US2953084A - Metal press and baler - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 20, 1960 G. R. EIDSON ETAL 2,953,084

METAL PRESS AND BALER Filed Sept. 12, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS. 600440? [/0544 5/1 6. 0050/14. 44 0 aiamz/x 1/5765? Sept. 20, 1960 Filed Sept. 12, 1957 G. EIDSON ETAL METAL PRESS AND BALER 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 20, 1960 e. R. EIDSON EI'AL METAL PRESS AND BALER 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 12, 1957 Nam M /M/M 7 Sept. 20, 1960 G. R. EIDSON mL 2,953,084

METAL PRESS AND BALER ATTUP/VEVS.

Sept. 20, 1960 G. R. EIDSON ETAL 2,953,084

METAL PRESS AND BALER Filed Sept. 12, 1957 I 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 20, 1960 cs. R. EIDSON ETAL ,084

METAL PRESS AND BALER Filed Sept. 12, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. 20, 1960 cs. R. EIDSON ETAL METAL mass AND BALER '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 12, 1957 INVENTORS. 60/?00/1/E 70504; fill/'6. [405044 4449 Maya: 6 M57965? H BY Arrow 5b.

llnited States Patent @fiice 2,953,084 Fatented Sept. 20, 1960 METAL PRESS AND BALER Gordon R. Eidson and Billy G. Eidson, both of 23 Eye St. NE, and George H. Mercer, RED. 3, all of Miami, Okla, assiguors of fifty percent to Dolores J. Foster and Associates, Sullivan, Ind.

Filed Sept. 12, 1957, Ser. No. 686,270 4 Claims. Cl. 100-232 This invention is in the field of pressing machines for compressing scrap metal and the like into bales of a certain size for subsequent melting and is concerned with an inexpensive but highly reliable metal press.

A primary object of this invention is a new and improved metal press for taking scrap metal and compressing it into bales of a predetermined size and approximately constant weight.

Another object is a press of the above type which, for a given capacity on a time basis, is far less expensive to manufacture than anything previously known.

Another object is a metal press that will accept a full charge of metal at one time or at the same or a single loading and does not require a number of charges to produce a single bale.

Another object is a press of the above type that will automatically give a uniform size and weight of bale.

Another object is a press of the above type which requires a minimum of power to carry out a sequence of pressing operations.

Another object is a press of the above type which has an open top box or compression chamber which can be easily loaded, either manually or otherwise.

Another object is a press of the above type with three pressure or compression heads which operate in predetermined sequence to produce bales of a constant size.

Another object is a safety mechanism or structure for the pressure heads of a metal press of the above type to prevent the application of excessive pressures in any of the sequences of operation.

Another object is a drive mechanism for the pressure heads that avoids uneven operation in the event scrap metal is not uniformly distributed in the pressure chamber.

Another object is a metal press of the above type having an open top box type compression chamber and a pivoted upper lid with a unique actuating toggle mechanism.

Another object is a return mechanism for the various pressure heads in a metal press of the above type which insures positive but cushioned return movement of the pressure elements.

Another object is an indicating mechanism for one of the pressure elements on a press of the above type.

Another object is an eccentric or bar-mounting for one of the pressure heads which insures accurate and reliable operation.

Other objects will appear from time to time in the ensuing specification and drawings in which:

Figure l is a perspective of our metal press;

Figure 2 is a right side view of the front part of the press;

Figure 3 is a top view of the left front part of the press showing the small or side plunger or pressure head;

Figure 4 is a front view with several parts broken away or omitted for clarity;

Figure 5 is a left side view of the indicator mechanism;

Figure 6 is a section along line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the rear of the press, with parts broken away for clarity;

Figure 8 is a right side view of the rear of the press, with parts broken away for clarity; and

Figure 9 is a section along line 9--9 of Figure 8.

In Figure l, the press is shown as including a base designated generally 10 and an upstanding frame, designated generally 12. As shown in Figure 4, the base may include a plurality of longitudinally disposed I-beams 14 or the like, shown as spaced generally equally and extending from the front of the base to a midship position as set forth hereinafter. In Figure 1, for convenience of description, the front of the machine is designated generally 16 while the rear is designated generally 18. The right side of the machine shall be referred to as 20 and 22 as the left side. The beams 14 run from the front of the machine to a middle or midship position defined generally by a pair of upstanding posts or pillars, one on each side, 24 on the left and 26 on the right, in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 6, a suitable lateral angle iron or I-beam 28, in sections, may extend between the bottom of the posts 24 and 26 and a similar I-beam or the like 30, in sections, may be suitably connected between the posts 24 and 26 a predetermined distance above the lateral beam 28. Two of the base I-beams, designated 32 and 34 in Figures 1 and 4, extend behind the cross-beam 28 from front to rear of the machine as shown in Figure 8 and also in Figure 6. The lateral or cross-beam 28 may be in sections and suitably connected by welding or otherwise between the upright center posts 24 and 26 and the longitudinal main beams 32 and 34.

At the rear of the machine, a pair of upright I-beams or the like 36 and 38, shown in Figures 7 and 8, may be suitably connected to the main beams 32 and 34, such as by welding or otherwise, extending upright, and connected across their upper end by a suitable brace 40', shown in Figure 7. A pair of angle irons or the like, preferably Lbeams, at 42 and 44, which function as main upper beams or braces, extend forward from the upright beams 36 and 38 and the cross-beam 40 and diverge slightly as they move forward, such as is shown in Figure 7, and are suitably connected to a pair of longitudinal beams 46 and 48, such as by welding or otherwise. The beams 46 and 48 extend forward and suitably connect to the lateral brace 30 in Figure 6.

