Abstract: A screw conveyor system for a compaction apparatus can be adapted on a material transportation vehicle. The compaction apparatus is characterized by having a hopper receiving materials and a container storing the materials in a compacted fashion. The compaction apparatus comprises a screw conveyor system that can include a screw conveying the materials from the hopper to the container, a passageway structure traversed by the screw, located between the hopper and the container and allowing passage of the materials. The passageway structure can define an asymmetrical aperture and the passageway structure can include a main passageway and a by-pass passageway allowing passage of materials from the hopper to the container.

Abstract: A screw conveyor system for a compaction apparatus can be adapted on a material transportation vehicle. The compaction apparatus is characterized by having a hopper receiving materials and a container storing the materials in a compacted fashion. The compaction apparatus comprises a screw conveyor system that can include a screw conveying the materials from the hopper to the container, a passageway structure traversed by the screw, located between the hopper and the container and allowing passage of the materials. The passageway structure can define an asymmetrical aperture and the passageway structure can include a main passageway and a by-pass passageway allowing passage of materials from the hopper to the container.

Abstract: A method for unlatching a latch on a container includes providing a lifting arm for lifting a latched container. Moving the latched container from a first position to a second position with the lifting arm and unlatching the container by flexing the latch on the container by moving the container from the first position to the second position. The latch includes a first member which is pivotably mounted to a lid. A second member is adapted to selectively engage a projection on a body of the container. An arch member connects the first member to the second member and a handle extends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the arch member extends. The step of deflecting the handle is by movement of the moving member to the flex the latch.

Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.

Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for unlatching a latched container includes a body. A lid is rotatably affixed to the body and movable between a first position and a second position. A latch is pivotably mounted on the lid for selectively locking the lid in the closed position, the latch having a first member adapted to be pivotably mounted to the lid and a second member adapted to selectively engage a projection on the housing. An arched member connects the first member to the second member. A lifting arm has a proximal end, adapted to be affixed to a truck, and distal end. A container manipulating assembly is affixed to the arm at the distal end. The container manipulating assembly includes a grabber member for engaging a container disposed therein. A moving member moves between a first position and a second position, the moving member unlatching the container by moving from the first position to the second position when the lifting arm moves the container.

Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.