Abstract: A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle has a Commercial and a Residential Mode whereby when in Commercial Mode, stops or fins, utilized in Residential Mode to assist in securing a residential container laterally at the front of the vehicle, are adjustable to prevent contact or interference with the cab protector or other portions of the vehicle when in Commercial Mode. The fins may be located and/or rotated, such as at least 30 degrees (from position to position) or above a horizontal or otherwise intermediate the residential and commercial configurations. The fins may preferably be located above a bottom of the crossbar when moving through the dumping cycle so as not to contact the cab protector in Commercial Mode. Preferably, the fins may also be housed on the residential refuse container rather than along the crossbar.

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 carry can includes a container defining a refuse compartment and an articulating collection arm coupled to the container. The articulating collection arm includes an extension mechanism, a lift mechanism coupled to the extendable arm, and a grabber mechanism coupled to the lift arm. The extension mechanism includes an extendable arm and a first actuator positioned to facilitate extending and retracting the extendable arm. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm and a second actuator positioned to facilitate pivoting the lift arm about a pivot axis. The second actuator includes (i) a transmission device coupled to the lift arm and positioned along the pivot axis and (ii) a rotational actuator coupled to the transmission device and positioned along an offset axis that is parallel to and is offset from the pivot axis. The grabber mechanism includes grabber arms and a third actuator positioned to facilitate opening and closing the grabber arms.

Abstract: A spatial recognition device provided with an analysis unit configure to acquire, from an optical device, which is mounted on a moving body and which receives reflected light obtained by radiating light onto a reflective plate provided on a stationary structure positioned within a detection area, reflected light information obtained based on the reflected light in accordance with a radiation direction of the light, and determine a positional relationship between the moving body and the stationary structure on which the reflective plate is provided, based on a distribution of the reflected light information at coordinates within the detection area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using video/still images captured by continuously recording optical sensors mounted on waste collection vehicles used in in the waste collection, disposal and recycling industry for operational and customer service related purposes. A system is provided for auditing the fill status of a customer waste container by a waste services provider during performance of a waste service activity.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating an angular position of the grabber, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of the lift arm, a first controller for adjusting the angular position of the grabber, and a second controller adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm. The adjustment of the angular position of the grabber is coordinated with the adjustment of the relative positioning of the lift arm.

Abstract: A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.

Abstract: A refuse container lifter is provided that comprises a base, a cross member, and first and second side plates; first and second masts connected on a first end to the first and second side plates, respectively; a first piston/cylinder actuator having first and second ends associated with each of the first and second masts for moving the masts between first and second positions; a cross bar rotatably mounted between the first and second masts at the second end of each mast and having a crank arm associated therewith; a second piston/cylinder actuator having first and second ends associated with each of the first and second masts for rotating the cross bar; first and second spaced-apart forks rigidly mounted to the cross bar and configured to be received in fork pockets of commercial refuse collection containers; and a residential refuse cart lifter secured to the cross member of the base at a position intermediate the first and second forks.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating an angular position of the grabber, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of the lift arm, a first controller for adjusting the angular position of the grabber, and a second controller adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm. The adjustment of the angular position of the grabber is coordinated with the adjustment of the relative positioning of the lift arm.

Abstract: The mechanical arm system can include a garbage container holder and at least one mast. The holder can have guiding wheels engaged with adjacent tracks of the mast, the two adjacent tracks both having a lower portion extending upwardly along the mast, the lower portion of the first track being located forwardly of the lower portion of the second track, the lower portion of both tracks leading into corresponding upper portions which are curved rearwardly. The system can have a primary mast and a secondary mast slidably mounted to the primary mast, with the garbage container slidable mounted to the secondary mast. A driving link can simultaneously connect the primary mast to the secondary mast, and the secondary mast to the holder in a manner that when the driving link is moved, both sliding movements are performed in the same direction.

