Abstract: A waste fluorescent lamp dismantling method and apparatus is set up to clamp two ends of a waste fluorescent lamp adjacent to its aluminum caps, and to maintain an airtight seal between the clamp sections and the aluminum caps, so that when the aluminum caps at two ends are separated from the waste fluorescent lamp, the gas and vapor in the lamp tube will be prevented from escaping. This apparatus and method can rapidly process waste fluorescent lamps while also conforming to environmental protection requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for separating an internal filtering component from an outer casing of an internal combustion type oil or fuel filter. The apparatus includes a holder having an opening extending therethrough and a peripheral support about the opening upon which the filter is supported with an open end of the casing in alignment with the opening of the holder. A rigid ram rod is penetrated into the capped end of the casing and subsequently punched through the casing to punch the internal filtering component out through the open end of the casing.

Abstract: An automated filter changing system comprises a rotatable filter dispensing assembly and a filter clamping assembly. The filter dispensing device receives filter storage magazines in which a plurality of filters are initially stored in the form of connected stacks. The filter dispensing assembly includes a filter separating device having a stationary portion. The filter separating device separates one or more stacks of filters into discrete filter units, such that individual filters are transported sequentially from the filter dispensing device. The filter clamping assembly operates in conjunction with the filter dispensing device to receive one or more individual filter units dispensed therefrom, and provides one or more coupling sites which can fluidly communicate with one or more fluid lines. The filter clamping device couples unused filters to fittings associated with the fluid lines by applying an evenly distributed force to the filters.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by said vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork T is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork T downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, similar suction means are further provided at the outlet end of a feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: A metal finishing barrel side opening has a cover secured by a series of cover and barrel tabs, the cover slid into a secured position with the cover tabs partially overlain by the barrel tabs. A locking handle member assembly includes a graspable portion supported on a deflectable spring blade attached to the cover at one end which allows the handle assembly to move away from an aligned locator feature on the barrel as the cover is pushed into position. When the cover is shifted lengthwise, the handle assembly moves past the locking feature, and the locking blade pushes the handle assembly back down alongside the locking feature which then prevents reverse sliding of the cover back from under the barrel tabs. When the handle is pulled to initiate removal of the cover, the handle assembly is then moved out above the locking feature to enable the cover to be slid to the released position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically handling sample cups closed with a screwable cap is disclosed. The apparatus for automatically opening, closing and transporting sample cups comprises a transportable gripper (11) which includes a rotatable gripper tool (21) adapted to enter and engage with a recess (35, 36) of said cap (34) to form a connection which can be locked by rotating the gripper tool (21) in a first sense with respect to said sample cup (31) and which can be unlocked by rotating the gripper tool (21) with respect to said sample cup (31) in a second sense opposite to the first.

Abstract: An automatic plug removing apparatus has a conveying section and a plug removing section and, while a plurality of containers having test samples therein and sealed with plugs are being conveyed on a batch basis, the plugs are automatically removed from the containers. The plug removing section includes a member for holding a plurality of containers in an immovable state, a member for grasping the plugs provided to the containers and then removing the plugs from the containers, the grasping member being rockable and vertically movable by driving members, and partition plates insertable into gaps between the containers to provide isolated spaces for respective containers and prevent contamination between samples. A suction block may be added to suck the air in the vicinity of upper openings of the containers to eliminate a mist of samples floating thereabout.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining a flexible container to a threaded closure. According to the method, a flexible container is inflated with pressurized gas before applying torque to the container. A base of the flexible container is engaged in a container receptacle of a capping apparatus, then the capping apparatus is operated to cause a neck of the flexible container to engage a threaded opening in the closure. The bottle is then inflated and the capping apparatus is operated to thread the neck of the flexible container into the opening in the closure by causing relative rotation between the flexible container and the closure. The pressurized gas stiffens the flexible container and prevents it from buckling or twisting under torque loads applied to screw the container into the closure.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a scrubber pressure vessel to a base. The scrubber has a skirt which is mounted directly onto the base. The base has two orthogonal longitudinal beams. The beams are oriented with respect to the pressure vessel such that the forces directed to the scrubber by its attached piping are parallel to one of the beams. The skirt is attached to the base on the longitudinal axes and the connections may vary in stiffness such that the natural frequencies of the system along both axes can be adjusted to avoid the operating frequency which would otherwise result in resonance.

