U.S. patent number 3,625,138 [Application Number 04/833,528] was granted by the patent office on 1971-12-07 for waste disposal.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Electronic Assistance Corporation. Invention is credited to George McCullough, David Shinn.
United States Patent |
3,625,138 |
Shinn , et al. |
December 7, 1971 |
WASTE DISPOSAL
Abstract
A screw force feeds waste to a swing-hammer rotor shredder.
Waste processed by the shredder sifts through a grate into a
compaction chamber. A first compaction ram compresses the waste by
pressing down on it at an angle of about 30.degree., and a second
compaction ram further compresses the waste by pressing
horizontally on it. A gate opens and the compressed waste is
extruded. Sensors and a control circuit coordinate the various
functions and automatically start and stop the apparatus under
certain conditions.
Inventors: |
Shinn; David (Oakhurst, NJ),
McCullough; George (Oceanport, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Electronic Assistance
Corporation (Red Bank, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
25264654 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/833,528 |
Filed: |
June 16, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
100/45; 100/49;
100/52; 100/97; 100/99; 100/215; 100/218; 100/249; 100/295; 241/35;
241/73; 241/189.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D01G
11/00 (20130101); B30B 9/3035 (20130101); B30B
9/301 (20130101); Y02W 30/66 (20150501) |
Current International
Class: |
B30B
9/30 (20060101); B30B 9/00 (20060101); D01G
11/00 (20060101); B30b 015/08 (); B30b
015/30 () |
Field of
Search: |
;100/41,97,94,95,96,215,218,232,45,49,52,53,99,39,269
;241/73,82,186,35 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wilhite; Billy J.
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus for processing waste including garbage, trash and
other refuse having a solids content high enough to militate
against its disposal as sewage comprising:
feed means for receiving said waste and force-feeding said waste
through a discharge,
shredder means mounted adjacent to said discharge for receiving and
shredding waste fed through said discharge, said shredder means
including grate means for sifting said shredded waste, said grate
means being formed with a plurality of relatively small openings to
allow passage of waste shreds of a desired size and at least one
relatively large opening to allow passage of waste that resists
shredding to said desired size,
compaction chamber means mounted below said shredder means for
collecting waste passing said grate means
first compaction means for compressing waste collected in said
compaction chamber means by exerting a force thereon in a first
direction, and
second compaction means for further compressing the waste
compressed by said first compaction means by exerting a force
thereon in a second direction forming substantially a right angle
with said first direction.
2. Apparatus for processing waste including garbage, trash and
other refuse having a solids content high enough to militate
against its disposal as sewage comprising:
feed means for receiving said waste and force-feeding said waste
through a discharge,
shredder means mounted adjacent to said discharge for receiving and
shredding waste fed through said discharge,
compaction chamber means mounted below said shredder means for
accumulating waste shredded by said shredder means
first movable compaction means for compressing waste processed by
said shredder means by moving down on said precessed waste along a
first line forming an angle of substantially 30.degree. with
respect to the horizontal, and
second movable compaction means for further compressing the waste
compressed by said first movable compaction means by moving
horizontally thereagainst along a second line substantially normal
to said first line.
3. Apparatus for processing shredded waste including garbage, trash
and other refuse having a solids content high enough to militate
against its disposal as sewage comprising:
shredder means for shredding waste,
compaction chamber means mounted below said shredder means and
including a wall portion forming a right dihedral angle,
first compaction ram means including a ram headwall portion forming
a right dihedral angle, said ram means being movable between a
retracted position permitting accumulation of shredded waste in
said compaction chamber means and an extended position in which
said wall portion of said chamber means and said ram headwall
portion cooperate to compress shredded material accumulated in said
chamber means into the form of a generally rectangular
parallelepiped, and
second compaction ram means movable in a direction generally
parallel to said wall portions for further compressing the waste
compressed by said first compaction ram means.
