Abstract: A transporter, such as a garbage truck, a forklift truck, an exchangeable trough for a truck or the like, is provided with a loading and tilting mechanism which is slidingly, rollingly or pivotably connected with the transporter for lifting a container or the like and emptying it in the transporter or another transporter. The loading and tilting mechanism includes engaging members which are mounted on an auxiliary frame which, by means of at least two coupling members, is connected with a main frame. The main frame is supported by the transporter or is part of it. In the coupling members, a device is present for measuring the load exerted on the coupling members so that a container supported by the auxiliary frame can be weighed.

Abstract: A container for compacting refuse is provided. The compacting container is mounted transversely to the elongated bed of a refuse collection vehicle. Refuse is deposited into the compacting container through a first refuse inlet located in a first end of the compacting container along one side of the truck and through a second refuse inlet located in the top of the compacting container via a pivotally mounted basket located on the second end of the container and which is operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The compacting container is discharged through a pivotally mounted door located on the same end of the container as the basket. An automatic latch keeps the door closed during compaction of the refuse.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus comprising a charging hopper (3) having an upper first opening (6) through which material can be loaded into the charging hopper (3) and a lower second opening (7) through which material can be discharged from the charging hopper (3). The apparatus includes a control member (10) having a work head (12) which is mounted for movement within the charging hopper (3) about a pivot axis (20) which extends generally laterally with respect to the normal upright operative position of the apparatus, the control member (10) being pivotally movable about the pivot axis (20) between a first position in which the work head (12) is spaced from and disposed above the second opening (7), and a second position in which the work head is adjacent or within the second opening (7).

Abstract: In order to make it possible to empty in particular, large containers with a crew of just one person, an emptying device with a tilting/lifting device 1 and a control unit 4 is described to which a trigger switch 2 is connected which is actuated by the container to be emptied as it approaches the lifting/tilting device and which triggers the raising phase of the lifting/tilting process automatically. When a preset raised level of the lifting/tilting device is reached the control unit interrupts the raising phase. In addition, a first manual actuator 8 to trigger the automatic emptying process, which actuator has an effect upon the control unit 4 only after the interruption of the lifting process, is connected to the control unit. The control unit 4 contains a programmable device 5 into which the preset raised level can be inputted.

Abstract: A wafer transfer device is intended to transfer wafers between a wafer boat in which a plurality of wafer support plates are vertically arranged at regular intervals and a cassette in which a plurality of wafer-mounted levels are vertically arranged at regular intervals. Each of the wafer support plates is ring-shaped having an opening in the center thereof and a passage is defined by openings of the wafer support plates, extending vertically in the boat. The wafer is horizontally transferred into and out of the wafer boat between the wafer support plates by a fork. The fork can be moved in vertical and horizontal directions and it can also be swung. A wafer push-up disk is arranged movable up and down through the passage in the boat. Three wafer supports are projected from the top of the push-up disk. These projections on the push-up disk are arranged contactable with the underside of the wafer without interfering with the fork.

Abstract: A lifter for emptying a container into a cavity of a vehicle. The lifter has a first plate pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second plate extending at an angle from the first plate. The lifter has a third plate slidably mounted on the second plate, with the third plate having a pair of hooks to grasp bars on the container. The lifter moves between a first lower position beneath the truck to a second upper position with the container located above the cavity to empty the container into the cavity.

Abstract: An improved waste collection system having an on-site container which is internally compartmented to receive and separately store the various waste components such as aluminum, glass, paper and land-fill trash. The route collection vehicle is divided into chambers and has a compaction system for compacting the contents of at least some of the collection vehicle chamber. The vehicle has a loading apparatus which lifts the container to an inverted dumping position in which position the container is positioned with respect to the chambers to cause the waste to be inherently separated or classified within the collection vehicle chambers. The loading apparatus may be side or front loading.

