AIRPLANE-DERIVED REFUSE COMPACTING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A refuse unloading system comprises an upper-opening chamber (15) for receiving airplane-derived refuse; a chute (8) in communication with the chamber; a chute-connected safety gate (5) which is settable in falling preventing relation with respect to an access door of an airplane from which the refuse is unloadable, the safety gate having an upper border over which refuse is transferable via the access door into the chute and is gravitationally dischargeable to the chamber; and an air brake assembly operatively connected to the safety gate, for immobilizing the safety gate when the chute ceases to be vertically displaced, to prevent personnel from accidently falling. In a method, a platen mount with a vertical platen and an occluding surface located below the opening is driven without interfering with clogged refuse, between a first position for facilitating introduction of refuse through the opening and a second position at which the opening is completely occluded.