one of the press rolls and a wear member attached to the resilient member for contacting the outer shell surface of the vat press roll whereby the wear member can be replaced upon wearing down of same.

Abstract: A refuse management system (10) has a refuse container (18) associated with a compactor (20) for compacting refuse in the container (18) at a local position, a local controller (26) for receiving and transmitting signals from the compactor, and a processor (14) at a remote position for receiving and processing signals from the local controller (26). A transmitter/receiver is positioned at each of the local and remote positions for establishing two-way communication between the local controller and the remote processor such that the controller and processor can each send and receive signals from each other. A local display (22, 90) is in communication with the controller (26) for displaying signals from the controller and signals received in the controller from the processor to thereby display container condition. A keypad (82) can be provided with the local display (22, 90) and controller for entering data into the controller and displaying data on the display.

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 bump leveling method and a bump leveling apparatus in which the leveled height of bumps can be made constant and meet the change in thickness of an IC chip. A pressing force under which one bump is deformed to a prescribed height is measured. Thus, the pressing force under which a plurality of bumps can be deformed and leveled can be set. A load cell detects that a prescribed pressing force is exerted on the bumps and this pressing force is maintained, so that the plurality of bumps can be leveled up to the same prescribed height.

Abstract: A fully automated, microprocessor controlled, fiber baling apparatus for converting loose, discontinuous fibers into compressed, high-density fiber bales is disclosed. The fiber baling apparatus produces fiber bales having preselected and substantially identical masses with weight tolerances below one percent of the total bale weight. The fiber baling apparatus includes a conveyor located downstream of a fiber-forming chain, a baler having a first hopper, a second hopper mounted on a scale and a compression assembly, a bagger/strapper assembly, a bag sealer, and a bale lifting system. The fiber baling apparatus separates the fibers into separate mat portions rather than operating to form bales from a continuous stream of fibers. The separate mat portions of fiber are transported by conveyor to the baler and the fiber mat portions are weighed, precompressed, and fully compressed into fiber bales.

Abstract: Retrofittable hay bale measuring apparatus measures the size of the hay bale being formed, and indicates the size of the bale being formed to a control and display unit. The baler operator sets the desired hay bale size and monitors the baler operation on the display. A contact wheel, which contacts the hay bale and rotates as the bale is being formed, is rotationally attached to a measuring wheel. Alternatively, the contact wheel may itself comprise the measuring wheel. The rotation of the measuring wheel is monitored by a rotation detector which generates a hay bale measuring signal, and sends it to the control and display unit. The control and display unit generates a signal which indicates to the baler when it is time to tie off a bale of hay, based upon the measuring signal.

Abstract: A plastic bottle heating element compressor for compressing plastic bottles to reduce storage area required for plastic recyclables. The inventive device includes a cylindrical housing having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The open upper end has a lid removably secured thereover. A plurality of heating coils are disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing. A power switch is disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing upwardly of the closed lower end thereof. The power switch is in communication with the plurality of heating coils. The power switch has an electrical cord extending outwardly therefrom for coupling with a standard electrical outlet. A crushing mechanism is positioned interiorly of the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing.

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

Abstract: A process and device for satining paper may include guiding a sheet through a roll gap defined by a heated hard roll and a soft roll having with a covering. A paper sheet width of the paper may be less than a width of a cylindrical part of each of the covering and the hard roll. The two rolls may be axially adjusted in relation to each other and in accordance with the paper sheet width. Further, the two rolls are positioned such that a first sheet edge is located adjacent a first end of the cylindrical part of the covering and a second sheet edge is located adjacent a second end of the cylindrical part of the hard roll. That is, the cylindrical parts of the covering and hard roll are positioned to be directly over each other, i.e., beyond the sheet edge, at most by a predetermined permissible edge width.

Abstract: A die height correcting apparatus for a press having sides formed by C-shaped frames and a slide to be driven up and down being provided on an upper portion of a press body, includes an auxiliary frame provided on the side surface of at least one of the C-shaped frame. The lower end side of the auxiliary frame is pivotably mounted on the C-shaped frame and has a free end at the upper end side, a slide position detector provided on the upper end side of the auxiliary frame, and a temperature detector provided at least on the upper end side of the auxiliary frame among the upper end side of the auxiliary frame and the slide position detector. The slide is NC controlled on the basis of a slide position detected by the slide position detector, the temperature detector detects a temperature of the upper end side of the auxiliary frame among the upper end side of the auxiliary frame and the slide position detector.