Suitably mounted on the forward part of the base and formed as a part of the frame is what shall be referred to occasionally hereinafter as an open-topped box or com press-ion chamber, indicated generally at 50 in Figure 1. This chamber may be made up of a plurality of longitudinally disposed I-beams or the like, designated 52, along each side of the box, shown in Figures 2 and 5. These I-beams may be suitably connected at their rear ends, as by welding or otherwise, to the upstanding posts 24 and 26 and are interconnective along their length and suitably supported by a plurality of upstanding sill posts 54 on each side of the box. The front of the box or compression chamber may have a plurality of such laterally disposed I-beams. In Figures 2 and 5, we have shown three longitudinal I-beams on each side of the box. We may use three such I-beams across the front of the box but, for clarity, these have not been shown. The edges of these I-beams would be bevelled or abutted and suitably welded or otherwise connected to form the closed front end of the box. A plurality of diagonally disposed sill or rim plates, 56 for the front, 58 for the right side, and 60 for the left side, may be disposed around the upper edges of the box to suitably cover the I-beams and lower structural members.

The inside of the box may be lined with suitable armor {referred to as plungers. V designated generally 72 in Figure 1, is approximately the plate and we prefer to use /6 inch plate, although this 64 and '66, respectively. The armor plate may be suitably connected to the structural 'l-beams 52 along each side and those, not shown, across the front, by welding or otherwise, so that from time to time it may be removed'and replaced when worn. Additionally, the deck or floor of the box may be provided with an armor plate .sheet designated'68 in Figure 1 which may rest on the longitudinally disposed #I-beams 14 in the base and 32 and 34 in Figure 4, for example. But we would prefer .to connect the floor armorplate around the side, as by welding. or the like, rather than to the base I-beams so that it may be easily removed and replaced.

It will thus be seen that onthe base we provide an open-topped box which is closed on three sides, namely, :the right, front, and left side, but is open in the rear and this opening is designated 7 0 in Figure 1. It is par- ..ticularly important to note that the top portion of the box, as shown in Figure 1, is totally open so that the operator and his assistant may charge the box with scrap metal throughout its entire length.

I To compress the scrap metal, we provide aplurality of pressure heads or compression units which may be The top pressure unit or lid,

same size as the open top of thebox and is constructed to close it. The rear or main plunger or compression unit, designated generally 74 in Figure l, is constructed to move in and out through the opening 70 in the rear ofthe box to compress the metalagainst the armor plate 64 on the front wall. The compression unit or small plunger, designated generally 76 in Figure 1, moves through a suitable opening, to be described hereinafter, in the left wall at the front, to compress the scrap metal against the armor plate 62 on the right side wall. Briefly, the sequence of operation is as follows: The entire unit is open, such as shown in Figure. 1. After the box is charged with a suitable amount of scrap material, the maclu'ne is operated so that the lid 72 comes down and closes the open top of the box. Next, the main plunger 74 in the rear moves forward compressing the scrap ma- ;terial against the front wall of the box. When the main plunger 74 reaches a predetermined forward or extended position, shown in broken lines in Figure 3, the actuating mechanism for the side. or small plunger moves the small plunger inwardly, as shown in broken lines in Figure 3, compressing the metal against the right side wall into the corner indicated generally at 78 in Figure 1. All of the plungers are then withdrawn, the lid is raised and the bale may be removed and either shipped or used immediately in a furnace, as the case may be.

Describing the details of the three compression members in the order of operation, we come first to the lid, shown in Figure 2, which may include a suitable sheath of armor plate 80, 7 inch thick or the like, connected to a suitable frame designatedgenerally 82, preferably 'by welding so that it may be removed. The frame is pivoted, as at 84, to each wall of the box and the pivots are located a predetermined distance above the floor or base so that the open rear end of the box is not obstructed. In Figure 1, the main plunger 74 is actually shown in a slightly extended position and it should be understood that during charging, the main plunger may be withdrawn so that its forward face merely fills or closes the'opening 70 to complete the four-sided box.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the lid is primarily supported by the main posts 24' and 26 and is shown as including a support shaft 86 which is welded or otherwise suitably secured at each end to the posts 24 and 26. This shaft is not necessarily rotated, but merely serves as a support. The details of this actuating mechanism will probably best be understood by observing primarily Figures 2 and 4. In Figure 4, the lid itself has been removed for clarity and only the connecting linkage and actuating mechanism is--shown.

A header shaft 88 is also connected, by welding or otherwise, to a pair of upstanding plates suitably connected on each side of the forward edge of the lid, the right side plate being designated '90 in Figure 2 and the left side plate being designated'92 in Figure 1. The header shaft .88 extends between these .two' upstanding plates and accept a pair of forward links 94 and 96 which may be connected to the. shaft by suitable bearings, not shown. A rock shaft 98 may be:suitably connected, by welding or otherwise, to a rocker-truss which includes two beams 100 and 102. Theforward links 94 and 96 may be connected to the rock shaftby suitable bearings 104 and 106, in Figure 4, and the beams 100 and 102 which make up the rocker beam may be pivoted on the shaft 86 by suitable bearings108, 110,, shown in {Figure 4. .A pair of .rear links'112 and 114 mayjbe connected at their lower or forward ends, by welding or otherwise, to the rock shaft 98 and at their upper or rear ends by suitable bearings' 11 6;a nd 1118 on the \main or support shaft -86. The bearings that connect-the forwardend of the forward 94 and 9 6 tothefheader shaft 88 at the forward edge of the lid may be the same as the various bearings .shown in Figure 4.

.96 and the rear. link being composed of the beams 112 and 114. A rocker or actuating beam is effected by the beams 100'and 102 which are connected to the intermediate pivot shaft 98 between the two links, and also connected between their ends to the support shaft 86 so that it can be rocked ineither direction. The upper end of the rocker beam is, providedwith-thesheave 122 for actuation by a cable :and the lower end has a pair of spaced plates 124 and 126, in Figure 4, which extend rearwardly as shown in Figure 2 and carry a suitable pin or axle 128 for a suitable sheave or pulley .130. It .will be understood that the plates 124 and 126 which, in effect, are a block for the pulleys arepivoted to the shaft {9 8'so that inany position the pulley may align itself rearwardly in the direction of its cable.

in Figure 1 when the lidiis lowered, the forward links, 94 and 96, and the rear links, 112 and 114, straighten out,-as shown in broken lines, drawing the lower sheave 130 forward and forcing the upper sheave 122 toward the rear. When the lid is to be opened, the cable around the sheave 130 is drawn rearwardly, which brings the pivot 98 between the two links down, shortening thedistance between the main pivot 86 and the forward pivot 88 on the-lid, thereby raising-the-lid. When-the lid is to be lowered, the cable on the top sheave is drawn in and the cable on the bottom'sheave is played out so that the linkage is straightened out.

During apressingoperation,-tension is maintained .on the cableon the upper Sheave;122 so that the linkage will remain approximately straight, as shown in broken lines in :Figure 2, thereby exerting-pressure on the .lidto keep the box closed. Substantial pressure will be developed in the box when the main and small plungers move in and we findit advantageous gto'mount suitable diagonal braces 132 on the left side and:13.4 on the right for strength. Additionally, the' header shaft 88 at the forward edge of the. lid may extend outwardly, such as shown at 136 and 138m Figure '1, on each side ofthe lid and an auxiliary hook, shown at 140 .inFigure 2, may be .pi-votally mounted on each suchextension to be, connected to a suitable pin or the like, shown. at .142 on the left side of Figure 1,1 J d 144 on the right. in Figure 2. This will firmly attach the forward edge of the lid to the box and will remove the majority of the strain on the pivoted linkage as well as the braces 132 and 134. But it should be understood that under many circumstances, the auxiliary hooks 140 are not necessary.

The drive or actuating mechanism for raising and lowering the lid is designated generally at 146 in Figure 8 and includes forward and rear laterally disposed I-beams or the like, 148 and :150, respectively, suitably connected to the beams '42 and 44, such as shown in Figure 7. The lateral beams serve as a support for two longitudinally disposed, somewhat spaced beams 152 and 154, shown in Figures 7 and 8, which function as a base for a winch or drum 156 having a suitable axle or the like 158 and side supports 160 and 162 mounted on the base. Power to rotate the winch may be obtained from a suit-able engine, such as shown in broken lines at 164 in Figure 7. For example, it could be a gasoline or diesel or any other suitable type of engine. We have not shown the drive or transmission between the engine and the various power shafts, including the winch mechanism 146, as it will be understood that this may be accomplished by chains, gears, shafts or otherwise. The important point is that a suitable power source, be it an engine or otherwise, may be positioned in a generally central location designated 164 to drive the winch 156 and the other hereinafter described power shafts.

Two cables come to the drum or winch 156, one running to the upper sheave 122 on the rocker beam and the other running to the lower sheave 130. The top throw 166 of the upper cable for the upper sheave 122 may be dead ended or suitably connected to the frame, such as to the lateral beam 40 in Figure 7, while the bottom throw 168 is connected to and wrapped around the winch 156. The bottom cable leading to the bottom sheave 130 for the rocker beam has its lower or bottom throw 170 dead ended to a suitable part of the frame, such as the lateral beam 143 in Figure 8, and the top throw 172 is connected to and wrapped around the winch 156. The bottom throw for the top cable and the top throw for the bottom cable are wrapped around the winch in opposite directions. Therefore, rotation of the winch in one direction will play out one cable and take in the other and vice versa.

Therefore, if the lid is closed, and the winch is rotated so that the top throw 172 of the bottom cable is reeled in, the lower sheave 130 will be drawn toward the rear which will break and jack knife the linkage, thereby raising the lid. At the same time, the bottom throw 168 of the top cable will be played out allowing the top sheave 122 in Figure 2 to move forward as the rocker beam pivots.

When the lid is to be closed, the winch is rotated in the opposite direction. This takes in the bottom throw 168 for the top cable and plays out the top throw 172 of the bottom cable. The combination tends to rotate the rocker beam clockwise about the pivot 86 in Figure 2, whereby straightening out the links 94 and 96 and 112 and 1-14, closing the lid.

In addition to the forward braces 1'32 and 134 between the upright posts 24 and 26, we may also use rear braces, such as at 174 for the left side and 176 for the right, each being suitable connected as by welding or otherwise to the longitudinally disposed rear braces or beams 46 or 48.

The main plunger, such as probably shown best in Figures 3, 7 and 8, may include a forward pressure member or head 178 having a suitable /5 inch armor plate surface 180 connected by welding or otherwise so that it may be removed and replaced when worn. A pair of spaced main longitudinal strength members, in the form of pipes or otherwise, designated 182 and 184, extend from the head 178 to a rear header beam 186. Diagonal braces 188 and 190 that cross each other may extend be tween the forward pressure head 178 and the rear beam 6 186. This structure may all be suitably connected by welding or otherwise.

On each side of the box, just forward of the upright posts 24 and 26, a fixed block may be mounted, such as indicated at 192 and 194 in Figures 1, 3 and 6. In Figure 3, each block may have a forward brace 196 connected at one end by welding or otherwise to the side of the box and at its other end to a pair of spaced plates 198 and 200, shown in Figure 2, which are suitably connected to the side of the box. The plurality of spacer plates 202, disposed generally vertically, as shown in Figure 3, are connected at their forward edge between the spaced plates 198 and 200 and a suitable pin or axle 204 extends through these plates to function as a pivot for a group of sheaves, designated 203. The inner end of the pin 204 may project into the housing and be supported by a suitable bearing, not shown. The forward edge of the spaced plates 198 and 200 may abut against one of the sill posts 54, which functions as an anchor for them and the brace 196 also overlaps this post.

Thus, the sheaves in the stationary blocks on each side are freely rotatable but are stationarily and rigidly mounted on the sides of the box or frame.

The main rear beam 186 in Figure 7 of the main plunger carries movable blocks designated generally at 205 and 206 at each end which are mounted on the forward face of the beam. Each such block may include a plurality of spaced plates 207 with a laterally disposed pin or axle 208 for a plurality of sheaves 209. It should be noted that the beams project laterally beyond each side of the frame and the movable blocks 205 and 206 generally oppose the fixed blocks 192 and 194, such as shown generally for the left side paired blocks in Figure 1.

The drive for the blocks of the main plunger includes what we shall refer to as the main drive shaft 210 which may be carried by suitable plates 212, shown in Figure 8, as mounted on each side below the longitudinal main beams 42 and 44 running back to the upright posts 36 and 38. One such plate 212 is positioned on each side, and the auxiliary main drive shaft may be provided with suitable bearings 214 and 216, as shown in Figure 7. In view of the stresses placed on the shaft, it may be suitably braced by a pair of braces 218 and 220 provided with suitable bearings 222 and 224 with the forward end of the braces anchored on the side of the box, as shown at 226 in Figure 1.

The main drive shaft 210 may be rotated in either direction and is suitably geared or otherwise connected to the power source which may take the form of the engine, indicated at 16 4. Again, this may be done by either chains, gears or what have you. The important point is that through a suitable transmission, power may go to the winch 156 for raising or lowering the lid and then to the main drive shaft for actuating the main plunger.

A single take-up cable is used for both sets of blocks. This is to say that the take-up cable shown around the movable blocks 205 in Figure 7 is the same cable as that shown around the movable blocks 206 on the other side of the frame. One end of the cable, as at 228, is connected to a suitable drum 230 on the left end of the main drive shaft that extends out beyond the side of the frame. From this drum 228, the cable extends forward to the left side stationary block 192 shown in Figure 3. Then the take-up cable passes back and forth over the various sheaves and after passing over the last sheave on the movable blocks 205, it is lead forward over a diagonal guide pulley 232, shown as disposed at approximately 45, on a suitable mounting 234. The cable then is directed laterally, as shown in broken lines at 236 in Figure 6, across and under the frame. The section 236 of the cable moving laterally across the machine merely passes under the longitudinal I-beams of the base and then rises on the other side to a corresponding diagonally disposed guide or sheave 238 having a suitable mounting 240 which may include plates or the like mounted on the .platel98 which serves as a part of the mounting for the right sidefixedblock of sheaves. The take-up cable then moves rearwardly and passes around the sheaves of the fixed .and movable blocks for the rightside, 194

1 and 206, respectively, and then is Wrapped arounda drum or spool 242 on the right side extension of the main drive shaft 210. Thus, the other end '244 of the cable is attached to the other end of the drive shaft. It should be noted that the respective ends-228 and 244 of the take-up cable are wound about the spools on each end of the main drive shaft in the same direction such that when the drive shaft is rotated, both ends of the cable :will be either played out or taken up together.

1 spools or drums, which may be driven each by a suitable chain running to the main drive shaft from the power source. But, for purposes of clarity, we have not gone into the particular power transmitting means used. Suffice it to say that any suitable means could be employed.

It should, therefore, be seen that when the main .driveshaft is actuated, both ends of the take-up cable will be reeled in at the same time. This draws the movable blocks forward toward the stationary blocks and the rear part of the main or big plunger will'be drawn forward moving the compression face along the floor of Since both ends of the the box toward .the front wall. cable are being reeled in, the middle section of the cable, designated generally 236' in Figure. 6, will remain stationary and, in effect, this is the dead end for both sides of the cable. But, if the scrap metal in the box is un evenly distributed for one reason or another, and the majority of the compressing action is taking place on one side of the box or the other, the main plunger will have a tendency to slip sidewise or cant in the compression box, Also, for example, if the take-up cable were to wrap double on one of thespools or drums and not on the. other, the entire load would be taken by one side. But since only one cable is used, it will equalize because the section 236 will be shifted toward one side or the other. In other words, the drives on both sides'are tied together so that if one cable doubles up, the slack from the other side will be shifted across through the inter mediate section 236.

To prevent the main plunger from canting sideways or jamming in the box when it is unevenly loaded with scrap metal, the rear portion of the main plunger is provided with a guide mechanism, such as shown in Figure 9, which takes the form of a pair of posts 247 and 249, suitably connected as by welding, to the rear main beam 186 of the main plunger. These posts have an I-beam or the like 250 connected across their lower ends, and r the ends of the I-beam are provided with slides 252 and 254 which fit against the inside of the main longitudinal beams 32 and 34. Diagonal braces 256 and 257 may be disposed between the vertical posts 247 and 249 and connected at'their upper ends at the outer extremities of the main-rear beam 186 for strength and rigidity. Also, inner braces 258=and 259 may be used, if desired.

Thus, the rear end of the main plunger has a frame that extends down between the main longitudinal beams 32 and 34 of'the baseof the'machine. If the majority of the'compression or crushing action is taking place on .one side 'of'the 'box,'the slide arrangement between the main longitudinal beams 32 and 34 of the basewill prevent the rear end of'the main plunger from swinging to the opposite side. Thus, the load at all times will be ably braced as by a diagonal 266 on each side. 268 may be disposed under the main members 262 and i264 and a suitable channel 270 may be connected across center of the plate. 29-8 is suitably connected to the main rear beam 186 of For the main plunger thus far, we have described the mechanism whereby the plunger is moved forward to compress the scrap metal in the box. We now describethe structure whereby, after a pressing or compressionoperation, the main plunger is pulled back or returned to the starting position so that the box may be again charged with scrap metal.

As shown -in Figures 7 and 8, a tail section, designated generally 26!), may be mounted on the rear of the machine and may include a pair of spaced, longitudinally disposed I-beams- 262 and 264 or the like extending rear-wardly fromthe uprights 36 and 38, each of which may be suit- A plate the rear end. A suitable brace 272 may be connected at its rear end to the tail channel 270 and extends forward to a vertical post 274. Angles 276 and 278 extend laterally across the tailpiece'and are connected to the longitudinal I-beams 262 and 264 by welding or otherwise. Suit- able blocks 280 and 282 maybe secured, as by welding or otherwise, between the angles to form a support and guide for a suitable kingpin 284 which may be used in transporting'the press, as explained hereinafter. A cross brace 286 may be disposed through the upright post 274 and secured to the longitudinal 'members 262 and 264 by welding or otherwise.

