Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method wherein relatively large bulky pieces of scrap metal can be, substantially, simultaneously, divided or separated into smaller pieces of scrap metal and then compressed into smaller and more dense units of scrap metal. In compressing the bulky scrap metal into smaller and more dense units of scrap metal, the grade and quality of the scrap metal is increased so as to be more, economically, valuable.

Abstract: A baling press, having a cavity and a bolster for reciprocating in the cavity, uses replaceable cavity liners and bolster wear strips. These liners and wear strips can be replaced without disassembling the press by withdrawing the bolster from the cavity. Also disclosed is the use of a number of high volume pumps which are switched out of the hydraulic supply circuit as the bolster nears the end of its compression stroke so as to allow the use of relatively low power prime movers.

Abstract: A baling press including a cavity, having separate loading and unloading openings near its opposite ends, a bolster which moves in the cavity to reduce the volume of the cavity and compress the material loaded therein to a predetermined size, a ram connected to reciprocate the bolster within the cavity between a retracted position clear of the loading opening and an advanced position beyond the loading opening, and a door linked to a cooperating cam and a follower means mounted one to reciprocate with the ram and the other to control the motion of the door whereby movement of the bolster from its retracted position to its advanced position in a compression stroke will automatically close the door until the bolster returns to its retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring waste from the collection chamber of a suction waste-collection system into a wastetransport container in which the collection chamber is at the minimum absolute pressure of the system and in which the transport container is at atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a compaction chamber having an inlet which is opened to the collection chamber and an outlet which is opened to the transport container. Airtight means is provided to close the outlet when the inlet is opened and other airtight means is provided to close the inlet when the outlet is opened. Waste material entering the compaction chamber through the inlet is compacted before being discharged through the outlet. The compaction device includes the outlet closure means as a back-up device and a pressure plate operable to compress the waste against the outlet closure.