Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing reusable fuel comprising: a continuous material supply assembly; a heated airlock feeder configured to continuously receive and process the material supply received therein; a reactor configured to receive the processed material from the heated airlock feeder; and a vapor refining system configured to process vapor supplied by the reactor. The apparatus may comprise a char disposal system configured to eliminate char from the reactor. The apparatus may also comprise a thermal expansion system configured to allow thermal expansion of the reactor. A cooling system may be configured to receive processed fuel from the reactor.

Abstract: A device according to various embodiments for drying wet grain can include a first screw configured to receive wet grain. A second screw receives the wet grain from the first screw. At least one mechanism is included within at least one of the first screw and the second screw to vaporize water content in the wet grain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting juice from a previously de-juiced fruit mass which as been pressed within a primary press, the previously de-juiced fruit mass being discharged from the primary press and then being broken-up and mixed externally of the primary press, and then pressed again preferably by using a secondary thin layer repressing press which permits the repressed press cake to be quickly and easily loaded and emptied.

Abstract: A liquid extraction assembly for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a path therebetween. The housing includes a rotating screen adjacent the path. The housing can have a nozzle at the inlet. The housing can include an inflatable member providing a seal adjacent the screen for maintaining the mass in the path. The housing can include a center seal rotating with the screen and a fixed scraper in the path and adjacent the at least one rotating screen, with the center seal including a notch for accepting a tip of the scraper therein. The housing can also include side walls and an annular seal located between the side walls, with the annular seal defining an outer periphery of the path and having a rotating top end portion allowing an area of the outlet to change.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and, in one example embodiment, includes a plurality of holes occupying a center region of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a perimeter that surrounds the holes such that an end user can grasp the perimeter when utilizing the apparatus. An object may be placed in contact with the holes and the perimeter folded inward toward the center region such that twisting of the apparatus extracts liquid from the object. In more specific embodiments, the holes are substantially equidistant from each other or staggered. The apparatus can be square in shape. In still other embodiments, the apparatus includes a recessed cavity, where the object is placed in the cavity before the twisting operation occurs.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A juicer arrangement comprises a motor-driven appliance (1), capable of extracting juice from fruit, and a vessel (10) for receiving the juice. The appliance has a tubular outlet duct (9) through which juice can flow; the duct consisting of an inner portion (12) that is fixed to the appliance (1) and an outer portion (13) which can be rotated, relative to the inner portion (12), about the longitudinal axis (12a) of the tubular outlet duct (9). Near the outlet end of the outer portion (13) of the outlet duct there is provided a chordally-extending internal wall (15), configured such that, in one rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is positioned to act as an anti-dripping dam member to resist liquid flow through the outlet duct (9). In another rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is inverted, leaving a gap through which juice can be dispensed.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated dehydration is disclosed. In one embodiment, an automated dehydration apparatus includes a first roller press and a second roller press aligned substantially parallel to each other with distance between them as to cause fluid to be removed from materials as the materials pass between said first roller press and said second roller press where a motor drives the first roller press after receiving power from a power supply.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A compactor system for compressing a mass including liquid and solids includes: a pressure vessel defining a pressure chamber to hold the mass; a compaction mechanism to compress the mass in the pressure chamber to remove the liquid from the solids; a drain port communicating with the pressure chamber and through which the removed liquid drains out of the pressure chamber; drain piping fluidly connected to the drain port to direct the removed liquid to a collection site; and an influent system configured to inject an influent fluid into the pressure chamber through the drain port.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.

Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extraction bedplates (10), (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (610) for use in apparatus (5) for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates (10), (110), (210), (310), (410), (510), (610) include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes (45), (145), (245), (345), (445), (545), (645), (646) extending at acute angles with respect to an axis (20) of the bedplate.

Abstract: A rotary cage press provided internally with a deformable flexible membrane having the form of a half of the cage, this press being characterized in that the elements of recovering the liquid part of the matter include: on the cage, at least one external racking device, and a connection unit through which opens out the outlet orifice of the racking device; and on the chassis, a liquid taking device including a telescopic tubular unit allowing a retracted position in which the telescopic unit presents no obstacle to the rotation of the cage and an extended position in which the telescopic unit is adapted, when the cage is in a predetermined pressing angular position, to come against the connection unit bearing in a seal-tight manner around the outlet orifice of the racking device.

Abstract: A compressing machine includes a press unit for compressing a concentrated sludge within a squeezing chamber to provide a briquette, and a press control unit to control the press unit. The press control unit includes a parameter and compressing speed setting unit, a parameter measuring unit, and a compressing speed control unit. The parameter and compressing speed setting unit is a unit in which a relation between a predetermined parameter that may affect compression performed by the press unit, and a compressing speed of the press unit. The predetermined parameter may include a coolant temperature, ambient temperature or a coolant content and others. The parameter measuring unit is a unit to measure the predetermined parameter. The compressing speed control unit controls, based on a result of measurement by the parameter measuring unit, the compressing speed of the press unit in accordance with a content set in the parameter and compressing speed setting unit.

