Abstract: A refuse compactor includes a refuse container housing an upright compaction ram actuated by a vertically oriented scissors mechanism. The scissors mechanism is actuated by vertical movement of a horizontal crossbar connected to one set of scissors arms. The crossbar is moved by a vertically suspended ball screw acting on a ball nut floatingly connected to the cross bar. The ball screw is suspended at its upper, driven end in thrust bearings while its lower end is unrestrained. An oiler automatically oils the ball screw upon each inversion and return of the container to an upright condition in dumping refuse. An automatic ram cycler periodically extends and retracts the ram to prevent it and the compacted refuse in the container from freezing to the container when ambient air temperatures drop below freezing.

Abstract: A refuse compactor with an upright mechanical ram actuated by an electrical power unit interconnected to the ram by a linkage assembly including upright scissor arm pairs. Slots of the compactor container receive the forks of a front loader-type refuse truck. A latching assembly automatically unlatches a dump lid when the forks are fully inserted. A smaller refuse loading lid is provided in the dump lid which is automatically locked when the ram is in motion.