Abstract: Systems and methods for optical material characterization of waste materials using machine learning are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises: an imaging device configured to generate image frames an area and target objects within the area; an object characterization processor coupled to the imaging device and comprising Neural Processing Units and a Neural Network Parameter Set. The Neural Network Parameter Set stores learned parameters utilized by the one or more Neural Processing Units for characterizing the one or more target objects. The Neural Processing Units are configured by the Neural Network Parameter Set to detect a presence of a plurality of different materials within the image frames based on a plurality of different features. For a first image frame of the plurality of image frames, the Neural Processing Units outputs material characterization data that identifies which of the plurality of different materials are detected in the first image frame.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprises a plurality of monitoring stations disposed in or associated with a respective rubbish bin housing or surround. Each monitoring station comprising an identifier, a sensor for monitoring the bin or a detectable quality of the environment in which the bin is located, a processor for receiving a signal from the sensor and a transmitter for transmitting the signal.

Abstract: A system of detecting loading and unloading of mobile containers such as grain carts utilizes two low pass filters to determine whether the contents of the container are changing by subtracting one filter signal from the other, and using the sign of the difference. Weighing performance is improved by utilizing accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level orientation. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lift truck attachment system that includes a lift truck weighing device with a carriage mounted scale configured to support load handling fixtures and to be secured to a lift truck carriage. The weighing device includes one or more sensors arranged at a mounting interface between the lift truck carriage and the carriage mounted scale. The lift truck weighing device includes one or more of rails, plates, and/or mounting brackets, as a list of non-limiting examples, arranged at the interface with the one or more sensors, which measure a load from the load handling fixtures.

Abstract: A configurable-width industrial weighing scale configured to hang directly from one of multiple engine-powered lifting machines and/or to couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of an engine-powered lifting machine and configured to directly support a lifting element and/or couple to a quick-attach plate or other attachment means of a lifting element. A weighing element includes front and rear plates in parallel with one another and a weighing assembly therebetween. The weighing assembly may include a strain gauge-based load cell, a shock absorber, a mechanical preload adjustment to control a vertical difference between the front and rear plates, a mechanical linearity control to adjust an angle of the weighing assembly, a carriage alignment bolt to compensate for an uneven surface of a lifting carriage of the engine-powered lifting machine, and/or a mechanical adjustment to compensate for a distance between the front plate and a load.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an aperture defined by the body, a closure panel, and a load sensor. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers at least a portion of the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. The load sensor is coupled to the closure panel. The load sensor senses a load that is applied to the closure panel.

Abstract: A system controls a work machine including a work implement, a rotating body, and a support body to load materials onto a conveyance vehicle. The system includes a first processor. The first processor acquires data indicative of a position of a predetermined reference point included in the conveyance vehicle. The first processor acquires data indicative of a position of a rotation center of the rotating body. The first processor acquires data indicative of a position of a blade tip of the work implement. The first processor determines a target rotation angle of the rotating body from a straight line connecting the position of the rotation center of the rotating body and the position of the reference point of the conveyance vehicle, and a current position of the blade tip of the work implement. The first processor controls the rotating body to rotate according to the target rotation angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating a refuse container, comprising a refuse container which has an electronic control device and a first communication interface for sending and receiving data, wherein a first data transfer to at least one further communication interface can be initiated via the first communication interface, said further communication interface being provided in at least one further communication device which is not associated with the refuse container, wherein a further data transfer between at least one internal device can be initiated via the first communication interface, wherein the first and the further data transfer are based on a wireless technology.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying waste fulfillment events in the absence of human intervention using the input of one or more vehicle sensor inputs, one or more waste disposal cycle inputs, and GPS information to augment or supplement optical scanning technology such as RFID tags is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of redeploying waste containers in a waste collection system with an active or passive signal means requires a user to aim an optical character recognition reader at a waste container comprising a unique optical waste container identifier. The optical character recognition reader reads unique waste container optical identifier. The unique waste container optical identifier is converted to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. A unique radio frequency signal identifier is stored on a radio frequency emitting tag and associated with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag is attached to the waste container.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring waste collected by a service vehicle. The system may include a lift actuator configured to cause lifting of the waste, a power takeoff driven by a powertrain of the service vehicle to power the lift actuator, and a sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the powertrain. The system may also include an output device, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the output device. The controller may be configured to receive the speed signal from the sensor, determine an amount of waste lifted by the lift actuator based on the speed signal, and relay the amount of waste to the output device.

Abstract: A process for weighing a harvested crop stored in a tank of a harvesting machine, a frame supporting the tank is mounted on a wheel set by a lifting device which is operable to move the frame upwardly and downwardly upon control of a hydraulic system. The process controlling the hydraulic system and includes the steps of: determining at least one height position of the frame on the displacement course; measuring a lowering pressure and a raising pressure in the hydraulic system at the position; calculating, from the measured pressures, a balancing pressure for the frame. The process is performed before unloading the stored crop in order to calculate a loaded balancing pressure and after the unloading in order to calculate an empty balancing pressure. The weight of the stored crop is calculated from a pressure variation between the loaded balancing pressure and the empty balancing pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the mass and the centre of mass of a demountable platform by using a mathematical model, the parameters of which are estimated using an iterative procedure.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus, for use with a lifting device, is provided including a weighing unit and a cover shaped and sized to at least partially surround a tine of the lifting device. The weighing unit weighs a load that is lifted by the lifting device and is coupled to a lateral side of the cover such that the weighing unit is placed alongside the cover. The weighing unit includes one or more load cells, and an upper surface configured to contact the load lifted by the lifting device. A height of the weighing apparatus varies between the cover and the weighing unit such that a height of the weighing unit is greater than a height of the cover, thereby forming a gap between the load and the cover when a load is lifted by the lifting device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the weight of a demountable platform. In the method, a hooklift is used to lift the demountable platform from the ground onto a vehicle, values of a force acting on a main cylinder of the hooklift are determined at predetermined intervals of a physical quantity that varies as a function of the movement of the hooklift, and the weight of the demountable platform is calculated using the determined values of the force. The present invention also relates to a system for determining the weight of a demountable platform.

Abstract: A method for a municipality to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles requires a permit for use of a waste receptacle. An issuing organization issues a permit associated with a discreet receptacle identifier. An RFID tag is provided with the permit and attached to a discreet receptacle. The RFID tag transmits a signal carrying data associated with the discreet receptacle identifier. The signal may be read by a portable reader carried by municipal personnel to record violations of municipal code associated with the use of the discreet receptacle.

Abstract: A method for a municipality to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles requires a permit for use of a waste receptacle. An issuing organization issues a permit associated with a discreet receptacle identifier. An RFID tag is provided with the permit and attached to a discreet receptacle. The RFID tag transmits a signal carrying data associated with the discreet receptacle identifier. The signal may be read by a portable reader carried by municipal personnel to record violations of municipal code associated with the use of the discreet receptacle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a loading tool includes positioning the loading tool on a lifting device of a machine, receiving a payload by the loading tool from a payload stock during an operating mode, and determining a mass of the payload during the operating mode. The method also includes providing calibration data representative of a ratio between a volume of the payload and a mass of the payload, detecting a volume of the payload during the operating mode, and determining the mass of the payload as a function of the detecting step and the calibration data.

Abstract: A method of redeploying waste containers in a waste collection system with an active or passive signal means requires a user to aim an optical character recognition reader at a waste container comprising a unique optical waste container identifier. The optical character recognition reader reads unique waste container optical identifier. The unique waste container optical identifier is converted to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. A unique radio frequency signal identifier is stored on a radio frequency emitting tag and associated with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag is attached to the waste container.

