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.