Abstract: A plurality of bins are configured to be removably positioned on a platform within a housing. A first opening in the housing is positioned above the bins. A second opening in the housing is configured to permit the bins to be removed there-through. The platform is configured to rotate a selected one of the bins into position adjacent the first opening and the second opening simultaneously, such that waste can be transferred through the first opening into the selected one of the bins, and such that the selected one of the bins can be removed through the second opening. The platform is further configured to rotate a chosen one of the bins into position adjacent a compacting apparatus such that the compacting apparatus can compact waste within the chosen one of the bins. When travel of an arm of the compacting apparatus into the bin is less than a pre-determined distance, an indicator indicates that the bin is full.

Abstract: The embossing or blocking and punching machine with a machine control (2) has several pressure sensors (S1 to S4) for measuring compressive forces X arranged around the center Z of the blocking surface F. A positioning device (10) with a displacement drive (20) and associated motor control (21) is connected to a pressure control program (30) with compressive force control functions (REG), with which is associated a control and display unit (40). Thus, a precise, automatic constant control of the optimum operating pressure (XA) can take place and a constant, maximum embossing or printing quality is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a force to laminated integrated circuit cubes in an oven chamber includes a force-applying member, an actuator for the force-applying member, and sealing structure for sealing the force-applying member to an opening permitting access by said force-applying member into the oven chamber. The sealing structure has a flexible sleeve, and the force-applying member passes through the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is hermetically sealed to the force-applying member, and a second end of the sleeve can be hermetically sealed about the opening. The force applying member can move within the opening and the flexible sleeve will flex with this movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for baling municipal solid waste, characterized in that it comprises a waste compacting press composed of a compartment, which encloses a chamber, and is provided, in an upward region, with an opening for loading the loose waste, and is laterally provided with an axial opening for discharging the compacted waste; the upper opening is closeable by two articulated covers, subjected to the action of two pusher jacks to apply a pre-compaction pressure to the waste fed into the chamber, and the axial opening can be closed by a door against which the waste is compacted, so as to form a prism-like bale, by an axial jack, with an action line perpendicular to the door; the door can be removed to clear the axial opening and transfer the bale from the chamber into a sorting channel, whereat a pusher element advances the bale through a strapping machine adapted to place straps around the bale.

Abstract: A press machine, whose set operating conditions, pressing state, etc., can be easily grasped and whose safety and operability in the pressing operation can be improved, has a console panel (26) provided with a crank angle display (70), a pressing state display (80), a sheet switch (106) for inputting control information into a control section, and a multi-display (102) capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of the control information at a time. The crank angle display (70) can be constituted of multiple light emitting sections (72) arranged into a circle, and successive ones (72a) of the light emitting sections (72) whose number corresponds to the crank angle can be turned on.

Abstract: There is provided a die protection apparatus for a hydraulic press in which a slide is moved up and down by a hydraulic cylinder, which apparatus comprises: a slide position detection means for detecting a position of the said slide; a pressure detection means for detecting a pressure that is applied to the said slide; a setting means for setting a threshold value of the said applied pressure and a predetermined position of the said slide which are required to form a workpiece in accordance with a die used; and an emergency stop means which, if a working pressure develops that exceeds the said threshold value at any position in a workpiece forming zone, is so operative as to determine the said working pressure to be abnormal, thereby emergency stopping the said slide.

Abstract: A roll system for use particularly in a papermaking press nip for dewatering a fibrous web, comprising a roll disposed so as to rotatingly cooperate with another roll in a press nip, the roll having a helical sensor for sensing pressure exhibited on the roll, and transmitting pressure signals to a processor as the roll rotates. Trigger signals are generated at certain times as the roll rotates, the time of the occurrence of the trigger signal representing a specific location on the helical sensor. The pressure signals are coordinated with the trigger signals, such that the pressure corresponds to the angular position of the roll where it is sensed. The operator may thus be given a visual or audible indication of the existence of non-uniformities in pressure sensed at various locations along the roll, thereby enabling corrective action to be initiated if necessary.