A fixed block, designated generally 288, may be mounted on the upright post 274-and may include'a plurality of spaced plates 29% separating a plurality of sheaves 2&2, sho-wnin this case as five in number, although it might be more or less. A suitable axle-or pivot 294 is disposed through the plates and sheaves;

A pair of spring housings or casings26 and 2%, one above and the other below, are mounted on the main rear beam 186 for the .big plunger. As shown in Figure 8, each casing may include a rod 3% extending into the casing and surrounded by a suitable coil spring 362 with the rear end of the rod connected to a plate 394 that car- 'ries a movable block 396 with a plurality of sheaves 338 separated by plates 31!) and rotatably mounted on a suitable pin or axle 312. It will be noted that the upper rod 300 is connected to the top'center of the plate304 while the lower rod 314 is connected to the bottom Each of the spring casings 296 and the main plunger and, as shown in Figure 8, the springs are partially compressed. Figure 8, in fact, shows a .return operation during which the main plunger is being drawn rearwardly.

As shown in Figure 7, the main drive shaft carries a drum or spool 316, generally in the center and within the frame, and areturn cable 318 is wrapped around this spool and extends rearwardly through a guide pulley 329 suitably mounted-on the upright post 38 to the top sheave of the fixed block 288 on the tailpiece. The return cable then passes aboutthe sheaves of the fixed and movable blocks and comes off of the last sheave on the fixed block, at 322 in Figure 7, and is dead ended in any suitable manner, as at 324, to the upright beam 246 which is a part of the lower frame on the main rear beam 186 of the main plunger. The return cable 318 is wrapped around the spool 316 in such .a manner that when the main drive shaft is rotated to play out the take-up cable, the return cable will be wound on the spool 316 and through the fixed and movable blocks 288 and 306, the main plunger will be drawn rearwardly. The resilient connection including the springs 302 is such that a lost motion type transact-ion takes place in the event that the main plunger sticks or otherwise becomes clogged or jammed. The dimensioning of the parts is such that the take-up cable on the drums 230 and 242 will be played out or taken up evenly at the same time that the return cable 318 is played out or taken upon the spool 'or drum 316.

The structure and operation of the small or side plunger 76 will now be described.

The armor plate 66 on the left wall of the box has a suitable opening, designated generally at 326 in Figure 3. This opening may be square and located generally at the left-hand corner of the box in the side wall. The side plunger itself includes a main body member 328 and a plurality of braces or angles 330, one for each corner, extending to a presser head 332 which may be lined on its forward face with a square piece of armor plate 334 which is of such a size and shape that it fits evenly through the opening 326 in the side wall. The rear of the body element is provided with a pivot piece 336 which, through a suitable pivot pin 338, is connected to a pair of plates 34%) which straddle and are suitably welded or otherwise connected to each side of a main arm member 342.

- The arm member 342 is pivoted at 344 in any suitable manner to a rocker element 346 which in turn is pivoted in any suitable manner at 348 to a suitable strap type brace 35% or the like which is welded or otherwise suitably connected to the side of the box or frame. In effect, the brace is a firm mounting for the rocker element 346. A spring barrel 352 is suitably connected, as by welding or otherwise, to the side of the housing and extends outwardly. A compression spring 354, preferably a coil spring, is contained in the barrel and engages a guide or projection 356 at the rear end of the rocker 346. A suitable U-bolt or strap 358 with its inner ends, as at 360, suitably connected to the barrel 352, as by welding or otherwise, surrounds the rear end of the rocker 346 to define its extreme outward position. It should be understood that when the parts are in their inoperative position, the spring 354 will force the rocker 346 outwardly until it contacts the end of the U-bolt.

A suitable guide or support mechanism which may include two I-beams 362 in Figures 1 and 3 connected to the side of the frame and projecting outwardly, one above and the other below the arm 342, may be used to support the arm during its operation and a suitable strap 364 may be welded or otherwise secured across the outer ends of the guide members 362.

An actuating mechanism, indicated generally at 366, is provided for drawing the side or small plunger inwardly to a fully extended position and outwardly to its fully withdrawn position. As shown, the structure includes a pair of I-beams 368 or the like suitably connected by welding or otherwise at their rear ends to plates 37 which are pivoted by a suitable pin 372 to the forward end of the arm 342. A movable block 374 is carried at the forward end of the beams 368 and may include mounting plates 376, shown in Figure 4, on both top and bottom and a plurality of separator plates 378 with interposed sheaves 380. A suitable pin 382 or the like may be supported by the plates to function as an axle or pivot for eight and seven sheaves, respectively,'but it might be otherwise, depending on the size and capacity of the unit.

The drive mechanism for the side plunger is shown generally in Figures 7 and 8. An auxiliary drive shaft 398 is mounted on suitable supports 400 on the frame members 42 and 44 by suitable bearings 402 and 404 or the like. Braces, as at 496 and 408, may be connected to suitable bearings 410 and 412 adjacent each end, and these braces may extend forward to a suitable anchoring position on a main frame, for example, against the main upright posts 24 and 26 as indicated at 414 in Figure 2. Thus, the thrust will be taken by the main frame of the machine and not by the supporting pieces 400. The drive for the auxiliary drive shaft 398 may be efiected by any suitable means from the power source 164 and, as shown, suitable gearing, such as at 416 and 418, may be used, although it should be understood that any suitable means, such as chains or the like, may be employed. For purposes of clarity, the particular drive employed has not been shown.

