Abstract: A refuse and grinding system. The system will contain a hydraulic fluid supply for supplying a hydraulic fluid and a first compactor adapted for containing a refuse. The first compactor will have a first ram assembly and a first hydraulic valve, with the ram assembly having a first cell and a second cell. The first hydraulic valve is operatively connected with the hydraulic fluid supply, as well as the first and second cell. The system will contain a second compactor adapted for containing a hydrocarbon refuse such as oil filters. The second compactor contains a second ram assembly and a second hydraulic valve, with the second ram assembly having a first cell and a second cell. The second compactor will include a second hydraulic valve that is operatively connected, and in series arrangement with, the first hydraulic valve. The compactor will also comprise a grinder having a blade member contained therein. The blade member is responsive to the hydraulic supply that is fed to a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a multi-unit, automatic machine for compaction, packaging, and disposal of plural types of material such as newspaper, plastic containers, glass bottles, aluminum cans, or other household and commercial waste. Each type of material is automatically processed in a separate unit and than separately packaged and sealed in a special bar coded bag, which is then disposed of the machine.The automatic recycling machine is constructed as an appliance and includes housing with inlet for each material type where material is inserted to a specific unit. The material is crushed and compacted as a movable container is moved upwards towards a static container thus reducing the volume of the material between them. The actuation system consists of double scissors member mechanism and pneumatic actuator connected in between members of the mechanism, thus amplifying the travel of the actuator.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the fullness of a large capacity waste container (20). Each time the a compactor (22) is used to compress the waste in the container a monitoring unit (24) determines the highest hydraulic pressure generated by the compactor during a selected period of compactor use. The monitoring unit also maintains a count of how often the compactor is used. After the container is filled and emptied a number of times, the monitoring unit then divides the highest hydraulic pressures for the uses by the number of uses to obtain a pressure/use value. This pressure/use value is used as a variable to determine a maximum uses value representative of the number of times the compactor can be used before a container is filled. Once a container data representative of how full a container is, and how many compactor uses remain, is calculated by comparing the number of times the container has been used since it was emptied to the maximum uses value.

Abstract: A trash compactor having a compactor unit and a separable trash storage container is provided that accommodates liquid within the trash that is compacted. The liquid is admitted into a reservoir within the storage container of the trash compactor where it is isolated from the compacted trash. When the storage container is removed to a disposal site, the compacted trash is emptied and the liquid from the reservoir is also emptied at the disposal site. For trash that has a large volumetric quantity of liquid, an overflow tank may be provided in the storage container to receive the overflow from the reservoir within the storage container. The overflow tank may also receive liquid that accumulates in the compactor unit while the compactor is operating.

Abstract: There is disclosed compaction apparatus for waste management and recycling purposes including a hydraulic cylinder driven ram capable of exerting very large forces to compact waste paper, trash, or similar commercial or residential waste material. The hydraulic system of the apparatus includes a pump powered by a large electric motor. Forward and reverse motion of the ram is controlled by solenoid valves controlled by limit switches or position sensing switches responding to ram position, and in some cases to time delay devices coordinated with the travel time of the ram. Means for sensing a high resistive force encountered by the ram indicates that a waste container is full or nearly full or in certain apparatus may indicate a need to reverse a baler ram to a rest position to receive more waste material.

Abstract: A refuse and grinding system. The system will contain a hydraulic fluid supply for supplying a hydraulic fluid and a first compactor adapted for containing a refuse. The first compactor will have a first ram assembly and a first hydraulic valve, with the ram assembly having a first cell and a second cell. The first hydraulic valve is operatively connected with the hydraulic fluid supply, as well as the first and second cell. The system will contain a second compactor adapted for containing a hydrocarbon refuse such as oil filters. The second compactor contains a second ram assembly and a second hydraulic valve, with the second ram assembly having a first cell and a second cell. The second compactor will include a second hydraulic valve that is operatively connected, and in series arrangement with, the first hydraulic valve. The compactor will also comprise a grinder having a blade member contained therein. The blade member is responsive to the hydraulic supply that is fed to a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A trash compaction apparatus, specifically a waste paper baler, incorporating an improvement in the controls for the apparatus whereby proper identification from a proposed operator is required to start a compaction operation. In particular, the compaction apparatus has associated therewith a magnetic stripe card reader and a computer. In the computer memory, data is stored which may be compared with data read by the card reader from a would-be operator of the apparatus to determine if such person is an authorized operator. An input-output unit is provided for inputting the data for the authorized operator ID function. A calendar and a clock in the computer enables a log to be created in computer memory with date, time and identification data for each attempted operation of the apparatus. The computer calendar routine can also optionally determine if a would-be operator has attained an age required for safe and legal apparatus operation.