Abstract: Liquids are extracted from a process material by compressing the process material; decompressing and mixing the process material, and then recompressing the process material in a mechanical screw press.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes relatively moveable first and second cups for compressing a fruit therebetween during juice extraction. A first cutter is associated with the first cup and includes a first cutter base having at least one base opening therein. The first cutter may also include a first cutting blade that extends outwardly from the base to define an interior passageway in communication with the at least one base opening so that debris may be released therethrough. A second cutter associated with the second cup may have a second cutting blade that is sized to be received within the interior passageway of the first cutter. A flange may extend outwardly from the second cutting blade and mount the second cutter in a bore of the second cup so that the flange is at a level flush with or above adjacent portions of a ring base of the second cup.

Abstract: The invention concerns a draining unit for a press or maceration vat and a press including such units.

Abstract: A device for draining liquid from canned goods includes a compression lever pivotally connected to a base lever. The base lever includes a support surface extending between opposed ends for tabletop use. The base lever includes an end wall perpendicular to the support surface. The compression lever is pivotally coupled to the end wall. A handle is attached to the base lever at its free end, a can receiving section being defined between the handle and end wall. The device includes a piston having a perforated disk and connected to the compression lever in a ball joint/socket relationship. Therefore, a can may be positioned on the can receiving section and the compression lever and piston operated to drain liquid from the can. Multiple socket positions and pivot point configuration provide for a maximum leverage ratio while the support surface configuration allows for stable, one-handed operation of the device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system determines, by logical progression through multiple analysis levels, a human factor that represents a root cause of a particular incident. The system begins at a broad analysis level and progresses through more narrow analysis levels to a root cause level. Each analysis level includes multiple causal factor categories, with each causal factor category branching into causal factor subcategories that reside on a more narrow analysis level. The system includes an information input device for inputting incident information relating to the particular incident. The system also includes a memory device for storing a causal information database that provides a relationship between the multiple analysis levels and causal factor categories and between causal factor categories and root causes. The causal information database also relates root causes to corrective actions that may be implemented to prevent future occurrences of the incidents.

Abstract: A multi-functional food processing, preparation and juicing unit includes an elongated hollow post fixed to a base and extending vertically therefrom. A pressure assembly is movably mounted to the post and configured to removably accept an upper processing adapter having a predetermined surface configuration. The pressure assembly includes a rack residing within the post and having a plurality of teeth. A rotatable crank assembly includes a gear extending into the post which engages the teeth of the rack for raising and lowering the pressure assembly by rotating a handle operably engaged with the gear. A holder is fixed to an upper end of the base, and is configured to releasably accept a lower processing adapter having a surface configuration which substantially mates with the surface configuration of the upper processing adapter to perform a predetermined food processing function when the upper processing adapter is brought towards the lower processing adapter.

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

Abstract: According to the invention, the pressing of juice out of bulbs, for example garlic, can be effected in a garlic presser (4), where the bulb (3) is packaged in a bag (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber cable having optical fibers, a buffer tube, an outer protective jacket and at least one layer of flexible strength members made of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns. The buffer tube encloses and protects the optical fibers. The at least one layer of flexible strength members made of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns adhesively connects the buffer tube to the outer protective jacket. The adhesive yarn may include a hot-melt adhesive. The at least one layer may include a single layer of three adhesive yarns and six non-adhesive yarns, arranged so that each pair of adhesive yarns has two non-adhesive yarns therebetween. The at least one layer may also include a dual layer of adhesive and non-adhesive yarns, having an inner layer of non-adhesive yarns, and an outer layer of three adhesive yarns and four non-adhesive yarns, arranged so that each pair of adhesive yarns has at least one non-adhesive yarn therebetween.

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.

Abstract: In supplying material for pressing (37) into the press chamber of a filter press for separating solids and liquids, the filling operation (F) is done interruptedly in a first step (P1) at a fill opening (44). A press element (36) executes a plurality of pressings up to a constant stroke position (HS). Not until a second method step (P2) is the filling operation (F) interrupted, as soon as the pressing pressure exceeds a limit value (PS), whereupon the pressings are continued with shortened strokes. The method offers automatic adaptation of the prefilling time to the pressability of the materials. It thus becomes possible to prefill highly differently pressable material automatically and without specifying a command value in such a way that an optimal performance is attained in terms of the yield and the juice extraction output of a filter press.