Abstract: A garbage disposal system including garbage containers, a garbage-collecting vehicle and a lifting and tilting unit. The lifting and tilting unit includes a receiving member which can be temporarily coupled to an edge structure of each garbage container. The edge structure is located on a front wall of the container body opposite the hinges of the hinged cover of the garbage container. The receiving member has along its edge portion corresponding to the edge structure of the garbage container tooth-type contours which are oriented parallel to and transversely of the principal plane edge structure. The tooth-type contour oriented parallel to the principal plane has top surfaces extending essentially transversely of the principal plane and the tooth-type contour oriented transversely of the principal plane has end surfaces extending approximately parallel to the principal plane. The top surfaces and the end surfaces are each located on a common straight line.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a pair of hoists which can be operated together to lift a large container by both hoists and which can also be operated separately for the lifting of a small container by each hoist, a hydraulic liquid circuit which includes a respective control valve for each hoist, respective inlets on the control valves are interconnected by a duct which includes a flow-restrictor to permit hydraulic liquid flow to one control valve to be supplemented at a relatively low rate from hydraulic liquid flow to the other control valve, so that to operate the hoists together both control valves are operated together.

Abstract: A truck, trailer or other vehicle and a method of collecting recyclable materials are disclosed in which such materials are kept segregated in a container, box or otherwise near a home or an apartment, then the materials not originally placed in a container are so placed and then the container is lifted and moved to a position at which it is inverted and emptied of its materials, while still segregated, into respective compartments on the vehicle. The vehicle has a bed, a pair of outer side walls, and inner walls for defining a plurality of compartments extending longitudinally of the vehicle. Each compartment is adapted for receiving a specific recyclable material. Each compartment has a ram for forcing the materials out of the compartment through an access opening. The container is provided with front access openings to permit recyclable materials to be put into respective compartments of the container.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system utilizing a multi-compartment container and a collection vehicle with compartments corresponding to those of the container so as to keep the different waste materials separated throughout the collection process. The container has a locked cover over each compartment that is automatically unlocked when the container is placed in the inlet chute of the collector vehicle and descends to the bottom of the chute. To assure alignment of the compartments of the container with the proper compartments in the collector vehicle, the locking mechanisms holding the lids over the compartments of the container are arranged in an asymmetrical pattern that corresponds to the relative location of grooves in a tapered inlet chute leading to the compartments in the collector vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanized container handling system on a motorized refuse collection vehicle includes a horizontally extensible and retractable support structure having an outer end on which a container grasping assembly is carried, and a container elevating and dumping assembly for lifting the grasped container and dumping its contents into an elevated hopper opening of the vehicle. The support structure comprises telescoped inner, intermediate and outer sections interconnected by an extension scissors structure, the intermediate section being horizontally driven by a hydraulic actuator and the scissors structure being operative to responsively extend and retract the outer section. The container elevating and dumping system is driven by a hydraulic piston and gear system positioned between the upper ends of a pair of support tracks and drivingly connected to a pair of articulated container lifting force arms.

Abstract: A vehicle having a bed pivotal from a trash collection position to a trash dumping position. The bed has inner walls for forming three compartments, a central compartment for receiving paper and two side compartments for receiving, respectively, metal materials and glass materials. The central compartment has a pusher ram which forces paper materials rearwardly toward a rear access door. The blade carries two skimmer plates in respective side compartments for skimming the top piles of waste materials in the two side compartments. The bed has rear side openings covered by doors which, when opened, allow materials to exit the side compartments when the bed is tilted. The vehicle has a lifting structure provided with a pair of pivotal blades for placement in the side guides of a container to be lifted into a dumping position above the top, front opening of the bed.

Abstract: A lifter for emptying a container into a cavity of a vehicle. The lifter has a first plate pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second plate extending at an angle from the first plate. The lifter has a third plate slidably mounted on the second plate, with the third plate having a pair of hooks to grasp bars on the container. The lifter moves between a first lower position beneath the truck to a second upper position with the container located above the cavity to empty the container into the cavity.

Abstract: A safety circuit arrangement for use with lifting/tilting devices for emptying garbage containers into garbage trucks. To prevent the manipulation of switches such as flap and acknowledgement signal switches provided on such lifting/tilting devices, for the safety of the operating personnel, these switches are connected to a current flow monitor 25 which is electrically connected to an automatic control unit 30 for the automatic emptying of the garbage containers. This current flow monitor 25 transmits a "clear" signal to the automatic control unit 30 only if the flap and acknowledgement switches 16 and 11 are in their intended positions. In addition, other safety switches may be provided, such as lower and upper reference switches 9 and 32, respectively and a barrier switch 13.

