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 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.

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 includes a base link that is mounted adjacent to the collection bin and an upper link having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a reach link also having a first end and a second end.