Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle (10) has a body (14) into which refuse may be loaded having an exit passage (34) from which loaded refuse may be emptied. The vehicle also has arms (56) and a fork (58) for lifting a container into a dumping position over the body. A control circuit coordinates simultaneous operation of the arms and forks by monitoring the position of the arms and forks through rotary potentiometers (200, 201).

Abstract: A front loading refuse collection vehicle (10) is provided having a body (12) which includes a hopper (16), a storage container (17), a pair of arms (56) coupled to a pivotal fork (58). The vehicle also has a control circuit (100) which coordinates movement of the fork with the arms. The control circuit receives the initial pickup position of the arms and fork from an arm position sensor (200) and a fork position sensor (201) when grasping a portable container. This position is later recalled to assist the operator in returning the arms and forks to these positions in order to release the portable container.

Abstract: A front loading refuse collection vehicle is provided, comprising (a) a mobile vehicle including a vehicle cab and a vehicle chassis; (b) a body forming a container into which refuse may be loaded, the body mounted to the vehicle chassis and having an exit passage from which loaded refuse may be emptied; and (c) a loader device for loading refuse into the body. The loader device comprises (i) an arm which pivots about a first pivot axis located on the chassis from a loading position to an unloading position, the arm including a lifting mechanism for lifting the arm, (ii) a fork which extends from the arm and which pivots about a second pivot axis located on the arm from a loading position to an unloading position, the fork including a rotating mechanism for rotating the fork about the second pivot axis, (iii) a container mounted upon the fork, and (iv) a control circuit for coordinating simultaneous operation of the lifting mechanism and the rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A segmented residential front loading refuse collection vehicle for collecting recyclable waste materials includes a frame and bed pivotally mounted on the frame, the bed having a front, a rear, a top, and a bottom. A fixed wall extends vertically from the bed bottom toward the bed top and extends longitudinally from the bed rear toward the bed front. A movable wall cooperates with the fixed wall for dividing the bed into side-by-side compartments. A single compactor blade is positioned partially within each of the side-by-side compartments for compacting the compartments in tandem.

Abstract: A front loading refuse collection vehicle 10 is provided having a body 12 which includes a hopper 16, a storage container 17, and a tailgate 20. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 23 are mounted to the tailgate for pivotal movement thereof. A compaction blade 24 is mounted within storage container 17 for movement by a hydraulic cylinder 25. The vehicle also has a dumping system 45 for automated actuation of the compaction blade hydraulic cylinder 25 and the tailgate hydraulic cylinders 23. The dumping system includes a central multi-processor 46 coupled to receive electronic signals from an auto-eject actuation button 47, a tailgate enable switch 48, a latch sensor 50, a tailgate open sensor 51 and a compaction blade sensor 52. The central multiprocessor is coupled to output electronic signals to a hydraulic control valve 57 for the tailgate hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic control valve 58 for the compaction blade hydraulic cylinder.