Abstract: A pair of elongate arms, carried by a material handling device such as a refuse collection vehicle, are oppositely movable between a release position and a gripping position. The friction enhancing surface of a belt carried by each arm compliantly engages the perimeter of a container or similar article as the arms move to the gripping position. In response to movement of the arms to the gripping position, a limb pivotally carried by each arm extends to present a segment of the respective belt to engage the surface of a small container.

Abstract: A pair of elongate arms, carried by a material handling device such as a refuse collection vehicle, are oppositely movable between a release position and a gripping position. The friction enhancing surface of a belt carried by each arm compliantly engages the perimeter of a container or similar article as the arms move to the gripping position. In response to movement of the arms to the gripping position, a limb pivotally carried by each arm extends to present a segment of the respective belt to engage the surface of a small container.

Abstract: After the piston, in a piston/cylinder type fluid pressure motor, has moved past the fluid discharge port during termination of the stroke, fluid is forced to flow through a circuitous conduit formed into the outer surface of the piston. The rate of deceleration of the piston is proportional to the length, cross-sectional area, and surface finish of the channel forming the conduit.

Abstract: A side loading refuse collection truck is equipped with apparatus for lifting containers from the ground at a random lateral distance from the side of the truck, elevating these containers above a refuse collection compartment of the truck and there inverting the container to allow the discharge through gravity of the refuse from the container to the truck. Thereafter, the apparatus permits replacement of the container alongside the truck at precisely the location where the container was first lifted, at the same random lateral distance from the side of the truck. The apparatus is conveniently operated by a single operator without manual handling of the container and is adapted to fit in narrow alleyways and roadways without protruding apparatus.

Abstract: A refuse container designed for use with a refuse collection system having a dumping arm wherein the configuration of the container allows the grip of the dumping arm to slightly squeeze one portion of the container to maintain a tight grip during the dumping or emptying motion of the container by the arm. Included in the container are strengthening portions which control deflection to produce a gripping cup or restraint in the container when engaged by the dumping arm. The strengthening portions are also designed in one embodiment of the invention to provide additional restraint to compensate for the greater inertia forces experienced on certain portions of the container during the transfer motion of the container by the dumping arm when lifting and dumping the refuse.