Abstract: A food container is provided with a container body; a retaining ring; an inlet and outlet mechanism; and a cover. In response to securing the retaining ring to the inlet and outlet mechanism, securing the retaining ring to the container body, and connecting a second conductor to a second terminal of a micro switch, a pressure sensor pushes a resilient member to close the micro switch to supply power from a power source to a motor, a vacuum pump is activated by the motor, a plunger moves to block an open end of a second stop on a second pipe so as to remove air from the container body through a first pipe, the air is drawn into a closed space via an air inlet and a second opening, and the air enters the pressure sensor via a bossed hole, thereby producing a vacuum in the container body.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus (22) for use with a traveling grate (18) including a base (44) and one or more legs (42) extending upwardly from the base (44). The sealing apparatus (22) includes at least one flange (52) extending outwardly from one or more of the legs (42). The flange (52) includes a surface (53) extending between the leg (52) and one or more edges (52A, 52B, 52L) of the flange (52). The surface (53) includes a sealing portion (55) adjacent to the leg (52) and one or more discharge portions (56) sloped downwardly from the sealing portion (55) to one or more of the edges (52A, 52B, 52L), for discharge of wear materials therefrom. The sealing portion (55) is positioned proximate to a portion of the traveling grate (18) and defines a gap (G2) therebetween. The gap (G2) is configured to mitigate flow therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of burning trash containing aluminum in a furnace having a moving grate and inclined trays. The grate has an upper and lower part. The inclined trays are provided with one or more inclined plates. The inclined plates are supported on the trays below the upper part of the grate and above the lower part of the grate. Ash and molten aluminum falls through the upper part of the grate, onto the inclined plates, the ash slides off the plates and the aluminum remains on the plates. The plates have holes therethrough to allow air flow for combustion. Some blockage of the holes by aluminum will result over time, but not enough to significantly restrict the flow of combustion air to the combustion area. The trays are removed through the side walls of the furnace for removal of the aluminum when necessary.