Patent ID: 8690512

Claim:
An apparatus for loading metal scrap material into an ISO standard-compliant shipping container having an internal width [of 7′ 7¾″], an internal height and an external length and defining a volume, the apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving the metal scrap material, the hopper comprising a bottom having an external width slightly less than the internal width of the ISO standard-compliant shipping container and opposing side walls having an internal height slightly less than the internal height of said ISO standard-compliant shipping container, and the bottom having a length at least as long as the external length of said ISO standard-compliant shipping container, said hopper comprising a first end and a second end positioned opposite said first end, wherein said hopper has an open top extending between said first and second end and said hopper is fixed in position and oriented so as to enable the ISO standard-compliant shipping container to be moved into engagement with said hopper to thereby receive said hopper therein to extend along the entire length of the ISO standard-compliant shipping container; a plate disposed within said hopper having a width just less than an internal width of said hopper, and configured to move between said first end and said second end of said hopper; and a driver configured for moving said plate between said first end and said second end to shift said heavy metal scrap material out of said hopper.