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: The invention is directed to improved waste containers of the type that is supported on wheels and adapted to be rolled by the consumer. The multi-functional waste container of the invention can be lifted and emptied by various fully and semi-automated apparatus. The waste container of the invention is both strong and durable. Included is an improved lifting surface for automatic lifting of the container; an improved shape and a durable foot access means to assist in rearward tilting of the container by the consumer; and an improved lid and handle construction which improves lid durability and can reduce container body material requirements. The body of the waste container can be injection molded as a single, integral piece with no modifications required for wheel attachment, for lid attachment or for lifting pocket or lifting bar attachment.

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 truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a compartmented curbside container having separated recyclable materials. The truck body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track, the track supported by a pair of movable telescoping arms, the carriage powered to move along the track. Extensible arms are attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for extending and retracting the arms. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the extensible arms, and include a hydraulic actuator for clamping the clamping arms on a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a normally closed hinged lid. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for holding the lids closed, and for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and each lid is released selectively when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

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: There is disclosed a motor-driven garbage truck provided with a detachable garbage container equipped with releasable coupling elements, and also having permanently mounted thereon a pouring unit which includes a pouring chute, lifting and tipping apparatus for picking up a garbage can and discharging the contents thereof into the chute which leads to a receiving space, and a conveying and compacting apparatus including a compacting platen and which apparatus is driven by crossing hydraulic piston-cylinder units for transferring the garbage from the receiving space into the container through a receiving opening that is provided with a cover plate joined to the upper edge of the compacting platen and which is guided in tracks located above the driver's cab.

Abstract: In an apparatus for emptying containers, particularly refuse containers, the lifting and tipping frame (111) present the container (106) to be emptied is actuated by means of a pressure medium power circuit. This apparatus possesses, inter alia, an electrical control device (70) to activate the pressure medium power circuit, an actuating device (72) for activating the electrical control device (70), and also a switch device (92, 94) for affecting the lifting and tipping motion of the lifting and tipping frame (111), wherein the switch device is actuated by the container (106) received on the lifting and tipping frame. This apparatus is distinguished in that the switch device (92, 94) is operative for the further lifting and tipping motion only after initiation of the lifting and tipping motion, and the actuating device is a switch element (72) to be operated independently of the switch device.

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: Apparatus for attachment to a refuse truck for moving a refuse container platform from a ground loading station to elevated, inverted dumping and/or washing stations above the truck bed includes a pair of elevating assemblies connected to the sides of the truck body and to the container platform that act substantially in unison to move the container platform relative to the truck bed. Each elevating assembly includes an arm assembly connected to the container platform and pivoted by a hydraulic cylinder. Each arm assembly has first and second arms pivotally connected to one another. In operation, the second arm is pivoted relative to the first arm into a vertical position to move the container platform from ground level to a position above the truck bed, then both arms pivot together to move the container platform horizontally forwardly over the truck bed but not substantially higher off the ground.

Abstract: A lift unit for lifting and inverting waste containers for emptying. The waste containers are of the type having an enlarged lip proximate the mouth of the container. The lift unit includes grippers for gripping the enlarged lip of the container and lifting arms for lifting and inverting the waste container for emptying while gripped by the enlarged lip. The lift unit includes a support for supporting the side of the waste container while the container is being lifted and inverted. The grippers are carried by the lifting arms. The pair of opposed lifting arms can be adjusted to waste containers of different heights and widths.

Abstract: An automated vehicle-mounted refuse collection system having a loader with a boom assembly having inner and outer pairs of arms attached to the vehicle at spaced-apart locations. A lift assembly is pivotally connected to the upper end of the boom so outward movements of the boom arm will cause the upper and lower ends of the lift to reach or extend away from the vehicle toward a refuse container. Gripping arms are mounted on a carriage reciprocal along the lift assembly. A hydraulic system maintains the gripping arm level during extension and retraction of the boom arms.

Abstract: A trash collecting apparatus is described for mounting on a trash collection vehicle for one man side loading operation. A pair of spaced apart parallel guide rails each having a long vertical straight section and a short curved section at the top are pivotally attached to the vehicle at the top. A power cylinder is provided at the lower end of the guide rails for pushing and retracting the lower end of the guide rails from the vehicle. A grabber is provided for engagement with the trash can to be emptied. The grabber is connected to lifting arms. The lifting arms comprise an upper lifting arm segment and a lower lifting arm segment. A power cylinder drives the lifting arms so that the lower ends of the lower lifting arms follow the guide rails to the curved section.

Abstract: A garbage collecting truck comprises a pouring unit, which has an open-topped pouring opening disposed between the driver's cab and the collecting container of the truck and also comprises a lifting and tipping apparatus consisting of at least one lifting arm, which is pivoted to the pouring unit or to the chassis of the vehicle on a transverse axis and which at its free end carries a transverse arm, which is parallel to said transverse axis and is pivotally movable between a pick-up region disposed in front of the driver's cab and a pouring region disposed above and behind the driver's cab. The transverse arm is provided with a claw for entering a receiving pocket of a garbage can and for picking up the can. A carrier which is provided with a drive and which is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the garbage collecting truck is provided on the truck below the lifting arm thereof.

Abstract: A lifter to empty a container into a cavity of a vehicle. The lifter is movably mounted below a sill edge of the cavity, so that the lifter is beneath the vehicle when not in use. The lifter has hooks to grasp bars on the container. The lifter has devices for moving from a position beneath the vehicle to a position above the cavity for dumping the container. The lifter has devices for capturing the lower bar of the container which automatically compensates for out-of-tolerance parts in the lifter due to such things as construction or wear.

Abstract: A truck body for mounting on a truck or trailer mounts apparatus for engaging, picking up, and selectively dumping a container at curbside having separated recyclable materials. The body is divided into a plurality of bins. A carriage is movably mounted on a longitudinal track attached to a side of the truck body and is powered to move therealong. An articulated arm assemby is attached to the carriage and includes hydraulic actuators for moving the arms thereof in a vertical plane. A pair of clamping arms is disposed at a distal end of the articulated arm assembly, and includes a hydraulic actuator for engaging a container. Thereafter, the container is picked up, inverted over the bins, and the container contents dumped selectively as the inverted container is moved over the bins. The container is returned to curbside after dumping.

Abstract: A system includes a point-of-use container having a plurality of removable bins with each bin for a different recyclable material. A pickup container, transportable to a pickup location, has a plurality of bins corresponding to the point-of-use bins, each bin having a hinged lid with a catch for maintaining the lid normally closed. A truck body has a set of bins corresponding to the pickup container bins and an automated arm mechanism for picking up and inverting the pickup container over the truck body bins. A computer is programmed to control the arm mechanism to perform the required movements. A barcode on the pickup container is read and lid catch releases selectively operated when each bin is over a corresponding truck body bin to dump the contents of the container bins. The container is returned to its pickup location and released.

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: An improved lifting and tilting device for emptying garbage containers into the pour-in opening of a garbage truck. The device comprises a quadrangle of joints of a collapsible frame which carries the container during the emptying process. An upper bar of the quadrange is coupled to a swivel drive while another member of the quadrangle can grip and support the garbage container. Through appropriate locking devices the quadrangle becomes a quasi-rigid unit with the gripped container to effect the emptying, said quasi-rigid unit being dissolved only during the downward swivel motion of the upper bar prior to putting the container down.

Abstract: A refuse container of the type adapted to be lifted during an emptying cycle from an upright position by opposed retaining arms of a mechanical dumping unit, emptied into a refuse vehicle and lowered back to the upright position. The refuse container comprises a bottom, with side walls connected to the bottom on one end and defining an open top on the other end. The side walls include first and second spaced-apart shoulders which define a narrowed waist formed in the walls around the periphery of the refuse container to receive the retaining arms and lock the refuse container against movement relative to the retaining arms during both the lifting and lowering movements of the emptying cycle.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle (10) supports an interchangeable refuse collection container (14), the rear wall (38) of which is pivotable between an unloading position and a closed position by means of a swivel device (41). On the chassis (12), a support plate (16) is pivotable about a horizontal transverse shaft (18) between a horizontal interchange position for the refuse collection container (14) and a vertical loading or pressing position, the pressing device (26) and the lifting and tipping device (22) being integral with the support plate (16). The support plate (16) is also provided with a locking device (114), which, dependent upon the swivelling of the pressing device (26) from its rest position into the pressing position, can be locked with two locking shafts (90, 91) on the rear wall (38) of the refuse collection container (14).

Abstract: An article handling apparatus is disclosed which comprises two independently controllable fluid actuated drives. The first fluid actuated drive comprises a cylinder and a differential piston which defines a large chamber and a smaller chamber. Also, a control system is provided which maintains a differential pressure between the large and small chambers in each of several operating positions. The second fluid actuated drive is mounted to the movable member of the first drive, and the second drive is controlled by fluid lines leading respectively to the large and small chambers of the first drive.