Abstract: A refuse collection and delivery system, which includes a garbage can for collection garbage and a garbage truck for receiving and delivering the garbage collected from the garbage can. The garbage can includes a horizontal type cylinder having an opening covered with a sliding cover which has lifting-eyes thereon for the fastening therein of the hooks of a crane of the garbage truck to lift the garbage can to a dustbin tipping device thereof for dust-free tipping operation.

Abstract: During a normal waste collection service, an automated loading mechanism is used to empty the contents of a bin into a refuse vehicle. The bin has a closable lid which includes a message on its underside such that the message is displayed when the lid is open. The message indicates that recyclable wastes, such as glass, paper or the like are to be collected in a subsequent collection to the normal waste collection. A lid opening device including a lever arm which operates to automatically open the lid of the bin is employed during an emptying operation so as to display the message. This message indicates to the homeowner that the required recyclable waste can be placed into the bin, and by closing the lid, the collection service is signaled to empty the contents of the bin.

Abstract: A pair of elongate arms, carried by a material handling device such as a refuse collection vehicle, are oppositely movable between a release position and a gripping position. The friction enhancing surface of a belt carried by each arm compliantly engages the perimeter of a container or similar article as the arms move to the gripping position. In response to movement of the arms to the gripping position, a limb pivotally carried by each arm extends to present a segment of the respective belt to engage the surface of a small container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and dumping a waste receptacle attachable for use with refuse loaders and the like is illustrated as including a stationary frame A carrying a pivoted depending housing B supporting the waste receptacle provided with tracks C and cam rollers D for converting linear motion to rotary motion whereby the depending housing is pivoted for lifting and dumping the waste receptacle.

Abstract: A pair of elongate arms, carried by a material handling device such as a refuse collection vehicle, are oppositely movable between a release position and a gripping position. The friction enhancing surface of a belt carried by each arm compliantly engages the perimeter of a container or similar article as the arms move to the gripping position. In response to movement of the arms to the gripping position, a limb pivotally carried by each arm extends to present a segment of the respective belt to engage the surface of a small container.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention transfers refuse from a container into an opening at the rear end of a hopper in refuse equipment. The apparatus includes first arms pivotable to swing the lower end of the container upwardly. A member cooperates with the first arms to fixedly retain a pin on the container when the first arms have pivoted through a first particular angle. Second arms are then pivoted through a second particular angle to raise the bottom of the container above the lid of the container, while the pin on the container is held at a fixed vertical position, for providing for the transfer of the refuse from the container into the hopper. During such movement, members are moved to effectively raise the lip of the hopper upwardly and to dispose a surface for guiding the transfer of the refuse from the container into the hopper. Members are also provided for gripping the bottom of the container during the pivotal movement of the container upwardly by the second arms.

Abstract: Equipment for handling containers such as refuse bins for garbage, comprising lifting and tipping structures which are power actuated, and comprising automatic control systems employing micro-processors, sensing and read-out devices by which there is effected automated handling of the bins, determination of the contents and other data relating to garbage collection.

Abstract: A lifting/tilting or tilting apparatus for emptying bins. The apparatus has a triangular gripping and carrying plate which is connected to a gripper arm by an articulation mechanism and associated reset and blocking devices having limited movement. The gripping and carrying plate has a predetermined normal starting position under control of a cam with respect to the gripper arm wherein it is directed with its tip against the bin to be taken up. It can be pivoted to an operating position for dumping. This enables the gripping and carrying plate to avoid impacts when bringing it up to a bin. The limited movability has special significance for the taking up and emptying of large bins, or two smaller binds standing side by side.

Abstract: A lifter for emptying a container into a cavity of a vehicle. The lifter has a first plate pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second plate extending at an angle from the first plate. The lifter has a third plate slidably mounted on the second plate, with the third plate having a pair of hooks to grasp bars on the container. The lifter moves between a first lower position beneath the truck to a second upper position with the container located above the cavity to empty the container into the cavity.

