A mechanical arm designed to provide automated garbage collection with smooth, constant movement (i.e. movement that has minimal jerk/shock) thereby resulting in limited shock stress on the components and leading to high durability. The mechanical arm including a horizontal displacement system having a plurality of sections rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to an immobile section for drivingly extending section in a generally horizontal orientation, a vertical displacement system having a plurality of masts rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to a first mast for drivingly extending a second mast in a generally vertical orientation, and/or a grabber system having a plurality of fingers mounted to a frame and operated by a single motor.
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B60P 1/48 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above the load supporting or containing element
B25J 9/10 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by positioning means for manipulator elements
A rear loading refuse vehicle includes a tailgate coupled to a rearward end of the body. The tailgate includes a modular refuse packing assembly removably mounted therein and configured to compact refuse received in a hopper into a storage chamber located in the body. The modular refuse packing assembly may include a frame supporting an actuator and a blade. The frame is removably coupled to the tailgate. The actuator is configured to move the blade between extended and retracted positions and thereby compact the refuse received in the hopper.
B65F 3/28 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle by a lengthwise movement of a wall, e.g. a plate, a piston, or the like
B65F 3/20 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like
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.
A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.
There is disclosed a waste collecting device having a container for receiving waste therein. The container has an end wall and an ejector panel. The container encloses a waste receiving volume. The ejector panel has an opening therethrough for allowing access to the waste receiving volume for receiving the waste. The waste collecting device further has a compactor outside the waste receiving volume being operable for pushing the waste in the container through the opening. The ejector panel is movable within the waste receiving volume and relative to a floor of the container for pushing the waste out of the waste receiving volume. A method of operating a waste collecting device is also disclosed.
B65F 3/22 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with screw conveyors or rotary tanks
B65F 3/24 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle
A refuse collection vehicle having a packer system, a hopper, and a storage compartment. A wall between the storage compartment and the hopper defines an opening that allows refuse to pass from the hopper to the storage compartment. The packer system includes an auger screw and a driver. The driver rotates the auger screw such that refuse is packed into the storage compartment through the opening. A door can be positioned to cover the opening in the wall to inhibit refuse from passing back through the opening. A door actuator system moves the door to selectively open and close the door on the opening. A packing actuator can push an ejector panel across the floor of the storage compartment while the door is closed on the opening in the wall to further compact refuse in the storage compartment or to eject refuse from the vehicle.
B65F 3/22 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with screw conveyors or rotary tanks
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
8.
REFUSE COLLECTION WITH AUGER AND CONTAMINATION DETECTION PANEL
A refuse collection vehicle includes a packer system with an auger screw, one or more refuse support panels, one or more sensing devices, and a refuse support panel actuator system. The refuse support panel(s) support refuse while characteristics of the refuse are sensed. The refuse support panel actuator system moves the refuse support panels such that refuse is released from the refuse support panels in to the packer system. A driver of the packer system rotates the auger screw such the refuse is packed into a storage compartment of the vehicle.
B65F 3/22 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with screw conveyors or rotary tanks
A refuse collection vehicle includes a body having a storage compartment and a packer system. The storage compartment includes a floor. The packer system includes an ejector, two or more helical band actuators, and a driver. The helical band actuators each include a drive cylinder base, a helical band drive cylinder, and a drive cylinder receptacle coupled between the helical band drive cylinder and the ejector. The driver is commonly coupled to the helical band actuators and operable to extend and retract the helical band drive cylinders. The helical band actuators are operable to advance the ejector such that refuse is compacted in the storage compartment or ejected from the storage compartment.
B65F 3/20 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like
A grabber assembly has a beam assembly with a bracket. A grabber gear assembly is coupled with the bracket. The grabber gear assembly has a pair of gear mechanisms coupled with the bracket. Each gear mechanism has a shaft and a pair of thrust bearings, one at each end of the shaft. A grabber arm mounting pad is coupled with each shaft. A gear section is coupled with each shaft. The gear sections of each shaft mesh with one another to drive the grabber arm mounting pads. An actuating driver is coupled with one of the shafts to drive the grabber gear assembly and move the arms between an open and grasping position.
A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
F16C 33/26 - Brasses; Bushes; Linings made from a number of discs, rings, rods, or other members
B66C 23/00 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
A refuse vehicle includes a vehicle chassis and an all-electric vehicle body on the chassis. The body includes a hopper, a refuse storage container, and a plurality of electrically powered body systems. The body systems include an electrically actuated tailgate, an electrically actuated refuse loading assembly, and an electrically actuated refuse packing assembly configured to remove refuse from the hopper and to pack said refuse in the storage container. The vehicle (e.g., vehicle body) further includes a power management module configured to regulate energy usage of the body systems and/or to record and track electrical energy usage in the body systems.