Abstract: A high ratio screw actuated device used as a press to provide high pressure under small increments of movement which includes a frame or base for a housing rotatably carrying a screw having large pitch threads, a nut within said housing receiving said screw and having internal threads of the same pitch as the screw threads but a pitch diameter larger than the screw pitch diameter, a thrust/radial bearing encompassing said nut, a compression spring in said housing urging said nut downward, the free end of said screw carrying one piece of a two-piece die set, a guide rod having one end received in a socket in the frame, and a motor mounted on the guide rod for slidable movement thereof, the upper end of the screw terminating in a coupling receiving the drive end of the motor to engage the screw in rotational movement.

Abstract: A rubbish container with automatic compressing mechanism mainly including a housing, a plurality of rubbish bins positioned inside the housing to collect sorted rubbish, movement control channels provided in the housing to support a transversely extended top board, and an automatic compressing mechanism mounted on the top board. A motor is connected to one end of one of the movement control channels to rotate a threaded rod therein, so that the top board connected to the threaded rod and the compressing mechanism on the top board are brought to translate along the movement control channels to and fro in the housing over the rubbish bins. The compressing mechanism has a motor to drive a compressing member and a compressing plate connected to a lower end of the compressing member to move up and down, compressing rubbish collected in the rubbish bins to a reduced volume.

Abstract: A multiple opening panel press is described with a plurality of movable platens which are individually controlled to adjust the spacing between adjacent platens to a predetermined panel width. Position-sensor transducers are employed to produce control signals corresponding to the platen positions which operate control cylinders by associated valves to adjust the platen spacing. The transducers are preferably sonic waveguides which interact with permanent magnets fixed to the movable platens to generate platen position signals which are applied to an automatic control system which includes a computer that produces the control signals.

Abstract: In a round baler having a microprocessor based controller for controlling the pattern in which twine is wrapped around a bale, factory installed programs, selectable by an operator through actuation of control keys, provide a plurality of twine wrap patterns each of which includes two wraps at each end of the bale. An operator's panel is provided with keys which, when actuated, modify the number of end wraps. The factory installed programs are not otherwise modified. When a factory installed program is selected, the number of end wraps placed on each end of the bale is determined by the modified number of end wraps.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a movable member (60) having an outer circumferential surface which engages a collated assemblage (20) on a collating conveyor (14) to compress the collated assemblage when the member is moved towards the collated assemblage. A light source (36) directs light (37) toward the outer circumferential surface of the member. The outer circumferential surface includes a light reflective surface (83) portion against which the light is directed and then reflected. The reflected light (38) has a characteristic which varies as a function of the thickness of the collated assemblage. The reflected light is sensed and a first electrical signal (42) is provided which varies as a function of the characteristic of the reflected light and thus as a function of the thickness of the collated assemblage.

Abstract: A cylindrical baler is comprised of an adjustable bale forming chamber for forming spirally wound, cylindrical bales. A completed bale is discharged on the ground through a rear tailgate. The chamber is defined by a plurality of belts supported on a system of rollers. Tensioning cylinders are mounted on each side of the baler to provide variable bale density and tailgate cylinders are positioned on the rear of the baler to actuate the tailgate after a bale is formed. A two-way proportional valve acts alone or in cooperation with an adjustable rotary valve and an adjustable relief valve to coordinate the flow, to vary the belt tension, and to open and close the tailgate.

Abstract: A process to separate insoluble solid portions from soluble liquid materials of fruits with increased performance and yield using a press (7) wherein water, is first supplied to a mill for crushing the fruit. The soluble materials are then separated from the solid portions as juice in the press (7). The relationship between water feed and fruit feed can be controlled by a of microprocessor (22). An apparatus for carrying out this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cyclically operating filter press for squeezing juice from fruit is controlled so that the pressing pressure rises during an early part of a cycle and then, at a time determined in view of actual process variables, the pressure increase is stopped and the pressing pressure remains constant thereafter. The limiting time for the pressure rise is determined with a process.