Abstract: A system (22) for monitoring the fullness of a waste container (20). Waste in the container is compressed by a ram (26). The system includes a sensor (42) for monitoring the force employed to actuate the ram. A container state processor (46) receives the signal from the sensor. The container state processor generates data representative of the fullness of the container. The data generated by the container state processor are transmitted through a modem (50) over the public telephone network to a remote location such as to waste hauler's dispatcher. The system also includes a supervisory processor (58) that is connected to both the container state processor and the modem. The supervisory processor monitors operating state signals generated by both the container state processor (46) and the modem (50). If the operating state signals generated by the container state processor (46) indicate that it is malfunctioning, the supervisory processor (58) attempts to correct for this malfunction.

Abstract: A refuse management system (10) has a refuse container (18) associated with a compactor (20) for compacting refuse in the container (18) at a local position, a local controller (26) for receiving and transmitting signals from the compactor, and a processor (14) at a remote position for receiving and processing signals from the local controller (26). A transmitter/receiver is positioned at each of the local and remote positions for establishing two-way communication between the local controller and the remote processor such that the controller and processor can each send and receive signals from each other. A local display (22, 90) is in communication with the controller (26) for displaying signals from the controller and signals received in the controller from the processor to thereby display container condition. A keypad (82) can be provided with the local display (22, 90) and controller for entering data into the controller and displaying data on the display.

Abstract: An improved trash handling device for receiving trash in a trash container enclosed within a housing where the housing has a completely enclosed manually operated trash compactor for selectively compacting the trash received in the container, wherein the compactor includes a pyramid-shaped compacting plate for engaging the trash in the container, a foot lever for rotating the compacting plate downwardly from resting position into the trash container, a pneumatic spring for biasing the compacting plate to resting position, and a safety lock preventing delivery of trash to the container during a compacting cycle.

Abstract: A baler feed gate safety sequencing circuit which prevents successive operation of a compactor baler with the feed gate in the open position. The circuit requires the raising and lowering of the feed gate after each compaction cycle for operation of the baler ram, even if the gate limiting switch is rigged to provide an indication that the feed gate is closed when in reality it is open.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided that has a single ram that simultaneously precompacts trash in an auxiliary precompacting chamber and compacts trash that already has been precompacted in a main compacting and storage chamber. The ram has a single actuating device and has first and second parts which are both actuated by the single actuating device. Latches are provided to latch the two ram parts together and also to latch one of the ram parts to the wall of the trash compactor during various times during the compacting cycle of the ram.

Abstract: A device designed to compress yard debris such as leaves, bush trimmings, and grass clippings inside a plastic trash bag without damaging the structural integrity of the plastic bag during the loading or filling process and during the compression cycle. This invention consist of four individual component parts; a hollow, smooth cylinder opened at both ends with a pair of handles at one end; a durable attachable bottom which caps one end of the cylinder; a plastic trash bag; and a flat, sturdy and durable piston which will fit inside the cylinder and which is used to compress loaded yard debris. The invention is assembled by placing the ridged, hollow cylinder inside a plastic trash bag and securing this elongated bag to the upper end of the cylinder with an elastic bungee cord of specific dimension and tension. The bottom is secured to cap off one end of the cylinder by use of two elastic bungee cords which are attached to the two handles of the cylinder.

Abstract: A compacting device has a modular-type structure and limited dimensions typical of usual household appliances for personal and private use. The configuration of the compacting device may vary from a minimum structure having at least a motor or hand-operated compacting unit which can be coupled with at least a waste collection and compaction container, to more and more complex structures.

Abstract: A vertical compactor has a frame with legs spaced to receive an upwardly opening dumpster or similar container. A compactor head mountable on top of the frame has a feed inlet for receiving material and a ram pivotable downwardly into the container. The frame has two parallel guide members slidably supporting the container and opening at flared flanges on both opposite sides of the frame. Thus the container is insertable and removable from either side. A remountable stop is attachable to at least one of the frame and the compactor head to close one side such that the container can be inserted into the other side and slides up to abut the stop. The stop can be a cross bar extending between ends of upper structural rails, remountable on either end of the rails, for example using a shackle and pin coupling, and/or can have holes aligned with holes in the compactor head for receiving fasteners.

