Abstract: A waste transfer packer having a horizontally reciprocable ram operating in a hollow spigot to deliver and compress waste material from a chute or hopper, has a spigot adapted to extend into a container through a pair of doors hinged about horizontal axes. Problems can arise on disconnection of the container from the packer due to re-expansion of the load within the container.The invention provides a spigot extending almost to the position of maximum penetration of the ram so as to continue to support the load while the ram is withdrawn and during disconnection of the container. The spigot shape can provide a sloping or stepped by a suitable profiling of the spigot front face.

Abstract: Loading doors for a container such as a transfer container for domestic waste which cooperates with a compactor loader having a horizontally reciprocating ram comprise a plurality of flaps which effectively close an opening sized to correspond with a spigot of the compactor loader the doors being opened by mechanical connection with a part of the compactor loader and resulting from relative movement between it and the door.

Abstract: An inflatable ram has an extensible wall of flexible sheet material connecting two opposed end faces to enclose a space which is divided into a plurality of interconnected compartments by diaphragms extending between opposed regions of the inner surface of the extensible wall so as to be parallel with the end faces. Restraining means, which may comprise elastic cords, are arranged to provide increasing restraint against inflation of successive compartments so that extension of the ram takes place by sequential inflation of the compartments as the restraining means are progressively overcome.