Abstract: An apparatus for baling loose materials includes a housing defining a charging passage and a compaction chamber. The baling apparatus also includes a compacting ram platen which moves through the charging passage to compact loose materials into a bale in the compaction chamber. In one embodiment, the baling apparatus includes a reinforcing frame disposed generally circumferentially about at least portion of the housing to provide structural reinforcement. The reinforcing frame defines an aperture through which the floor panel and the first and second opposed side panels of the housing are typically extended during the fabrication of the baling apparatus so as to be supported in a predetermined positional relationship. In another embodiment, the baling apparatus includes a knife assembly including a frame member, such as the reinforcing frame, mounted to the housing and a second cutting edge mounted to the frame member for controlled movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling loose materials, such as waste material, includes a controllably moveable door assembly. In one embodiment, the door is adapted to open from an initial position to a final position such that the compacted bale can be ejected from the compaction chamber through the opening defined by the open door. In this embodiment, the leading edge portion of the door is moved to a final position in general alignment with the compacting ram platen such that bales of various sizes, including oversized bales, can be readily ejected from the baling apparatus. For example, the leading edge portion of the door can be moved into alignment with or rearward of the compacting ram platen. In another embodiment, the baling apparatus operates in a plug bale mode and includes a door which is urged against an at least partially ejected bale so as to securely hold the plug bale within the opening defined to the compaction chamber during the compaction of a succeeding bale.