4. Apparatus for processing waste including garbage, trash, and
other refuse having a solids content high enough to militate
against its disposal as sewage comprising:
shredder means for shredding waste,
compaction chamber means mounted below said shredder means for
accumulating waste shredded by said shredder means,
first compaction means movable within said compaction chamber means
for compressing said waste shredded by said shredder means by
exerting a force thereon in a first direction,
second compaction means movable within said compaction chamber
means for further compressing the waste compressed by said first
compaction means by exerting a force thereon in a second direction
forming substantially a right angle with said first direction,
gate means mounted for movement between a closed position in which
it prevents extrusion of said compressed waste in response to
movement of said second compaction means and an open position in
which it permits extrusion of said compressed waste in response to
movement of said second compaction means, and
control means for causing said first compaction means to exert said
force in said first direction, then causing said second compaction
means to exert said force in said second direction, said first
compaction means continuing to exert said force in said first
direction and said gate means being in said closed position, then
causing said compaction means to reduce said force in said second
direction, then causing said gate means to move to said open
position, then causing said second compaction means to extrude said
compressed waste from said compaction chamber means.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said control means
comprise means which then causes said gate means to move to said
closed position to separate said extruded waste from waste
remaining in said compaction chamber means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to waste disposal and, more particularly, to
novel and highly effective apparatus facilitating disposal of waste
having a solids content.
It is desirable to dispose of garbage, trash, and other refuse
(herein generically called "waste") economically and without
polluting the atmosphere or despoiling the landscape. Waste having
a solids content high enough to militate against its disposal as
sewage is typically disposed of by burning or dumping. The waste
products of civilization are produced in such profusion that
burning them seriously pollutes the atmosphere and dumping them
requires very large and unsightly dumps and junkyards.
Conventional apparatus and methods facilitating compaction of waste
to reduce its volume and the size of the requisite dump or junkyard
suffers certain serious deficiencies. Typically, such apparatus
cannot process solid waste particles that are larger than a certain
size or that resist grinding or shredding, and the apparatus is
subject to jamming and consequent damage. Another problem is that
conventional compaction apparatus generally has an awkward
arrangement of compaction rams and an inefficient control cycle so
that the compaction process cannot be carried out with the desired
economy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to remedy the shortcomings of
conventional apparatus noted above. In particular, an object of the
invention is to provide for the compaction of waste including
particles of widely varying sizes without danger of damage to the
compaction machinery and to perform the compaction efficiently and
economically.
The foregoing and other objects of the invention are attained by
the provision of feed means for receiving waste and force-feeding
the waste through a discharge and shredder means mounted adjacent
to the discharge for receiving and shredding the waste. The
shredder means includes a grate means for sifting the shredded
waste, the grate means being formed with a plurality of relatively
small openings to allow passage of waste shreds of a desired size
and at least one relatively large opening to allow passage of waste
that resists shredding to the desired size. The shredded and sifted
waste is accumulated in compaction chamber means including a wall
portion forming a right dihedral angle. First compaction ram means
including a ram head wall portion forming a right dihedral angle
compresses the shredded material accumulated in the chamber means
into the form of a generally rectangular parallelepiped, and second
compaction ram means movable at an angle to the first compaction
ram means further compresses the waste compressed by the first
compaction ram means. The movement of the first compaction ram
means is downward at an angle, and the movement of the second
compaction ram means is resisted by gate means mounted for movement
between a closed position in which it prevents extrusion of the
compressed waste in response to movement of the second compaction
ram means and an open position in which it permits extrusion of the
compressed waste.
Control means is provided for coordinating the movements of the ram
means and for opening the gate means following compaction by the
second ram means to permit the second ram means to extrude the
compressed waste. The ram means is retracted and the gate means
closes in preparation for the next cycle of the operation.
Various sensor means are provided for cooperating with the control
means to provide normally continuous operation but to stop the feed
means when the supply of waste thereto is less than a predetermined
minimum and when the load on the shredder means exceeds a
predetermined maximum. Provision is also made for stopping the
shredder means when the load thereon exceeds a predetermined level.