Abstract: A retractable arm assembly (10) suitable for use on a refuse vehicle for loading refuse comprises a first arm (11) and second arm (12) pivotally connected to each other and the vehicle so as to extend and retract substantially tranversely of the vehicle to engage a bin (56) and in a reciprocating motion empty the bin into a hopper on the vehicle. A guide in the form of a guide rail (27) located in a guideway (35), stabilizes the arm assembly (10). The arm assembly (10) is under hydraulic control and can be operated by a single operator from within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicular apparatus for use in handling recycleable material which includes a pair of end-to-end first containers supported on each side of the vehicle and each having a side opening into which such material may be loaded at a place of connection, and a pair of second and larger containers supported on the vehicle above and intermediate the pairs of first containers and each having a top opening to receive material from a first container. Each pair of first containers are adapted to be moved together between their loading positions and unloading positions in which the side opening in each is arranged to dump material therefrom into the top opening in a second container, and each of the second containers is adapted to be moved independently of the other between its loading position and an unloading position in which its top opening is arranged to dump material therefrom onto a place of disposal at the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vacuum-controlled apparatus for gripping or gripping and lifting a load such as a roll-out refuse container. The lifting apparatus includes a primary vacuum pad for initially engaging the load, the primary vacuum pad comprising a vacuum head for exerting a vacuum-induced suction grip on the load, secondary vacuum pad carried by the vacuum head for secondarily engaging the load and supplementing the vacuum-induced grip on the load. A lifting arm effects vertical movement of the load. The vacuum pads are resilient and have a load-contacting surface on one side thereof generally corresponding to the shape of a surface of the load to be contacted by the load-contacting surface.

Abstract: A mechanism (20) for automatic dumping of standardized portable refuse containers (35) into a hopper (22) of a refuse collection vehicle (24). The mechanism includes an assembly (32) for clamping the protruding lip (33) of the container (35). The assembly (32) is then tilted over the hopper (22) by an actuator (54) that is connected to the assembly (32) via two links (40, 42). The components of the mechanism (20) are arranged to minimize the extent to which the mechanism (20) protrudes outwardly from the hopper (22).

Abstract: An inverter apparatus of the type which may be used on a truck or other vehicle for inverting containers such as refuse containers for dumping their contents into a chamber within the vehicle. The apparatus uses a pair of cylinders having retractable rods which act through torque members to sequentially rotate a pair of pin carrier arms and inverter bars to invert a container having a pair of laterally extending pins. During rotation of the inverter bars the pins are always locked between the pin carrier arms and guide brackets attached to the truck body. The present invention provides a unique container and inverting apparatus interlock feature which is in effect at all times that the container is more than a few inches above the ground, thus rendering it virtually impossible during the inverting process to inadvertently drop or swing the container.

Abstract: A cotton basket unloading regulator is provided for transporting cotton from a conventional cotton basket into a trailer or the like. The regulator comprises a rotatable shaft having a plurality of fingers mounted thereon with a motor for rotating the shaft at variable speed. By varying the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft, the cotton being delivered from the cotton basket to the trailer may be regulated and the rotation of the shaft also serves to break up chunks and wads of cotton as well as stopping the discharge of the cotton from the basket. The present invention provides a regulator for regulating the unloading of cotton from a cotton basket into a trailer.

Abstract: A side-loading refuse collection wagon, affording an unusually large load capacity by virtue of optimum utilization of the width limits allowable for the vehicle, includes a chassis, a cab, a body extending along the chassis from the cab. An adequate recess is provided to accomodate a bin hoisting and tilting mechanism and is formed in the right-hand side wall of the body at a body portion from the cab having a shorter length than a major portion having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A longitudinal guide is affixed to the flat bed of the body, and a hopper complete with refuse material compacting members, which is slidable in said portion of reduced cross-section and has a bottom provided with matching guides is coupled to the guide on the flat bed. A refuse material ejector plate is provided which is movable along the major portion of the body having a rectangular cross-section and rigid with respect to the hopper, as well as a drive mechanism for moving the hopper along the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism in a bin-dumping device for gripping portable bins, to empty them into a truck for collecting waste, particularly household garbage, the gripping mechanism comprising a chassis connected to the dumping device and having at its upper part one or several shaped sections, particularly in the shape of a comb, adapted to be engaged under a collar provided at the upper end of the frontal wall of the body of the bin. It comprises, at the lower part of the chassis (1), at least one support devices (7) adapted to come into contact with the frontal face (5) of the bin (4), preferably at its lower half, said one or more devices being controllable for being applied forcefully to the bin during at least part of its path of displacement, during the operation of the dumping device.

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 refuse collection system having a flat-bed refuse collection vehicle with a releasable container body, and having a refuse loader for loading refuse, a refuse compactor in the container body, a flat-bed container hauling vehicle, and, a container loader on the hauling vehicle for loading and unloading the container, and a refuse container carrying trailer, hauled by the hauling vehicle, the trailer being adapted to carry a refuse container, and a method of collecting refuse using such vehicles and containers.

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 dumping apparatus for rubbish and garbage bins which can either be a single large container or a plurality of small containers can have, at the end of an arm extendable toward the container or containers and liftable to permit the containers to swing over the collecting space in a truck, one or a pair of transport units which are self-adjusting against the container or containers. Preferably two such units are provided on opposite sides of a fulcrum of a transverse beam provided with a rotator element which automatically restores a normal position for lifting and dumping. The beam is locked in this position. The individual transport units can have their gripper and bracing elements connected to a tilting frame by flexible joints which also can be locked.

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 trash collecting apparatus is described for mounting on a trash collection vehicle for one man side loading operation. A pair of spaced apart parallel guide rails each having a long vertical straight section and a short curved section at the top are pivotally attached to the vehicle at the top. A power cylinder is provided at the lower end of the guide rails for pushing and retracting the lower end of the guide rails form the vehicle. A pair of grabber arms are provided for grabbing the periphery of the trash can to be emptied. The grabber arms are connected to lifting arms. The lifting arms comprise an upper lifting arm segment and a lower lifting arm segment. A power cylinder drives the lifting arms so that the lower end of the lower lifting arm follows the guide rails to the curved section.

Abstract: A safety catch is disclosed for reducing the incidence of accidental dislodgement of a pickup bar mating with a container lifting hook, the safety catch including a pivoted safety catch member mounted into and restricting the hook opening by contact with the lifting bar moving in a direction out of the lifting hook. The safety catch in the restricting position restrains the movement of the container pickup bar from the inside to prevent the bar from escaping and allowing the container to fall. However, the safety catch is moved aside to an unrestricting position when the bar contacts the same from the outside, incidental to being moved into engagement with the lifting hook.

Abstract: Garbage-collecting truck comprising a dumping unit, including a pour-in opening and lifting and tipping mechanism for receiving a garbage can and emptying it into the pour-in opening leading into a receiving chamber. The lifting and tipping mechanism comprises a lifting arm pivoted on a transverse axis to the dumping unit or truck chassis and carries a base team at its free end parallel to the transverse axis and pivotally movable between a receiving position in front of the driver's cab and a pouring position behind it. A carrier mounted on the base beam is extensible from one end of the rail by a fluid-operable piston-cylinder unit. A swivel arm mounted on the carrier is pivotally movable through links and a fluid operable piston-cylinder unit between a position in which it extends along the carrier, and an outer position, in which it extends approximately at right angles thereto. A coupling member carried by the swivel arm at its free end is adapted to be coupled to or grip a garbage can.

Abstract: An emptying utility for containers, in particular for emptying garbage containers into the collecting tank of a garbage truck, is equipped with a weighing device which determines during the uninterrupted progress of the emptying operation, in one or two time clock windows, the weight of the filled container moving upwardly and, possibly, the weight of the emptied container moving downwardly. Towards this end there is provided a force transducer at that element of the pour-in utility which is connected to the fixed support of the utility, either directly or via an intermediate member. Display and/or registering instruments of the utility contain a control and computing unit which is capable of selecting predetermined measured values, for use in evaluation, from all those measured values which are constantly being supplied by the force transducer during the entire, uninterrupted course of the emptying operation.

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: A lifting apparatus includes two pairs of lift arms having respective displaced pivot points on a movable carriage for projecting such carriage up into a refuse-receiving opening of a garbage truck, and in an inverted position so as to dump the contents of a receptacle held on such carriage. The two pairs of arms are also axially nested in a co-planar orientation when the carriage is in its fully lowered position, so as to minimize the overall width of the lifting apparatus. A particular hydraulic rotary motor having a relatively thin width may be used to actuate the apparatus. The hydraulic rotary motor utilizes meshed rack and pinion teeth generally within the confines of a cylinder thereof for minimizing the width of the cylinder block. Also, the rack and pinion teeth remain enclosed within such cylinder immersed in hydraulic fluid passing therethrough so as to lubricate the moving components for prolonging their service life with less maintenance.