Abstract: A refuse-collecting utility vehicle with a refuse-charging system located behind the driver's cabin has an adjoining refuse-compacting device and a refuse-collecting bin arranged behind the compacting device. A dual compaction system makes it possible to accomplish uniform compaction of the refuse charged within the refuse-collecting bin, so that the capacity of the refuse-collecting bin is exploited to its fullest capacity. Specifically, a counterpressure plate is arranged within the zone of action of the refuse-compacting device on the top of the refuse-collecting bin. This counterpressure plate is supported for upward and downward pivotal movement and is capable of being acted upon by a pressure force and forms a counterpressure element for the refuse charged.

Abstract: The pour-in opening of the collection container of a garbage truck is provided with a shield which envelops the entire working area of the lifting/tilting or tilting device in the manner of a hood. Wall parts of the shield are movable singly or together and are moved into an operating position or a rest position by suitable power devices.

Abstract: A mechanical lock-in device for a front loader compaction assembly to prevent relative movement of the refuse container with respect to the stationary compactor head and support. The lock-in device includes a lock-in bracket fixed to the compactor head support, and a locking member movably mounted on the refuse container adjacent one of the horizontally extending side pockets which are engaged by lifting forks of a collection vehicle for dumping. The lower portion of the locking member engages the lock-in bracket to prevent relative movement of the refuse container while in use. When it is desired to dump the container, when the lifting fork of the collection vehicle is inserted into a container side pocket, it engages a portion of the locking member which extends transversely of the pocket, thereby effecting an upward movement of the locking member out of engagement with the lock-in bracket to permit the container to be moved from its position beneath the stationary head.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a crop from a continuous tray. The apparatus includes a first conveyor which engages and transports a continuous tray which has disposed thereon a crop to be harvested into contact with a second conveyor. The second conveyor engages and inverts the continous tray to dislodge the crop disposed thereon. A third conveyor is disposed in receiving relation to the second conveyor and collects the dislodged crop and moves it to a collection point.

Abstract: A lifter for emptying a container into a cavity of a vehicle. The lifter has a first plate pivotally connected to the vehicle, and a second plate extending at an angle from the first plate. The lifter has a third plate slidably mounted on the second plate, with the third plate having a pair of hooks to grasp bars on the container. The lifter moves between a first lower position beneath the truck to a second upper position with the container located above the cavity to empty the container into the cavity.

Abstract: A system for the collection of fats and oils is described in which an open ended container is up-ended upon a hollow rod. Means are provided for holding the up-ended container over the hollow rod. Steam or compressed air are introduced to said hollow rod to thereby force the solid fats from the container or to force the container away from the fats. A collection area is provided underneath the up-ended container.

Abstract: A device for lifting, tilting and discharging of garbage containers into garbage trucks.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for emptying containers into a common receptacle comprises a pick-up attachment and pick-up support for the containers to be emptied, which is further structured and improved, so that the pick-up attachment and the pick-up support are mounted with a limited movability on a dump frame of the loading apparatus in order to be movable toward the container to be picked up and from the properly deposited container. As the container is raised from its location, the pick-up attachment and the pick-up support are structured so as to be brought into a standard position with respect to the dump frame and are restrained in this standard position. The operations can be observed or also automatically controlled by electrical container contacts operated by the container and mounted on the pick-up attachment and the pick-up support.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile sludge handling apparatus which comprises first, second and third vehicles (2, 3, 4) which are coupled together to form a composite mobile unit. The first vehicle (2) carries a sludge-pump unit (5), and the second vehicle (3) carries a filter unit (6) which is arranged to receive sludge pumped thereto from the first vehicle (2) and to separate-out solid material from the sludge. The third vehicle (4) carries a conveyor unit (7) which is arranged to receive separated-out solid material from the second vehicle (3) and to convey such material to a discharge point for the apparatus.