Further, the feeder means does not start until the shredder means
attains a predetermined operating speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
An understanding of additional aspects of the invention may be
gained from a consideration of the following detailed description
of a representative embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying figures of the drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a
preferred embodiment of apparatus constructed in accordance with
the invention;
FIG. 2 is an end elevation, partly in section, of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an end elevation, partly broken away, of the apparatus of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the apparatus in a
different stage of its operation;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the apparatus in another
stage of its operation;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and showing another stage of the
operation of the apparatus;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the apparatus in another
stage of its operation;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 showing the apparatus
in another stage of its operation;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 7 showing the apparatus in
another stage of its operation;
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are a schematic diagram of a preferred
embodiment of control means for the apparatus constructed in
accordance with the invention; and
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the way in which FIGS. 11A,
11B, and 11C are to be arranged.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows apparatus 20 constructed in accordance with the
invention for processing waste, particularly waste having an
appreciable solids content. The apparatus 20 comprises feed means
22 including a screw chamber 24 housing a feed screw 26. The feed
screw 26 is mounted on and rigid with respect to a feed screw axle
28 rotatably supported in journals 30. The axle 28, and hence the
screw 26, are caused to rotate (in a clockwise direction as seen
from a position to the left in FIG. 1) by motive means such as an
electric motor 32 driving a pulley 34 and, by means of a belt or
chain 36, a pulley 38 integral with the axle 28.
The feed means 22 has a discharge 40 through which the waste is
force-fed to shredder means 42. The shredder means 42 is mounted
adjacent to the discharge 40 for receiving and shredding waste fed
through the discharge 40. The shredder means includes a hammer mill
44 supported within a shredder chamber 46 by an axle 48 rotatably
mounted in bearings 50 (FIG. 2). The axle 48 is rotated by motive
means such as an electric motor 52 that turns a pulley 54 connected
by a belt or chain 56 to a pulley 58 integral with the axle 48.
The axle 48 is integral with a plurality of discs 60 each
supporting a plurality of hammers or flails 62 mounted for limited
pivotal movement about studs 64 affixed to the plates 60.
The motor 52 turns the hammer mill 44 at high speed so that the
hammers 62 grind or shred waste in the shredder chamber 46. A
flywheel 65 mounted integrally on the axle 48 turns therewith and
helps maintain a uniform angular momentum of the hammer mill 44 in
operation.
The shredder means 42 includes grate means 66 having a plurality of
relatively small openings 68 to allow passage of waste shreds of a
desired size and at least one relatively large opening 70 to allow
passage of waste that resists shredding to the desired size. The
sifted shreds fall into a compaction chamber means 72 having a
precompaction and collection area 74 and a molding chamber 76.
The chamber means 72 includes a wall portion 78 forming a right
dihedral angle A, as shown in FIG. 2.
First and second compaction means are provided for compressing
waste passing the grate 66 and falling into the chamber 72. A first
compaction means 80 (FIG. 2) and a second compaction means 82 (FIG.
1) have their movements efficiently coordinated to mold a very
dense bale or pellet of waste.
The first compaction means 80 includes a pair of precompaction and
collection hydraulic cylinders 84 each having a precompaction and
collection piston 86 slidable therein in a direction indicated by
an arrow 88 (FIG. 2). The pistons, which are ganged together for
movement as a unit, are thus adapted to move down on the processed
waste along a line forming an angle within the range of 25.degree.
to 60.degree. with respect to the horizontal, and preferably an
angle of substantially 32.degree. . By virtue of this angle,
efficient precompaction is achieved, yet the shredded waste falling
into the chamber 72 presents no impediment to the withdrawal of the
pistons 86.
The pistons 86 carry compaction ram reams including a ram headwall
portion 90 forming a right dihedral angle A'. In the retracted
position shown in FIG. 2, accumulation of shredded waste in the
chamber 72 is facilitated; in the extended position shown in FIG.
4, the wall portion 78 of the chamber 72 and the ram headwall
portion 90 cooperate to compress shredded material accumulated in
the chamber 72 into the form of a generally rectangular
parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped is in fact square in
cross section, as FIG. 4 shows. At the same time, the rectangular
parallelepiped and the wall portions 90 have a length L
substantially equal to the length L of the precompaction and
collection area 74 (FIG. 1). A sleeve 91 integral with the ram
headwall portion 90 fits slidably within a housing 91' housing both
of the cylinders 84 and facilitates withdrawal of the rams 86 while
refuse falling through the grate 66 (FIG. 1) slides off the sleeve
91 and accumulates in the chamber 72. The compaction ram 80 is thus
easily withdrawn without trapping waste and without jamming or
clogging.