A pair of spools or drums, designated 420 and 422 in Figure 7, may be disposed side by side on the right end of the auxiliary drive shaft. A take-up cable 424 is Wrapped in the same direction around each of the spools or drums and is suitably connected thereto. This cable runs to and around the fixed block 384 and the movable block 374 for the small or side plunger. The cable from the inner spool 422 is led along the frame, under the cover plate 58, to a fixed guide pulley or sheave 426 in a notch or groove mounted on a suitable pin or pivot 428 at the right corner of the frame. The cable then extends across the front of the unit to the top sheave of the movable block and then passes back and forth between the sheaves of the movable block and the fixed block. The takeup cable comes around the bottom sheave of the movable block, and moves across the front of the machine, as at 430 in Figure l, and then around a fixed guide pulley 432 at the bottom of the right corner of the machine mounted on a suitable pivot pin 434. The cable, as shown in Figure 2, then moves rearwardly through a suitable collection of guides at 435, channels and passages through a second guide pulley 436 to the outer drum or spool 420 on the auxiliary drive shaft. It should be noted in Figure 7 that both ends of the cable are wound in the same direction on the spools or drums so that when the auxiliary drive shaft is rotated in either one direction or the other, both ends of the take-up cable will be either taken in or played out at the same time.

The above described mechanism closes or extends the small plunger or side unit into the box, as shown in broken lines in Figure 3, to compress the scrap metal after the main or big plunger has been moved forward to its fully extended position. The hereinafter described mechanism operates to return the small plunger to its fully withdrawn position, such as shown in full lines in Figure 3, so that the box or compression chamber may again be charged with scrap metal.

One end of the auxiliary drive shaft 398 extends outward beyond the side of the frame on the left side and includes a spool or drum 438, shown in Figures 4 and 7, around which is wound one end of a return cable 440 for the small or side plunger. The cable runs forward along the left side of the machine to a guide pulley or sheave 442 mounted on a pivot 443 between suitable bracket plates 444, mounted by welding or otherwise on the upright main post 24, shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The cable then extends to a sheave 446 which is rotatably mounted on a suitable pin 448 held on a side plate or strap 450 which may be connected to the side of the frame in any suitable manner. A top plate 452 may carry the top of the pivot and may extend to and abut the top brace 362.

Both the top and bottom plates or braces 450 and 452 may be suitably connected by welding or otherwise at the sides of the box so that the sheave 446 will be rigid. In Figure 3, the top plate or brace 452 is not shown as extending to the arm brace or support 362 and we have reduced it so that the small plunger 328 will be visible. We have shown a guide 454 which extends from the top brace 362 to the brace 452 and the cable 440 may extend through it.

Attached to the inside of the movable block 374 that actuates the small plunger may be a pair of spaced plates 456 and 458, as shown in Figure 3, which, as shown in Figure 4, may extend approximately the full height of the movable block of sheaves.

cable 424 for closing the small plunger.

Two sheaves are mounted on suitable pivots between these two plates,

.the top one being designated 460 and the bottom one 462. Both of these sheaves move with the movable block 374 and as will be seen in Figure 4, the return .cable 440, after passing around the fixed sheave or guide pulley 446, then passes around the top sheave 460.

end may be suitably connected by welding or otherwise 7 to the barrel, and additionally a side brace .470, shown in Figure 3, may be connected between the side of the barrel or spring housing 464 and the lower guide 362 supporting the main arm 342. An additional brace 472,

.shown in Figure 3, may run from theside of the barrel to the side of the main compression chamber or. box, but it should be understood that any suitable bracing may be used. The point is that the barrel 464 is held in a stationary position and is suitably braced against the side of the 'box.

The rod 474 in the barrel passing through the coil spring may be connected between a pair of plates 476,

shown in Figure 3, and a sheave or pulley 478 is rotatably mounted on a suitable pin or axle. The return cable 449, after passing around the upper sheave 460 onthe' block, shownin Figure'4, may then pass around the sheave 478. From this sheave it extends to the lower sheave 462mounted on the movable block 374 and then .returns to a dead end 480, shown in Figure 4, on the side of one of the plates 476.

The return cable 448 is wrapped around the drum or spool 438 on the left end of the auxiliary drive shaft in the opposite direction from the two ends of the take-up Thus, when the drive shaft is rotated in one direction to close the .small plunger, the take-up cable 424 will be taken-up or reeled in by its drums or spools 420 and 422 and at the same time the return cable 440 will be played out. During a return movement when the plunger is to be moved back or opened, the return cable 440 will be .reeled in while the take-up cable 424 will be played out. .The dimensioning. is such that slack is not created in either cable and they are maintained relatively taut during movement.

In Figures 3 and 4, when the auxiliary drive shaft is being rotated in a direction to take in the return cable 440, the spring barrel mounting 464 and the sheave or pulley 478 pnovide a resilient connection so that if any jamming or stoppage occurs, a lost motion connection is 7 provided to prevent damage. Additionally, the use of the cator mechanism, designated generally 482, in Figure 5,

to indicate to the operator when the small plunger has reached its fully extended position. This indicator includes a post or the like 484 fixed to the rocker element 346 and connected to a link 486 having a suitable adjusting turnbuckle 488 or the like. The link is connected to a suitable bell crank 480 which is pivoted on the frame at 492 and is connected at its other end to an indicator arm 494 through a suitable link 496. A suitable spring 498 tends to return the indicator arm 494 to the left'side of a suitable scale 580 which is mounted on the side of the box by legs 582.

When the actuating mechanism through the take-up cable 424 (as shown in Figure 7) closes the small plunger thereby pivoting the arm. 342 counterclockwisein Figure ithe-face of the small plunger will be brought in con- 12 tact with the scrap metal in the trough between the front of the box and the face of the main, plunger, as shown in broken lines in'Figure 3. Tension is applied through themain elements 368 of the actuating mechanism and when the small plungeroomes in contact with the scrap material, the arm 342, while initially a straight pivot, becomes a rocker arm and tends to pivot counterclockwise about the pivot point 338. This pivots the rocker 346 clockwise about the pivot 348 which, through the link 486, rotates the bell crank 490 clockwise'in Figure 3 to move the indicator 494 from'left to right in Figure 5.