Abstract: A dumping mechanism for lifting, rotating and dumping a waste receptacle of the type having a pair of vertically-spaced upper and lower support bars embodies an upwardly-rotatable face plate having an upper hook for engaging the upper bar of the waste receptacle, a latch member slidably mounted on the rear of the face plate with a lower hook for engaging the lower bar of the waste receptacle, a lever arm linked to the latch member and having one end pivotally mounted on the back of the face plate and an opposite end with a roller for engaging a fixed cam, a hydraulic motor supported between side plates appended to and extending rearwardly from the face plate and arranged for rotating the side plates and in turn the face plate about the motor shaft axis and means for energizing the hydraulic motor such that the face plate can lift, rotate and dump the container and then return the dumped container to a ground position with the lower hook engaging the receptacle during the dumping operation and disengaging the

Abstract: The present invention is directed to container lift apparatus for a side loading garbage truck. The apparatus includes mechanism for lifting and rotating a container to dump the garbage therein in the open side hopper of the truck. Also, upper and lower retaining assemblies provide for shocking the garbage container during its rotation so that the garbage may be jarred loose from the container. Stabilizing legs support the side hopper to prevent the truck from tipping during the lifting and dumping of the container.

Abstract: Dumping apparatus is illustrated wherein a novel compound linkage system is employed in which a first link is pivoted to move a receptacle and the like as to be dumped to an intermediate position and thereafter through movement of a second link the receptacle is raised to dumping position, but only after a latch mechanism to positively position the receptacle is secured through a novel lost motion coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use on a refuse truck and for gripping a container and for causing the container to be dumped into the refuse truck. A pair of grabber arms are supported on a pivotable lifting arm, the grabber arms being adapted to surround a container for gripping the container. One of the grabber arms is pivotally joined to the lifting arm such that it is pivotable about a first axis from a container clamping position wherein the arm extends generally horizontally from the lifting arm, to a position wherein the grabber arm releases the container, and to a position wherein the grabber arm is in a retracted generally vertical position. The second grabber arm is similarly pivotable about a single axis from a generally horizontal clamping position to a generally vertical retracted position. The grabber arms are pivotable about their respective axes between the container gripping positions and the generally vertical positions in continuous uninterrupted motions.

Abstract: A hinged-cover tank truck, for on-site collecting of used deep-frying grease, has a hydraulically powered winch for lifting, swinging and dumping the semi-solid grease from large containers to be emptied and then left at the collection site. A hot-water bath is mounted on the truck so that the container can be immersed therein long enough to melt the periphery of the semi-solid grease mass to facilitating its dumping.

Abstract: A receptacle dumping mechanism having a frame (29,37,38) mounted on the drive shaft (26) of a rotary actuator (24) mounted on the side of a collector vehicle (18), a face plate (34) pivoted to the lower end of said frame and adapted to engage a shoulder (17) on receptacle (10) to lift the receptacle as the frame is rotated, link means (40) interconnecting said face plate with the mounting plate (25 or 27) for the actuator, at a point (40') eccentric of the drive shaft (26), hook levers (53) pivoted on the face plate (34) adapted to engage an abutment (52) on the receptacle (10) to lock it in inverted position, and bell crank links (56) operatively connecting the hook levers (53) to a cross bar (38) on the frame.

Abstract: A trash handling system including apparatus to pick up, dump, compact and store refuse material, all of which may be provided on a single vehicle such as a trailer assembly. The trailer assembly may be connected through a suitable trailer coupling to a pickup vehicle or other prime mover. Trash material is placed in a trash bin which is designed to be picked up and transported by an easily operated hand truck. The trash bin is wheeled to the vehicle on the hand truck and both the trash bin and hand truck are connected to a folding and elevating chute located on the trash haul system. The trash bin and hand truck are raised by the folding and elevating chute and the contents of the automatically opening trash bin are dumped into a receiving trough. Once inside the receiving trough, the trash is compacted by a hydraulic ram, and is thereafter pushed into a storage chamber for further compaction.