Abstract: A trash compaction system which includes a lower container portion for receiving trash thereinto, a ram member positionable over an open top end of the container, the ram member hydraulically lowerable into the container space, so as to compact trash within the container space; a support frame upon which the ram member is supported between an upper position above the container space to a lowered, compacting position within the container space; track members extending horizontally outward from the upper edge of the container; rollers on the frame of the ram, the rollers riding on the track members, so that when the ram is in the upper position, the ram may be rolled along the track members to a position aside from the container so as to expose the opening of the container for dropping trash therewithin.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and compacting articles, such as hospital scrub garments. Included is a cabinet assembly, having user and operator accessible doors; collection bags and support associate with the cabinet; a control assembly including a microprocessor and receiver board capable of recognizing an authorized user and permit him or her access to the apparatus, and optionally a video monitoring system; a drive assembly comprising a drive motor, arm linkage, drive chain and sprockets; a pair of sweeping arms operable by the drive assembly and which cooperate with a pair of packing arm assemblies. The sweeping arms urge garments deposited by authorized users downward and to the side in the cabinet and the packing arm cooperates to compact garments which have dropped into the collection bags. A method is disclosed for selectively identifying and permitting user access to the apparatus and for automatically processing received garments into a compacted condition in the collection bags.

Abstract: A low profile trash receptacle housing carries a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced hydraulic cylinders (A) and (B) for incrementally and simultaneously supplying a downward stroke upon a horizontally disposed compaction plate (C) so that upon retraction of the compaction plate and cylinders to a raised position following a compacting cycle adequate space is provided so that a door (D) may be opened to extend inwardly for reception of trash into a lower compacting portion of the housing with guides (E) providing stability to the compaction plate at all times during the compacting cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a compacting apparatus for waste, glass, and plastic. The present invention compresses such objects in order to simplify both the recycling and disposal processes. Objects placed in a box within the apparatus are compressed by a flat surface perpendicularly attached to a vertical shaft. This shaft is pressed downward by a conventional hydraulic system installed in the top of the apparatus. One box is provided with heat-producing coils installed within its walls for softening hard plastic and PVC. Another box without heat-producing coils is provided for crushing glass and waste. A cutting device is provided for cutting objects too large to fit inside the box.

Abstract: Hydraulically activated compactor with internal storage and integrated removable container-lift, having automatic angularity control for the platen bar, forming bales of waste and refuse material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and a device for packaging and supplying fiber material 5. In a multi-location fiber plant 1, the fiber material is filled into a closable freight container and is compacted in a filling station 2, and the freight container is subsequently shipped to a remote further processing station 3 with a transport vehicle 7. The fiber material 5 is filled into the freight container 4 as a collective load and without additional baling and hooping, and it is subjected to further processing from the freight container 4.

Abstract: The sorter-compactor (10) for urban refuse comprises: a sorting drum (24) rotatable about its axis (22), the drum being provided with at least two compartments (26, 28, 30, 32) of identical shape and dimensions, of which each compartment, intended to receive one type of refuse, extends parallel to the drum axis of rotation (22), has a constant cross-section along its entire length and has at least one of ills two open ends closable by a relative cover (60, 62, 64, 66); and a compacting device (34, 38) comprising a piston element (34) slidable in the two directions within any one of the compartments (26, 28.30, 32) when the piston element (34) is located in correspondence with that compartment, and an actuator (38) for operating the piston (34) in the two directions so as to compress the refuse contained in the relative compartment against the corresponding closure cover (60, 62, 64, 66).

Abstract: The present invention is a manually operated trash compactor with a refuse container mounted on a mobile platform. The container has a first section fixed to the platform and a second section pivotally attached to the first section. A latch is mounted to the container to hold the container closed during compaction. A compaction plate is mounted to a rack gear and pinion gear assembly. The assembly is rotatable between a starting position, with the compaction plate disposed over the refuse container, and a position lateral to the container. A drive wheel is connected to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear to selectively adjust the rack gear and compaction plate into the container to compress refuse in the container lined with a trash bag. A compression spring is mounted on the rack gear to facilitate automated return of the compaction plate to its starting position. A tension adjuster is in contact with the rack gear to control the rate of return of the rack gear.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: A trash handling device for receiving trash in a trash container enclosed within a housing where the housing has mounted therein a trash compacting device for selectively compacting the trash received in the container, and a safety lock prevents delivery of trash to the container during a compacting operation.