The second compaction means 82 includes a main hydraulic cylinder
92 provided with a piston (not shown) and a ram extension 94 and a
ram head 96. The ram 94 and ram head 96 are adapted to compress
further the waste compressed by the ram 86 and ram head 87. This is
accomplished by exerting a force on the precompacted waste in a
second direction indicated by an arrow 98 forming an angle with the
direction 88 in which the ram 86 and ram head 87 move. The ram 94
and ram head 96 preferably move horizontally and at an angle of
substantially 90.degree. with respect to the direction of movement
of the ram 86 and ram head 87. That is, the two compressive forces
are substantially normal to each other.
Gate means such as a gate 100 (FIG. 3) is mounted for movement
between a closed position in which it prevents extrusion of the
compressed waste in response to movement of the ram head 96 and an
open position (FIG. 7) in which it permits extrusion of the
compressed waste in response to fully extended movement of the ram
head 96 (FIG. 8). The gate 100 is operated in any suitable manner
by motive means such as a gate cylinder 102 having therein a
slidable piston (not shown) controlling a ram 103.
The use of the apparatus of the invention includes the step of
preliminary compression by a force acting in one direction and
further compression by a force acting in another direction, as
described above, by virtue of which the waste is finally molded in
the molding chamber 76, then reducing the force exerted by ram head
96 by withdrawing it to a partially retracted position, as shown in
FIG. 6, then opening the gate 100, and finally increasing the force
exerted by the ram head 96 along the same line 98 (FIG. 1) to empty
the chamber 76 and extrude the compressed waste (FIG. 8), which is
in the form of a highly compressed bale that can be easily disposed
of. The ram head 96 is withdrawn and the gate 100 is closed,
whereupon the cycle is repeated, if there is additional waste to be
processed.
The operation of the apparatus of the invention is shown in
sequence by FIGS. 1-9, respectively. FIG. 1 shows the main
hydraulic cylinder 82 retracted, and FIG. 2 the precompaction and
collection cylinder 80 retracted. FIG. 3 shows the gate cylinder
102 extended. These three figures thus show the condition of the
apparatus at the start of a cycle. FIG. 4 shows the precompaction
and collection cylinder 80 extended to perform the precompaction
step, and FIG. 5 shows the main hydraulic cylinder 82 extended to
perform the final compression or molding step. FIG. 6 shows the
main hydraulic cylinder 82 retracted partially to have a space 76'
in the molding chamber 76 and relieve the strain on the gate 100,
and FIG. 7 shows the opening of the gate 100. FIG. 8 shows the main
hydraulic cylinder 82 extended fully to perform the extrusion step
in which a portion 104 of highly compressed waste is extruded from
the molding chamber 76, and FIG. 9 shows the closing of the gate
100 to sever the portion 104 as a molded block of high-density
waste.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C together constitute a schematic diagram of
control means for coordinating the functions described above and
others in accordance with the invention.
Sensor means 110 such as a photocontrol sender 112 and a
photocontrol receiver 114 constitute a level sensor for determining
when the refuse or waste in the screw chamber 24 (FIG. 1) has built
up to a predetermined level. A photocontrol time delay 116
connected to the receiver 114 by a line 117 trips after a
predetermined delay following interruption of the radiation path
119 between the sender 112 and receiver 114. This actuates a rotary
stepping switch 118 connected to the delay circuit 116 by a line
121. The time delay is to prevent actuation of the switch 118 by
the transient signal developed by passage of particles of waste
falling into the screw chamber 24 before sufficient waste has
collected in the chamber 24 to reach the level of the sensor
110.
Upon actuation by the photocontrol time delay 116, the rotary
stepping switch 118 advances to position 1. A signal developed in a
lead 120 actuates the shredder motor 52 so that the pulley 54, belt
drive 56, pulley 58, and shredder assembly 42 are actuated. The
shredder assembly 42 normally continues to operate for the
remainder of the cycle. A set time delay circuit 122 connected to
the stepping switch 118 by a line 123 advances the stepping switch
118 to position 2 after the shredder assembly 42 has been allowed
sufficient time to reach operating speed.
