Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes multiple tractive elements, a prime mover, and an independent accessory system. The prime mover is configured to generate mechanical energy to drive one or more of the tractive elements. The independent accessory system includes one or more storage tanks configured to store a fuel, and an accessory primary mover. The accessory primary mover is configured to fluidly couple with the one or more storage tanks to receive the fuel from the one or more storage tanks and operate to pressurize a hydraulic fluid to drive an accessory of the refuse vehicle. The accessory primary mover is configured to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to drive the accessory of the refuse vehicle independently of operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A shield for a compartment opening of a refuse truck body, comprising an upper segment hinged to the truck body and a lower segment hinged to the upper segment. A source of power selectively pivots the lower segment relative to the upper segment. This enables a first angle of articulation whereby the upper segment covers an upper region of the compartment opening and the lower segment covers a lower region of the compartment opening whereby the shield covers the entire opening of the compartment; a second angle whereby the upper segment covers the upper region of the opening and the lower segment is positioned such that refuse can be swept beneath the lower segment into the lower region of the opening; and a third angle whereby the upper and lower segments fully uncover the compartment opening, whereby refuse can be freely dumped out of the compartment.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a refuse vehicle includes a mode select switch disposed within the vehicle that generates a mode select signal based on input from an operator of the vehicle, a control mechanism disposed within the vehicle that operates in response to the mode select signal, and a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a plurality of characteristics of the vehicle and adapted to communicate the plurality of sensed characteristics. The system further includes a control module that receives control instructions from the control mechanism and selectively controls at least one component of a plurality of components of the vehicle based on the mode select signal, at least one of the plurality of sensed characteristics, and the control instructions.

Abstract: A packing device is disclosed and comprises a hopper and a packer mechanism. The hopper is for receiving waste and has a substantially arcuate interior bottom surface and an aperture opening into the interior of the hopper. The aperture has a base towards which the interior bottom surface extends. The packer mechanism is mounted in the hopper for reciprocating movement along an arcuate path defined at least in part by the bottom'surface. In use, waste introduced into the hopper deposits on the interior surface when the packer is retracted and is swept by the packer mechanism through the aperture during an extension stroke of the packer. The packer mechanism has a blade portion with a bottom engaging and resting on the bottom surface of the hopper, this surface supporting the packer in the hopper. At least one hydraulic cylinder drive is connected to the packer mechanism for moving this mechanism from its retracted position to an extended position and back again.

Abstract: This invention in some embodiments includes a secure material handling apparatus such as a vehicle which provides rear loading of material from material containers, and in some further embodiments provides for such rear loading from curbside or ground level, or from a loading dock. In further embodiments the enclosure utilized is secure in that it may be configured to prevent unauthorized entry into any part of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refuse collection system for use in association with a transport vehicle. The system comprises a container having multiple internal compartments and a refuse-receiving trough divided into a plurality of trough-shaped receptacles, each communicating with an internal compartment. The system further comprises an actuation system which engages a packer to displace refuse from the trough to the container.

Abstract: A platen packer assembly mounted in a refuse collection truck is disclosed. The refuse collection truck has a semi-cylindrical hopper, with a vertical axis and a horizontal radius, constructed to receive collected refuse and an enclosed body in communication with the hopper for receiving refuse from the hopper. The packer assembly includes a vertical mounting shaft extending within the hopper coaxial with the vertical axis of the hopper. A wedge-shaped platen has an end affixed to the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis and a refuse contacting major surface extending horizontally from the end slightly less than the radius of the hopper and slanted upwardly at an angle to the horizontal to provide an upward packing force component. The packer assembly is removably mounted through a removable portion of the floor for installation, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A containerized refuse collection truck that generally includes a cab having a chassis extending rearwardly therefrom, a compactor unit attached to a rear end of the chassis and a refuse container removably attached to the chassis between the cab and the compactor unit. The refuse container includes a door hingedly connected to a rear end of the container for swinging downwardly into the compactor unit in an open position. The door is driven by a piston of the compactor unit from its open position for receiving refuse on said door to a closed position for compacting the refuse within the container. The removable refuse container also preferably includes a removable ejector assembly positioned within the container at a front end thereof for ejecting refuse within the container out through the rear end of the container.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to improved replaceable wear shoes for use with the slide guides of rear-loading refuse trucks.