Abstract: Automated control apparatus for an intermittently extended hydraulic cylinder is disclosed which governs cylinder elongation such that the rate of elongation is essentially constant with respect to time. The control apparatus includes a preset continuously variable timer that regulates the timer interval between sequential length increments of the cylinder. The control apparatus also includes a second timer which is responsive to the timer interval interposed by the first timer and which operates a valve controlling communication of hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic cylinder and a pump. The second timer may be discretely variable so that one of a plurality of predetermined length increments can be selected. Alternatively, the second timer may adjust the time period during which the valve is opened such that successive stages of a telescopic hydraulic cylinder have equal length increments.

Abstract: An automated refuse container discharge station is disclosed in which a refuse container is emptied such that its volume decreases as an essentially constant function of time. The unloading station includes a support assembly on which a carriage assembly is adapted for longitudinally sliding motion. The carriage assembly includes container opening apparatus at one end and container discharging apparatus at the other end. The carriage assembly also includes apparatus for unlatching a container tailgate portion and releasably securing the container to the carriage. A hydraulic cylinder advances the carriage assembly with respect to the support assembly and hydraulically damps movement of the carriage and container at the end of the advancing stroke. The carriage assembly includes an hydraulic discharge cylinder which may be intermittently advanced into the container. Part of the discharge cylinder is supported by guides carried by the carriage and aligned guides carried by the container.