Abstract: A portable waste container having a built-in DC-to-hydraulic power converter and hydraulic compaction system to provide for efficient waste management. The hydraulic power converter is connected to a source of electrical power, preferably a vehicle battery by jumper cables located within the portable waste container. A telescoping cylinder ram and platen mechanism use power obtained from the DC-to-hydraulic conversion to compact the waste. The opening of the waste container has a second angled side which rests above the platen to both increase the traditional opening size and decrease the pressure of compacted trash against the top of the platen therefore reducing the amount of waste returning back into the hopper section after compaction.

Abstract: A compactor assembly comprises a ground supported housing having an open top through which waste material is deposited. An auger is rotatable on an axis positioned within the housing for breaking waste material received therein through the open top, and for transporting the waste material therethrough. A drop area is downstream of the receiving chamber of the housing and has a remote open portion. A compactor ram is reciprocal on an axis parallel to the auger axis for transferring waste material through the open portion. A first drive is operably associated with the auger for rotating the auger, and a second drive is operably associated with the compactor ram for causing reciprocation thereof.

Abstract: Method for compacting refuse or waste material in an enclosed baler-compactor, applying controlled angularity of the platen for even compacting and improved distribution of the compacted material in the container of a container-lift assembly. Tying the compacted material into high density bales or bundles for efficient handling and disposal.

Abstract: An electronic device for monitoring the fullness of a trash receptacle is disclosed. The trash receptacle is associated with a compactor that has a compression member for compacting trash within the receptacle. The compression member is powered by an electric motor. The current drawn by the electric motor is monitored by a current sensor. As more trash is deposited and compacted, the sensor detects an increased current flow in the electric motor. A microprocessor operates on the current sensor readings to determine the relative fullness of the receptacle. The current sensor readings are evaluated by an algorithm which distinguishes the current readings due to foward compactor ram motion of the compression member from current readings due to reverse compactor ram motion. The algorithm compares modified derivatives of the current sensor readings to threshold values of the derivatives in order to determine the relative fullness of the receptacle.

Abstract: A combined compactor and material mover is provided. The compactor and material mover apparatus includes a housing defining a compression zone, a mechanism for dumping waste material into the compression zone, and a mechanism for compacting the waste material in the compression zone and moving the compacted waste material into a refuse storage unit. The apparatus further includes a mechanism, in the form of a cam and cam follower, for operatively connecting the dumping and compacting mechanisms to coordinate operation thereof.

Abstract: A compactor places baled waste into a shuttle container that is moved along a conveyor system. This shuttle container is then moved to an unloading device, where the compacted trash can be placed into a transfer trailer. The use of the shuttle containers on the conveyor system allows for the compacting and the unloading functions to occur independently. The system is a modular one that can be expanded as required. Shuttle containers on the conveyor system can be stored until a transfer trailer is available.

Abstract: The baler embodies false side walls which act as spacers in the bale chamber while the bale is completed. After completion, dogs on the platen engage the false side walls; they are raised by the ascending platen, and retained in the raised position by dogs on the baler side walls while the platen descends and compresses the bale. The bale is wired to the platen, which, rising, lifts the bale out of the bale chamber and allows a carton to be inserted in the (opened) bale chamber. The platen, descending again, lowers the bale into the carton; the lifting wires are cut, the platen rises, and the carton is sealed and extracted from the bale chamber.

Abstract: A refuse compactor especially designed for fast food restaurants is of a predetermined limited height dimension allowing its upper surface to function as a serving tray storage rack. The refuse compactor is characterized by having a foldable compaction plate driven by a hydraulic ram. When the compaction plate is elevated to its uppermost position, it is folded in a way that does not interfere with the opening of the refuse entry door. When moving through its compaction stroke, the foldable compaction plate becomes locked in a flat, planar configuration. In this way, it is unnecessary to locate the compaction plate above the refuse entry door, thereby providing a lower profile to the refuse compactor cabinet.