B60K 1/04 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units of the electric storage means for propulsion
B60P 1/50 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above the load supporting or containing element loading from in front of the vehicle
B60L 50/61 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries by batteries charged by engine-driven generators, e.g. series hybrid electric vehicles
B60L 1/00 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles
B60L 8/00 - Electric propulsion with power supply from forces of nature, e.g. sun or wind
B60L 3/00 - Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
A refuse collection vehicle has a container collection arm with a telescoping boom coupled with a refuse stowage unit of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism is coupled with an end of the boom. A rotary actuator couples the grasping mechanism with the boom to enable a waste container to be moved between a pick up position and a dump position.
A refuse vehicle includes a telescopic arm, a sensor, and a processor. The telescopic arm includes an outer boom defining a bore, an inner boom received in the bore of the outer boom, and a bearing pad received in the bore and located between an exterior surface of the inner boom and an interior surface of the outer boom. The sensor is configured to output data indicating a position of a load-bearing limb of the telescopic arm. The processor is configured to receive data output from the sensor and determine a wear-state of the bearing pad based on the position.
A refuse vehicle body includes an electrically actuated, rack and pinion tailgate actuation system. A tailgate is rotationally coupled to the body and configured to rotate between closed and open positions. The tailgate actuation system may be supported by the body and/or tailgate and is configured rotate the tailgate between the closed and open position. The tailgate actuation system may further optionally include a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the tailgate in the closed position using the same electrically powered rotary actuator that opens and closes the tailgate.
B65F 3/20 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like
B65F 3/24 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle
A refuse vehicle body includes a tailgate coupled to the body. The tailgate is movable between closed and open positions. An ejector is deployed in the body and configured to translate between forward and rearward positions. An actuator is configured to translate the ejector between the forward and rearward positions and is further configured to provide an actuation force that moves the tailgate from the closed position towards the open position and thereby at least partially opens the tailgate.
B65F 3/20 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like
B65F 3/28 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle by a lengthwise movement of a wall, e.g. a plate, a piston, or the like
B65F 3/22 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with screw conveyors or rotary tanks
17.
MECHANICAL ARM SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING GARBAGE FROM A GARBAGE CONTAINER
The mechanical arm system can include a garbage container holder and at least one mast. The holder can have guiding wheels engaged with adjacent tracks of the mast, the two adjacent tracks both having a lower portion extending upwardly along the mast, the lower portion of the first track being located forwardly of the lower portion of the second track, the lower portion of both tracks leading into corresponding upper portions which are curved rearwardly. The system can have a primary mast and a secondary mast slidably mounted to the primary mast, with the garbage container slidable mounted to the secondary mast. A driving link can simultaneously connect the primary mast to the secondary mast, and the secondary mast to the holder in a manner that when the driving link is moved, both sliding movements are performed in the same direction.
Techniques are described for vehicle activity information collection and analysis. A vehicle activity information unit in a vehicle generates vehicle activity information including video data that is captured by interior and/or exterior camera(s) on the vehicle. The vehicle activity information can also include sensor data generated by an accelerometer, a compass, a temperature sensor, a Global Positioning System module, and/or other sensor(s). The vehicle activity information can also include audio data generated by at least one microphone. In some implementations, at least a portion of the vehicle activity information is collected during a period of time that includes an event (e.g., an accident). The information is stored in data storage with an association between the information and the event, and is processed to generate performance data associated with a driver of the vehicle. The performance data can be presented through a user interface to the driver or other(s).
B60R 16/023 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
B60K 28/10 - Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operat
B60W 50/14 - Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
G01C 21/36 - Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
G08G 1/01 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
G08G 1/0967 - Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
Operating a refuse collection vehicle to collect refuse from a refuse container includes positioning a refuse collection vehicle with respect to a refuse container to be emptied, and manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle to be performed by the refuse collection vehicle on the refuse container. The dump cycle includes engaging the refuse container with a portion of the vehicle, lifting the engaged refuse container to a dump position, and moving the refuse container to release contents of the refuse container into a hopper of the refuse collection vehicle. The dump cycle continues to completion as long as the switch remains manually engaged.
This disclosure describes an assembly for gas (e.g., compressed natural gas) storage. The assembly includes multiple gas storage tanks, with each tank coupled to a separate sub-assembly that includes a pressure gauge, shutoff valve, and pressure relief device (PRD), providing for independent pressure monitoring, shutoff, and pressure relief for each of the tanks.
B60K 15/077 - Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
F02D 19/02 - Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with gaseous fuels
B60K 15/073 - Tank construction specially adapted to the vehicle
A refuse collection vehicle has various hydraulic actuators including at least one cylinder with an internal seal. A sensor is responsive to movement of the piston and sends a signal to a controller to indicate piston movement information during an associated vehicle body component movement. The controller is configured to determine a motion characteristic of the piston during a predetermined body component movement, compare the determined motion characteristic to a stored reference motion characteristic, and in response to determining that a difference between the determined motion characteristic and the reference motion characteristic is greater than a predetermined value, trigger an indication that the refuse collection vehicle is in need of service.
F15B 15/28 - Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
F15B 20/00 - Safety arrangements for fluid actuator systems; Applications of safety devices in fluid actuator systems; Emergency measures for fluid actuator systems
B65F 3/24 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm coupled to the grabber and operable to raise and lower the grabber, a camera that is arranged to generate video data of a scene external to the refuse collection vehicle, and a semi-transparent display device configured to display the video data generated by the camera, wherein the semi-transparent display is positioned within a forward line of sight of an operator of the refuse collection vehicle.
B60R 1/25 - Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle with a predetermined field of view to the sides of the vehicle
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
B60R 11/04 - Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
B60K 35/00 - Arrangement or adaptations of instruments
A refuse collection vehicle includes a refuse grabber assembly, a lift arm coupled to the refuse grabber assembly, and a hopper configured to receive refuse from the refuse container. The lift arm is operable to position the refuse grabber assembly. The refuse grabber assembly includes a first grabber arm and a second grabber arm that are configured to cooperate to engage the refuse container. The first grabber arm includes a first gripper and a first support arm coupled to the first gripper. The first gripper includes a first deformable structure configured to contact a first surface of a refuse container. The second grabber arm includes a second gripper and a second support arm coupled to the second gripper. The second gripper includes a second deformable structure configured to contact a second surface of the refuse container.
A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating an angular position of the grabber, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of the lift arm, a first controller for adjusting the angular position of the grabber, and a second controller adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm. The adjustment of the angular position of the grabber is coordinated with the adjustment of the relative positioning of the lift arm.
Techniques are described for correlating entity identification information with refuse containers being serviced by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV). Location data can be collected by location sensor(s) on the RCV at a time when a triggering condition is present, such as a time when a lift arm is operating to empty a refuse container into the hopper of the RCV. The location data can be provided as input to an algorithm that estimates a container location through a vector offset to account for the distance and direction of the RCV lift arm relative to the location sensor in the RCV. The container location can be correlated with parcel data to determine the parcel that the container was on or near to when it was serviced, and the customer or other entity associated with the parcel can be correlated to the particular container based on the analysis.
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
B60P 1/34 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element in combination with another movement of the element the other movement being raising or lowering
G01C 21/36 - Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of a first arm of the grabber and a second arm of the grabber, and a controller having one or more control elements for selecting a target positioning of a first arm of the grabber and a second arm of the grabber. The first arm and the second arm automatically move to the target positioning in response to a signal received by an onboard computing device of the vehicle.
A refuse vehicle has a Commercial and a Residential Mode whereby when in Commercial Mode, stops or fins, utilized in Residential Mode to assist in securing a residential container laterally at the front of the vehicle, are adjustable to prevent contact or interference with the cab protector or other portions of the vehicle when in Commercial Mode. The fins may be located and/or rotated, such as at least 30 degrees (from position to position) or above a horizontal or otherwise intermediate the residential and commercial configurations. The fins may preferably be located above a bottom of the crossbar when moving through the dumping cycle so as not to contact the cab protector in Commercial Mode. Preferably, the fins may also be housed on the residential refuse container rather than along the crossbar.
A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.
G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
This disclosure describes a collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
G01G 19/08 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles
G01G 19/12 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01G 23/37 - Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
G01G 23/42 - Recording or coding devices specially adapted for weighing apparatus electrically operated
G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
A CNG leak detection system has a plurality of CNG tanks. A plurality of control valve mechanisms, equal in number to the plurality of CNG tanks, is coupled with each CNG tank. A sensor is coupled with each control valve mechanism. The sensor monitors the CNG in the tank. A processor is electrically coupled with the sensor. A display is coupled with the processor to display the sensed condition of at least one desired tank of the plurality of tanks.
G01M 3/18 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for valves
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
Among other things, the techniques described herein include a method for receiving a plurality of images of one or more containers while the one or more containers are being emptied, the plurality of images comprising a training set of images and a validation set of images; labeling each image of the plurality of images as including either an overfilled container or a not-overfilled container; processing each image of the plurality of images to reduce bias of a machine learning model; training, and based on the labeling, the machine learning model using the plurality of images; and optimizing the machine learning model by performing learning against the validation set, the optimized machine learning model being used to generate a prediction for a new image of a container, the prediction indicating whether the container in the new image was overfilled prior to the new container being emptied.
A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
F16C 33/26 - Brasses; Bushes; Linings made from a number of discs, rings, rods, or other members
B66C 23/00 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
33.
Scrambling Data for Use with Vehicle Communication Protocol
A scrambling method of data on a J1939 communication system of a vehicle involves at least moving data from one of a PGN and a PGN/SPN location to another PGN or PGN/SPN location at a first controller on the vehicle before transmitting data and then re-ordering the data at a second controller. Some embodiments further comprise encrypting data either before or after shifting, but before transmitting so as to further complicate efforts to interpret meaningful data from the transmission. The second controller may be on the vehicle or may be remotely located.
H04L 9/16 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms the keys or algorithms being changed during operation
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
H04W 4/48 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for in-vehicle communication
A grabber assembly has a beam assembly with a bracket. A grabber gear assembly is coupled with the bracket. The grabber gear assembly has a pair of gear mechanisms coupled with the bracket. Each gear mechanism has a shaft and a pair of thrust bearings, one at each end of the shaft. A grabber arm mounting pad is coupled with each shaft. A gear section is coupled with each shaft. The gear sections of each shaft mesh with one another to drive the grabber arm mounting pads. An actuating driver is coupled with one of the shafts to drive the grabber gear assembly and move the arms between an open and grasping position.
A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.
An intermediate container for a refuse vehicle where the container is positioned in front of the refuse vehicle is provided. A plurality of legs extends from the container toward the refuse vehicle. An attachment mechanism is on each leg to secure the legs to a front loading arm assembly of the refuse vehicle.
Techniques are described for determining an amount of fuel that is consumed by the body components of a vehicle, based at least partly on sensor data describing the operations of the body components and/or the location of the vehicle. A vehicle is equipped with a body that has any suitable number of body components that perform operations not directly associated with the translational movement of the vehicle from one location to another. Fuel is consumed to provide power (e.g., through power take off) to operate the body components. The vehicle includes sensor device(s) configured to sense the operations of the body components and generate sensor data that describes the operations of the body components. The sensor data is analyzed to determine an amount of fuel that is consumed to power the operations of the body components.
The mechanical arm system can include a garbage container holder and at least one mast. The holder can have guiding wheels engaged with adjacent tracks of the mast, the two adjacent tracks both having a lower portion extending upwardly along the mast, the lower portion of the first track being located forwardly of the lower portion of the second track, the lower portion of both tracks leading into corresponding upper portions which are curved rearwardly. The system can have a primary mast and a secondary mast slidably mounted to the primary mast, with the garbage container slidable mounted to the secondary mast. A driving link can simultaneously connect the primary mast to the secondary mast, and the secondary mast to the holder in a manner that when the driving link is moved, both sliding movements are performed in the same direction.
A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.
A multi-use garbage truck has an ability to not only to front load containers of garbage into a hopper in a refuse collection body, but also an ability to swap out the forks, if not arm connection assemblies, or even entire frame arms, to be replaced with one of a plurality of attachments which connect to at least one, if not both frame arms with attachments for various uses such as snow plow, leaf blower, street sweeper, bucket, grapple, etc. Furthermore, an ability to independently operate the left frame arm relative to the right frame arm can now be provided so that the left frame arm can utilize and perform one function and the right frame arm provide another or at least be independently operable from one another.
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
A47L 11/00 - Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B65F 3/14 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
E01H 6/00 - Apparatus equipped with, or having provisions for equipping with, both elements for removal of refuse or the like and elements for removal of snow or ice
E01H 1/08 - Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter; Drying by heat only, or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
E01H 5/06 - Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying elements, e.g. conveying pneumatically dislodging essentially by non-driven elements, e.g. scraper blades
E02F 3/34 - Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
E02F 3/413 - Dippers; Buckets with grabbing device
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
There is disclosed a waste collecting device having a container for receiving waste therein. The container has an end wall and an ejector panel. The container encloses a waste receiving volume. The ejector panel has an opening therethrough for allowing access to the waste receiving volume for receiving the waste. The waste collecting device further has a compactor outside the waste receiving volume being operable for pushing the waste in the container through the opening. The ejector panel is movable within the waste receiving volume and relative to a floor of the container for pushing the waste out of the waste receiving volume. A method of operating a waste collecting device is also disclosed.
