an apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall , in which a closed housing contains a vibrating pan having an intergal discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall ; and a truck - mounted carriage for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom . a method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area , and continuously feeding the furnace during all phrases of operation , including slagging and tapping , is also disclosed .