摘要 |
An apparatus and method of use is disclosed for a machine used for perforating and flattening or crushing containers of varying sizes and materials. The disclosed machine has a frame having an input opening and a discharge opening. A first plurality of shafts and second plurality of shafts are rotatably supported by the firame. The first plurality of shafts are disposed in a first plane and the second plurality of shafts are disposed in a second plane. The second plane is acutely angled with respect to the first plane. One or more motors rotate the first and second plurality of shafts, each shaft having perforating elements positioned along them. The perforating elements are offset between adjacent performing shafts such that adjacent perforating elements overlap but do not touch the adjacent shaft. The perforating elements have a plurality of spikes capable of perforating the container being perforated and crushed. In use, containers are introduced into the frame through the input opening. The containers enter and engage the first plurality of shafts and the second plurality of shafts disposed on intersecting planes. As the containers travel between the first and second plurality of shafts, the area between the first and second plurality of shafts becomes progressively smaller and closes in on the containers, crushing them between shafts of the first and second plurality of shafts with the spikes puncturing the containers, relieving them of any pressure or contents. After flattening or crushing, the containers are discarded through the discharge opening. In another embodiment, a pair of rotatable crushing members are located near the intersecting planes, further crushing the containers as they exit the first and second plurality of shafts.
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