Abstract: A multi-compartment refuse collecting truck body includes segmented shields to close a rear opening of the compartments. The segmented shields are positioned to close a rear opening of the refuse compartments when a packing unit is raised to discharge refuse from one of the compartments. The segmented shields include a lower segment that can be placed in a packing position to allow refuse to be packing into the compartments by a packing unit, and moved to a closed position before the packing unit is raised to prevent unintended discharge of refuse from the compartments. A control system operates actuators in the packing unit and truck body in a pre-determined sequence to ensure that refuse is not mixed during unloading of the truck body and that actuators are not operated in a manner that will damage other systems of the truck body or packing unit.

Abstract: A refuse truck body having a main compartment and at least one side compartment includes shields to close a rear opening of the compartments. A respective pushing device is provided for discharging refuse from each compartment. In a closed position, the shield is latched to the truck body by a locking device that selectively locks and unlocks each shield against its opening. A sequencing system is operatively connected between a lock for the packing unit and the actuator for closing and latching the shields, which prevents unlocking and raising the packing unit before the shields are closed and latched to the truck body. A sequencing system is operatively connected between the pushing device for a compartment and the actuator for closing and latching the shields, which prevents operation of the pushing device to discharge refuse from the compartment unless the shield for that compartment is unlatched.

Abstract: A multi-compartment refuse collecting truck body includes segmented shields to close a rear opening of the compartments. The segmented shields are positioned to close a rear opening of the refuse compartments when a packing unit is raised to discharge refuse from one of the compartments. The segmented shields include a lower segment that can be placed in a packing position to allow refuse to be packing into the compartments by a packing unit, and moved to a closed position before the packing unit is raised to prevent unintended discharge of refuse from the compartments. A control system operates actuators in the packing unit and truck body in a pre-determined sequence to ensure that refuse is not mixed during unloading of the truck body and that actuators are not operated in a manner that will damage other systems of the truck body or packing unit.

Abstract: A shield for a compartment opening of a refuse truck body, comprising an upper segment hinged to the truck body and a lower segment hinged to the upper segment. A source of power selectively pivots the lower segment relative to the upper segment. This enables a first angle of articulation whereby the upper segment covers an upper region of the compartment opening and the lower segment covers a lower region of the compartment opening whereby the shield covers the entire opening of the compartment; a second angle whereby the upper segment covers the upper region of the opening and the lower segment is positioned such that refuse can be swept beneath the lower segment into the lower region of the opening; and a third angle whereby the upper and lower segments fully uncover the compartment opening, whereby refuse can be freely dumped out of the compartment.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, in which a single pack blade is pivotally connected to a multi-section sweep blade. Only a single pack blade is needed to move all the sections of the sweep blade toward the compartments. As the type of refuse in each compartment is different and must be offloaded separately, especially in a three-compartment system, two anti-spill plates are provided for selective blocking of the lower portion of the outer two compartments. Seal plates can also be provided for selective blocking of the upper portion of the outer two compartments, whereby an anti-spill plate and paired seal plate confront and close the opening of the associated refuse compartment when the compaction unit is pivoted to the ejection position.

Abstract: A refuse truck body having a main compartment and at least one side compartment includes shields to close a rear opening of the compartments. A respective pushing device is provided for discharging refuse from each compartment. In a closed position, the shield is latched to the truck body by a locking device that selectively locks and unlocks each shield against its opening. A sequencing system is operatively connected between a lock for the packing unit and the actuator for closing and latching the shields, which prevents unlocking and raising the packing unit before the shields are closed and latched to the truck body. A sequencing system is operatively connected between the pushing device for a compartment and the actuator for closing and latching the shields, which prevents operation of the pushing device to discharge refuse from the compartment unless the shield for that compartment is unlatched.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, with a compaction unit pivotally connected to the body. In the loading position of the compaction unit, the collection sumps at the back of the body are situated for receiving a respective load of segregated refuse deposited over a rear loading ledge at the back of each sump. At least one divider wall extends between respective two adjacent sumps from the rear loading ledge to the ceilings of the respective two adjacent compartments at the compartment openings, thereby defining respective loading channels from the sumps to the compartments. Each divider wall has a back portion with a top edge extending forward along adjacent sumps and a front portion with a top edge that rises obliquely from the top edge of the back portion to the ceilings of the respective two adjacent compartments at the compartment openings.

Abstract: A shield for a compartment opening of a refuse truck body, comprising an upper segment hinged to the truck body and a lower segment hinged to the upper segment. A source of power selectively pivots the lower segment relative to the upper segment. This enables a first angle of articulation whereby the upper segment covers an upper region of the compartment opening and the lower segment covers a lower region of the compartment opening whereby the shield covers the entire opening of the compartment; a second angle whereby the upper segment covers the upper region of the opening and the lower segment is positioned such that refuse can be swept beneath the lower segment into the lower region of the opening; and a third angle whereby the upper and lower segments fully uncover the compartment opening, whereby refuse can be freely dumped out of the compartment.

Abstract: A multi-compartment, sweeper-type rear loading refuse packer, in which a single pack blade is pivotally connected to a multi-section sweep blade. Only a single pack blade is needed to move all the sections of the sweep blade toward the compartments. As the type of refuse in each compartment is different and must be offloaded separately, especially in a three-compartment system, two anti-spill plates are provided for selective blocking of the lower portion of the outer two compartments. Seal plates can also be provided for selective blocking of the upper portion of the outer two compartments, whereby an anti-spill plate and paired seal plate confront and close the opening of the associated refuse compartment when the compaction unit is pivoted to the ejection position.