Abstract: Operating a refuse collection vehicle to collect refuse from a refuse container includes positioning a refuse collection vehicle with respect to a refuse container to be emptied, and manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle to be performed by the refuse collection vehicle on the refuse container. The dump cycle includes engaging the refuse container with a portion of the vehicle, lifting the engaged refuse container to a dump position, and moving the refuse container to release contents of the refuse container into a hopper of the refuse collection vehicle. The dump cycle continues to completion as long as the switch remains manually engaged.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and defining a refuse compartment, an electric energy system, and a lift assembly. The lift assembly includes a pair of lift arms pivotally coupled to the body assembly, a pair of forks pivotally coupled to the pair of lift arms, a lift arm actuator positioned to facilitate pivoting the pair of lift arms relative to the body assembly, and a fork actuator extending between the pair of lift arms and the pair of forks. The fork actuator is positioned to facilitate pivoting the pair of forks relative to the pair of lift arms. The lift arm actuator and the fork actuator are powered by the electric energy system.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a battery, a vehicle body, an electric power take-off system, and a lifting system. The chassis supports a plurality of wheels. The battery is supported by the chassis and is configured to provide electrical power to a first motor. Rotation of the first motor selectively drives at least one of the plurality of wheels. The vehicle body is supported by the chassis and defines a receptacle for storing refuse. The electric power take-off system is coupled to the vehicle body and includes a second motor configured to convert electrical power received from the battery into hydraulic power. The electric power take-off system is positioned within the receptacle. The lifting system is coupled to the vehicle body and is movable relative to the receptacle using hydraulic power from the electric power take-off system.

Abstract: A refuse container or can tipper apparatus is mounted at the passenger side of a refuse collection vehicle having a refuse box with an open upper end. The apparatus includes a pair of lifting arms and a pair of pivot arms which are pivotally connected to a vertically disposed support member which includes a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear activator for pivotally moving the pair of lifting arms and the pair of pivot arms. The outer ends of the lifting arms and pivot arms have a can or container engagement assembly secured thereto which may be a grip arm assembly or a hook plate assembly. The can engagement assembly is moved into contact with the refuse container and lifts the refuse container to a position above the refuse box and dump the refuse in the refuse container into the refuse box.

Abstract: A collection body is designed and coordinated so that equipment and frequently serviced components can be easily accessed by any operator while also staying away from lanes of traffic. The collection body is further designed so the main hopper is substantially rectangular, so that sidewalls are continuous and support operation of ejection pushers and related component. This configuration is also coordinated with the collection hopper and other collection mechanisms, so that overall coordination of all components is efficient and effective.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a compaction apparatus having a hopper housing defining a hopper chamber to receive materials; a container storing the materials in a compacted fashion; a screw conveying the materials from the hopper chamber to the container and comprising a screw hopper segment extending in the hopper chamber; a partition assembly located between the hopper and the container; and a containment assembly comprising a flap mounted to the hopper housing and being movable between a loading configuration wherein the flap uncovers the screw hopper segment, and a containment configuration in which the flap at least partially covers the screw hopper segment to contain the materials in the hopper chamber.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle has a chassis supporting a plurality of wheels, as well as a motor. A vehicle body is also supported by the chassis and defines a receptacle for storing refuse. A lifting system is coupled to the vehicle body and is movable between a first position and a second position vertically offset from the first position. The refuse vehicle also has a processing unit in communication with the lifting system and the motor. The processing unit is configured to access and toggle through a plurality of preset operational modes stored within a memory to adjust performance parameters of the refuse vehicle.

Abstract: A system for transporting a proppant for fracking may include a transport vehicle, a proppant container, a container clutch part, and a floating clutch part. The transport vehicle may include a carriage having forks for engaging fork pockets of the proppant container. The proppant container may house proppant releasable using a release gate and actuator. The container clutch part may be connected to the proppant container and configured to transfer rotational movement to the actuator. The floating clutch part may be connected to the carriage of the transport vehicle and configured to engage and selectively rotate the container clutch part when the forks engage the fork pockets. The forks and fork pockets vary in size which leads to a potential for misalignment between the container and floating clutch parts. The floating clutch part is vertically and laterally positionable to compensate for misalignments between the container and floating clutch parts.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a refuse vehicle, a carry can, and an electric energy system. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a lift assembly. The body assembly defines a vehicle refuse compartment. The carry can is selectively couplable to the lift assembly. The carry can includes a container defining a container refuse compartment and an articulating collection arm coupled the container. The articulating collection arm has an actuator positioned to facilitate manipulating the articulating collection arm. The electric energy system is at least one of positioned on the refuse vehicle or positioned on the carry can. The electric energy system is configured to facilitate operating the actuator of the articulating collection arm.

Abstract: An attachment for a vehicle includes an implement and a plate coupled to the implement. The plate has a top end, a bottom end, a right side, a left side, a first interface, and a second interface. The first interface includes (i) a first hook extending from the top end and positioned proximate the left side of the plate and (ii) a first aperture positioned proximate the bottom end and the left side of the plate. The second interface includes (i) a second hook extending from the top end and positioned proximate the right side of the plate and (ii) a second aperture positioned proximate the bottom end and the right side of the plate.

Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.

Abstract: An electric lift, including a base including one or more wheels, a column connected to the base, the column including a first end, a second end, a front surface, a rear surface, and a line, the line being displaceable between the first and second ends, a motor connected to the line, and a carriage connected to the line, the carriage being operatively arranged to engage a container.

Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.

Abstract: A drum transporter that can be used to move a drum from a first bed at a first location to a second bed at a second location is described. The drum transporter can be coupled to a drive cart and powered thereby. The drum transporter is operable to grab a drum on the first bed and pull the drum onto a support bed of the drum transporter for subsequent movement to the second location. The drum transporter is operable to push the drum off the support bed and onto the second bed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing debris from job sites are disclosed. Carts for receiving the debris are also disclosed. Each cart has a base, a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base relative to a vertical axis, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls and the base of each cart cooperate to define a debris-receiving space. The carts can be engaged by a lifting apparatus that rotates along an arcuate path to position the carts in an unloading position.

Abstract: A collection mechanism for a side loading refuse collection vehicle that can move both horizontally and vertically to service multiple compartments designed for specific types of refuse or recyclables. A grabber assembly can move horizontally on a rail in either a lowered position or in a raised dumping position. The grabber assembly can move vertically on a mast. Preferably a sprocket wheel and a track are utilized to move the grabber assembly vertically from a street position to a dumping position.

Abstract: A side-loading robotic arm for use with front-end loaders. The robotic arm is configured for disposition forward of a liftable container. The robotic arm includes a tip arm that is pivotable between a stowed position and an operational position. The stowed position stores the tip arm and gripper arms inside a vertical plane of the lifting forks of the front-end loader. Preferably, the tip arm and gripper arms are disposed in a cut-out recess on a sidewall of the liftable container. The operational position extends the tip arm and gripper arms outside of the vertical plane of the major lifting arms of the front-end loader.

Abstract: A fully automated container handling system for a refuse vehicle is provided that utilizes a vehicle-mounted video camera which feeds video to a cab-mounted monitor to inform a driver of the location of a container of interest enabling accurate alignment of the vehicle. The system is operated by a single button in the cab and includes an extending, pivoting arm with a base equipped with a converging grabber to seize and empty the container. The base that grabs the container includes a sonar transducer that functions with a hydraulic system that operates the arm and grabber using a programmable logic controller (PLC) computer program to run the hydraulic controls.

Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.

Abstract: A multi-use garbage truck has an ability to not only to front load containers of garbage into a hopper in a refuse collection body, but also an ability to swap out the forks, if not arm connection assemblies, or even entire frame arms, to be replaced with one of a plurality of attachments which connect to at least one, if not both frame arms with attachments for various uses such as snow plow, leaf blower, street sweeper, bucket, grapple, etc. Furthermore, an ability to independently operate the left frame arm relative to the right frame arm can now be provided so that the left frame arm can utilize and perform one function and the right frame arm provide another or at least be independently operable from one another.