Abstract: A determination of the amounts of fill of material (7) to be pressed in the solid-liquid separation by means of a filter piston press with a pressure element (6) for several successive pressing operations is made with the aid of a consideration in the yield/output diagram. Under a presupposition regarding the position of characteristic curves connecting various operating points in this diagram and by the interposition of an imaginary operating point it is possible to determine the changes in yield and output for each pressing operation and therefore the amounts of refill to be used in such a way that a maximal product of yield and output results for the solid-liquid separation operations when predetermining free process values. The method provides an automatic adaptation of the fill time to the compressibility of the materials.

Abstract: An automatic process in which after the press is filled and before starting a normal pressing cycle the flow rate of liquids is measured continuously without applying any pressing pressure. The tank is then rotated and the minimum and maximum values of the flow rates are determined and then compared respectively with predetermined values. Based upon this comparison and as a function of the results of the comparisons there is performed a preliminary pressurized draining of the materials to be pressed while at the same time the orifices for evacuation of the liquids are checked for possible clogging. These operations are repeated until the results of the comparisons no longer warrant a pressurized preliminary draining and subsequently initiating the normal pressing cycle.

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: A process for controlling a press for the extraction of juice from agricultural products, in which the pressing stroke of a pressing cycle is ended at the earliest when the maximum average juice output occurs. This process can be performed using a juice discharge arrangement of a press in which is connected a flowmeter as a sensor, which in turn is connected to a device controlling the drive elements of the press.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the control and the adjustment of a press during a juice extraction operating having at least one pressure increase sequence and measuring and comparing to a predetermined value the rate or the amount of liquid extracted before, during or after the pressing, or the partially pressed materials to be pressed remaining in the press after the pressing, and then using the resulting value of the difference of the rates or the amounts of extracted liquid and the value of the expected rates or amounts or the amount of materials to be pressed remaining in the press, if applicable, partially pressed, to begin, continue, interrupt, modify or complete the process of extracting the juice. The process is at least partially programmed.

Abstract: A device for emptying a barrel having a highly viscous content by pushing a piston into the barrel. In order to prevent the barrel from being deformed or damaged, the device includes a turntable onto which the barrel can be mounted. The barrel can be reinforced on its outer periphery by means of a flexible looping element wound therearound, which looping element is unwound from or wound onto a drum.

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: Machine for crushing cylindrical aluminium cans for beer, soft drinks etc. The machine comprises a can intake. A craddle for receiving the can in a substantially horizontal position is displacable between a receiving position in the can intake and a crushing position in a press device for squeezing the cans axially between the end walls thereof. The displacement of the craddle between said position is effected by displacement of a closure member for the can intake between opened and closed positions. A perforated sloping plane is arranged below the press device for receiving the crushed can falling down from the press device at the return movement thereof after crushing, and diverting the crushed can to a collecting container.

Abstract: A sequential feeder for rapidly feeding fruit to a sequential citrus fruit extractor includes a plurality of chain conveyors, each conveyor being mounted in a vertical plane extending between a lane of a fruit hopper and a lower extractor cup of the extractor. Each chain conveyor includes a plurality of fingers mounted in uniform intervals thereon. A guide plate assembly is provided for each chain for having a contour which causes the chain to move upwardly from the fruit support through a broad curvature adapted to assure that the fingers maintain positive control of the fruit. The guide plate assembly has a sharply curved upper end which causes the fingers of the chain conveyor to pivot rapidly forward after a fruit has been elevated to a height above the associated lower extractor cup such rapid pivoting causes the fruit to be propelled at a high speed into the associated cup.

Abstract: A method of pressing and draining whey from cheese curd. In particular, this method is made suitable for producing large blocks of cheese. A container mold having an internal drain screen is filled with cheese curd particles. Pressure is then applied to the cheese curd draining whey into the drain screen and out of the container mold. The container mold is then inverted and the internal drain screen is removed and another application of pressure is used to close any remaining voids within the cheese curd. The container mold is then sealed and prepared for shipping.

Abstract: A method of pressing and draining whey from cheese curd particles in manufacturing large sized blocks of cheese. Cheese curd is placed into a pressing container mold which has a removable internal draining means having dimple-like projections maintaining a space between the plates of the screen. In one embodiment of the invention, pressure is applied in a vertical direction on the curd particles uniformly draining the whey. The drain means is extracted, and a second application of pressure closes remaining interstitial voids. In a second embodiment of the invention, a first application of pressure is applied to the curd particles in two separate directions at the same time. A spreading spade is inserted between substantially vertical parallel foraminous plates thereby moving these plates further apart exerting a relatively horizontal force on the curd particles and, in conjunction, a press plate pushes down on the curd particles exerting a relatively vertical force on the curd particles.