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: A device for emptying refuse bins, having a tipping frame to engage the bin, a fluid-actuated motor connected to the tipping frame for moving it between a first position wherein it is capable of initial engagement with and holding of the bin, and a second, tilted position, wherein the bin is partially inverted, so as to empty the contents thereof into a larger, collecting container. A switch is provided, responsive to placement of the bin in position on the frame. The device further includes a control circuit having a timing device operated by the switch. The switch initiates operation of the timing device to direct the functioning of the fluid-actuated motor. In a preferred embodiment, the switch is mechanical and is adapted to be engaged by the walls of the refuse bin. Upon the expiration of a predetermined interval established by the timing device, power to the fluid-actuated motor is removed, and the tipping frame carrying the emptied bin is returned to its initial position.

Abstract: A motor-driven garbage truck provided with a detachable garbage container equipped with releasable coupling elements, and also having permanently mounted thereon which includes a pouring chute in the forward portion, lifting and tipping apparatus for picking up a garbage can and discharging the contents thereof into the chute leading to a receiving space, and a conveying and compacting apparatus for transferring the garbage from the receiving space into the container through the receiving opening, which is provided with a closure is disclosed. The pouring unit is disposed in part above the driver's cab and in part between the cab and the container, the chute being disposed in a region extending behind and above the cab. The lifting and tipping apparatus includes at least one lifting arm, pivotally movable about a transverse pivot carried by the pouring unit or the chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in grabbing a refuse container such that the container can be emptied into a refuse collection truck. The grabbing apparatus includes a pair of opposed articulated grabbing arms which have the capability of securely grabbing containers of substantially different sizes without crushing or otherwise damaging those containers.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a chassis, a cab mounted to the front of the chassis, a body mounted to the chassis behind the cab for conventional dumping or for modular box transfer and a loading device or assembly. The loading device or assembly comprising forks mounted on a carriage which travels vertically along a mast. The mast being pivotally mounted to arms which are mounted for pivotal movement about an axis located above the cab. The arms rotate the mast rearwardly toward the body. The contents of the container are emptied into the body of the vehicle by moving the forks upwardly along the mast,rotating the lift arm upwardly and rearwardly toward the vehicle body, arm and tilting the forks into the vehicle body. In a preferred embodiment, the forks are attached along the mast arm by a chain drive mechanism carried with the mast.

Abstract: Trash can dumping apparatus includes a pair of side-by-side clamping and lifting assemblies pivotally mounted adjacent the refuse sink of a garbage truck. A clamping member is movably mounted to the frame of each clamping and lifting assembly for capturing the lip of a trash receptacle between the clamping member and a clamping surface on the frame. To engage trash containers, which have upper and lower lifting bars, lower hooks are mounted to the frame while upper hooks are mounted to the movable clamping member. The hooks are either removed or retracted when not used. Cradle assemblies are mounted to the pivotal frame adjacent the sides of the truck. The laterally extending studs of a trash bin are captured within the slots in the cradle assemblies. To lift the trash bin, both clamping and lifting assemblies are actuated in unison. Because of the low profile nature of the dumping apparatus, workers can get next to the refuse sink opening to manually dump trash.

Abstract: A dumping apparatus for roll-out cart waste receptacles employs a tipper plate which includes a lifting mechanism and a lock plate which includes a locking mechanism. The tipper and lock plates are mounted for pivotal movement about respective first and second pivot axes on a mounting support that is attachable to a waste collection vehicle. A hydraulic cylinder has a trunnion mounting to the mounting support and an extensible rod member that is pivotally attached at one end to the tipper plate. The hydraulic cylinder functions as a drive mechanism for moving the tipper plate about the first pivot axis. The pivotal movement of the tipper plate causes the lifting mechanism to engage the pick-up bar and thereby lift the receptacle to bring its lock bar into engagement with the locking mechanism of the lock plate. The lock plate at all times moves about the second pivot axis in cooperation with and in the same rotational sense as the driven pivotal movement of the tipper plate.

Abstract: A refuse compactor body has a tank section of an irregular polygonal right section that is uniform from end to end. The tank wall is made of rectangular pieces of thin very high tensile strength sheet metal and externally reinforced at spaced intervals longitudinally of the tank by polygonal peripherally continuous girth reinforcements, made up of straight short sections of metal tubes, to make a semi-monocoque structure. A floor portion of the tank is recessed between the longitudinal body support beams, which are the sole body support, to provide a relatively low center of gravity when mounted on a truck chassis. A hopper section of the body has a packer that obturates about two-thirds of the opening to the tank and is fitted at its upper edge with a follower that pivots to a shallower slope to keep refuse from falling behind the packer blade during a compaction stroke of the packer.