Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling the treatment of air for the inside of a building and especially to controlling a hybrid air conditioning system for the regulation of the air temperature and humidity which utilizes outside air to enhance the efficiency of the system and which has a smoke evacuation system to enhance the safety of firemen and occupants when there is a fire or smoke hazard in the building.

Abstract: The present invention is a process of controlling a hybrid central air conditioning system that incorporates multiple air treatment devices operated by a process controller reacting to an input of either a comfort or an energy saving program and which uses temperature and humidity sensors that matches specific air treatment machines to varying air treatment needs, such as humidity control to maximize air conditioning performance while minimizing energy use. A timed test cycle is used to make corrections to the selected program based on a timed reading of the temperature and humidity sensors.

Abstract: A hybrid air system is provided for conditioning the air in a building and includes first and second independent air conditioning systems, one system having a larger capacity than the other and an independent dehumidifier each work independently and together to control the air on the inside of the building. The hybrid system improves air comfort while increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs and use of energy.

Abstract: A hybrid air system is provided for conditioning the air in a building and includes first and second independent air conditioning systems, one system having a larger capacity than the other and an independent dehumidifier each work independently and together to control the air on the inside of a building. The hybrid system improves air comfort while increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs and use of energy.

Abstract: A trash collection system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a normally closed hinged lid. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for picking up, and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. Each lid is released selectively, when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin, to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is then returned to its pickup location and released.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving separated materials for selective collection of the materials includes a container divided into a plurality of bins, each bin for receiving one type of separated material, and lids for closing each of the bins. A lifting channel assembly is attached to the container, and a pickup arm assembly is provided for engaging said lifting channel preparatory to picking up said container.

Abstract: A container for stationing at curbside has a plurality of bins, each having a hinged lid. A pair of pickup arms is provided, for use with an automated truck-mounted pickup and dump system, for engaging the container and holding the lids closed preparatory to picking up and selective dumping of separated recyclable material in each of the bins.

Abstract: A truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a compartmented curbside container having separated recyclable materials. The truck body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track, the track supported by a pair of movable telescoping arms, the carriage powered to move along the track. Extensible arms are attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for extending and retracting the arms. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the extensible arms, and include a hydraulic actuator for clamping the clamping arms on a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a normally closed hinged lid. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for holding the lids closed, and for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and each lid is released selectively when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

Abstract: A truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a container at curbside having separated recyclable materials. The body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track attached to a side of the truck body and is powered to move therealong. An articulated arm assemby is attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for moving the arms thereof in a vertical plane. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the articulated arm assembly, and includes a hydraulic actuator for engaging a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a hinged lid with a catch for maintaining the lid normally closed. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and lid catch releases selectively operated when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

Abstract: A wheeled container has a plurality of bins, each bin coded to receive a separated material for stationing at curbside for automated pickup. Each bin includes a hinged lid, normally maintain in a closed position by a spring catch. A pickup arm assembly operates in combination with the container includes movable arms which engage the container preparatory to being picked up and dumped by an automated apparatus. The arm assembly includes spring catch release devices for selectively opening each bin during dumping thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating a porous foam product with a fragrance which is released over an extended period of time. The method includes the steps of depositing scented particles on one surface of the foam and dispersing the particles within the foam by supplying heat to the foam and applying a vacuum to the opposite surface of the foam. Fragrance or fragrance particles may also be added directly to the foam during its manufacture and a semi-permeable film or fabric may also be affixed to the scented porous foam product to retard and thus extend the release of the fragrance. In a preferred embodiment, frangible encapsulated particles of fragrance are used so that the encapsulated fragrance is retained within the foam until it is later utilized and subject to external forces which break the capsule to release the fragrance.

Abstract: A pick-up apparatus and a container are specially designed to facilitate the lifting of the container and the dumping of its contents. The container includes a frame which has tubular frame members extending between the top and bottom of the container, and a cover is hingedly mounted on the top of the container and can be releasably latched in a closed position by an inertia latch. The pick-up apparatus includes a boom, a pick-up arm mounted on the boom for articulation in a generally horizontal plane, and a pair of clamping arms mounted on the end of the pick-up arm. The clamping arms are slidably mounted on the pick-up arm, and the spacing between the arms can be varied by hydraulic cyinders on the pick-up arm. Each of the clamping arms includes a clamping pad which includes a plurality of flexible, resilient cone-shaped projections which are sized and spaced so that the tubular frame members of the container can be received between the ends of adjacent projections.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly is provided for attachment to a hydraulically operated lift device for picking up and dumping containers. The pick-up assembly includes three arms which are provided with container-engaging hooks for engaging the container at three positions around the periphery thereof. At least one of the hooks is movably mounted to permit the hook to be moved into position to engage the container when the lift device is to be raised. The arms are supported by a first shaft which is rotatably connected to a second shaft, and the second shaft is pivotally connected to the lift device for pivoting movement about a horizontal axis to permit the arms to swing in a generally horizontal plane when the first and second shafts extend generally vertically. A bell crank is pivotally mounted on the lift device and is engageable with one of the shafts for pivoting the pick-up assembly about the horizontal pivot connection between the second shaft and the lift device to thereby dump the contents of the container.

Abstract: A nestable fruit harvesting container is formed from a metal basket-like frame and a flexible bag which is supported within the frame. The frame is generally frusto-conical in shape and includes vertically spaced top and bottom rings and a plurality of side braces which extend between the top and bottom rings. The bottom ring is smaller than the top ring, and the side braces diverge outwardly and upwardly from the bottom ring to the top ring. The bag includes a generally frusto-conical side portion which is confined within the side braces and a bottom portion which closes the bottom of the bag. The upper edge of the bag is secured to the top ring, and a reinforcing strip is secured to the inside of the bag opposite each of the side braces.

Abstract: A loading apparatus includes a bucket which performs three functions -- it serves as a brush loader, a trash loader, and clamshell bucket. The bucket includes a pair of arcuate jaws which are pivotable between a closed position in which the edges of the jaws are positioned adjacent each other and an open position in which the edges of the jaws are spaced apart. Each bucket jaw includes a set of arcuately extending ribs which are adapted to engage and pick up brush and a set of relatively pointed teeth which extend inwardly beyond the ribs and are adapted to engage and pick up trash.