Abstract: An intelligent and information multi-vehicle collaboratively operating municipal refuse collection and transfer system and method are provided. The system comprises an automated system with multiple-degree of freedom intelligent dustbin grabbing, an operating system with two types of refuse vehicles collaborating, a multi-vehicle collaborative operation information system, and a fixed-point refuse collection operation confirmation and remote monitoring information management system for coordinating overall operation of the systems. The automated system with multiple-degree of freedom intelligent dustbin grabbing system is used for the refuse vehicles to automatically collect dustbins; the operating system with two types of refuse vehicles collaborating comprises a plurality of small- and medium-sized refuse vehicles and large capacity refuse vehicles.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis and a body assembly. The chassis includes a cab positioned at one end of a frame. The body assembly includes a plurality of panels configured to contain a volume of refuse therein, a ramp, and an ejector. The plurality of panels define a longitudinal direction, a hopper volume and a storage volume, the ramp is disposed within the hopper volume, and the ejector is configured to fully eject refuse from the storage volume. The ejector includes a wall at least partially defining an opening within a plane and a panel pivotally coupled to the wall. The panel is selectively rotatable relative to the wall between a closed position and an open position, the panel spanning the opening when selectively rotated into the closed position and angularly offset relative to the plane of the opening when selectively rotated into the open position.

Abstract: In an illustrative example, an apparatus includes a passive-on-glass (POG) device integrated within a glass substrate. The apparatus further includes a semiconductor die integrated within the glass substrate.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors of the robotic surgical instrument are switchably clamped together in the robotic surgical instrument. An increased level of torque may also be applied to the end effectors to increase a gripping force applied by the one or more end effectors in response to the reduced degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument.

Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which disclose a collection and delivery vehicle with a cab portion, a chassis and a container box. The container box includes a lift mechanism, a material storage area which may include multiple individual storage areas, some dual use, and a conveyor, auger or other desirable material handling mechanism to receive the material from bins and move it to the material storage area and/or storage containers from above.

Abstract: A weighing system for a waste-hauling vehicle having a front end loader with at least two arms for lifting a waste container, the weighing system comprising: an extensometer mounted on at least one arm of the front end loader, the extensometer secured to separate extensometer mounts so that the extensometer is operative to detect deflections in the front end loader arm in response to loads of varying weights; and a vehicle data hub in communication with the extensometer, the vehicle data hub operative to receive inputs from the extensometer and determine therefrom: (i) the weight of a waste container containing waste as the waste container is lifted by the front end loader for emptying into a waste receptacle on the vehicle; (ii) the weight of the waste container as it is lowered by the front end loader after the waste container has been emptied into the waste receptacle on the vehicle; and (iii) the net weight of the waste that was contained in the container.

Abstract: A device for commercial waste collection has a first container and a second container. A lid covers the first container. A first pair of lifting sleeves is attached to side surfaces of the first container for lifting the first container. A second pair of lifting sleeves is attached to side surfaces of the second container and positioned below the first pair of lifting sleeves. A third pair of lifting sleeves is attached to the side surfaces of the first container and aligned with the second pair of lifting sleeves. The second pair of lifting sleeves and the third pair of lifting sleeves are used together to lift both the first container and the second container together. A latching mechanism is provided for preventing opening of the lid when lifting both the first container and the second container together.

Abstract: A container lifter and a low-encumbrance rubbish collection bin that can be used for a rear loading rubbish collection vehicle.

Abstract: A refuse collection container has a box shape. A movable arm is movably mounted on the container. The movable arm grasps refuse cans and dumps the refuse cans into the container. A slot is formed on a rear wall of the container to enable a portion of the arm to extend through the container. The arm is positioned adjacent the slot such that a movable portion of the arm is positioned inside of the container. The arm moves horizontally in and out of the container to grasp and return refuse cans.

