Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-contained cart-tipping system for residential applications that can be installed on a variety of refuse collection truck types, including front loading, side loading and rear loading models. The cart tipper system of the invention includes independent hydraulic and electrical systems and needs only to be served by a source of electric power.

Abstract: A mechanized gripping apparatus for grabbing collection containers of a range of sizes is disclosed. The apparatus has converging opposed cylinder-operated finger arrangements which pivot together to close about a container for gripping and open to release a container.

Abstract: A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.

Abstract: An on-board auxiliary tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a water tank having a sloped, generally concave upper section, spaced sides and a bottom designed for deployment nested beneath a mixing drum of a transit concrete mixing vehicle and defining a water compartment and a pair of elongate support block members for supporting the water tank situated beneath the sides of the tank and adapted to be attached thereto by removable latch fasteners. The block members include elements suitable for fastening the blocks to a concrete mixing vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-contained cart-tipping system for residential applications that can be installed on a variety of refuse collection truck types, including front loading, side loading and rear loading models. The cart tipper system of the invention includes independent hydraulic and electrical systems and needs only to be served by a source of electric power.

Abstract: A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.

Abstract: A mechanized gripping apparatus for grabbing collection containers of a range of sizes is disclosed. The apparatus has converging opposed cylinder-operated finger arrangements which pivot together to close about a container for gripping and open to release a container.

Abstract: A method of controlling the deposition and packing of refuse in a refuse vehicle body that includes a container handling lift and dump mechanism that automatically grasps, lifts and dumps refuse containers into a charging hopper and a packer panel and attached follower panel operable in the charging hopper, the method comprising causing the container handling lift and dump mechanism to pause before dumping a container in a lift and dump cycle until the packer panel is fully retracted.

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for a vehicle (10) having a drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum (16) includes a wall (33) having an opening (67) and a hatch cover assembly (37/200) removably closing the opening. The hatch assembly (200) may include a hatch cover (202) coupled to a panel (204) by bolts (212).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a refuse collection vehicle including a vehicle body for receiving, compacting, transporting and ejecting refuse materials of a type using a packer panel that operates reciprocally along in said vehicle body with a connected follower panel in which the receiving and packing arrangement enables refuse to be deposited into a receiving section or area at any time regardless of the reciprocal position of the packer panel and which includes an efficient, low maintenance wiper member design in conjunction with a follower panel attached to the packer panel such that the top surface of both the follower panel and the packer panel are cleaned or swept off during the return or retraction stroke of the packer panel.

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) includes an interior surface (74) at least partially provided by a polymer (90) impregnated with a slip agent.

Abstract: A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.

Abstract: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.

Abstract: Auxiliary fluid tanks associated with transit concrete mixing and dispensing systems are disclosed which include a hydraulic reservoir tank which is adapted to be stowed inside a mixing drum support pedestal. The hydraulic fluid reservoir tank further includes a shaped outer wall defining an enclosed inner space and includes one or more fluid discharge and return connections in the outer wall. The tank is also provided with an internal baffle shape in line with the fluid return connections such that it is addressed by returning hydraulic fluid and deflects and defuses the returning hydraulic fluid so that it thoroughly mixes with cooler reservoir fluid. An auxiliary water tank can also be nested beneath the hydraulic fluid reservoir tank under the hollow support pedestal.

Abstract: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.

Abstract: A concrete batch plant is disclosed including a frame and a transit mixer drum having an open end and a closed end. The drum is configured to be utilized both with the concrete batch plant and on a transit mixer truck. The drum may be pivotally coupled to the frame of the concrete batch plant for movement between a first position in which the open end is positioned to receive cement from a cement supply and to receive aggregate from an aggregate supply and a second position in which the open end is positioned to discharge the mixed cement and aggregate. Further, the drum may be a polymeric drum including an interior surface formed by a plurality of complementary molded helical polymeric sections joined along a helical seam.

Abstract: A self-purging auxiliary fluid supply system for supplying washout or makeup water or other fluids under pressure to a truck-mounted concrete mixing/dispensing drum is disclosed. The system includes a truck-mounted fluid reservoir for containing a quantity of fluid connected to supply fluid to an air-operated diaphragm pump connected to supply auxiliary fluid from the fluid reservoir under pressure to a discharge assembly. The pump further provides an integral purge system for displacing fluid in the fluid supply system after use.

Abstract: A composite, heavy duty rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for coupling to a vehicle having a drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum (16) comprises a wall and a drive ring. The wall defines a first end of the drum and a second end of the drum. The drive ring (39) is coupled to the first end of the drum and includes a hub (108, 252) and a plurality of extensions (110, 254). The hub is operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The plurality of extensions (110, 254) extend outwardly from the hub (108, 252) into the wall of the drum. At least one of the extensions includes an aperture (121, 126) extending therethrough. Rotation of the hub by the second drivetrain causes rotation of the drum.