During return movement of the small plunger when it is being drawn back by the return cable 440 the movement of the'various elements is-reversed and the indicator arm-494 will be moved from right to left in Figure 5. As the small side plunger is disposed generally in a horizontal position, we provide a support for it which includes a side strap504, shown in Figures 1 and 4,

mounted along theside of the. movable block 374. This strap has a pair of angle trussplates 506 on top extending across the pivot pin 382 of the sheaves to a slide pin .508. An angle iron 510 or the like, shown in Figures 1,

3 and 4, is suitably connected by welding or otherwise along the front of the compression chamber or box and the pin 508 fits inside of theangle.

Thus, when the small plunger is closed or opened, the pin riding inside of the angle will serve as the support forthe forward part, which includes the movable block 374. Normally, during a compression movement where the small plunger is moving into the box, sufiicient tension is applied through thetake-up cable 424 so that the support is not necessary. During return movement when the small plunger is being drawn back to the position shown in full lines in Figure 3, the movable block 374 has a tendency to dragand this support is very desirable to prevent the outer end of the arm 368 and the movable block 374 from dragging along the base or the ground.

The use, operation and function of our invention are as follows: a

The disclosed machine is quite inexpensive but at the same time highly reliable in operation. The unit primarily consists of a base, a frame on that base, the frame including an open top box haw'ng three closed sides and an open fourth side. A compression lid is pivoted to the box at a point at the top of the side walls straddling the open fourth side, but not interfering with the movement of a main plunger. The main plunger itself is con- 'structed to slide along the floor of the box from'a rear or fully withdrawn position where it closes the open fourth side to a fully extended position, such as shown in Figure 3, where it defines a lateral compression trough with the front wall of the box.

The small or side plunger. projects through a suitable opening in the left front corner in the side wall of the box and is constructed to be moved in along the front wall of the box between the front wall and the front face of the large plunger to compress the material through the lateral compression trough defined by the large plunger into a final compression space in the right corner at the front wall.

The lid or cover may be raised or lowered and the linkage mechanism shown and described insures a positive action, both for maintaining the lid in the raised position shown in Figure 1 or for holding it in its closed position and resisting the compressive forces effected by the small and main plungers, such as shown in Figure 2. The drive for the lid is simple but highly reliable and insures a positive fast movement.

The drive for the main plunger insures uniform compression across the entire lateral face of the plunger. At no time can the plunger shift or cant within the box during its compression stroke. The tail of the plunger .is carried in a suitable slide between two of the main frame I'-beams so that it cannot shift from one side to another if the majority of the scrap metal happens to be assaosa located on one side of the box. Additionally, the main plunger is pulled forward by a double block and tackle mechanism, one on each side, which, in reality, function as a unit since they are tied together by a unitary take-up cable.

If, for any reason, the majority of the load tends to be applied to one side, the intermediate section of the cable will automatically shift, thereby equalizing the load. It should be noted that this is done automatically and does not require any operators supervision. The return mechanism for the large plunger has a resilient connection between it and the frame. During the return movement of the main plunger, the return cable only has the weight of the main plunger and its frictional drag to overcome, and this resilient connection insures a uniform safe return movement and prevents excessive loads from being applied to the return cable.

The small plunger or compression head moves in from the side and has a double pivoting arrangement to insure operation, first, of an indicator, and, second, of the main plunger itself. The small plunger cannot stick lOI jam in the compression trough defined between the front of the box and the forward face of the main plunger. Additionally, its return movement prevents an excessive strain or load from being placed on the return cable due to the resilient connection shown generally in Figure 4.

We have shown the auxiliary hooks for holding the lid down in Figure 2, but in certain units these may not be necessary.

Another point to be noted is that the main cross rear beam 168 for the main plunger will contact the main upright middle posts or pillars 24 and 26 on the frame when the main plunger is in its fully extended or forward position, shown in broken lines in Figure 3. Thus, the width of the lateral compression trough defined between the front of the box and the forward face of the main plunger is automatically established and will not vary. This insures, first, that the main plunger does not overlap the side plunger to prevent its entrance and, second, that it is not spaced away from it allowing material to slip between the two.

In our present unit, the compression chamber or box is 2 feet deep, approximately, 12 feet long from front to rear, and 5 feet 4 inches from side to side, these all being inside dimensions. A bale of compressed metal produced by the unit measures 18 inches by 36 inches by 21 inches and will weigh on the order of from 325 to 440 pounds, depending upon the consistency of the material charged into the box. We find that we can produce one bale in less than four minutes, which will give a daily production of at least 130 bales in a 12 hour period or, assuming an average bale weight of 400 pounds, 26 tons in a 12 hour period. We may safely say that the unit will produce on the order of 3 tons of baled scrap metal in an hour.

While We have shown and described the preferred form and suggested various modifications of our invention, it should be understood that numerous additional modifications, changes, substitutions and alterations may be made without departing from the inventions fundamental theme. For example, we have only indicated the power means generally, and it should be understood that it can be any suitable drive, such as, an electric motor, a gasoline engine, a diesel or otherwise, or possibly steam. The means of transmission of the power to the various power shafts may be chains, gears, or what have you. The unit could be loaded with scrap metal by an electromagnet crane and the entire assembly could be put on treads or wheels so that it can be rolled from place to place. The kingpin 284 will serve as the hitch or draw. Additionally, while we have shown the unit as constructed to produce an approximately constant size bale, it could be supplied with a suitable adjusting mechanism so that the size of the bale could be varied. The operators platform for controlling the motor and carrying out the other operations could be located next to the main post or pillar 26 on the right side of the machine, and we and this corivenient. Also, we have shown the main plunger as acting in only one direction, and it should be understood that a double acting plunger may be used. In this case, the unit would have two compression chambers, or one large one, two side or small plungers, one in front and one in back, and two lids, possibly pivoted on the same pivots and rigidly connected at an angle so that while one is down the other is raised, and vice versa. The unit might also be used as a metal extrusion press. With these and other modifications in mind, we Wish that the invention be unrestricted, except as by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a machine for pressing scrap metal or the like into bales of a predetermined size, a base, an elongated generally rectangular box closed on three sides and generally open on the fourth side and also on the top, and including a floor and upstanding front and side walls, a lid pivoted to the side walls by a lid pivot at the generally open fourth side, a main plunger movable horizontally under the lid pivot into the box and constructed to close the fourth side of the box when the main plunger is fully withdrawn and to be in a predetermined spaced relation to the front wall when the main plunger is fully extended, an auxiliary plunger movable laterally through an opening in one side wall of the box adjacent the front wall and constructed to close the opening in the said one side wall of the box when the auxiliary plunger is fully withdrawn and to be in predetermined spaced relation to the other side wall when the auxiliary plunger is fully extended, and power means for actuating the main plunger, including a pair of stationary take-up blocks with sheaves on the sides of the base, one on each side, a pair of movable take-up blocks with sheaves attached to the main plunger, one on each side, opposite the stationary blocks to provide two pair of paired take-up blocks, one such pair on each side of the base, a take-up cable passing around the sheaves of the take-up blocks, a stationary return block of sheaves attached to the base, a movable return block of sheaves attached to the main plunger, a return cable passing around the sheaves of the return blocks, a power shaft on the base, and power means for rotating it, the take-up and return cables being connected to the power shaft such that one cable will be reeled in while the other is played out, and vice versa.