Abstract: A method for estimating load weights for an implement of a work vehicle may include controlling movement of a boom of the work vehicle such that the boom is moved across a plurality of overlapping measurement regions defined along an angular travel range of the boom, wherein each measurement region is overlapped by at least one adjacent measurement region of the overlapping measurement regions across the angular travel range. The method may also include receiving load-related data associated with a load weight for the implement as the boom is moved across the overlapping measurement regions and determining a region load weight for at least one measurement region of the overlapping measurement regions based on the load-related data. In addition, the method may include calculating a final load weight for the implement based on the region load weight(s).

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a body coupled to a chassis and defining a refuse compartment configured to store refuse, a refuse collection arm configured to engage and lift a refuse container to unload refuse, and an object detection system configured to provide object detection data relating to locations of objects relative to the refuse vehicle. An actuator controls movement of the refuse collection arm. A controller is configured to use the object detection data to determine if the refuse container is present within an aligned zone relative to the chassis, the aligned zone representing a range of locations in which the refuse collection arm is capable of engaging the refuse container. In response to a determination that the refuse container is within the aligned zone, the controller is configured to provide an indication to an operator that the refuse container is within the aligned zone.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a body coupled to a chassis and defining a refuse compartment configured to store refuse, a refuse collection arm configured to engage and lift a refuse container to unload refuse, and an object detection system configured to provide object detection data relating to locations of objects relative to the refuse vehicle. An actuator controls movement of the refuse collection arm. A controller is configured to use the object detection data to determine if the refuse container is present within an aligned zone relative to the chassis, the aligned zone representing a range of locations in which the refuse collection arm is capable of engaging the refuse container. In response to a determination that the refuse container is within the aligned zone, the controller is configured to provide an indication to an operator that the refuse container is within the aligned zone.

Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a frame and a ground engaging element movably supported by the frame and driven by an engine to drive movement of the mobile work machine. The mobile work machine includes a container movably supported by the frame, the container configured to receive contents and an actuator configured to controllably drive movement of the container relative to the frame. The mobile work machine includes a control system configured to generate an actuator control signal, indicative of a commanded movement of the actuator, and provide the actuator control signal to the actuator to control the actuator to perform the commanded movement and a content density determination system, communicatively coupled to the control system, configured to determine a density of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A lifting bracket for a vehicle weighing scale includes a first lifting portion having a first wall, a second wall extending from the first wall, and a third wall coupled to the second wall. The third wall extends opposite and spaced apart from the second wall.

Abstract: A method for loading a payload carrier of a machine includes receiving, from a camera on the machine, a two-dimensional image of an interior of the payload carrier as material is loaded into the payload carrier. The method further includes filtering the image to identify a contour of the loaded material and determining an area of the contour. The method further includes controlling a display device indicate the determined area.

Abstract: The application relates to a device for measuring the weight of a ballast assembly of a crane, and to a crane comprising a corresponding device. The device may include a ballast assembly coupled to the structure of the crane by seats, the seats may comprise a measurement shaft, and the measurement shaft deforming under a weight of the ballast assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for weighing animal feed ingredients using a bucket loader to dispense a measured quantity of ingredient into a feed scale are disclosed. A weight of the feed ingredient in the bucket is determined and compared to a weight of the feed ingredient subsequently transferred from the bucket to the feed scale. Based on the comparison, data received from components of the system is calibrated to increase accuracy of future weighings of the feed ingredient.

Abstract: A pallet truck comprises a rolling frame (10) and at least one force sensor (51, 52) for registering and generating as electronic output signal a loading of a load platform (20). The force sensor is coupled to electronic processing means for receiving and processing the output signal, and display means (65) are provided for generating a visual weight indication. At least a part of the processing means is accommodated together with a first electronic power supply in a first housing (50) forming part of the frame (10). The display means (65) are arranged together with a second electronic power supply in a second housing (60) on or close to a handle (45) of an operating arm. A wired first connection (56) is provided between the force sensor (51, 52) and the processing means. Telecommunication means are provided for establishing and maintaining a wireless second connection (57) between the first housing (50) and the second housing (60).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a refuse vehicle and a method for controlling a refuse vehicle provided with at least one refuse container location sensor, at least one vehicle speed control, and one or more electronics. The one or more electronics receive and process signals from the at least one refuse container location sensor and outputs a control signal to the at least one vehicle speed control to stop the refuse vehicle at a predetermined location with respect to a refuse container.