Abstract: An improved recyclables collection vehicle includes a lift mechanism for selective loading into any one of multiple hoppers on the vehicle. The lift mechanism includes a track which extends past the rear of the vehicle such that a moveable carriage may move along the track to collect a refuse bin located to the rear of the vehicle or on an elevated dock behind or alongside the vehicle. The carriage can be aligned with any one of the hoppers such that the lift mechanism will elevate the refuse bin and invert it over the hopper container. The movement of the carriage along the track and the raising of the lift mechanism are operated with a wireless remote control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-contained cart-tipping system for residential applications that can be installed on a variety of refuse collection truck types, including front loading, side loading and rear loading models. The cart tipper system of the invention includes independent hydraulic and electrical systems and needs only to be served by a source of electric power.

Abstract: A container includes an enclosure housing an interior compartment for containing waste and further defining slots on sides of the enclosure for receiving lifting forks, a lockable rear lid pivotally connected to the enclosure, and an automatic unlocking mechanism actuated by lifting forks inserted into the slots for unlocking the rear lid to enable waste to be dumped from the container. The container may also be automatically re-locked when the forks are withdrawn from the slots.

Abstract: A support rack for a side loading arm of a refuse vehicle has a frame to secure with the refuse vehicle. A support member is pivotally coupled with the frame. The support member receives the side loading arm. An actuating mechanism is coupled between the frame and the support member. The actuating mechanism moves the support member between a first and a second position. In the first position, the support member is in a locked position which locks the side loading arm in position with the support rack during over road traveling conditions. In the second position, the support member is in an unlocked position to enable the side loading arm to move away from the support rack.

Abstract: An adapter for front forks of a front loading commodity collection truck allows the truck to collect from rear load and side load style containers. An intermediate container is carried on the forks of the truck. An engagement apparatus is mounted on the intermediate container and is laterally extendible to engage the commercial container at curbside and draw the container to the intermediate container. The engagement apparatus will lift the commercial container and tip it over the intermediate container. Controls in the cab of the truck control operation of the adapter. The adapter can be removed easily from the forks when a front loading refuse container is encountered.

Abstract: A lift apparatus includes an elongated spine having a top portion and a bottom portion, a traveler operatively connected along the elongated spine for traveling up and down the elongated spine, a single linear actuator operatively connected to the traveler configured to move the traveler up and down the spine, an arm, and a single hinge operatively connected between the traveler and the arm allowing the arm to hinge outwardly and upwardly to a dump position when the traveler is proximate the top portion of the elongated spine.

Abstract: A lightweight waste gathering vehicle is used to automate trash collection and removal from soft landscapes within recreation venues minimizing or eliminating damage to landscape. The lightweight vehicle can be used in crowded areas or areas where height, width and/or weight restrictions prevent the use of large refuse trucks. The lightweight waste gathering vehicle includes an automated arm, a tow-behind trailer and turf tires. In one implementation, the automated arm includes a lift arm type system. In another implementation, the automated arm includes a transport rail type system where the grabbers are mounted to a carrier and the carrier is mounted to a transport rail.

Abstract: A collection arm for a refuse vehicle or intermediate container has a collection arm adapted to be coupled with the refuse vehicle or the intermediate container. The refuse arm includes a pivot mechanism to secure it with a bumper of the vehicle or with the container. A telescopic boom is adapted to couple with the pivot mechanism. The boom has a grasping mechanism coupled with an end of the telescopic boom. The grasping mechanism moves garbage cans from a pick up position to an empty position.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable collection arm assembly for picking up refuse cans has an arm mechanism to pick up the cans. A lift mechanism raises and lowers the arm mechanism. The lift mechanism is coupled with the arm mechanism and a structure. The lift provides vertical movement to lift and lower the arm mechanism with respect to the structure.

Abstract: A refuse collection container has a box shape. A movable arm is movably mounted on the container. The movable arm grasps refuse cans and dumps the refuse cans into the container. A slot is formed on a rear wall of the container to enable a portion of the arm to extend through the container. The arm is positioned adjacent the slot such that a movable portion of the arm is positioned inside of the container. The arm moves horizontally in and out of the container to grasp and return refuse cans.