Abstract: A material spreading drive system for a hopper spreader having a conveyor and a spreader separately driven by two electric motors that are powered directly from the electrical system of the vehicle. The conveyor drive system includes a speed reducing gearbox that can very efficiently transmit power received from the conveyor motor to the conveyor, thus reducing the demand on the electrical system. As a result, the electrical system is capable of also powering a second electric motor that drives the spreader. Due to the improved efficiency of the conveyor belt system, increased conveying and spreading speed are possible as well as independent control over the operating speeds of the conveyor and spreader.

Abstract: A jack assembly integrated with a plow hitch assembly includes a horizontally supported, rotatable jack tube and a jack leg extending from the tube, rotatable with the tube between a vertical, deployed position and a retracted position. An actuator has one end attached to the jack assembly and another end forming a handle projecting above the hitch frame, for rotating the jack assembly. The jack leg can be selectively extended and retracted relative to the tube when the jack assembly is deployed. A method embodiment includes lowering the plow to the ground while the hitch frame is mounted to the vehicle; rotating the jack assembly so the jack leg projects toward the ground; extending the jack leg to contact the ground; rigidly supporting the extended jack leg relative to the hitch frame; demounting the hitch frame from the vehicle; and driving the vehicle out of the hitch frame.

Abstract: A plow hitch assembly comprising a hitch frame, a lift frame pivotally connected to the back end of the hitch frame, and a back end effector for mounting to a vehicle. The back end effector has an associated latching device and a distinctly actuated device for locking the latch. A stop surface is situated on the latch, and a selectively displaceable lock block supported by the lift frame, abuts the stop surface to prevent rotation of the latch. Each of two uniformly rectangular mounting arms extends from the back of the lift frame, preferably with a leading end having a pair of vertically oriented rollers at the corners. Each guide has a rectangular main channel conforming in cross section with the arm when the arm is fully inserted into the channel and an entry that is larger in cross sectional area than the front of the arm.

Abstract: A jack assembly integrated with a plow hitch assembly includes a horizontally supported, rotatable jack tube and a jack leg extending from the tube, rotatable with the tube between a vertical, deployed position and a retracted position. An actuator has one end attached to the jack assembly and another end forming a handle projecting above the hitch frame, for rotating the jack assembly. The jack leg can be selectively extended and retracted relative to the tube when the jack assembly is deployed. A method embodiment includes lowering the plow to the ground while the hitch frame is mounted to the vehicle; rotating the jack assembly so the jack leg projects toward the ground; extending the jack leg to contact the ground; rigidly supporting the extended jack leg relative to the hitch frame; demounting the hitch frame from the vehicle; and driving the vehicle out of the hitch frame.

Abstract: A plow hitch assembly comprising a hitch frame, a lift frame pivotally connected to the back end of the hitch frame, and a back end effector for mounting to a vehicle. The back end effector has an associated latching device and a distinctly actuated device for locking the latch. A stop surface is situated on the latch, and a selectively displaceable lock block supported by the lift frame, abuts the stop surface to prevent rotation of the latch. Each of two uniformly rectangular mounting arms extends from the back of the lift frame, preferably with a leading end having a pair of vertically oriented rollers at the corners. Each guide has a rectangular main channel conforming in cross section with the arm when the arm is fully inserted into the channel and an entry that is larger in cross sectional area than the front of the arm.

Abstract: A material spreading drive system for a hopper spreader having a conveyor and a spreader separately driven by two electric motors that are powered directly from the electrical system of the vehicle. The conveyor drive system includes a gearbox that transmits 90 to 95 percent of power received from the conveyor motor to the conveyor, thus reducing the demand on the electrical system. As a result, the electrical system is capable of also powering a second electric motor that drives the spreader. Due to the improved efficiency of the conveyor belt system, increased conveying and spreading speed are possible as well as independent control over the operating speeds of the conveyor and spreader.

Abstract: A dump truck body including a receptacle defined by a floor and, extending from the floor, first and second side walls on opposite sides of the floor, and a front wall and a tailgate, located on opposite sides of the floor and extending between the side walls. The floor of the dump truck body includes at least one longitudinal support structure which substantially extends from the front wall to the tailgate, a substantially planar support plate attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, and at least one floor section attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, without a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse supports attached to the at least one floor section, the at least one longitudinal support structure, and the substantially planar support plate. In addition, a conveyor system is attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, the floor having at least one opening in alignment with the conveyor system.

Abstract: A dump truck body including a receptacle defined by a floor and, extending from the floor, first and second side walls on opposite sides of the floor, and a front wall and a tailgate, located on opposite sides of the floor and extending between the side walls. The floor of the dump truck body includes at least one longitudinal support structure which substantially extends from the front wall to the tailgate, a substantially planar support plate attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, and at least one floor section attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, without a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse supports attached to the at least one floor section, the at least one longitudinal support structure, and the substantially planar support plate. In addition, a conveyor system is attached to the at least one longitudinal support structure, the floor having at least one opening in alignment with the conveyor system.

Abstract: A dump truck body including a receptacle defined by a floor and, extending from the floor, first and second side walls on opposite sides of the floor, and a front wall extending between the side walls, wherein the first and second side walls have a first longitudinal edge distal from the floor and a second longitudinal edge proximal to the floor. The dump truck body further includes at least one first sloped panel having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge of the at least one first sloped panel is pivotally connected at or adjacent the first longitudinal edge of the first side wall for pivotal movement between a raised position adjacent the first side wall and a lowered position extending angularly between the first side wall and the floor.