B65F 3/22 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with screw conveyors or rotary tanks
B65F 3/24 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for unloading the tank of a refuse vehicle
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
A refuse collection vehicle has a container collection arm with a telescoping boom coupled with a refuse stowage unit of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism is coupled with an end of the boom. A rotary actuator couples the grasping mechanism with the boom to enable a waste container to be moved between a pick up position and a dump position.
A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of a first arm of the grabber and a second arm of the grabber, and a controller having one or more control elements for selecting a target positioning of a first arm of the grabber and a second arm of the grabber. The first arm and the second arm automatically move to the target positioning in response to a signal received by an onboard computing device of the vehicle.
A refuse collection vehicle includes a fork assembly that is operable to engage one or more fork pockets of a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, and at least one sensor that is configured to collect data indicating a position of the one or more fork pockets of the refuse container. A position of at least one of the fork assembly or the lift arm is adjusted in response to the data collected by the at least one sensor.
A refuse collection vehicle includes a grabber that is operable to engage a refuse container, a lift arm that is operable to lift a refuse container, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating an angular position of the grabber, at least one sensor that is arranged to collect data indicating a relative positioning of the lift arm, a first controller for adjusting the angular position of the grabber, and a second controller adjusting the relative positioning of the lift arm. The adjustment of the angular position of the grabber is coordinated with the adjustment of the relative positioning of the lift arm.
Operating a refuse collection vehicle to collect refuse from a refuse container includes positioning a refuse collection vehicle with respect to a refuse container to be emptied, and manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle to be performed by the refuse collection vehicle on the refuse container. The dump cycle includes engaging the refuse container with a portion of the vehicle, lifting the engaged refuse container to a dump position, and moving the refuse container to release contents of the refuse container into a hopper of the refuse collection vehicle. The dump cycle continues to completion as long as the switch remains manually engaged.
This disclosure describes an assembly for gas (e.g., compressed natural gas) storage. The assembly includes multiple gas storage tanks, with each tank coupled to a separate sub-assembly that includes a pressure gauge, shutoff valve, and pressure relief device (PRD), providing for independent pressure monitoring, shutoff, and pressure relief for each of the tanks.
B60K 15/077 - Fuel tanks with means modifying or controlling distribution or motion of fuel, e.g. to prevent noise, surge, splash or fuel starvation
F02D 19/02 - Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with gaseous fuels
B60K 15/073 - Tank construction specially adapted to the vehicle
A computer-implemented method for analyzing refuse includes operations of receiving sensor data indicating an operational state of a vehicle body component of a refuse collection vehicle (RCV); analyzing the sensor data to detect a presence of a triggering condition based at least partly on a particular operational state of the vehicle body component, as indicated by the sensor data; in response to detecting the triggering condition, accessing image data indicating a physical state of refuse collected by the RCV; providing the image data as input to at least one contaminant detection model trained, using at least one machine learning (ML) algorithm, to output a classification of the image data, the classification indicating a degree of contamination of the refuse; and storing, in a machine-readable medium, the classification of the image data.
Techniques are described for correlating entity identification information with refuse containers being serviced by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV). Location data can be collected by location sensor(s) on the RCV at a time when a triggering condition is present, such as a time when a lift arm is operating to empty a refuse container into the hopper of the RCV. The location data can be provided as input to an algorithm that estimates a container location through a vector offset to account for the distance and direction of the RCV lift arm relative to the location sensor in the RCV. The container location can be correlated with parcel data to determine the parcel that the container was on or near to when it was serviced, and the customer or other entity associated with the parcel can be correlated to the particular container based on the analysis.
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
B60P 1/34 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element in combination with another movement of the element the other movement being raising or lowering
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
G01C 21/36 - Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.
G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
A scrambling method of data on a J1939 communication system of a vehicle involves at least moving data from one of a PGN and a PGN/SPN location to another PGN or PGN/SPN location at a first controller on the vehicle before transmitting data and then re-ordering the data at a second controller. Some embodiments further comprise encrypting data either before or after shifting, but before transmitting so as to further complicate efforts to interpret meaningful data from the transmission. The second controller may be on the vehicle or may be remotely located.