Abstract: A trash collection and compacting apparatus primarily intended for use onboard an aircraft comprising a stationary compactor unit and interrelated movable trolley unit, the trolley unit having a plurality of separate trash collection chambers into which trash is deposited and compacted. The trolley unit includes wheels for moving the trolley through an aircraft for the collection of trash, and support rails for supporting the trolley unit on the compactor unit for the direct compaction of trash in the trolley. The compactor unit includes a compaction ram mounted on a carriage assembly for movement into discrete positions overlying each collection chamber of the trolley unit, and supports the trolley so that compaction forces are not transmitted to the aircraft.

Abstract: A trash collection and compacting apparatus primarily intended for use onboard an aircraft comprising a stationary compactor unit and interrelated movable wheeled trolley unit, the trolley unit having a plurality of separate trash collection chambers into which trash is deposited and compacted and support rails for supporting the trolley unit on the compactor unit for the direct compaction of trash in the trolley. The trolley unit also has separable sides to facilitate removal of compacted trash, and multiple fail safe locks and latches to ensure that the sides are not inadvertently separated during trash collection and compaction. Fire doors are provided to close the chambers, and removable trash bins are disposed in each trash chamber to facilitate handling of compacted trash, the bins having separable sides for emptying the compacted trash therefrom.

Abstract: A combination material compacting and moving apparatus comprising a compactor and a cart. The compactor having a ram reciprocatingly mounted therein for compacting material onto the cart. The cart includes a lifting and dumping mechanism so the compacted materials may be transported, lifted and dumped at a remote location without the operator coming in contact with the compacted material or its container.

Abstract: A waste paper receptacle/compactor employing a container section and a lid section. Suspended within the container section is an expandable liner with a cylinder supported inside of the liner at the top thereof. The cylinder serves as a staging area for placement of spent and crumpled paper towels. The cylinder works in conjunction with a piston which extends down from the lid section. The liner is biased to contract circumferentially. In such manner, when a used desires to discard spent and crumpled paper towels, that user opens the lid section and inserts the towel into the staging area and allows lid section to close thereon. The piston drives the paper towel down into the liner below the cylinder. The inwardly direction bias of the liner prevents the towels from opening or flowering in the container section. A loop is provided at the top of the liner providing a handle for extracting a full liner from the container section.

Abstract: A waste container system includes a receptacle box having side walls that define a storage space, at least one individual container positioned within the receptacle box, each container being forwardly-tiltable, having an open top and being removable from the receptacle box, a cover attached to the side and rear walls of the receptacle box, and a compacting arm mounted on the underside of the cover above the open top of each container. The compacting arm is slidable and pivotable with respect to the underside of the cover into a position which permits downward manual compaction of the contents of an individual container.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes first and second waste storage compartments for storing separately nonrecyclable and recyclable waste products. A compression member is operably associated with the first and second waste storage compartments for compressing waste material therein. The compression member includes a ram operably connected to a piston and cylinder assembly. The ram is displaced along a single directional path to compress waste material in both the first and second waste storage compartments. An adjustable member is operably associated with the first and second waste storage compartments for varying the storage capacity thereof. The adjustment member includes a baffle extending substantially the length of the first and second waste storage compartments. The baffle is hingedly connected to a support member. Upper and lower doors are associated with each of the first and second storage compartments.

Abstract: A bio-hazardous waste compactor is described which provides a negative air pressure and venting system while allowing for the filtration of the air and control of sound. The compactor contains a sealed chamber which includes a sump area in the bottom of the chamber for fluid control. Waste is weighed so that the operator knows when to remove the waste. Ultraviolet light is provided to prevent the growth of vegetative pathogenic organisms. Finally, a disposable bag to be used in connection with such a bio-hazardous waste compactor is described which has an inner porous layer, an intermediate, biocide-containing, super-absorbent polymer layer and an outer non-porous layer.

Abstract: Installation for compacting waste. This installation consists of a partition pump fitted in a chamber, the changing volume being determined by the partitions and the wall of the chamber. A closable inlet is fitted, while the wall of the chamber can be designed as a hinged wall in the vicinity of the outlet. Scrapers can be provided to ensure that all of the waste remains in the outlet. The outlet can open into a conventional waste container.

