Patents by Inventor William T. Smothers

William T. Smothers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040184902
    Abstract: A lifter is disclosed which allows for an improved operating envelope of the faceplate. The lifter utilizes a motor having 210 degrees of rotation and lifting arms of a unique geometry to rotate a faceplate from a retracted position below and substantially behind the lifter baseplate to a dumping position above and substantially behind a lower hopper edge for the purpose of dumping refuse carts into a refuse collection vehicle. This dumps refuse further into the vehicle hopper, which minimizes the number of packing cycles required on a collection route. A faceplate is attached to the motor using two lifting arms. The faceplate has a fixed upper hook and a sliding, retractable lower hooking mechanism. This sliding hook feature makes the lifter more compact when retracted and improves ground clearance when the lifter is mounted on the rear of a rear-loading refuse collection vehicle. Longer lifting arms may be substituted to allow for use of the lifter with a side-loading refuse collection vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Billy K. Bayne, William T. Smothers, Jimmy M. Biggerstaff