Abstract: A lid unit for a portable refuse bin adapted to be engaged and inverted, by the lift mechanism of a refuse truck, to discharge a load of refuse from the bin and into the receiving body of the truck; the lid unit being hinged to the bin and normally but releasably latched in closed position, and a hinged loading lid is included in the lid unit and normally but releasably latched in closed position; the loading lid--when unlatched--being manually swingable, relative to the remainder of the lid unit, to open position to permit manual deposit of refuse in the bin, and the entire lid unit gravitationally swinging to open position when unlatched and upon such inversion of the bin, whereupon the load of refuse dumps from the bin and into the receiving body of the truck; the loading lid remaining in latched, closed position during said inversion of the bin.

Abstract: An improved waste grease truck and method is disclosed wherein discarded fat and grease may be conveniently picked up from a restaurant and transported in the new and novel truck. The applicant's new and novel truck comprises a special body having a fully enclosed insulated tank with access means provided on the top of the tank for depositing the waste grease in the tank. The special body also has formed thereon novel positioning and dumping means for raising the full containers of waste grease into position to be dumped. The positioning and dumping means also has associated therewith heating means for heating the solidified containers of grease prior to dumping in order to be able to remove the solidified fat from the containers with ease. A novel means is provided for controlling the inside temperature of the tanks by utilizing a waste heat system connected to the exhaust system of the truck.

Abstract: An improved raisin harvester including a front fork for sliding under a raisin laden tray, a draper web situated above the fork for engaging the trays and sliding them along the fork to a conveyor mechanism having a tray receiving end located at the upper end of the fork, running shoes extending downward from the conveyor mechanism, a wheeled chassis having a frame to which an assembly including all of the foregoing is pivotally attached, a shaker mechanism attached to the frame so as to be situated under the discharge end of the conveyor mechanism, a hydraulic jack for adjusting the tilt of the fork, conveyor and draper web assembly, a hydraulic power system for driving the conveyor, draper web, shaker tray and hydraulic jack, a tow bar for attaching the harvester to a tractor or other motive implement which pulls the harvester, and a trailer hitch to which a carriage for raisin receiving receptacles may be attached.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the automatic handling of wafer materials is proposed for the plasma treatment of the wafers such as high-purity silicon semiconductor wafers. In this apparatus, the wafer carried by a carrier means to a position neighboring to a wafer table is picked up by a movable pick-up means and placed on the wafer table where it is subjected to the plasma treatment after the wafer table is fixed vacuum-tightly to a plasma reaction chamber. After completion of the treatment, the wafer is taken out by a second movable pick-up means and carried away by another carrier means to the succeeding processing step. Thus a possibility of full automatization of wafer processing is provided.

Abstract: The specification discloses a mechanical sweeper having a roller brush which throws rubbish forward in the direction of travel into a collecting hopper. The hopper is mounted in a fork carried by a lifting arm and the arrangement is such that actuation of the lifting arm does not cause tipping of the hopper. Separate means are provided for tipping the hopper at any desired moment during lifting.

Abstract: Reel lifting apparatus utilizing a truck-like vehicle having a wheeled framework with a subframe mounted on the framework. A truck bed body is mounted upon the subframe and overlies the subframe. An elongate rod-like member is provided which is pivotally mounted on the body so that it extends in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. First and second arms are mounted in fixed spaced apart positions on the rod-like member. The arms are formed so that they are capable of carrying a reel mounted upon a spindle. A plate is secured to the rod-like member. An L-shaped member has one end of the same pivotally connected to the subframe and the other end pivotally connected to the plate. An actuator is pivotaly connected to the subframe and to the L-shaped member at a point intermediate the ends of the L-shaped member for causing the movement of the arms through an angle in excess of 135.degree.. An in-line motor drive train is mounted upon one of the arms.

Abstract: A lid unit for a refuse compactor which includes a bin having a power-actuated compacting blade therein; the lid unit comprising a flat, dual-section lid supported on the bin in normally closing relation thereto, the lid embodying a front section and a rear section transversely hinged together at adjacent edges, the lid being longitudinally shiftable a limited distance on the bin to different selective positions, and instrumentalities provided between the lid and the bin arranged to prevent opening of either of the lid sections when the lid is in one position, to permit the front lid section only to be opened when the lid is in a second position, and to permit the rear lid section to be folded onto the front lid section and the folded-together sections then swung to depend in front of the bin when the lid is in a third position.