Abstract: A press for compacting scrap metal for subsequent melting, e.g. in an electric furnace, the press comprising a supporting bed, a chamber formed in the bed and open at the top for the introduction of scraps thereinto, a closing cover for the chamber lockable in a closed portion by locking means. Movable and stationary walls define the sides of the chamber and are associated with the bed. Control and guide means for the shifting movement of the movable walls are adapted to bring the movable walls close to each other until there is defined therebetween a cavity. The distances between the walls are smaller than and proximate the distance between the inner walls of the furnace whereinto the compacted scraps are to be molten. A ram with related control means defines with its active face the base of the cavity and is movable in the bed to and away from the cover in order to press, against the cover, the scraps already compacted in the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the baling of solid waste. The system includes opposed compaction platens which operate to compress waste material within a cavity. The platens also act to eject the bale from the cavity for tying and easy handling. The system further provides for the introduction of more than one charge of material to form a single bale. A hydraulic system is employed within the baling system which allows the platens to cooperate together to present a compressed bale to the tying area under compression and hooks are also employed which both weigh the compacted bale and provide easy forklift removal thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for feeding material to a gas generator. A cell feeder is provided for preventing backflow of gases through the feeding apparatus from the gas generator. The cell feeder includes a housing having an axial passage extending therethrough defining a path of travel for material from an inlet opening to an outlet opening, first and second pistons mounted in the housing for compressing and transferring material received in the housing along the path from the inlet to the outlet, each of the pistons also alternately blocking and unblocking the path whereby material received within the housing will be compressed prior to the opening of the outlets, thereby preventing the backflow of gases.

Abstract: An improved compacter for flattening or compacting metal cans and the like wherein the can is initially positioned between a pair of spaced gripping members, the gripping members being subsequently moved toward each other compacting the can disposed therebetween. The gripping members grippingly engage the can and secure the can in a stationary position with respect to each of the gripping members and one of the gripping members is initially rotated as the gripping members are moved toward each other thereby twisting and weakening the structural integrity of the can to facilitate the compacting thereof.