Abstract: A front-loading refuse hauling truck having a plurality of air escape vents defined through an upper wall of a refuse container. The plurality of vents alleviate the formation of laterally extending refuse waves having crests and troughs which would otherwise form air pockets in the container in combination with the compactor body upper wall. A plurality of air escape vents are provided along the entire length of the refuse compactor body such that the body can be completely filled with refuse. Both new and existing refuse hauling trucks of the front-loading and rear-loading type can implement this invention to increase the refuse storage capacity. Both the waste collection companies, and the ultimate consumer stand to benefit from the cost savings of the present invention.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal safety valve for preventing the discharge chute from rapidly falling due a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. A safety valve assembly for use in a hydraulic cylinder consisting of a safety valve located in the barrel of a hydraulic cylinder. The moveable piston of the hydraulic cylinder has a cavity for receiving the safety valve therein. The safety valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are disclosed.

Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for latching a vertical tailgate to the rear structure of the truck body of a rearward or side compacting, rear discharge refuse truck in which the tailgate is pivotally mounted from pivot pins in top hinges fixed to the top rear of the truck body. The mechanism includes upper and lower pairs of spaced, vertically interlocking side latches for absorbing the horizontal forces associated with compacting and compacted refuse when latched, a pair of self-aligning vertical stops to prevent vertical displacement of the tailgate when closed, and a system for vertically adjusting the pivot pins allowing vertical displacement of the tailgate associated with latching and unlatching the vertically interlocking latches. Bottom drop in retainers are also provided.

Abstract: A safety valve which prevents the discharge chute from rapidly falling due to a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. The valve is located between the chute lift cylinder port and hydraulic system hose. The valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: An improved lower rear transfer brace member for a rear loading compactor type refuse truck body having a continuous lower rear transfer brace member, the truck body being designed to be accommodated on a truck chassis having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel longitudinal main chassis members which abut the continuous transfer brace substantially at right angles therewith and spacing the tailgate from the rear wheels is disclosed which accommodates the ends of the spaced longitudinal main chassis members without loss of continuity to thereby, in effect, move the relative position of the rear wheels back and allow the tailgate to be mounted closer to the rear wheels.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute assembly for use with a concrete mixing truck includes improved chute components which are fabricated from a fiberglass reinforced polyurethane structural frame possessing necessary flexural and impact properties and a polyurethane liner possessing necessary wear resistance and hardness. The polymeric materials tends to remain smooth during wear and permit chutes according to the invention to be manufactured much lighter than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A refuse collecting truck combines the attributes of a rear loading, compacting refuse collecting system with a plurality of specialty containers which can be used to collect, compact and eject curbside separated recyclable materials of a plurality of types. The plurality of separate recyclable containers are designed to be mounted ahead of the rear loading, compacting refuse container behind the cab. The number and volume length of such containers may be varied as desired. The containers are configured with a side entry port and are accessed and operated from the side both for loading and unloading. Complete compacting and ejecting mechanisms are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved self-aligning automatic or remotely operated system for latching and unlatching the tailgate mechanism of a rear-loading refuse compacting truck which uses the tailgate lifting hydraulic cylinders in conjunction with an hydraulic cylinder-operated latch pin pulling and re-engaging mechanism which includes a self-centering, self-locking pin which cooperates to provide a simple yet very reliable automated latching and unlatching mechanism for the tailgate of a rear-loading refuse vehicle. The mechanism is designed to be retrofitted or be interchangeable with a manual system in a manner which facilitates easy conversion from one to the other involving the changing of a minimum of parts.

Abstract: A transportable concrete batching plant is disclosed which combines improvements in the discharge section of the aggregate storage bin and aggregate batching hopper together with an unique suspension system which allows for weighing of both aggregate batching hopper and the cement batching vessel by a plurality of load cells and which also allows tension to be removed from the load cells if desired.

Abstract: A safety valve which prevents the discharge chute from rapidly falling due to a sudden loss of hydraulic fluid pressure. The valve is located between the chute lift cylinder port and hydraulic system hose. The valve is actuated when the flow leaving the chute lift cylinder exceeds a predetermined flow. The valve immediately stops the hydraulic fluid from leaving the chute lift cylinder maintaining the position of the discharge chute.

Abstract: An improved tag axle system disclosed which is designed to be accommodated by the tailgate structure of a rear-loading trash compacting refuse truck to provide auxiliary support to prevent overloading of the rear axle of the truck and to better distribute the relative weight carried by all axles of the truck assembly. The system uses a pair of aligned spaced stub axles each having its own separate suspension system and mechanism which operates to raise and lower a wheel assembly. The systems are located on either side of the tailgate assembly and are preferably built as an integral part of it. The axles are further configured so as to be raised or lowered with the use of pneumatic springs.

Abstract: An improved oil tank for storing hydraulic fluid and the hydraulically-powered system is fabricated from a polymeric material which is resistant to chemical breakdown from oil. The tank is constructed in a manner which facilitates internal circulation of hydraulic oil during use. The novel configuration of the tank lends itself to inexpensive fabrication through a rotational molding process. The tank is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and is particularly advantageous for use in vehicle-mounted hydraulic drive systems.

Abstract: An improved pivoting ejector mechanism is disclosed for use in a rear-loading refuse compacting and hauling truck which adds a significant amount of useful refuse stowage capacity.

Abstract: An improved trailer for a tractor-trailer combination is disclosed. The trailer has a first frame member which is designed to support a heavy load. Associated with the first frame member is a hitch pin assembly which can be slid along a portion of the first frame member and locked in pre-selected locations. The trailer also includes a rear slider assembly which carries the axles and wheels of the trailer. The rear slider assembly is also capable of being longitudinally slid between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first frame member. Locking means are also provided for locking the rear slider assembly to the first frame member at the desired location.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes fin structure for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum is rotated. The fin structure is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion and is many times lighter than steel. As a result, the weight of such a system is reduced in comparison to systems which were heretofore known. Preferably, the fin structure is fabricated from a polymer which tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin structure to an outer wall of the mixing drum is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved discharge chute assembly for use with a concrete mixing truck includes improved chute components which are fabricated from a high strength, lightweight polymeric material. The polymeric material tends to remain smooth during wear, and permits chutes according to the invention to be manufactured much lighter than those heretofore known. According to a second aspect of the invention, an improved connecting joint structure is provided which is simple to connect and disconnect, and will not become jammed with wet concrete. Both the chute components and joint structure are constructed with smooth outer surfaces to avoid catching on clothing or other fabric. The combination of lightweight chute components and the improved joint structure yields a discharge chute assembly which is safer and more efficient to deploy at a construction site.