In position 2, a signal is developed on a lead 124 to actuate a
hydraulic motor 126. The hydraulic motor 126 controls a hydraulic
pump 128 through a coupling 129. The motor 126 and the pump 128
continue to operate for the entire cycle. The set time delay 122
advances the stepping switch 118 to position 3 after the hydraulic
pump 128 has had sufficient time to reach operating pressure.
In position 3, a signal is developed on a lead 130 and actuates a
screw feed adjustable time delay relay 132, which in turn starts
the screw feed motor 32 to which it is connected by a lead 133. The
motor 32, through the pulley 34, chain drive 36, and pulley 38,
actuates the screw feed assembly 22 a predetermined length of time
depending on the setting of the adjustable time delay relay
132.
The set time delay circuit 122 during this time advances the rotary
stepping switch 118 to position 4.
In position 4, when the screw feed adjustable time delay relay 132
cuts out, the screw feed assembly 22 stops, and a signal is
developed in a lead 134 that advances the stepping switch 118 to
position 5.
In position 5, a signal is developed on a line 136 which actuates a
gate-extend solenoid 138. This controls a valve 140 to admit oil
under high pressure through a line 142 to the rear of the gate
hydraulic cylinder 102. In this position of the valve 140, the line
142 is connected to a high-pressure line 144 pressurized through a
line 146, a line 148 and a line 150 connected to the pump 128. A
gauge 151 indicates the pressure of the fluid immediately
downstream of the pump 128. When the gate-extend hydraulic line 144
reaches a predetermined pressure, a gate-extend pressure switch 152
develops a signal in a line 154 that actuates the rotary stepping
switch 118, causing it to step to position 6.
In position 6, a signal is developed in a lead 156 which actuates a
solenoid 158 controlling a valve 160 so that hydraulic fluid is
admitted at high pressure through a line 162, a check valve 164, a
line 166 and lines 168 to the rear ends of the hydraulic cylinders
84. This extends the rams 86. A pressure switch 170 connected by a
line 172' to the high-pressure line 166 responds to a predetermined
pressure in the line 166 to develop a signal in an electrical lead
172 that causes the rotary stepping switch 118 to advance to
position 7.
In position 7, a signal is developed in a lead 174 that actuates a
solenoid 176 controlling a valve 178. Thus actuated, the valve 178
connects a high-pressure hydraulic line 180 to a high-pressure
hydraulic line 182 that is connected to the high-pressure hydraulic
line 146 and through it to the lines 148 and 150 and pump 128.
Hydraulic fluid under high pressure thus passes through the line
180 to the rear end of the main hydraulic cylinder 92, causing
extension of the ram 94. When pressure in the high-pressure line
182 reaches a predetermined level, a pressure switch 184 connected
by a hydraulic line 186 to the hydraulic line 182 developes a
signal in a lead 188 that advances the rotary stepping switch 118
to position 8.
In position 8, a signal is developed in a lead 190 that actuates a
retraction solenoid 192 controlling the valve 178. The valve 178
then admits hydraulic fluid under high pressure from the hydraulic
pump 128, the line 150, a high-pressure line 194, a high-pressure
line 196, the valve 178, and a high-pressure line 198 to the head
end of the hydraulic cylinder 92. This causes retraction of the ram
94. The set time delay circuit 122 advances the rotary stepping
switch 118 to position 9 after a set time delay sufficient to allow
the main ram 94 to be retracted far enough to allow the pressure to
be relieved on the gate 100.
In position 9, a signal is developed in a lead 200 connected to a
retraction solenoid 202 controlling the valve 140 to admit oil from
the high-pressure line 194 through the valve 140 and a
high-pressure line 204 to the head end of the gate cylinder 102.
This causes retraction of the ram 103 and opening of the gate 100.
When hydraulic pressure on the gate-retract lines 204, 194 reaches
a predetermined pressure as measured by a pressure switch 206
connected by a line 208 to the line 194, a signal is developed in a
lead 210 connected to the switch 206. The signal developed in the
line 210 causes the rotary stepping switch 118 to step to position
10.