Abstract: A system for supplying melted thermoplastic material to a dispenser comprises a hopper for storing the thermoplastic material, the hopper having an outlet. A heating grid is at the outlet of the hopper for heating and melting the thermoplastic material. A reservoir is provided into which the melted material flows from the grid. A manifold assembly is connected to the reservoir. The melted material flows into the manifold assembly from the reservoir. The manifold assembly includes connections for supplying the material to a dispenser. The manifold assembly also includes a pump cavity. A pump is mounted in the pump cavity and is capable of being removed from the pump cavity. A drive assembly is connected to drive the pump. A movable carriage supports the drive assembly. The carriage is capable of movement toward and away from the manifold assembly to remove the pump from the cavity and to replace the pump into the cavity.

Abstract: A gas tank evacuator (10) comprises: an evacuator housing (12) to be attached to a neck (44) of a gas tank (38); and an elongated valve-removal rod (14) movably mounted on, and passing through the evacuator housing, the valve-removal rod having a valve-engaging element (56) at a lower end thereof and a manipulation knob (54) member at a top end thereof for being manipulated to cause the valve-removal rod to engage and remove the overflow valve assembly. The evacuator housing has female threads (26) to be screwed onto male threads of the gas tank attachment neck with a stop (50, 56, 72) positioning the valve-removal rod aligned with the overflow valve assembly. When the evacuator housing is screwed to the gas tank attachment neck a fixed main valve actuator (46) on the evacuator housing opens a main valve (48) of the gas tank and residue gas in the tank is released to a sealed evacuation cavity (18).

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: A gas tank evacuator (10) comprises an evacuator housing (12) into which a neck (80) of a gas tank (82) can be screwed and an elongated valve-removal rod (14) for slidably passing through the evacuator housing and engaging and unscrewing a stem-actuated valve (88) of the gas tank. An elongated valve actuator pin (18) slidably passes through the valve-removal rod to extend from lower and upper ends of the valve-removal rod for independently actuating the stem-actuated valve. The valve-removal rod is moved longitudinally by a valve-removal-rod lever (16) which is pivotally attached to the evacuator housing and valve-removal rod by pivot links (60). The valve-removal-rod lever is pivoted on the evacuator housing to drive a valve-engaging device at a lower end of the valve-removal rod into engagement with the-stem-actuated valve of the gas tank for its removal from the gas tank.

Abstract: A gas tank evacuator (10) comprises an evacuator housing (12) into which a neck (80) of a gas tank (82) can be screwed and an elongated valve-removal rod (14) for slidably passing through the evacuator housing and engaging and unscrewing a stem-actuated valve (88) of the gas tank. An elongated valve actuator pin (18) slidably passes through the valve-removal rod to extend from lower and upper ends of the valve-removal rod for independently actuating the stem-actuated valve. The valve-removal rod is moved longitudinally by a valve-removal-rod lever (16) which is pivotally attached to the evacuator housing and valve-removal rod by pivot links (60). The valve-removal-rod lever is pivoted on the evacuator housing to drive a valve-engaging device at a lower end of the valve-removal rod into engagement with the stem-actuated valve of the gas tank for its removal from the gas tank.

Abstract: A method for recovering propellant from used aerosol cans which includes the steps of piercing the can; removing the mixture of residual propellant and fluid product from the can; collecting the mixture and then separating the propellant from the residual fluid product.

Abstract: A tank construction including an outer shell of steel material comprised of two half members welded together. The half members are formed by a deep drawing process. An inner shell of non-corrosive material is cast inside the outer shell by a rotational casting procedure with the external surface of the inner shell located adjacent the internal surface of the outer shell. The inner shell of non-corrosive material provides a substantially leak-fight liner for the outer shell to thus prevent contact between the contents of the tank and the outer shell. The rotational casting of the inner shell inside the outer shell is accomplished by charging the outer shell with a non-corrosive material and then subjecting the outer shell to a rotational casting movement while heat is applied to the outer shell. The outer shell serves as a mold for the inner shell wherein the mold (outer shell) becomes a permanent part of the completed tank.

Abstract: An aerosol can compacting apparatus which evacuates the can for recovery of any residual propellant and product, therefrom and then compacts the can discharges the slug now compacted for collection. The apparatus can be operated in an automated fashion and preferably by compressed air.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: Aerosol spray cans are positioned one at a time at a workstation by inserting the bottom wall of each can through an appropriately sized centering ring to center the bottom wall relative to an annular seal that engages peripheral portions of the bottom wall to support the can at the workstation. The bottom wall is clamped into sealing engagement with the annular seal by using a lever operated clamping mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate all known standard sizes of aerosol spray cans. The bottom wall is punctured by using a lever operated, rack and pinion driven piercing mechanism that extends a piercing pin through the center opening of the annular seal. Contents that discharge from a pierced can are ducted into a receiving container, a lower portion of which is used to collect liquid contents for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for dismantling filter inserts, especially disposable oil filters which comprise a filter paper element and an internal metal supporting tube, as well as metal end plates. The apparatus has two support rails 15 and 16 with upper edges formed as cutting edges. The support rails are mounted in a frame 11 for displacement transversely toward or away from each other to vary the spacing between them. Vertically above and perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the two support rails is a platen 26 driven by a compressed-air cylinder 24 or the like to move along the perpendicular such that the platen will compress a filter insert 19 placed upon the two support rails and sever the end plates 21 and 22 from the filter paper element 20.

Abstract: A cycling oil filter disassembly and recycle apparatus (10) comprising separate operating heads (56, 76, 106) provided for transport of filters (12) and filter components (14, 16, 18) to and from a disassembly facility where the filters (12) are cut, and for transport of disassembled components (14, 16, 18) to recycle receptacles (32, 34, 36) arranged to receive the components transported.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for removing and otherwise managing the contents of compressed gas cylinders and other hazardous containers. The invention includes a selectively sealable chamber that receives a container to be serviced. A shearing device such as a saw or cutter is provided within the chamber. Once the chamber is sealed, the shearing device engages the cylinder and shears off a portion thereof. Such an operation permits the entire contents of the cylinder to be released into the chamber. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a device for manipulating the position of the chamber to facilitate gravitational drainage of the contents. The present invention further includes a decontamination system that delivers decontamination or cleansing fluids to both the interior of the opened cylinder and the chamber. The present invention further includes an evacuation system that removes all gases from the chamber and the cylinder in a environmentally safe manner.

Abstract: Apparatus cyclically severs a cap from one end of an oil filter canister and permits separation of the components of the filter and crushing of those components. A front plate extends vertically upwardly from a table top and supports the canister whose axis is horizontal. A plurality of rotatable wheel cutters move radially into contact with the outer periphery of the canister to support the canister, captured behind the cutter wheels. A vertical back plate moves horizontally across the table top and supports a rotatable block carrying sharp horizontally projecting impaling pins which penetrate the bottom of the canister. A rotary air wrench drives the rotary block causing severance of the cap. During movement of the back plate rearwardly, the canister is separated from the cap, and from the internal hollow filter element captured by a filter element gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is axially retractable thereby releasing the filter element.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. Because of the low pressure difference, the extraction cartridge need not have the strength to withstand significant pressure and can be made out of molded plastic for disposable use as well as stainless steel and machined plastic for reusability. The extraction cartridge can be removed and opened for sample access without the use of tools. The outside of the cartridge can be purged after it is installed in a heated high pressure vessel to remove contamination from its exterior.

Abstract: A method for disposal of aerosol dispensers and the contents thereof, which comprises cooling of the aerosol dispenser and its residual contents to a temperature below which the propellant exhibits a substantial vapor pressure (i.e., below the boiling point(s) of the propellant(s)). It is then possible to puncture the container without danger of an uncontrolled release of the contents. The cold liquefied propellant and any additional liquid contents of the spray container may then be drained, without any danger of propellant release to the atmosphere, into a collection container capable of subsequently accommodating the vapor pressure of the propellant at ambient temperature. The container is sealed while its contents are still cold and the liquid is allowed to reach ambient temperature, whereby the propellant regains its vapor pressure and some of the propellant mixture returns to a gaseous form.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head until comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping until where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: A device is provided for placing a valve on an aerosol can. The device comprises a rotatable wheel (1, 101) which has arcuate cut-outs (2, 102) which receive and carry the cans. An arcuate track (6, 106b) follows part of the periphery of the wheel and converges towards it, and along this track valves are pushed by dogs (7, 104), provided adjacent each cut-out (2, 102). Each valve thus travels in alignment with its respective can and approaches it until it is placed thereon.

Abstract: A rotary feeder includes a housing in which a rotary member is supported between two lateral bearing caps, with one journal fixedly supported in one bearing cap and the other journal loosely supported in the other bearing cap. For facilitating maintenance and cleaning of the rotary feeder, a carriage is securely mounted to the one bearing cap accommodating the fixed bearing. The carriage is movable and suitably guided in axial direction of the rotary member by at least the axial length of the rotary member so as to allow removal and return of the rotary member from and back into the housing in an accurate and safe manner.

Abstract: Air spring components and the completed air spring are carried by an air spring unloader, an end cap holder and a tubular member loader of a shuttle mechanism along a track member adjacent an air spring assembly apparatus. The shuttle mechanism is movable to three positions controlled by stop members so that the air spring can be transferred to the unloader, the end cap can be inserted in a recess of the assembly apparatus and the tubular member positioned for processing by the assembly apparatus. Simultaneously with some of these operations the air spring is transferred to a conveyor and the end cap is transferred from a loading support to the end cap holder. The loader and unloader each have a vertically movable cradle with an overarm clamp for supporting and releasing the tubular member and air spring. The end cap holder has a resiliently mounted chuck on a sliding support for transferring an end cap from a recess in the loading support and inserting the end cap in a recess of the assembly apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying gasket material to the skirt of a gasket for the mounting cup of an aerosol container, wherein the gasket material is mechanically applied to the mounting cup through the use of a novel mandrel and cutting arrangement. A mounting cup, having a uniquely placed gasket, said gasket extending from the skirt into the channel of the mounting cup.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring counterbalance extensible link including a closed end cylinder with an end connector a piston and rod assembly within the cylinder and maintained therein by the crimped over end portion of the cylinder retaining a rod bushing and rod to cylinder seal. The cylinder is pressurized prior to assembly of the complete piston and rod into the cylinder. The piston assembly includes orifice by-pass means either in the piston periphery or in a piston ring, and the piston may include a fail-safe provision in the event the orifice is clogged. A crimping die assembly is used in assembling and completing final assembly of the counterbalance components while simultaneously maintaining the link in a pressurized environment, utilizing sealed arrangement between the crimping dies to maintain pressurization of the interior of the dies and the counterbalance components prior to assembly of the components.

Abstract: A multi-metal container separating apparatus is provided for orienting, delidding and compacting containers. The apparatus includes an orienting unit which orients the lids of the containers in a predetermined direction. After orientation, the containers are fed to a delidding unit. The delidding unit includes a clamping assembly for gripping each container during the delidding process in which one end is removed from each container. While each container is held fixed in position, a piercing element is extended from within a moving plunger body to penetrate an end of the container. The piercing element is then retracted within the plunger body. Movement of the plunger body continues through the body of the container and the plunger body engages the other end of the container. The force of the plunger body in a direction inwardly to outwardly of the container removes this end of the container. The delidded container falls to a pivotable support platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembling a pair of thin-walled metal container counterparts which are brought together axially, are rounded and one inserted into the other substantially without deformation of either of the pair of counterparts so that the inner part is allowed to expand, after insertion, radially and both parts at their juncture are stressed in hoop tension for tightly embracing an adhesive interposed therebetween and thereby insure a good bond at the seam.