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 refuse collection vehicle includes a collection bin that is mounted on the vehicle frame, and an apparatus for acquiring, lifting and transferring a container so as to deposit the contents of the container in the collection bin. The vehicle also includes a collection compartment that is pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle, a storage compartment that is mounted on the frame between the collection bin and the collection compartment, and a packer blade that is mounted within the collection compartment and moveable so as to move refuse material from the collection compartment into the storage compartment.

Abstract: A refuse collection apparatus is adapted to grab and lift a refuse container, dump the contents thereof into a collection bin, and return the container to its original location. The apparatus includes a container grab assembly which includes a pair of opposed grabbing arms that are aligned in spaced relationship and operable by a fluid-operated actuating system to grab and release a container. The apparatus also includes an articulated, moveable arm assembly that is operable by a fluid-operated actuating system through an operating cycle that includes retracted, extended, lifting and dumping positions. The arm assembly of the apparatus is designed to balance the mass of the apparatus during the operating cycle while balancing actuation of the actuators employed therein to allow for effective cushioning at the ends of the stroke of each actuator.

Abstract: A fluid operable power unit which is particularly adapted for movement of a compaction head in a refuse container. However, the power unit is also useful in other types of mechanism.The power unit comprises a plurality of telescopically movable cylinders and pistons. Fluid pressure is applied for movement of the first cylinder. Then increased fluid pressure is applied for movement of the second cylinder. As the first cylinder ceases to move, fluid pressure increases and automatically operable valve means traps the fluid which has moved the first cylinder. Then increased fluid pressure moves the second piston and second cylinder. As the second piston and the second cylinder move under the influence of increased fluid pressure, the fluid which is trapped is increased in pressure.Thus, high pressure forces act to move an actuator member for compaction or for any other purpose.

Abstract: Gate operator and latch mechanism in which a refuse container is provided with a gate which is pivotally attached to the refuse container and which normally closes an opening through which refuse is discharged from the refuse container. A latch mechanism secures the gate in closed position. The operator mechansim is operably joined to the gate for pivotal movement thereof. The operation mechanism is also operably joined to the latch mechanism for operation thereof.

Abstract: Arm and fork mechanism for moving a refuse retainer with respect to a refuse container which has an opening in the upper portion thereof. Arms are pivotally mounted adjacent the refuse container. The arms are movable between a position adjacent a side portion of the refuse container and are also movable to a position above the refuse container. A plurality of forks is supported by the arms and angularly movable with respect to the arms. A fluid motor is operably joined to the arms and operably joined to the forks for angularly moving the forks with respect to the arms. The fluid motor is provided with a plurality of operation positions. Thus, the forks are angularly movable by the fluid motor to any one of a plurality of angular positions for lifting and dumping a refuse retainer.