2. In a machine for pressing scrap metal or the like into bales of a predetermined size, a base, an elongated generally rectangular box closed on three sides and generally open on the fourth side and also on the top, and including a floor and upstanding front and side Walls, a lid pivoted to the side walls by a lid pivot at the generally open fourth side, a main plunger movable horizontally under the lid pivot into the box and constructed to close the fourth side of the box when the main plunger is fully withdrawn and to be in a predetermined spaced relation to the front wall when the main plunger is fully extended, an auxiliary plunger movable laterally through an opening in one side Wall of the box adjacent the front wall and constructed to close the opening in the said one side wall of the box when the auxiliary plunger is fully withdrawn and to be in predetermined spaced relation to the other side wall when the auxiliary plunger is fully extended, and power means for actuating the main plunger, including a pair of stationary take-up blocks with sheaves on the sides of the base, one on each side, a pair of movable take-up blocks with sheaves attached to the main plunger, one on each side, opposite the stationary blocks to provide two pair of paired take-up blocks, one such pair on each side of the base, a take-up cable passing around the sheaves of the take-up blocks, a stationary return block of sheaves attached to the base by an attachment, a movable return block of sheaves attached to the main plunger by an attachment,a resilient connection between at least one of the return blocks and its attachment, a return cable passing around the sheaves of the return blocks, and power means for the take-up and return cables constructed so that one cable will be reeled in while the other is, played out, and vice versa.

3. In a machine for pressing scrap metal or the like into bales of a predetermined size, a base, a frame mounted on the base and rising above it, the frame including an elongated generally-rectangular boxclosed on three sides and generally open on the fourth side and also on the top,-and including a floor and upstanding front and side walls, a lid pivotedito the sidewalls by a lid pivot atthe generally open fourth side and constructed to be actuated between a lowergenerally horizontal position closing the open top of the box and a raised position opening the box so that the box may becharged with scrap metal, a main plunger movable horizontally under the lid pivot into the box from a fully withdrawn position to a fullyextended position and constructed to close the fourth side of the box when the main plunger is in its fully withdrawn position and to be in a predetermined spaced relation to the front wall when the main plunger 'is in its fully extended position, an auxiliary plunger movable laterally through an opening in one side wall of the box adjacent the front wall from a fully withdrawn position to a fully extended position and constructed to close the opening in the said one side wall of the box when the auxiliaryplunger is in its fully withdrawn position and to be in predetermined spaced relation to'the other side wall when the auxiliary plunger is in its fully extended position, and power means for actuating the main plunger, including a pair of stationary take-up blocks with sheaves on the sides of the frame, one on each side, a pair of movable take-up blocks with sheaves attached to the main plunger, one on each side, opposite the stationary blocks to provide two pair of paired take-up blocks, one such pair on each side of'the frame, a take-up cable passing around the sheaves of the take-up blocks, a stationary return block of sheaves attached to the frame by an attachment, a movable returnblock of sheaves attached'to generally rectangular box closed on three sidesand generally open on the fourth side and also on the top, and including a floor and upstanding front and side walls, a lid pivoted to the side walls by a lid pivot at thegenerally'open fourth side and constructed to be actuated between a lower generally horizontal'rposition closing the open top of the'box and a raisediposition opening the box so that the box may be charged with scrap metal, a main plunger movable horizontally under the lid, pivot into the box'from a fully withdrawn position to'a fully extended position and constructed to close the fourth side of the box Whe'n'the main plunger is in its fully with- ,drawnposition and to be in a predetermined spaced relation to the front wall when the main plunger is in its 'fully extended position, an auxiliary plunger movable laterally through an opening in one'side wall of the box adjacent the front wall from a fully withdrawn position to a fully extended position and constructed to close the opening in the said one side wall of the'box when the auxiliary plunger is in its fully withdrawn position and to be in predetermined spaced relation to the other side wall when the auxiliary plungeris 'in'its fullyiextended position, and power means for actuating the main plunger, including a pair of stationary take-up blocks with sheaves on the sides of the frame, one on each side, 'arpair of movable take-up blocks with sheaves attached to the main plunger, one on each side, opposite the stationary blocks, a power shaft on the base, and powermeans for rotating it, the take-up and return cables being connected to thepower shaft such that one cable will be reeled in While the other is played out, and vice versa.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 203,644 Pope May 14, 1878 258,880 Bloomburg June 6, 1882 1358,805 Dulany Mar. '1, 1887 410,046 Tebow Aug. 27, 1889 520,170 Thompson May 22, 1894 554,995 Edwards Feb. 18, 1896 771,091 Pumphrey Sept. 27, 1904 1,966,378 Dinzl July 10, 1934 2,413,054. Langford et al Dec. 24, 1946 2,748,694 Thompson June 5, 1956 2,816,502 Eismann Dec. 17, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,099,177 France Mar. 16, 1955

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