Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle includes a chassis and a storage container that is detachably mounted on the chassis. The storage container has a rear wall with an opening therein and a sweep panel that is mounted in the rear wall. The sweep panel is movable between an open position which exposes the opening in the rear wall of the container and a closed position which covers the opening in the rear wall of the container. The refuse collection vehicle also includes a rear tailgate assembly that has a hopper which is adapted to receive refuse and a packer assembly which is adapted to cooperate with the sweep panel to move refuse from the hopper of the tailgate assembly into the storage. A method for loading refuse in a storage container and a storage container that is useful in practicing such method are also described.

Abstract: A stackable refuse collection container including a body having a bottom and an open top, the body constructed to be nestingly stacked with at least one similar body through the open top. A cover is formed to engage the body and close the top. An engagement mechanism is coupled to the body and the cover, the engagement mechanisms moveable between an engaged position securing the cover onto the body to allow compaction of refuse therein, and a disengaged position permitting removal of the cover from the open top. A loading door is formed in an end of the body for receiving refuse from a compactor mechanism.

Abstract: A body for a refuse collection vehicle includes a frame on which are mounted a hopper compartment and an adjacent storage compartment. The hopper compartment has a pair of opposing sidewalls, a closed forward end, an open rear end and a hopper compartment floor at a first level. The storage compartment also has a forward end that opens into the hopper compartment, a rear end having a tailgate mounted thereon, and a storage compartment floor at a second level. The second level is raised above, or at an elevation higher than, the first level. The refuse collection vehicle body also includes a transition floor between the hopper compartment floor at the first level and the storage compartment floor at the second level, and a crusher panel that is adapted to apply a downwardly directed compressive force to refuse material in the hopper compartment and to sweep said refuse material from the hopper compartment into the storage compartment.

Abstract: A stackable refuse collection container including a body having a bottom and an open top, the body constructed to be nestingly stacked with at least one similar body through the open top. A cover is formed to engage the body and close the top. An engagement mechanism is coupled to the body and the cover, the engagement mechanisms moveable between an engaged position securing the cover onto the body to allow compaction of refuse therein, and a disengaged position permitting removal of the cover from the open top. A loading door is formed in an end of the body for receiving refuse from a compactor mechanism.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle includes a chassis and a storage container that is detachably mounted on the chassis. The storage container has a rear wall with an opening therein and a sweep panel that is pivotally mounted in the rear wall. The sweep panel is movable between an open position which exposes the opening in the rear wall of the container and a closed position which covers the opening in the rear wall of the container. The refuse collection vehicle also includes a rear tailgate assembly that is pivotally mounted to the chassis. The tailgate assembly has a hopper which is adapted to receive refuse and a packer assembly which is adapted to move refuse from the hopper of the tailgate assembly to the opening in the rear wall of the storage container when the sweep panel of the storage container is in the open position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hydraulic system that may be operated at multiple pressure levels and is preferably adapted for use on a refuse truck. More particularly, the preferred embodiment of the invention is intended for use in performing the tasks of lifting refuse containers, dumping the contents of refuse containers, and compacting refuse. Moreover, the pressure level in the hydraulic system may be varied between the multiple maximum pressure levels manually by an operator and/or automatically in response to existing load conditions. Under normal load conditions, the maximum pressure level in the preferred hydraulic system is maintained at or below the lower maximum pressure level of the lower pressure setting of a dual pressure relief valve.