Abstract: A composite material that is usefull in the manufacture of jewelry components has a precious metal layer laminated to an age hardenable non-precious metal-base alloy support layer. In one embodiment, the precious metal layer is a 10 k, or higher, gold alloy and the support layer is a copper-base spinodal alloy. The composite material is formed by laminating the precious metal layer to the support layer, forming the composite material into a desired shape and then age hardening the jewelry component.

Abstract: An automatic refuse container latch that is adapted to receive one of the opposed, outwardly-extending portions of a trunnion for a refuse container in order to secure the refuse container to a refuse collection vehicle. The latch comprises a forward stop that is adapted to be secured to the refuse collection vehicle and which forms a part of a channel for slidingly receiving one of the outwardly extending portions of the trunnion. An elongated locking arm is provided that has first and second ends with a pivot connection intermediate the first and second ends. The pivot connection is slidingly secured to an elongated track. A piston actuator is provided comprising a cylinder and a rod, with the rod being movable between a retracted and an extended position. A locking ear is provided for capturing the second end of the locking arm.

Abstract: A stop bar for use in a refuse collection vehicle with a rear hopper having an opening defined by sidewalls, an upper edge, and a loading sill. The stop bar includes an elongated bar with support arms secured to each of its ends. The support arms are pivotally mounted to the sidewalls of the hopper and two stops are provided for limiting the pivoting movement of the stop bar between a first, non-engaged position and a second, fully engaged position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes an externally threaded spindle to which one end of a thin walled metal tube is detachably secured. The spindle is rotated to wind the tube into the external thread, thereby producing a helix. As the tube is wound onto the spindle, it is pressed into the thread grooves by an auxiliary roller.

Abstract: A side-loading refuse collection vehicle includes a refuse storage body with a collection hopper at one end of the body opening through a side thereof for loading refuse. A hopper plate movable through the hopper and a sweep panel movable across the hopper plate cooperate to remove refuse from the hopper and deposit it through an opening in a packer plate movable fore-and-aft in the refuse storage body. The sweep panel may be carried by the packer plate and both may have deflecting surface portions, to cooperate as a unit in balanced packing of refuse within the refuse storage body.

Abstract: A front end loader refuse collection body for a motor vehicle including vertically movable container lifting arms for raising refuse containers over the body and dumping the contents thereof through an opening in the top of the body. The improvements include a simple mechanical linkage for automatically leveling the fork ends on the container while the arms are being raised. Maintaining the form arms, and the container retained therein, in a substantially level position while lifting the container, eliminates or greatly reduces spillage from the container before it is positioned over the refuse body opening. The improvements further include means for automatically opening and closing the doors covering the top body opening while lifting and lowering the container lifting arms, and a mechanical latching linkage for automatically unlocking and locking the rear door of the refuse body while opening and closing same, respectively.

Abstract: A refuse loading apparatus for use in the hopper of a tailgate loading assembly at the rear of a vehicle having a refuse storage body. The packer plate is powered by a hydraulic actuation system including a first pair of hydraulic cylinders which cause rearward and forward motion of the packer plate, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders which cause elevational movement of the packer plate in the hopper. The packer plate is guided and restrained in its movement by the interior parameters of the hopper and the limits of the hydraulic cylinder movement. The pairs of hydraulic cylinders are interconnected through the hydraulic actuator system such that when the hydraulic cylinders are fully extended, or when the packer plate contacts an obstruction, whether it be the parameters of the hopper or refuse which it cannot move through the hopper, the packer plate changes direction and moves toward completion of a cycle through the hopper.