In position 10, a signal is developed in a line 212 that actuates
the solenoid 176. This causes full extension of the ram 94 by
admitting hydraulic fluid at high pressure through the line 180 to
the rear end of the cylinder 92 as explained above. The molded
high-density block 104 is in this manner extruded (see also FIG.
8). When the pressure in the line 180 reaches a predetermined level
the pressure switch 184 develops a signal in a lead 214 that causes
the rotary stepping switch 118 to step to position 11.
In position 11, a signal is developed in an electrical lead 216
that actuates the solenoid 138. Hydraulic fluid is admitted through
the line 142 as described above to the rear end of the gate
cylinder 102, causing extension of the ram 103 and closing of the
gate 100. The closing of the gate 100 severs the compacted block
104 from the end of the compaction chamber 76. When the pressure in
the line 144 reaches a predetermined level as determined by the
pressure switch 152 connected to the line 144 by the line 153, a
signal is developed in an electrical lead 217 that causes the
rotary stepping switch 118 to step to position 12.
In position 12, a signal is developed on a line 218 that actuates
the solenoid 192. This allows hydraulic fluid under high pressure
to flow through the line 198 as described above to the head of the
cylinder 92 and retract the ram 94. Then the main ram 94 is fully
retracted, hydraulic pressure in the line 196 builds to a
predetermined pressure and, through a connecting line 220 actuates
a pressure switch 222. The pressure switch 222 when actuated
develops a signal in a lead 224 that causes the rotary stepping
switch 118 to step to position 13.
In position 13, a signal is developed in a lead 225 that actuates a
solenoid 226 to control the valve 160 in such a manner as to admit
oil or other fluid under high pressure from the line 194 through
the valve 160 through a high-pressure line 228 to the head ends of
the cylinders 84, causing retraction of the rams 86. When the rams
86 are fully retracted, the hydraulic pressure builds to actuate a
pressure switch 230 connected to the high-pressure line 228 by a
line 232. The pressure switch 230 when actuated generates an
electrical signal in a lead 233 that advances the rotary stepping
switch 118 to position 14.
Position 14 causes generation of a signal as indicated at 236 that
causes stepping of the switch 118 to a home position 238. If the
photocontrol circuit means 110 is still broken, the entire sequence
just described is repeated. If the control circuit means 110 is not
broken, thus indicating that no refuse remains to be processed, the
stepping switch 118 remains at the home position 238, causing the
shredder motor 52 and hydraulic motor 126 to shutdown. The entire
system now remains at standby until again actuated by the control
means 110 in the manner described above.
The system also includes hydraulic safety features such as an oil
pressure bypass valve 240 which, in the event of an overload of the
hydraulic system, safely bypasses fluid through a line 241 to an
oil reservoir 242. A hydraulic oil filter 244 in a line 246 is also
provided for filtering the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump 128
withdraws oil from the reservoir 242 through a magnetic suction
line separator 248.
The electrical control system has built-in safety features such as
power failure reset relay 250 connected to the stepping switch 118
by a line 251, and an automatic homing, shutdown, and alarm circuit
252 connected to the switch 118 by a lead 253 and to the three
motors 32, 52, and 126. The circuit 252 functions if any of the
motors should trip its associated circuit breaker because of a
malfunction. In addition, the shredder motor 52 and screen feed
motor 32 have a power sensor and current limiting device 254 to
which they are connected by lines 255 and 256, respectively. The
current limiter 254 stops the feed screw motor 32 and screw feed
assembly 22 if the load on the shredder motor 52 exceeds a
predetermined level, and automatically restores the screw feed
motor 32 and assembly 22 to action when the shredder clears and
continues operating under normal load. The current limiter 254 also
stops the shredder assembly 42 when the shredder load exceeds a
predetermined level.
Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention a novel and
highly effective apparatus facilitating disposal of waste having a
solids content. In accordance with the invention, the shortcomings
of conventional apparatus are remedied and, in particular,
provision is made for the compaction of waste including particles
of widely varying sizes without danger of damage to the compaction
machinery, and the process of compacting waste is performed
efficiently and economically.
Many modifications of the representative embodiments disclosed
above will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and the
invention is to be construed as including all of the modifications
thereof within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *