Abstract: In an apparatus and method for producing sand from stone, the stone is first crushed in a centrifugal crusher and then filtered through a screen. The stone retained on the screen is further crushed by a vibration mill. The stone passing through the screen and the stone crushed by the vibration mill are combined and then are filtered through a separater to separate out the minute particules. Measurements of various flow rates and particle sizes are made in order to control the rotational speed of the vibration mill and the rate at which stone is supplied to the screen.

Abstract: A comminuter apparatus for comminuting documents and the like in a manner to prevent their legible reconstruction includes a feed hopper having a closable access opening and a discharge opening such that materials introduced into the hopper pass by gravity to a cutter assembly having driven rough-cut and primary cutter blade groups cooperative with an annular perforated comminuter plate to comminute the material and pass it to a discharge chamber from which it is transferred to a collection receptacle or waste compactor. Numerous features are provided to prevent clogging and insure safe operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for conveniently and safely disposing of burnt out fluorescent light tubes. A disposal container is provided by a closely fitting, bendable tube which is permanently closed at one end and is provided with a removable closure cap at the other end. The fluorescent light tube to be disposed of is placed within the container and while confined in the container is broken and reduced to a relatively fine rubble having a small volume. Since the disposal container completely confines the tube when it is broken, the hazard of flying glass and powdered coating material is eliminated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for maintaining a constant refining intensity under varying tonnage rate and applied power conditions to a slurry of paper stock being passed through a disk type refiner. The system utilizes a control strategy and several unique control algorithms which combine to provide a result which relates the speed of rotation of the refiner elements to the power consumed by the drive motor. The present invention is based on intensity which is defined as the net refining power applied divided by the number of bar crossings (refining elements) per unit time. The system is an adaptive control system which operates on the basis of real time measurements of the refiner process.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a grinding mill, a proportioning chamber arranged adjacent to the outlet of the grinding mill and a processing chamber, into which the coffee powder from the proportioning chamber is discharged. The coffee powder coming from the grinding mill is thrown into the proportioning chamber, which includes a pressure sensitive, elastically resilient wall element with a signal generator connected thereto. As soon as the proportioning chamber is filled with coffee powder, a dynamic pressure is built-up within the proportioning chamber due to the overpressure caused by the grinding mill, which forces the wall element to a displacement, whereby the signal generator is operated. Subsequently, on the one hand, the motor of the grinding mill is switched off and, on the other hand, a bottom wall part of the proportioning chamber is unlocked, whereby the milled product, assisted by the elastically resilient wall element, is discharged from the proportioning chamber.

Abstract: A pulverizing mill is disclosed, suitable for wet or dry foodstuffs, chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals, having a reversible welded multi-bladed rotor which is substantially seamless and crack-free so as not to catch and retain particles of the material being pulverized. The rotor blades are supported parallel to the rotor's central axis in a picket-fence configuration in which blade position are staggered from one rotor segment to the next whereby the entire rotor shaft internal volume is swept by one or more blades during each revolution. The blades are supported at predetermined points which raise the rotor maximum safe operating to achieve a higher output of pulverized product. The mill inlet housing is attached by quick-release toggle fasteners associated with fiber-optic sensing means to prevent mill operation unless the housing is fully secured in one of two proper operating positions.

Abstract: A document shredder standing on a subframe has an outlet opening from which comminuted material falls into a basket. A swingably mounted flap loaded resiliently by a knee lever mechanism serves simultaneously as a full condition sensor against overfilling of the basket and as a closure for the outlet opening and in both these positions switches the document shredder off. It is brought from the closure position to the working position automatically on sliding in the basket, and on its removal into the closed position again.

Abstract: A method of and a machine for measuring out of ground material, in particular coffee, of which the grains and beans are first of all ground and during the course of the grinding are deposited in a pre-measurement chamber. In this chamber, a piston transfers and packs the measure that is to be used, and variations in the preset measure are corrected.

Abstract: An automatic compactor enhancement reduces the volume of compactable low-level radioactive wastes and transfers the reduced wastes to a nearby waste compactor. The wastes are shredded by a primary shredder assembly and a secondary shredder assembly. The system employs a pressure-controlled enclosure means to house the shredder assemblies and to control the release of wastes to the environment. A number of safety features are integrated into the system to enhance the operational safety of the system.

Abstract: A control system (44, 112) particularly adapted to be cooperatively associated with a mill (10) and in particular a roller mill (10) of the type that is operative to effectuate the grinding and/or pulverization of solid materials. When so employed, the subject control system (44, 112) enables the roller mill (10) to be operated over a wide range of varying levels of output of pulverized material, while yet ensuring that both the proper air/solids ratio and the desired degree of fineness of the pulverized material are being maintained. To achieve this result, the subject control system (44, 112) is operatively connected in circuit relation with the feed means (12) that supplies to the roller mill (10) the material that is to be pulverized therein, with the drive means (20, 22) through which the mill (10) is driven, with the classifier means (38) that effects a separation of the pulverized material according to fineness, and with the means which receives the output from the roller mill (10).

Abstract: An electric motor operated rotary drum type grinding mill is operated at optimal efficiency by detecting and analyzing the motor current. The power signals are converted by signal processing equipment for presentation as pictorial display representations of mill operating conditions at a variety of motor current levels to permit unskilled operators to understand the current operating conditions. Instantaneous on line current signals are derived from the mill by a transformer coupling without rewiring or modification. Analytical equipment processes the detected current signals for mill control, storage of historical performance and pictorial display. Mill operation is accordingly controlled in semi-automatic or fully automatic modes that maintain optimum mill efficiency.

Abstract: An improved safety interlock for a food processor of the type including a control system for preventing actuation of a powerful motor drive, so that the food processing tool does not rotate, unless two conditions have been met; namely,(1) a bowl is mounted in its operating position on the base housing, and(2) a cover is held securely in its operating position on the bowl.The improved safety interlock provided in one embodiment of the invention uses two permanent magnets. One magnet is associated with actuator means and the other magnet is associated with switch means which prevent operation of the motor unless actuated. These two magnets are oriented generally in vertical planes relative to the horizontal top deck of the base housing. Each magnet is divided or coded into respective polarity quadrants, said quadrants of each of these magnets being non-symmetrical with respect to mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A flow control system in a tobacco shredding machine or the like having a conveyor means for conveying raw material under compression up to a shredding port and a rotary drum cutter adapted to rotate in close proximity to the shredding port and shred the raw material forced out from the shredding port. A rotational torque of the rotary drum cutter is detected by a torque detecting means and the number of revolutions of the same cutter is detected by a number-of-revolutions detecting means, then on the basis of the detected rotational torque and number of revolutions the number of revolutions of the rotary drum cutter is controlled so as to give a target flow rate of raw material by a number-of-revolutions control means, and the conveyance speed of the conveyor means is controlled in synchronism with the rotary drum cutter by a speed control means. The flow rate of raw material can be maintained constant and the quality of shredded pieces is stable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a shredding machine with high power for the comminution of multilayered paper, data carriers and the like with at least one drive motor and a stator winding, which upon overloading of the shredding machine automatically is switched to reverse. The operation of the machine is possible without fear of overloading the machine and the user has no need to nor temptation to grip with one's hand paper jammed into the shredding machine. The object of the invention is achieved by providing a second stator winding, which upon overloading of the shredding machine is initially connected in parallel to the one stator winding. Therefor, in case of overloading no switching into reverse occurs, but for a limited time of, for example, 10 seconds a second stator winding is connected in parallel to the first stator winding.

Abstract: A mill for grinding farinaceous seeds into flour comprises a pair of counterrotating cylinders to which seeds to be ground are fed from a hopper with the aid of a transport roller driven by a variable-speed motor. A sensor inside the hopper measures, e.g. capacitively, the level of a supply of seeds present therein and controls the speed of that motor to vary the feed rate substantially in proportion to the measured level. When the sensor detects a drop of that level below a minimum threshold, it stops the transport roller and causes the cylinders to be separated from each other.

Abstract: A microfilm destructing apparatus with a case and with a feed shaft disposed at the case for feeding of one or possibly more film cards along a cutter plate to a rotating milling cutter, which disintegrates the film card into fine particles; and which a complete and interference free removal of the generated microfilm particles is assured. The exhaust shaft is connected near the output end of the milling cutter, and is also connected to a suction blower. An air stream passes through the air gap slot, which is formed between the milling cutter teeth and the tip of the cutter plate. A pressure air stream may be employed fed from the input side to the milling cutter or if a suction air stream is present, it functions at the output end of the milling cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating and controlling the vehicle speed and load of a mobile foliage chopping machine. As rotational speed of the chopping drum increases over its permissible minimum, a vehicle increasing speed control is carried out. Correspondingly, a decrease in speed due to increase in the working load of the chopping drum is compensated by a reduction of gear transmission of the driving machinery. Thus, the adjusted speed is held but in case of chopping drum overload, when rotational speed of the drum starts to fall below the permissible minimum, the vehicle speed control is discontinued, i.e., a speed decreasing intervention is done, therefore the permissible working load of chopping machine is held, while overload is avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for its use for protecting an electric motor and the mechanical drive line of a material comminuting machine of the type having intermeshing overlapping cutters on rotary shafts, against damage caused by overloading. A torque-limiting coupling located in the drive line between the motor and the cutter shafts is provided with rotation sensors on both the input and output sides of the torque-limiting coupling. A motor controller is responsive to significant differences in the amounts of rotation of the input and output sides of the torque-limiting coupling to stop the motor in case of excessive slippage, in order to protect the motor and the torque-limiting coupling. Where a current-sensing overload device is provided in the case of use of the device with an electric motor, the motor controller can be programmed to respond with sensitivity different from that of the electrical overload protection device.

Abstract: A size reduction machine for reducing the particle size of material, comprises a frame, an arm pivotally connected intermediate its ends to the frame, a counter weight movably connected to one end of the arm, a motor having a drive shaft mounted on the other end of the arm, an impeller connected to the free end of the motor shaft, an enclosure carried by the frame below the motor, the enclosure having fenestrated side walls and an open top for receiving the motor shaft and impeller, the motor and impeller being bodily movable into and out of the enclosure upon pivotal movement of the arm, and an adjustable stop positioned between the frame and the arm for limiting the maximum travel of the impeller into the enclosure.

Abstract: A refiner for mixtures and suspensions having a non-Newtonian rheological characteristic, such as chocolate, which comprises a plurality of power driven refining rollers, and a means of changing the pressure thereof on the respective supports, wherein a means is also provided which is effective to change the actual crowning of the rollers, or the effect of an equivalent crowning, as well as a means of changing the speed of said refining rollers. The crown change is achieved by having the individual rollers supported on an oscillating support adapted to oscillate its respective roller relatively to the associated roller by rotation about an orthogonal midaxis with respect to the roller longitudinal axes, thereby a contact point is established at the roller middle area or circumference while their ends are offset. The speed of the refining rollers is changed through independent and individually operated controls, such as a DC motor.

Abstract: A refiner control continuously calculates required gearmotor output speed in opposition to the main motor drive power such that an increase in main power causes a decrease in gearmotor output speed and therefore provides a variable resolution over the entire power range of the main drive for stable refiner operation at various setpoint levels.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for safely disposing of fluorescent lamp tubes. The apparatus utilizes rapidly rotating chains to pulverize the tubes. The pulverizing mechanism is confined within an open-top container and suspended from a lid that covers the top of the container. The pulverized debris collects within the container. A plastic bag may line the interior of the container to facilitate disposal of the pulverized debris. A safety electrical switch is associated with the lid in a manner to prevent rotation of the chains if the lid is not properly seated upon the top of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for the collection and storage of empty glass bottles, and for dispensing refund payments therefor, including a laser scanner and microprocessor preselection mechanism for determining whether a bottle offered by a customer in the bottle access area of the apparatus is an acceptable refundable bottle; two panels together forming a V-shaped base portion of the bottle access area for accepting the accepted refundable bottle; a solenoid and latch mechanism for tilting one of the two panels inwardly toward a crushing area in response to a determination by the preselection mechanism of the color of the accepted refundable bottle to sort the bottles by color; one or more crushing wheels positioned beneath each panel for receiving the acceptable refundable bottles deposited by gravity from the inwardly tilted panel, the crushing wheels having a plurality of extending bars capable of smashing the accepted refundable bottle into glass cullet; a collection hopper positioned beneath the crushing wheels located

