Apparatus and management system for efficient collection of trash and the like

• US 20020077875A1
• Filed: 12/18/2000
• Published: 06/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Environmental Systems Products
• Original Assignee: Environmental Systems Products
• Inventors: Nadir, Ami
• Application Number:
  US09/739,319
• Publication Number:
  US 20020077875A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/8
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2210/128 Data transmitting means
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2210/184 Weighing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems

Abstract

An apparatus and electronic system for optimizing a trash pick-up schedule of a plurality of trash compactors is disclosed. The system comprises the steps of measuring the weight of trash in a trash compactor; calculating from said trash weight a targeted trash weight optimal for pick up; predicting a pick-up time based on said trash weight and said optimal trash weight; transmitting a signal to a fleet management unit; calculating a pick-up schedule for said plurality of trash compactors; generating a bill containing accounting information for said trash compactor unit; and generating a warning when said trash compactor unit malfunctions. The system permits efficient trash pick-up based on customer needs and accordingly provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly system.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing a trash pick-up schedule of a plurality of trash compactors comprising the steps of

a) measuring the weight of trash in a trash compactor unit;

b) calculating from said trash weight a targeted trash weight for pick up;

c) predicting a pick-up time based on said targeted trash weight;

d) transmitting a signal to a fleet management unit;

e) calculating a pick-up schedule for said plurality of trash compactors;

f) generating a bill containing accounting information for said trash compactor unit; and

g) generating a warning signal when said trash compactor unit malfunctions.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said transmitting of a signal relates to a pick-up time;

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said calculating of a pick-up schedule for said trash compactors is based on the trash weight;

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said generating of a bill is based on the trash weight per compactor unit when the trash is picked up;

5. A system for optimizing trash pick-up from a plurality of trash compactor units comprising:

a. a trash compactor management unit;

b. a weight sensing device associated to said trash compactor management unit;

c. a fleet management unit;

d. a signaling device connected to said trash compactor management unit to enable said trash compactor management unit to transmit a signal to said fleet management unit;

e. means for said fleet management unit to calculate a pick-up schedule for the plurality of trash compactor units;

f. means for said fleet management unit to generate a bill for each trash compactor unit;

g. means for said fleet management unit to detect a malfunction of said trash compactor unit; and

h. means for said fleet management unit to transmit a warning signal to a fleet of trucks.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said trash compactor unit further comprising a plurality of compactors.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein said weight sensing device is a scale.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein said trash compactor management unit is attached to said compactor.

9. The system of claim 5 wherein said trash compactor management unit further comprises a programmable micro-processor for receiving information on weight and calculating a projected time at which an estimated percentage of compactor'"'"'s weight is attained.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said estimated percentage of compactor'"'"'s weight is 97100%.

11. The system of claim 5 wherein said fleet management unit further comprises a device which outputs repair hauling orders.

12. The system of claim 5 wherein said fleet management unit further comprises a device, which outputs information relating to accounting operations.

13. The system of claim 5 wherein said fleet management unit further comprises a device, which outputs information relating to trash compactor maintenance.