Abstract: A refuse container is disclosed for use in both storage and transportation of accumulated refuse. The container body is an elongated cylindrical member having a rectangular cross section. The container includes a horizontally hinged tailgate having a vertically slidable portion which opens to admit refuse into the container interior. The tailgate lower edge is provided with a latching means which cooperates with cooperating connector means carried by the container frame. An over-center latching mechanism maintains engagement between the latching means and the connector means and includes a latching yoke which prevents inadvertent unlatching of the tailgate. The second end of the container is generally open and has a transverse bulkhead which is slidable between the container ends. As the container is filled, the transverse bulkhead recedes from the tailgate end and provides a controlled resistance against material being compressed in the container.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carriage assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.