Abstract: A hydraulic drive arrangement for a shear-type shredder includes an electrically operable control circuit, including a jam sensor external to the hydraulic fluid circuit, for sensing jamming conditions in the shredder and reversing the flow in the fluid circuit only when a true jamming condition is sensed. The jam sensor is located in the electrical power circuit to the electric motor driving the hydraulic fluid pump for sensing the load on the motor. An electric discriminator circuit responds to the sensor to distinguish between load changes due to true and momentary jamming conditions in the shredder. An actuator responsive to the discriminator actuates a flow-reversing valve in the hydraulic circuit to reverse fluid flow therein to reverse the shredder and thereby clear the jamming condition.

Abstract: A shredder comprises a cutter unit including a pair of rotary cutters for shredding a material therebetween while the rotary cutters are rotating in a normal direction, a reversible motor for rotating the rotary cutters through a speed reducer, and a switch unit for selectively causing the motor to rotate the rotary cutter in the normal direction or reversing the motor to rotate the rotary cutters in a reverse direction to remove the material from the rotary cutters when the material is jammed in the rotary cutters. An electrical control circuit is responsive to actuation of the switch unit for enabling the motor to produce a larger torque while rotating in the reverse direction than the torque produced while rotating in the normal direction, thereby reliably releasing the rotary cutters from biting engagement with the material when jammed.

Abstract: A food processor comprises a motor for rotating a rotor, a read-only memory (902) and a key input portion (600). In the read-only memory, a plurality of processing data are stored in advance. Each of the processing data includes a plurality of data groups consisting of speed data for determining the rotational speed of the motor and time data for determining the operation time of the motor. By operation of the key input portion (600), an arbitrary processing data is selected out of the plurality of processing data and the data groups included in the selected processing data are outputted successively from the read-only memory (902). According to these data groups, operation of the motor is controlled so that food is automatically processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing easily solidifying powder and particles has a casing having a capacity for containing a required amount of easily solidifying powder and particles and having in its bottom portion a discharge opening for discharging powder and particles therethrough, a discharge conveyor placed at the bottom of the casing and extending horizontally or substantially horizontally, and a crusher disposed above the discharge conveyor for scraping powder and particles from the bottom of the mass of powder and particles above the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A self-clearing shredding apparatus for disposal of waste material which includes hard to crush or shred objects, in which the apparatus is provided with individually driven pair of cutter shafts in a common horizontal plane for reducing the waste material or for converting the cutter shaft operation to one in which they perform the duty of a conveyor to transport the objects which are objectionable through a side opening. The apparatus which performs the above activity is connected up to a programmable controller which causes the apparatus to operate in a prescribed method.

Abstract: A programmable refiner controller which is an improvement over the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,204 and allows the appropriate ratio to be selected for calculating the correct values of factors P1 and P2 to obtain the proper controller gain while maintaining the transfer function for the consistency range utilized. The maximum energy per ton limit can be established to protect the refining system for over-refining or possibly breaking the disk elements inside the refiner. The controller-ratio or remote set point resolution can be increased in the instrument set point. The invention provides the operator with a control tuned so that the dial on the remote set point module indicates not only the ratio and arbitrary net horsepower days per ton, but the exact energy used per ton of material paper stock.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for cutting solid refuse and for breaking open any bags in which the solid refuse is contained comprises a housing which has an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a rotary shaft mounted in the housing, the rotary shaft mounting a plurality of blade elements which include head portions with cutting edges that extend radially away from the rotary shaft, the head portions of the blade members forming spaces therebetween and being sequentially angularly oriented about the shaft; and a plurality of parallel slat blades stationarily mounted in the housing, each slat blade being aligned with a space between the head portions of the blade elements and shaped so that material fed into the inlet opening of the housing will be compacted and/or crushed and cut by the coaction of the blade element head portions and the slat blades, and then discharged from the housing outlet opening.

