Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A loader assembly carried by a semi trailer having a chassis, a body carried by the chassis, a forward end, and a rearward end, the forward end of the chassis coupled to a towing vehicle having a cab, the loader assembly including a pair of forwardly extendible, generally horizontal arms overlying the cab, each arm having a first end coupled to the semi trailer proximate the forward end, and a second end extending forwardly passed the cab. The arms are pivotable about a horizontal axis between a raised position rearward of the cab and a lowered position. A lifting assembly is coupled to the arms for engaging refuse containers forward of the cab in the lowered position and discharging refuse containers rearward of the cab and into the body in the raised position.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: A method of collecting refuse including the steps of moving a first semi-trailer having a frame carrying a refuse collection body to a transfer site and coupling it to a fifth wheel of a vehicle. Refuse is deposited into the refuse collection body by engaging a refuse container with a loading mechanism carried by one of the first semi-trailer and vehicle. The first semi-trailer is then uncoupled from the vehicle at the transfer site and a second semi-trailer is coupled to the vehicle for further refuse collection. The second semi-trailer is returned to the transfer site and uncoupled. The first and second semi-trailers are then transported to a disposal site by coupling the vehicle to the first semi-trailer and attaching the second semi-trailer to a dolly. The dolly is coupled to the first semi-trailer.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.

Abstract: An improved tailgate for a recyclable material container mounted on a vehicle chassis includes an upper door normally closing an upper compartment opening and a lower door normally closing a lower compartment opening. The upper door is pivotally connected at an upper portion thereof to an upper portion of the container. The lower door has a pair of support arms extending upwardly therefrom, each of which is movably connected at its upper portion to an upper portion of the container. The upper and lower doors each further includes a lifting mechanism for translating the respective door from a normally closed to an open position.

Abstract: A tailgate locking apparatus for a refuse container comprises first and second locking cylinders for locking the tailgate in the closed position. The first and second locking cylinders are movable between a tailgate locked position and a tailgate unlocked position. Each of the first and second locking cylinders comprises a piston assembly disposed within its interior volume. The piston assembly comprises a piston and a piston rod extending from the piston through a central opening in an upper portion of the cylinder. The piston divides the interior volume into a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The upper chamber of the first locking cylinder is fluidly connected to the lower chamber of the second locking cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing separated materials includes a material receiving container having at least one horizontal longitudinally extending partition subdividing the container into upper and lower compartments. The container is provided with a packing device for simultaneously compacting the materials in the upper and lower compartments. The packing device includes a lower packer blade mounted to lower swing arms that are pivotally mounted for pendular movement toward and away from the rear end of the container, to compact the materials in the lower compartment, an upper packer blade mounted to upper swing arms that are pivotally mounted for pendular movement toward and away from the rear end of the container, to compact the materials in the upper compartment, and swing links pivotally connecting the upper and lower swing arms so that the upper and lower packer blades move simultaneously.

Abstract: A tailgate locking mechanism is provided for locking the tailgate in a closed position against the rear end of the body of a rear loading refuse collection vehicle. The locking mechanism includes at least two fluid operated piston and cylinder locking assemblies, at least one of which is visible to the vehicle operator. Actuation of the piston and cylinder assemblies is sequenced so that the visible piston and cylinder assembly is extended only after the remote, or non-visible piston and cylinder assembly is extended, and is retracted only after the non-visible piston and cylinder assembly is retracted.