Compacting system and refuse vehicle

• US 6,332,745 B1
• Filed: 09/21/2000
• Issued: 12/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Galion Solid Waste Equipment Company
• Inventors: Horning, Larry D., Duell, Charles A., Pfeifer, Thomas E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bratlie, Steven A.
• Application Number:
  US09/667,126
• Time in Patent Office: 460 Days
• Field of Search: 401/406, 401/407, 401/408
• US Class Current: 414/406
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/023 Gripper arms for embracing the receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0256 Means for vibrating or shaking the containers for facilitating emptying
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0259 Means for automatically varying the speed of operation
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0273 capable of rotating around a vertical axis
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0279 the discharging means mounted at the front of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/043 with additional means for keeping the receptacle substantially vertical during raising
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/046 with additional means for assisting the tipping of the receptacle after or during raising
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/06 Arrangement and disposition of fluid actuators
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/201 the charging pistons, plates or the like moving rectilinearly
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/28 by a lengthwise movement of a wall, e.g. a plate, a piston, or the like for charging B65F3/20

Abstract

An automated refuse vehicle that 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 an automated compacting system and for operating the refuse vehicle also form part of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for collecting refuse employing a front-loading type refuse collection vehicle having a cab and a storage body disposed rearwardly of the cab, the storage body having a loading opening adapted to receive refuse from a container, comprising the steps of:

providing a container engaging device adapted to engage the container, and at least one packing mechanism for compacting the refuse within the storage body;

automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the movement of the at least one container engaging device and the at least one packing mechanism;

moving the container through a dump path between an initial load position in which the container is located at about ground level, and a dump position in which the container is located adjacent the loading opening;

depositing refuse from the container through the loading opening and into the storage body;

moving the container through a return path between the dump position and the initial load position;

during repetition of the above-recited steps, confining movement of the container engaging device and the packing mechanism so that during refuse collection;

(i) when the container is positioned forward of the cab, neither the container engaging device nor the container are permitted to contact the cab or the ground;

(ii) when the container is positioned adjacent the loading opening, the container is not permitted to contact the storage body; and

(iii) the packing mechanism and the container do not contact each other during refuse collection.

2. A front-loading type refuse vehicle for receiving refuse disposed within a container, comprising:

a cab and a storage body positioned rearward of the cab, the storage body having a loading opening for receiving refuse from the container;

a packing mechanism located within the storage body and adapted to compact refuse deposited within the storage body;

a container engaging device adapted to engage the container and allowing the container to be moved between an initial load position and a dump position in which the container is located adjacent the loading opening; and

a feedback and control system for continuously monitoring and confining movement of the packing mechanism and the container engaging device during refuse collection so that;

(i) when the container is positioned forward of the cab, neither the container engaging device nor the container are permitted to contact the cab or the ground;

(ii) when the container is positioned adjacent the loading opening, the container is not permitted to contact the storage body; and

(iii) the packing mechanism and the container do not contact each other during refuse collection.