H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
H04L 9/16 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms the keys or algorithms being changed during operation
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
H04W 4/48 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P] for in-vehicle communication
A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
F16C 33/26 - Brasses; Bushes; Linings made from a number of discs, rings, rods, or other members
B66C 23/00 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
A grabber assembly has a beam assembly with a bracket. A grabber gear assembly is coupled with the bracket. The grabber gear assembly has a pair of gear mechanisms coupled with the bracket. Each gear mechanism has a shaft and a pair of thrust bearings, one at each end of the shaft. A grabber arm mounting pad is coupled with each shaft. A gear section is coupled with each shaft. The gear sections of each shaft mesh with one another to drive the grabber arm mounting pads. An actuating driver is coupled with one of the shafts to drive the grabber gear assembly and move the arms between an open and grasping position.
A multi-use garbage truck has an ability to not only to front load containers of garbage into a hopper in a refuse collection body, but also an ability to swap out the forks, if not arm connection assemblies, or even entire frame arms, to be replaced with one of a plurality of attachments which connect to at least one, if not both frame arms with attachments for various uses such as snow plow, leaf blower, street sweeper, bucket, grapple, etc. Furthermore, an ability to independently operate the left frame arm relative to the right frame arm can now be provided so that the left frame arm can utilize and perform one function and the right frame arm provide another or at least be independently operable from one another.
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
A47L 11/00 - Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B65F 3/14 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
E01H 6/00 - Apparatus equipped with, or having provisions for equipping with, both elements for removal of refuse or the like and elements for removal of snow or ice
E01H 1/08 - Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter; Drying by heat only, or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
E01H 5/06 - Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying elements, e.g. conveying pneumatically dislodging essentially by non-driven elements, e.g. scraper blades
E02F 3/34 - Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
E02F 3/413 - Dippers; Buckets with grabbing device
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
An aerial device data collection apparatus is described. The aerial data collection apparatus includes a power source, a data capture device, a wireless transmitter, and a housing. The data capture device is connected to the power source. The wireless transmitter is connected to the power source and is communicably coupled to the data capture device. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit data captured by the data capture device. The power source and the wireless transmitter are contained within the housing. The housing is configured to couple to a surface of an aerial bucket.
B66F 11/04 - Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
B66F 13/00 - Common constructional features or accessories
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.
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/14 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.
A method of transmitting data across a J1939 network comprises communicating at least one sensor, if not a plurality of sensors or operator interface devices, related to a utility service body data mounted on a chassis across the J1939 network on unassigned PGN/SPN combinations for various uses. Furthermore, at least one controller can evaluate other J1939 data, such as transmission gear and/or engine RPM before permitting operation of at least one function of the utility service body or upfit body with at least some embodiments.
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G08G 1/00 - Traffic control systems for road vehicles
This disclosure describes a collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
G01G 19/08 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles
G01G 19/12 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01G 23/37 - Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
G01G 23/42 - Recording or coding devices specially adapted for weighing apparatus electrically operated
G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
60.
Scrambling data for use with vehicle communication protocol
A scrambling method of data on a J1939 communication system of a vehicle involves at least moving data from one of a PGN and a PGN/SPN location to another PGN or PGN/SPN location at a first controller on the vehicle before transmitting data and then re-ordering the data at a second controller. Some embodiments further comprise encrypting data either before or after shifting, but before transmitting so as to further complicate efforts to interpret meaningful data from the transmission. The second controller may be on the vehicle or may be remotely located.
H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
H04L 9/16 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms the keys or algorithms being changed during operation
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 29/12 - Arrangements, apparatus, circuits or systems, not covered by a single one of groups characterised by the data terminal
A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
A multi-use garbage truck has an ability to not only to front load containers of garbage into a hopper in a refuse collection body, but also an ability to swap out the forks, if not arm connection assemblies, or even entire frame arms, to be replaced with one of a plurality of attachments which connect to at least one, if not both frame arms with attachments for various uses such as snow plow, leaf blower, street sweeper, bucket, grapple, etc. Furthermore, an ability to independently operate the left frame arm relative to the right frame arm can now be provided so that the left frame arm can utilize and perform one function and the right frame arm provide another or at least be independently operable from one another.
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
E01H 5/06 - Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying elements, e.g. conveying pneumatically dislodging essentially by non-driven elements, e.g. scraper blades
E02F 3/34 - Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets with bucket-arms directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
E02F 3/413 - Dippers; Buckets with grabbing device
E01H 1/08 - Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter; Drying by heat only, or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.
A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B65F 3/10 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B60R 16/08 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for fluid
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
65.
Vehicle body fuel consumption determination based on sensor data
Techniques are described for determining an amount of fuel that is consumed by the body components of a vehicle, based at least partly on sensor data describing the operations of the body components and/or the location of the vehicle. A vehicle is equipped with a body that has any suitable number of body components that perform operations not directly associated with the translational movement of the vehicle from one location to another. Fuel is consumed to provide power (e.g., through power take off) to operate the body components. The vehicle includes sensor device(s) configured to sense the operations of the body components and generate sensor data that describes the operations of the body components. The sensor data is analyzed to determine an amount of fuel that is consumed to power the operations of the body components.
Techniques are described for vehicle activity information collection and analysis. A vehicle activity information unit in a vehicle generates vehicle activity information including video data that is captured by interior and/or exterior camera(s) on the vehicle. The vehicle activity information can also include sensor data generated by an accelerometer, a compass, a temperature sensor, a Global Positioning System module, and/or other sensor(s). The vehicle activity information can also include audio data generated by at least one microphone. In some implementations, at least a portion of the vehicle activity information is collected during a period of time that includes an event (e.g., an accident). The information is stored in data storage with an association between the information and the event, and is processed to generate performance data associated with a driver of the vehicle. The performance data can be presented through a user interface to the driver or other(s).
B60R 16/023 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
B60K 28/10 - Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operat
B60W 50/14 - Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
G01C 21/36 - Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
G08G 1/01 - Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
G08G 1/0967 - Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
A CNG leak detection system has a plurality of CNG tanks. A plurality of control valve mechanisms, equal in number to the plurality of CNG tanks, is coupled with each CNG tank. A sensor is coupled with each control valve mechanism. The sensor monitors the CNG in the tank. A processor is electrically coupled with the sensor. A display is coupled with the processor to display the sensed condition of at least one desired tank of the plurality of tanks.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
G01M 3/18 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for valves
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
B65F 3/12 - Conjoint motion of lids, flaps, and shutters on vehicle and on receptacle; Operation of closures on vehicle conjointly with tipping of receptacle
A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.
A grabber assembly has a beam assembly with a bracket. A grabber gear assembly is coupled with the bracket. The grabber gear assembly has a pair of gear mechanisms coupled with the bracket. Each gear mechanism has a shaft and a pair of thrust bearings, one at each end of the shaft. A grabber arm mounting pad is coupled with each shaft. A gear section is coupled with each shaft. The gear sections of each shaft mesh with one another to drive the grabber arm mounting pads. An actuating driver is coupled with one of the shafts to drive the grabber gear assembly and move the arms between an open and grasping position.
An intermediate container for a refuse vehicle where the container is positioned in front of the refuse vehicle is provided. A plurality of legs extends from the container toward the refuse vehicle. An attachment mechanism is on each leg to secure the legs to a front loading arm assembly of the refuse vehicle.
A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B65F 3/10 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B60R 16/08 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for fluid
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/08 - Platform elevators or hoists with guides or runways for raising or tipping receptacles
B65F 3/12 - Conjoint motion of lids, flaps, and shutters on vehicle and on receptacle; Operation of closures on vehicle conjointly with tipping of receptacle
A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
F16C 17/02 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for radial load only
F16C 33/26 - Brasses; Bushes; Linings made from a number of discs, rings, rods, or other members
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B66C 23/00 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
A bolt-on shaft and gear system includes a body assembly defining two spaced apart mounts. A powered grasping assembly includes a first pivot pin pivotally positioned in a first of the two mounts and a first gear section fixedly coupled to the first pivot pin. An actuating driver is attached between the body assembly and the powered grasping assembly for controllably rotating the powered grasping assembly about the first pivot pin. A follower grasping assembly includes a second pivot pin pivotally positioned in a second of the two mounts and a second gear section fixedly coupled to the second pivot pin, the second gear section is meshed with the first gear section so as to rotate with the powered grasping assembly in an opposite direction.
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.
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/14 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
Front-loadable refuse container having side-loading robotic arm with motors and other mass mounted at rear of container and use of same with front-loading waste-hauling vehicle having hydraulic front forks or other retractably engageable lift means
A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is modularly provided with a combination of a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some of the vibrational energy which may otherwise move between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials as may be appropriate for different waste collection situations.
A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.
B65F 3/06 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B60R 16/08 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for fluid
B65F 3/10 - Arrangement or disposition of fluid actuators
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
A novel method for preventing material contained inside a collection bin from being blown out of the collection bin is provided. The collection bin includes an automated cover system. The automated cover system comprises an actuator system that is actuated in response to movement of a specific item, such as the fork assembly and/or the collection bin. Upon actuation, the actuator system of the automated cover system automatically moves a cover.
B65F 3/12 - Conjoint motion of lids, flaps, and shutters on vehicle and on receptacle; Operation of closures on vehicle conjointly with tipping of receptacle
E05F 15/73 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
A refuse vehicle has a chassis, supported by wheels, a cab and a drive train. The drive train drives at least one of the wheels. A refuse container is supported by the chassis. A mount on the chassis couples with the refuse container. The mount is positioned on the chassis so that a floor of the refuse container is angled, with respect to horizontal in a resting position, so that liquid in the refuse container runs to one end of the refuse container.
A refuse vehicle has a mechanism to prohibit operation of a snow plow attached to the refuse vehicle. A sensor associated with the storage bin of the refuse vehicle. The sensor sends a signal to a controller to prohibit operation of the snow plow in response to the storage bin payload. The mechanism prohibits lowering of the snow plow in a condition when the payload in the storage bin is such that the load on the front axle of the refuse vehicle would exceed legal limits.
E01H 5/00 - Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
B65F 3/00 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
E01H 5/06 - Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying elements, e.g. conveying pneumatically dislodging essentially by non-driven elements, e.g. scraper blades
87.
Scale based load limiting mechanism for refuse vehicles with an intermediate container
A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the system prevents a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying of the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the system prevents gripping of a refuse can.
A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.
A vertically adjustable collection arm assembly for picking up refuse cans has an arm mechanism to pick up the cans. A lift mechanism raises and lowers the arm mechanism. The lift mechanism is coupled with the arm mechanism and a structure. The lift provides vertical movement to lift and lower the arm mechanism with respect to the structure.
A refuse collection container has a box shape. A movable arm is movably mounted on the container. The movable arm grasps refuse cans and dumps the refuse cans into the container. A slot is formed on a rear wall of the container to enable a portion of the arm to extend through the container. The arm is positioned adjacent the slot such that a movable portion of the arm is positioned inside of the container. The arm moves horizontally in and out of the container to grasp and return refuse cans.
A collection arm for a refuse vehicle or intermediate container has a collection arm adapted to be coupled with the refuse vehicle or the intermediate container. The refuse arm includes a pivot mechanism to secure it with a bumper of the vehicle or with the container. A telescopic boom is adapted to couple with the pivot mechanism. The boom has a grasping mechanism coupled with an end of the telescopic boom. The grasping mechanism moves garbage cans from a pick up position to an empty position.
A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.
F16C 33/26 - Brasses; Bushes; Linings made from a number of discs, rings, rods, or other members
B66C 23/00 - Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory or swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib cranes, derricks or tower cranes
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
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.
B65F 3/04 - Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
B65F 3/14 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing, or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
A track and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of the refuse vehicle. The track member has a desired length extending transverse to the ground. At least one guide member is mounted on a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to prohibit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle.
A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent empting the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.
The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
G01G 19/00 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
G01G 19/12 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01G 23/37 - Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
G01G 23/42 - Recording or coding devices specially adapted for weighing apparatus electrically operated
G01G 19/08 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles
B65F 3/02 - Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
The disclosed apparatus, system, and method serve to modify a driver's behavior, reduce accident costs, and generate more revenue from a company vehicle. Risky behavior that often leads to accidents, personal injury, property damage, and loss of a driver's livelihood is highlighted in the disclosed system. By focusing on a driver's unsafe actions, the disclosed system teaches a driver to correct unsafe driving behaviors. An employer or insurance company, for example, can access all data captured before, during, and after the accident or event to assist with finding fault. The disclosed vehicle activity information system is fully configurable at all times during installation of the system and during use thereof. A plurality of integrated cameras provides constant video surveillance of the interior and exterior of a vehicle, thus working simultaneously to capture a driver's actions in the vehicle information activity system.
A support rack for a side loading arm of a refuse vehicle has a frame to secure with the refuse vehicle. A rack is pivotally coupled with the frame. A biasing member is coupled between the rack and frame. The biasing member enables pivotal movement of the rack between a first and second position. The biasing member returns the rack to the first position after movement into the second position.
A support rack for a side loading arm of a refuse vehicle has a frame to secure with the refuse vehicle. A support member is pivotally coupled with the frame. The support member receives the side loading arm. An actuating mechanism is coupled between the frame and the support member. The actuating mechanism moves the support member between a first and a second position. In the first position, the support member is in a locked position which locks the side loading arm in position with the support rack during over road traveling conditions. In the second position, the support member is in an unlocked position to enable the side loading arm to move away from the support rack.
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