Patent ID: 7743717

Claim:
An apparatus for conveying solid waste to plasma furnace comprising: a. an elongated channel comprising a first region having an opening through which waste material is received into said channel and a second region having an outlet open to a furnace through which waste exits said channel and enters the furnace and one or more baffles attached to the upper interior surface of said second region of said channel; b. a reciprocating ram located within first region of said channel at an end of said channel opposite said outlet for forcing waste toward said outlet, said ram having a head plate of the same general shape as the channel and an upper shield dimensioned to be slightly greater in area than said opening such that when said ram is extended said opening is blocked; c. an actuator-impelled restrictor plate for compressing waste that is forced through said channel, said restrictor plate pivotally mounted to the interior of said channel within said first region of said channel in an area through which the waste passes prior to entering said second region; and d. a door operable to close off said channel positioned within said second region of said channel.