Abstract: The dosage granulator comprises a feed hopper receiving reclaimed asphalt to be granulated. Under the lower opening of the feed hopper, a tearing up device is situated which is controlled by a conveyor type weigher mounted thereunder. The tearing up device comprises tearing rollers with knives, gratings, and a plurality of pressure arms reciprocating through the spaces of the gratings to press the material downwards. The tearing rollers rotate to drive the material towards the gratings, where it is cut by the knives in co-operation with said gratings. The dosage granulator may comprise a reciprocating stirrer situated between the tearing rollers. Reclaimed asphalt of a size of up to 30 cm may thereby be cut into granules of 5 cm. The amount of granulated material is adjusted by means of the conveyor tape weigher.

Abstract: Rotary shredding apparatus for processing materials of various sorts in which the hydraulic drive for the counterrotating cutter shafts comprises a reversible hydraulic motor supplied with pressure fluid under the directional control of a fluid flow reversing valve. The flow reversing valve is controlled by a zero speed responsive device for sensing jam conditions that could stop cutter shaft rotation, thereby placing the valve in a control system which is independent of the pressure conditions in the fluid pressure system so that the hydraulic motor will continue to be supplied with pressure fluid up to the limit set by the usual pressure relief means.

Abstract: Apparatus for breaking apart agglomerations of particulate matter flowing in a vessel (particularly useful ina pressurized moving-bed vertical-shaft reduction reactor for the production of sponge iron) is exemplified by an externally mounted hydraulic cylinder having access to the interior of said vessel through a probe port, the piston of said hydraulic cylinder being provided with a conical probe positioned so as to be normally retracted out from the interior of said vessel but extendable by said hydraulic cylinder into and across the interior of said vessel, preferably at the narrowed discharge portion thereof, whereby said probe is angled to extend downwardly in the direction of flow of said particulate matter as well as across said flow to engage and break up any agglomerations of particulate matter in its path.

Abstract: A material shredder (20) includes a cutting chamber (40) having a pair of counterrotatable cutter units (42, 44) for shredding material fed therebetween. A hopper (30) leads to the cutting chamber for directing material to be shredded thereto. A gate structure (130) includes a barrier plate (138) movable from a first position adjacent one wall of the hopper to a second position at least partially blocking the passageway between the hopper and the cutting chamber. Control structure is provided for exerting a selectable pressure on the barrier plate (138) urging the plate into its second position against any material in its path of movement from its first position to its second position. The plate acts to support the material thereabove, as well as compress the material in its path causing a head of material to be supported above the plate.

Abstract: A jaw crusher for bulky waste and like matter, comprising two groups of jaws or shanks movable towards and away from each other, the jaws or shanks within each group being spaced at an interval corresponding to the width of the jaws or shanks of the opposite group. The jaws or shanks of one group are adapted, as they move towards the other group, to travel at least partly into the interspaces between the jaws or shanks of the opposite group, and include driving units actuating at least one group of jaws or shanks in order to move them towards the opposite group. At least one of the jaws included in at least one group of jaws is movable relative to the remaining jaws of the same group, the jaws are individually movable by individually actuable driving units, and the driving units are provided with sensors for sensing exerted power and actuating a programmable central unit which controls the relative position of the jaws so that it will vary during the cutting-up operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the filling height of containers for receiving shredded or minced paper film or the like from cutting or shredding machines, characterized by a switch for stopping the machine when the container is filled to a predetermined height, the container being pivotally mounted with one side of its bottom edge on a housing and the opposite edge on a spring, and a switch controlling the operation of the cutting or shredding machine mounted in the path of the spring.

Abstract: An improved system, which conserves both energy and water, is provided for disposing of waste materials in environments such as restaurants and institutional food serving facilities. A commercial type food disposer unit having an electric motor for powering a mechanism for grinding or comminuting waste food materials and requiring running water for lubrication, flushing and/or cooling purposes is provided with an electric control circuit for automatically operating the motor and water supply valves associated with the unit in manner assuring both more efficient operation of the unit and minimum usage of electrical power and water.

Abstract: In a shredding machine having contra-rotating cutter shafts (16,17) carrying cutters (18), one shaft (16) is at a lower level than the other and the side of the shredding chamber (12) alongside the lower shaft has an ejection chute (71) for intractable material. The chute is normally closed by an access door (74), which when open allows the intractable material to be ejected by reversal of the lower shaft (16). The feed hopper (13) has internal doors (80,81) movable to position obstructing the feed when intractable material is to be cleared from the cutters. An automatic, sequential control system is preferably provided for opening and closing the access door and hopper doors in conjunction with a reversing sequence for the cutters.

Abstract: A shredding machine of the general type employed for comminuting difficult to shred material incorporates a torque cushioning device for the purpose of minimizing breakage of the comminuting teeth or knives of the apparatus when the teeth encounter metal or other objects which impose a torque overload on the rotating teeth. The drive motor is coupled to the shafts carrying the comminuting teeth by means of a drive transmission assembly such as a speed reducer box. The transmission assembly is shaft mounted upon the input shaft to the comminuter so that the casing of the transmission assembly can rotate relative to the fixed frame of the machine about the axis of its supporting shaft. An arm fixedly mounted upon the casing is biased by springs mounted upon the machine frame.

Abstract: Scrap of thermosetting plastics is reclaimed and recycled by an integrally combined apparatus which includes a device for pulverizing and atomizing the scrap, and a device for blending fine powder of the scrap with virgin material of thermosetting plastic. The device for blending includes a feed screw of constant revolution speed for conveying the fine powder of scrap and a variable speed feed screw for conveying virgin material in order to obtain high blending performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking heterogeneous material, in particular city solid wastes which are conveyed on a endless belt conveyor (27) which passes underneath the apparatus comprising a plurality of substantially parallel and ordinately closely juxtaposed to each other blades (15) and counterblades (8), this breaking system being supported by a guiding articulated quadrilateral rod system (13, 14, 18) adapted in unison and in sequence to open and raise to close counterblades (8) under the control of hydraulic cylinders (10), while a second auxiliary system (4, 25, 37, 40) provides to raise the first system at the end of the work stroke and to lower it again just before the beginning of its working stroke.

Abstract: A method for operating a crushing and grinding facility is disclosed in which crushing of mine-run material is controlled to always match grinding feed requirements while both crusher(s) (10) and grinding mills (16) operate full time and draw full power during the hours of what may be unequal length working days. The grinding mill (16) is also operated to produce the maximum output of final product that is within its existing capabilities. At each of a succession of measurement times (e.g., every 1/2 hour during a 22-hour working day of the mill), the rate of production of final product by the grinding mill (6) is ascertained (as by 21, 22, 23) and projected to the end of the mill working day.

Abstract: A needle chopper apparatus having a rotor with radially extending blades disposed in and along the longitudinal axis of a tube member. While rotating, the blades are in immediate proximity to an inner smooth cylindrical surface of the tube member. A feed chute extends into an inlet of the tube member where the blades react with the edge of the inlet to chop disposable items into particles. The particles go through an outlet in the tube member to a container that holds a disinfectant which is circulated to the feed chute and into the tube while the items are being chopped. One end of the tube is sealed by an annular plug and the other end extends from the top portion of a mounting panel. A housing is formed by an outer cabinet that is slid over an inner cabinet and coupled together by inwardly turned tabs on the outer cabinet. The mounting panel divides the housing into a front compartment and a back compartment.