Abstract: A system for compacting material within a drum which includes a substantially tubular chamber, for placing a standard 55-gallon drum within, of the type having roll rings spaced along its annular wall; the chamber including a pair of swing away doors, for allowing access for the drum, and for closing around the wall of the drum, defining a portion of the inner wall of the chamber; a ram, configured in a dimension to fit within the drum opening for compacting material contained within the drum, and a series of thick, metal bands along the interior wall of the chamber, spaced apart so that one of the metal bands fills each space between the wall of the drum between the roll ring and the chamber wall.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic device for supplying hydraulic power to a portable waste container having a self-contained hydraulic compactor system, and a method of using such to provide for efficient waste management. The portable hydraulic device is connected to a source of electrical power, preferably a vehicle battery, by jumper cables located on an extendable/retractable reel located within the portable hydraulic device. A mechanism in the portable hydraulic device converts the electrical power to hydraulic power. The hydraulic power is then transferred to the portable waste compactor through a plurality of hydraulic hoses. As the hydraulic device is portable, the unit may be transported to a plurality of portable waste containers in succession. Compacting the waste product contained within the waste containers extends the period in which the individual containers must be removed and emptied, therefore saving both time and money.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for disposing of infectious waste. A decontamination chamber decontaminates the waste by dry heat sterilization, and a compactor reduces the volume of the waste subsequent to decontamination in the decontamination chamber. A robot assembly is mounted between the decontamination chamber and the compactor for automatically retrieving the waste from the decontamination chamber upon being decontaminated, and for transporting the waste to the compactor for volume reduction prior to disposal.

Abstract: A mobile, hydraulic-powered device for compacting the contents of containers, preferably 55 gallon drums. The compactor comprises a haulable frame having a pair of wheels, a compaction housing, two hydraulic cylinders, a hydraulic pump for operating the cylinders, a motor for operating the pump, and a complete system of operational control valves. The first hydraulic cylinder is mounted on top of the compaction housing and operates to drive a compaction plate down into a container positioned within the housing. The second hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the frame and is used to move the compaction housing between an operating position on the ground behind the frame and a transporting position up over the frame. Also, the compactor minimizes excess movement and the release of container liquids during compacting operation, which can apply a force of up to 1000 psi.

Abstract: An industrial-type compactor for a waste material container is disclosed. The compactor includes a supporting frame that receives the waste material container, with the supporting frame having a waste material channel that communicates with the waste material container. A waste compacting ram is pivotally supported at one end of the supporting frame for compacting waste materials. In order to keep the waste material within the waste material container during compacting, locking levers are operatively associated with the waste material container to maintain a pivotally mounted cover in a fixed and non-movable position atop the waste material container. The locking levers are activated when the waste material container is positioned relative to the supporting frame. In addition, a door is operatively associated to the supporting frame for closing off the waste material channel during compacting.

Abstract: A waste compactor apparatus having a front, a back and sides, includes a compactor adapted to receive waste materials through an opening in the front and to compress the waste materials into a waste container positioned therebelow; a waste container defining an upwardly facing opening; a support frame supporting the compactor above a channel defined by the support frame, the channel sized for receiving the waste container in a position substantially subjacent the compactor; and, a stop header adapted for variable attachment to the support frame for defining the direction from which the container may be inserted and withdrawn from the channel of the frame.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring trash compactors, each monitoring unit associated with a trash compactor comprises a transducer for sensing hydraulic pressure, for generating an analog signal from the sensed pressure, and for converting the analog signal to a frequency signal, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares pressure signal values generated from the frequency signal over timed intervals to a specified value indicative of a compaction. The microprocessor also compares the maximum pressure signal value generated therefrom, under certain conditions, to a threshold value indicative of the trash compactor having a substantially empty compactor and to a threshold value indicative of the trash compactor having a substantially full container. Whenever a specified, plural number of substantially full compactions have been determined, a modem sends a status signal to a computer at a remote location or a facsimile message to a facsimile machine at a remote location.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring trash compactors, each monitoring unit associated with a trash compactor comprises a transducer for sensing hydraulic pressure, for generating an analog signal from the sensed pressure, and for converting the analog signal to a frequency signal, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor compares pressure signal values generated from the frequency signal over timed intervals to a specified value indicative of a compaction. The microprocessor also compares the maximum pressure signal value generated therefrom, under certain conditions, to a threshold value indicative of the trash compactor having a substantially empty compactor and to a threshold value indicative of the trash compactor having a substantially full container.