Abstract: A weighing device for detecting the weight force of a pressed bale on a roll includes a bearing device of the roll. At least one weighing means is integrally disposed in the bearing device.

Abstract: A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.

Abstract: A reel weight measurement system is shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the reel weight measurement system comprises strategically placed position and load sensors for measuring an orientation of a reel-carrying unit and measuring loads in the reel-carrying unit. The loads may be indicative of forces due to the weight of the reel when the reel is supported by a carriage of the reel-carrying unit. The weight of the reel may be determined by summing the forces and moments in the system while the carriage is in motion or static. Further, the weight of the reel may be determined by comparing the force measurements and orientation of the carriage to stored calibration data.

Abstract: A work machine with a first tire having a first tire pressure sensor configured to identify a first tire pressure, a load sensor coupled to the work machine and configured to measure an actual load weight, and a controller in communication with the first tire pressure sensor and the load sensor. Wherein, the controller identifies a tire pressure value with the first tire pressure sensor and the controller determines a current load weight threshold from a plurality of load weight thresholds with the tire pressure value.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring waste collected by a service vehicle. The system may include a lift actuator configured to cause lifting of the waste, a power takeoff driven by a powertrain of the service vehicle to power the lift actuator, and a sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the powertrain. The system may also include an output device, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the output device. The controller may be configured to receive the speed signal from the sensor, determine an amount of waste lifted by the lift actuator based on the speed signal, and relay the amount of waste to the output device.

Abstract: A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.

Abstract: A method of redeploying waste containers in a waste collection system with an active or passive signal means requires a user to aim an optical character recognition reader at a waste container comprising a unique optical waste container identifier. The optical character recognition reader reads unique waste container optical identifier. The unique waste container optical identifier is converted to a unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. A unique radio frequency signal identifier is stored on a radio frequency emitting tag and associated with the unique electronically formatted waste container identifier. The radio frequency emitting tag is attached to the waste container.

Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can comprise a ball portion for interfacing with a ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer, a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle, and a load measurement device associated with the hitch portion. The hitch portion can be configured to pivot relative to the hitch receiver about a fulcrum in response to a downward force on the ball, with the hitch receiver resisting rotation of the hitch portion about the fulcrum thereby inducing a load on the hitch portion. The load measurement device can be configured to determine a magnitude of the downward force on the ball based on the load on the hitch portion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking receptacles serviced by a service vehicle. The system may have a locating device located onboard the at least one service vehicle and configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of the at least one service vehicle, a receptacle sensor located onboard the at least one service vehicle and configured to generate an identity signal indicative of an identity of a receptacle in a vicinity of the at least one service vehicle, and a display. The system may also have at least one controller in communication with the locating device, the sensor, and the display. The at least one controller may be configured to show on the display an icon representing the receptacle overlaid on a map based on the location and identification signals.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture one or more optical data associated with packaging of a waste product and a processor coupled to the at least one optical sensor. The processor may be configured to determine information about the waste product based on the optical data and send a signal corresponding to the information to one of a destination device and a controller based on the determined information.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring waste collected by a service vehicle. The system may include a lift actuator configured to cause lifting of the waste, a power takeoff driven by a powertrain of the service vehicle to power the lift actuator, and a sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the powertrain. The system may also include an output device, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the output device. The controller may be configured to receive the speed signal from the sensor, determine an amount of waste lifted by the lift actuator based on the speed signal, and relay the amount of waste to the output device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing an offloading service performed by a service vehicle at a disposal site. The system may have an identity detection device configured to generate an identity signal associated with the service vehicle at the disposal site, a scale configured to generate a weight signal indicative of an amount of waste material disposed of by the service vehicle at the disposal site during the offloading service, and at least one processing unit in communication with the identity detection device and the scale. The at least one processing unit may be configured to correlate the weight signal to a customer for which the service vehicle previously performed an onloading service based on the identity signal, and automatically generate an invoice for the customer for the onloading service and for the offloading service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for tractive and compressive forces in a power track chain (1) for protected guidance of cables, hoses etc. The monitoring system comprises at least one force sensor (10, 90) for measuring a tractive or compressive force transmitted between a driver (4) and a moveable end (3) of the power track chain, and an evaluation unit (12) for evaluating the measurement signals detected by the force sensor. The invention is characterized by the design and arrangement of the force sensor (10, 90). This force sensor is designed as a connecting member for attaching the moveable end (3) of the power track chain (1) on the driver (4) and comprises at least one web (32, 34, 92) extended substantially transversely to the direction of the tractive/compressive force. The web has at least one elastically deformable bending region (321, 322, 341, 342) with an associated sensor (621, 622, 641, 642) for measuring deformation produced by bending.

Abstract: An automatic supply system of a consumable material includes: an automatic supply device that automatically supplies a consumable material to a vehicle capable of being loaded with a cargo; and a control device that obtains loading information indicating whether or not the cargo is loaded on the vehicle, and is able to control an automatic supply of the consumable material to the vehicle based on the obtained loading information, wherein, when the control device determines that the cargo is loaded on the vehicle from the obtained loading information, the control device controls the automatic supply device not to perform the automatic supply of the consumable material to the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachable weighing scale for forklifts has a plurality of weighing modules connected within an outer cover. The weighing modules are connected to the forks of a forklift within the outer cover around the forks in order to facilitate weighing of loads.

Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.

Abstract: A weight-measuring system for measuring a weight amount of one or more items loaded into a bed of a vehicle is provided. The weight amount can be used to determine whether a weight limit has been exceeded and whether some additional action should be taken. In addition, one type of weight-measuring system is operable under varied conditions, such as rapid weight fluctuations, and is capable of measuring a weight amount when the bed is in various positions (e.g., transporting mode or ground-level, loading mode).

Abstract: A system for calculating a desired time of arrival to a target destination for a vehicle includes a device mountable to a first vehicle. The device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a logic unit configured to receive signals for determining a current position and a current vehicle speed of the first vehicle, the logic unit being further configured to determine an estimated time of arrival at a target destination for the first vehicle based on predetermined route information, the current position of the first vehicle and the target destination of the first vehicle.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuitry adapted for automatic weight-responsive control of load-clamping members of a load-lifting system having a free lift mast. The load-lifting system generally includes one or more fluid power actuator for applying a gripping force to a load, at least one elongate, longitudinally-extensible fluid power lifting device having a free lift range of motion and at least one main lift range of motion, and manually operated load-clamping and load-lifting selector valves. The hydraulic valve circuitry provides, independently, weight-responsive control of the load-clamping members when lifting a load, full-time automatic weight-responsive force control of the load-clamping members without concurrent manual actuation of load-clamping or load-lifting selector valves, and equalization of sensed load weight so that the sensed load weight is substantially independent of the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting device.

Abstract: A portable lift is provided. The portable lift includes a top frame assembly, a carriage frame, a base frame, and a hoist mechanism. The top frame assembly is secures top ends of a pair of stringers together. The base frame assembly secures bottom ends of the pair of stringers together forming the portable lift frame. The carriage frame includes a plurality of wheel assemblies each having a plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels releasably retain to and slidably engage with a stringer of the pair of stringers. The hoist mechanism includes a motor, a spool rotatable by the motor, a pulley secured to the top frame assembly, and a hoist cable wrapped around the spool and running from the spool through the pulley and secured to the carriage frame.

Abstract: A transporter vehicle includes: a vehicle; a vessel that is provided in the vehicle; a traveling state detection device that detects a traveling state of the vehicle; an object detection device that detects an object in front of the vehicle; and a collision determination unit that determines a possibility of collision with the object based on a loading state of a load of the vessel, a detection result of the traveling state detection device, and a detection result of the object detection device.