Abstract: In machines for handling waste material, a particular problem is effective pulverization and compacting of larger materials. A hopper (14) is mounted upon a frame (12) containing an auger (13). The frame (12) has a curved bottom (29) and an opening (36). An adjustable rim assembly (37) is disposed about the opening (36). The auger blade (43) has peripheral teeth (46). Breaker bar structures (31, 38) are disposed on the bottom (29) and about the opening (36). Interaction of the blade and teeth, breaker bars and rim cause efficient pulverization of larger waste materials.

Abstract: A tobacco shredding apparatus wherein a relatively small upright duct receives tobacco from a large magazine. A system of tobacco compacting chains draws tobacco from the lower part of the duct and feeds the resulting cake into the path of orbiting shredding knives. The chains and the knives are driven by a first variable-speed motor. A conveyor which is driven by a second variable-speed motor transfers tobacco from the magazine into the duct. The volume of tobacco in the duct is monitored by a first set of photocells whose signals are used to regulate the speed of the second motor so as to maintain the volume of tobacco in the duct within a first range. The volume of tobacco in the magazine is monitored by a second set of photocells whose signals are utilized to regulate the speed of the first motor so as to maintain the volume of tobacco in the magazine within a second range. The capacity of the magazine is between five and ten times the capacity of the duct.

Abstract: A tire is placed upon an infeed support which initiates movement of a spindle to extend longitudinally through the tire, then expand radially to engage the tire beads and then retract longitudinally to clamp the beads together. One of a pair of power driven rolls having roughened, wear resistant surfaces, then is moved toward the fixed roll of a pair to grip the tire between them and rotate the tire and spindle assembly. The spindle and drive roll assembly, together with the rotating tire, then is moved by a common support carriage toward a rotary flywheel type cutter assembly which operates on the tire in the radial direction inward from the tread area to an area closely adjacent the metal beads, reducing the tire to small pieces. An air fan is integrated with the flywheel of the cutter assembly to minimize heating of the flywheel and cutter mechanism. A metal sensor on the infeed support prevents operation of the apparatus if the tire contains steel belts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an autogenous or semiautogenous crusher, in which the quantity of charge within the crusher is determined continuously. The speed of rotation of the crusher is controlled in accordance with a function which links the speed of rotation of the crusher to the quantity of the charge in the crusher. In a preferred embodiment, the charge is determined from the resistance experienced by the motor which drives the crusher. This resistance is a linear function of the charge within the crusher. The control apparatus provides an electrical signal which is proportional to the quantity of charge and the electrical signal is then used to control the speed of rotation of the crusher.

Abstract: A machine that quadrates documents comprising a stationary plate having along one edge a plurality of transversely-spaced cutting edges defining a cutting area, a rotor having axially thereof and radially-spaced from its axis a plurality of complementary cutting edges supported for rotation with the rotor about an axis parallel to the edge of the stationary plate for movement of the cutting edges in shearing relation to the cutting edges on the stationary plate and sheet-feeding rolls for advancing the documents to be quadrated along the surface of the stationary plate onto the cutting area to present a portion thereof to the cutting edges in timed relation to movement of the cutting edges into cutting relation with each other.

Abstract: A micro-processor is useable which can be programmed so as to provide a controller for a refiner, for example, for a paper stock refiner in which flow and consistency transducers are utilized to measure these parameters of the paper stock and these signals are supplied to a programmable refinery controller which also receives an input of the power supplied to the refinery and supplies a control signal to the refiner so as to control the power supplied to the refinery. One or more fixed inputs may also be supplied to the controller.

Abstract: For control of a crushing plant to ensure both that a quota quantity of product is produced during each working period and that the product has optimum economic value by reason of small particle size, determination is made of the amount of product passed through the plant from the beginning of the period to each of a number of measurement times during the period. Each such determination gives a "still to go" quantity, hence a theoretical new feed rate to be maintained. The rate of feed of material into the plant is adjusted in correspondence with the ratio between that theoretical rate and the actual feed rate prevailing during an interval just before the measurement time.