System and method for controlling compactor systems
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the operation of a waste compactor having a hydraulic ram and a hydraulic pump operative for applying hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the ram during compacting strokes of the compactor, wherein the hydraulic pump comprises a hydraulic fluid having at least one characteristic, the method comprising the steps of:
- establishing extend and retract time constraints for the hydraulic ram;
operating the hydraulic ram;
monitoring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid while the hydraulic ram is operated;
estimating one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid;
adjusting the extend and retract time constraints based on the estimated one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid and accounting for changes in the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid over time, during extension, retraction and stopping of the ram during compacting strokes;
detecting hydraulic fluid leaks;
wherein the hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and wherein the reservoir includes a hydrostatic pressure sensor; and
,providing notice of any of the hydraulic fluid leaks.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the operation of a waste compactor having a hydraulic ram and a hydraulic pump operative for applying hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the ram during compacting strokes of the compactor, wherein the hydraulic pump comprises a hydraulic fluid having at least one characteristic, the method comprising the steps of:
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establishing extend and retract time constraints for the hydraulic ram; operating the hydraulic ram; monitoring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid while the hydraulic ram is operated; estimating one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid; adjusting the extend and retract time constraints based on the estimated one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid and accounting for changes in the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid over time, during extension, retraction and stopping of the ram during compacting strokes; detecting hydraulic fluid leaks; wherein the hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and wherein the reservoir includes a hydrostatic pressure sensor; and
,providing notice of any of the hydraulic fluid leaks. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification