Compacting system and refuse vehicle
First Claim
1. A compacting system, comprising:
- a packing mechanism adapted to compact refuse deposited within an enclosure, the packing mechanism being capable of extension and retraction between a predetermined packing point and a home position;
a feedback system for monitoring the rate of movement of the packing mechanism; and
a programmable system for receiving data from the feedback system and controlling the movement of the packing ram;
wherein the packing mechanism is capable of operation in a creep mode in which, if the rate of movement of the packing mechanism is less than a pre-programmed rate of movement, the packing mechanism maintains a compacting force on the refuse in the direction of its original movement for a preselected time period or until the packing point is reached, whichever occurs first, after which the packing mechanism reverses its direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved compacting system, and an automated refuse vehicle that can employ this compacting system. Alternatively, the compacting system can be used with a stationary packer. The compacting system is capable of placing the packer ram, blade or panel into a creep mode in which, even if the maximum compacting force is applied, the packing ram will generally retain its position without reversing direction for a pre-programmed interval of time. The refuse vehicle also provides a fast-return cycle for an engaged container, and a series of "lock-out" zones to minimize the possibility of damaging the vehicle during automated use. Methods for using the compacting system and for operating the refuse vehicle also form part of the present invention.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A compacting system, comprising:
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a packing mechanism adapted to compact refuse deposited within an enclosure, the packing mechanism being capable of extension and retraction between a predetermined packing point and a home position; a feedback system for monitoring the rate of movement of the packing mechanism; and a programmable system for receiving data from the feedback system and controlling the movement of the packing ram; wherein the packing mechanism is capable of operation in a creep mode in which, if the rate of movement of the packing mechanism is less than a pre-programmed rate of movement, the packing mechanism maintains a compacting force on the refuse in the direction of its original movement for a preselected time period or until the packing point is reached, whichever occurs first, after which the packing mechanism reverses its direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A refuse collection vehicle, comprising:
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a storage body with a loading opening for receiving refuse; a packing ram located within the storage body and adapted to compact refuse deposited within the body, the packing ram being capable of extending to a predetermined packing point and retracting to a home position; a feedback system for monitoring the movement of the packing ram; and a programmable system for receiving data from the feedback system and controlling the movement of the packing ram; wherein the packing ram is also capable of operation in a creep mode in which, if the rate of movement of the packing ram is less than a pre-programmed rate of movement, the packing ram maintains a compacting force on the refuse in the direction of its original movement for a preselected time period or until the packing point is reached, whichever occurs first, after which the packing ram reverses direction. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for compacting refuse within the storage body of a vehicle during refuse collection, comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a packing mechanism located within the storage body and adapted to compact refuse deposited within the storage body, the packing mechanism being capable of extending to a predetermined packing point and retracting to a home position; b. providing a feedback system for continuously monitoring the movement of the packing mechanism; c. providing a programmable system for receiving data from the feedback system and controlling the movement of the packing mechanism; d. moving the packing mechanism, using the control system, to begin compacting refuse within the storage body; e. if the rate of movement of the packing mechanism is less than a pre-programmed rate of movement, placing the packer mechanism in a creep mode in which a compacting force is maintained on the refuse in the direction of its original movement for a preselected time period or until the packing point is reached, whichever occurs first; f. reversing the direction of the packing mechanism; and g. repeating steps (d)-(f) during refuse collection. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification