GB2354830A - Identification and weighing of refuse containers - Google Patents

Identification and weighing of refuse containers Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2354830A
GB2354830A GB0022113A GB0022113A GB2354830A GB 2354830 A GB2354830 A GB 2354830A GB 0022113 A GB0022113 A GB 0022113A GB 0022113 A GB0022113 A GB 0022113A GB 2354830 A GB2354830 A GB 2354830A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
control device
container
vehicle
control
load cell
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0022113A
Other versions
GB0022113D0 (en
Inventor
James Matthew Henderson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Egbert H Taylor and Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Egbert H Taylor and Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Egbert H Taylor and Co Ltd filed Critical Egbert H Taylor and Co Ltd
Publication of GB0022113D0 publication Critical patent/GB0022113D0/en
Publication of GB2354830A publication Critical patent/GB2354830A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
    • B65F1/14—Other constructional features; Accessories
    • B65F1/1484—Other constructional features; Accessories relating to the adaptation of receptacles to carry identification means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/08—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles
    • G01G19/083—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for incorporation in vehicles lift truck scale
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
    • B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
    • B65F2003/022—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto the discharging means comprising a device for determining the weight of the content of refuse receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
    • B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
    • B65F2003/025—Constructional features relating to actuating means for lifting or tipping containers
    • B65F2003/0253—Means for synchronising or coupling two or more discharging devices, e.g. for allowing the discharge of one large container or the simultaneous discharge of two or more containers

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Refuse-Collection Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A refuse vehicle 10 senses the weight of refuse containers 15, before and after they are emptied, using load cells 14 and a weight calculating device 18. An antenna 17 interrogates a transponder on the refuse container, to identify billing information such as a street address, container type or container capacity. A computer 21 receives the weight data from the device 18 and the identification data from the antenna 17. The computer may also have other functions, such as controlling vehicle routing or acting as a video display for an onboard camera.

Description

2354830 WEIGHING APPARATUS This invention relates to weighing and
identifying apparatus particularly though not exclusively for use in connection with refuse collection.
It has been proposed to charge for refuse disposal by weight of refuse generated. In theory the weight of refuse is easy to ascertain; being the weight of an empty refuse container subtracted from the weight of a full container. Most refuse is nowadays loaded mechanically into refuse vehicles, and it has been proposed to weigh the refuse container on the upstroke and downstroke to determine the weight of refuse, the weighing device being typically a strain transducer of some kind.
It is of course necessary to log the sensed weight against the correct address, and this may be done manually or automatically.
Data is held on a computer device in the refuse vehicle, and is downloaded remotely, by e.g. modem, or when the vehicle returns to the depot at the end of the working day. J he vehicle computer device may perform other "0 functions, such as giving routing information to the driver.
The practicalities of accurate weight sensing are immense. Typically the weight of domestic refuse in a full container may be little more than the weight of the container itself, thus a high accuracy of weighing must be provided. Larger commercial waste containers contain larger amounts, but the container is usually of-heavier construction. The strain gauged lifting mechanism of a refuse vehicle may itself be much heavier than the 2 container, whether full or empty, and the problems of weighing are further exacerbated by friction and stiction in the lifting mechanism. Some systems rely on vehicle axle weighing which is inevitably inaccurate, owing to the small weight of the container as compared with the sprung 5 mass of the vehicle.
Control apparatus for recording weights is complex, and existing systems have considerable disadvantages associated with permanent installations, not least because a vehicle breakdown may result in disruption of waste collection to the extent that collection cannot continue until the relevant vehicle is repaired. Alternatively the accumulated data may have to be abandoned, and the waste collection round continued by a substitute vehicle.
The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned control problems.
According to the invention there is provided a control system for use in a vehicle having a load cell adapted to weigh containers, the system comprising a first control device associated with said load cell and adapted to generate an output representative of the weight sensed by said load cell, and a second control device havina a memory, the second control device interrogating said first control device in response to bin identification data and recording a weight sensed by said load cell in said memory.
The vehicle is typically a refuse vehicle, and the container is typically a waste or recycling container.
3 Preferably the first control device comprises a ROM and the second control device comprises'a RAM. In a preferred embodiment the first control device is a programmable logic controller, and the second control device is a personal computer, preferably a lap-top computer.
Such a system permits the second control device to have multiple functions and to interrogate the first control device only at times when waste container weight is being sensed. The second control device may for example also control/monitor vehicle operating functions, give routing information to the vehicle driver, and give a display ftom a rear mounted video camera. The second device may also provide electronic or voice communication between the vehicle and other communication sites.
Identification -data may be input manually by an operator or by bar code 15 scanning, but is preferably transferred automatically on movement of a waste container mounted transponder into the field of a vehicle mounted antenna. Identification data may also be transferred on receipt of a trigger signal generated by computer or proximity switch.
Receipt of such data may also activate warning devices of the vehicle, and suspend vehicle functions. For example a vehicle brake may be activated to prevent vehicle movement during a container weighing event.
The invention also provides a method of recording in a second control device information from a load cell of a vehicle, the load cell having a first control device adapted to generate an output representative of the weight sensed by the load cell, themethod comprising the steps ofidentifying to the second control device a container to be weighed; 4 weighing the container; causing the second control device to interrogate the first control device to determine an output thereof; and recording the output in the second control device.
Preferably the identifying step comprises automatically sensing a container identity on passing of a container mounted transponder into the field of a vehicle mounted antenna, the second control device interrogating the flirst control device whilst said transponder is within said field.
Alternatively, identity may be sensed in response to triggered antenna or proximity switch.
The method may further include the steps of said second device interrogating said first control device selectively in order to determine outputs representative of several of a plurality of load cells, and summing or subtracting said outputs in a register. Summing may include positive and/or negative values.
Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following 210 description of a preferred embodiment shown by way of example only in,the accompanying drawing in which a control system is illustrated.
A refuse vehicle 10, indicated schematically in dotted outline plan, has a cab 11, a refuse body 12 and container lifting apparatus 13a, 13b. The lifting apparatus is of a conventional kind having left and right hand individual lifters which are operable independently with small domestic containers of e.g. 120-360 litre capacity. Alternatively the left and right hand lifters can be coupled for simultaneous action with large commercial waste containers of e.g. up to 1300 litre capacity. In some cases, vehicles are dedicated to a single task, for example, emptying of domestic containers of a fixed capacity.
The lifting apparatus has load cells 14 adapted to weigh containers on the upstroke and the downstroke. Four load cells are typically provided, two on each lifter and laterally spaced as illustrated.
Lateral spacing of the load cells ensures accurate weighing of unevenly 10 loaded containers, typically large containers with a heavy mass at one end. Additional vertically spaced load cells may be required, depending on the kind of lifting mechanism utilised. Suitable load cells are mentioned in our UK patent application 9912486.9.
A typical refuse container 15 is indicated in chain-dot outline. The container 15 carries a transponder 16 having unique identification data from which may be determined billing information such as container type, container capacity, street address, etc.
The rear of the refuse vehicle carries two antenna 17 adapted to emit signals capable of interrogating the transponder 16. Typically the transponder 16 is passive and has no internal power source. The transponder is activated when within a short distance of an antenna 17, for example 500mm. The antenna are for example radio-frequency or 25 microwave transmitter/receivers.
The load cells 14 are connected to a control device 18 such as a programmable logic controller. The device 18 is preferably located in the 6 vehicle cab where it is to some extent protected from vibration, dirt and moisture. Connections are made in any suitable manner, but typically by electrical cables 19.
The antenna 17 is connection to a computer 2 1, also located in the cab 11, via multiplex and decoder units 22,23. Connection is typically by cable 20. The multiplex unit 22 ensures that signals from the antenna are discriminated, for example if the lifters 13a, 13b are operating independently. The decoder 23 translates signals received by the antenna 10 into a form suitable for input to the computer. The location of the multiplex and decoder units is immaterial, and either or both may be integrated together, or into the computer 21 or one of the antenna 17. Since the multiplex unit 22 is immediately downstream of the antenna 17, a single decoder unit only is required. 15 The computer 21 is connected to the control device 18 by wire 24 for the purposes of interrogation, as will become apparent. Each load cell 14 has an individual calibration profile which is determined 0 after manufacture, or more typically after installation on the vehicle. The outputs of each load cell will usually be linear, but different for a given weiQht sensed. The calibration profile is held in the device 18 which generates an output representative of actual weight sensed by each load cell 14. 25 Proximity switches, not shown, may be provided to initiate the container emptying sequence.
7 Operation of the control system is as follows. The refuse vehicle arrives at a location to empty a refuse container. This location may be given to the driver by the computer as part of route information; alternatively, the driver may work from memory or printed instructions. The container is 5 brought to the rear of the vehicle into the vicinity of an antenna 17.
The container is latched to the lifter, and emptied. On the upstroke, the transponder is activated and container identification information is passed to the computer over a predetermined time period. The container is weighed on the upstroke and the downstroke, and the recorded weights are subtracted in the control device 18 to determine the weight of refuse. The computer 21 interrogates the device 18 in order to assign the weight to the location determined from the transponder 16. Alternatively, the computer may perform the mathematical calculation after interrogation for the upstroke and downstroke weights. The empty container is unlatched, and the vehicle is ready to receive the next container to be emptied.
In more detail, on the upstroke the container is weighed over a predetermined time, or through a predetermined arc of movement, which 2) 0 mav be trigaered by the container identification sequence. This time or movement window may be selected according to the type of container and/or to unique vehicle operating characteristics. A graphical representation allows the window to be optimised, and correctional factors for damping and vibration may be incorporated. Weighing through a time or movement window is repeated on the downstroke. The time window is controlled b-,- a clock in the computer 211. and may be initiated by a proximity switch. The movement window may also be determined by proximity switches.
8 There are several advantages in separating the device 18 from the computer 21. Typically the computer 21 has multiple functions, and in addition to giving route/map information, it may for example monitor vehicle parameters and act as a video display linked to a vehicle reversing camera. The computer can devote maximum resources to other functions until a transponder signal is received, and only at that time interrogate the device 18 for weight information. Furthermore the transponder infon-nation allows the computer to sum outputs from the load cells 14 according to the type of container being emptied and depending on whether the lifters are operating simultaneous or independently.
Interrogation of the device 18 ceases when the weighing data has been determined.
The arrangement of directly coupling antenna output to the computer ensures that the computer can be activated for a number of purposes in relation to container emptying, including for example activation of visual and audible warning devices, suspension of other vehicle systems, and activation of the vehicle brakes. In this way safety of the container emptying procedure can be enhanced whilst devoting maximum vehicle power to the container emptying cycle.
The transponder/antenna initiates the software sequence, and may be -LD integrated with proximity switches if required. Bit methods reduce the amount of complex switching which may otherwise be required.
9 Data may be transferred from the computer to a base station in any suitable manner. In a preferred arrangement the computer includes a PCMCIA card with integral hard drive - this arrangement allows rapid transfer to data to a base station or replacement vehicle, and furthermore 5 permits easy removal of the valuable system components at the end of the working day. Other methods of data transfer, such as removable discs and drive mechanisms or those using digital or infra red communication are possible.
A manual entry keypad 25 and text display 26 may be provided at the rear of the vehicle for communicating information between the computer 21 and the operator(s). Two way communication is envisaged, for example to permit display of the next street address or special pick-up arrangements to the operator, or to allow the operator to enter information that a bin is damaged or missing.
In the circumstance where only some waste containers are fitted with transponders, the keypad permits entry of identification data prior to activation of the lifting apparatus. The system may require such data to be 22 0 received, either manually or via a transponder, before releasing a interlock preventing container lifter operation. On receipt of manually entered identification data, the computer 21 interrogates the device 18 as explained above, and may execute a routine whereby the weight difference on Upstroke and downstroke is recognised, or may cease to interrogate the device 18 on input of a second manual signal, for example prompted by the display 26.
If identification data is not received, the system may default to another mode requiring manual data entry, or the determination of container type indirectly, such as by monitoring whether lifters are being used simultaneously, or whether special lifting arms are in use.
A particular advantage of the feature is that calibration information for the weight sensor is held in the control device 18. Accordingly, the output thereof is indicative of the actual weight sensed. In the event of a vehicle malfunction, the computer can be transferred to an alternative vehicle, and requires no reprogramming such as would be required if calibration data were held directly as part of the computer information. The modular nature of the system ensures that maintenance and servicing is facilitated, particularly if a particular load cell requires replacement or re-calibration. In such circumstances the computer is not required as part of the installation, and is not therefore idle at times when the vehicle is out of service.
Although the invention has been described in relation to container loading at the rear, the invention is equally applicable to side loading and front 0 loading of containers of all types, and to skip motors.
The system of the invention can also be integrated into an axle weight device to ensure vehicle loading remains within legislative limits.

Claims (1)

11 Claims
1. A control system for use in a vehicle having a load cell adapted to weigh containers, the system comprising a first control device for association with a load cell and' adapted to generate an output representative of a weight sensed by said load cell, and a second control device having a memory, the second control device interrogating said first control device in response to a data input identifying a container and recording said output with said input in said memory.
2. A control system according to claim I wherein the first control device comprises a ROM and the second control device comprises a RAM.
3. A control -system according to claim 2 wherein the first control device is a programmable logic controller, and the second control device is a personal computer.
4. A control system according to any preceding claim wherein said second control device is adapted to control and/or monitor one of vehicle -)0 operating function, vehicle routing, and video camera display.
5. A control system according to claim 4 wherein said second control device provides electronic and/or voice communication to other communication sites.
6. A control system according to any preceding claim, and adapted to acquire container identification data automatically on movement of a waste container mounted transponder into the field of an antenna.
12 7. A control system according to any of claims 1-5 and adapted to acquire container identification data on receipt of a trigger signal generated by a proximity switch indicating movement of a waste container into a predetermined position.
8. A control system according to any preceding claim wherein said second control device is adapted to activate or suspend functions of a vehicle.
9. A method of recording in a second control device information from a load cell of a vehicle, the load cell being associated with a first control device adapted to generate an output representative of the weight sensed by the load cell, the method comprising the steps of- identifying to the second control device a container to be weighed; weighing the container; causing the second control device to interrogate the first control device to determine an output thereof-, and recording the output in the second control device in association with the identity of the container.
10. A method according to claim 8 wherein said identifying step comprises automatically sensing a container identity on passing of a container mounted transponder into the field of a vehicle mounted antenna, and the method causes the second control device to interrogate the first control device whilst said transponder is within said field.
11. A method accordinQ to claim 9 or claim 10 and further including the steps of causing said second control device to interrogate said first control 13 device selectively in order to determine outputs representative of a plurality of load cells associated with said first control device, and summing said outputs in a register.
GB0022113A 1999-09-08 2000-09-08 Identification and weighing of refuse containers Withdrawn GB2354830A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9921078.3A GB9921078D0 (en) 1999-09-08 1999-09-08 A weighing system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0022113D0 GB0022113D0 (en) 2000-10-25
GB2354830A true GB2354830A (en) 2001-04-04

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GBGB9921078.3A Ceased GB9921078D0 (en) 1999-09-08 1999-09-08 A weighing system
GB0022113A Withdrawn GB2354830A (en) 1999-09-08 2000-09-08 Identification and weighing of refuse containers

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB9921078.3A Ceased GB9921078D0 (en) 1999-09-08 1999-09-08 A weighing system

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1428772A1 (en) * 2002-12-10 2004-06-16 PM Group PLC Weighing method in particular for weighing waste materials
ITBO20080582A1 (en) * 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Fermo A S I T E S R L METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE QUANTITY AND TYPE OF WASTE PRODUCED BY A DATA SUBJECT PRODUCER AND COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM THAT IMPLEMENTS THIS METHOD
CN103302078A (en) * 2013-06-09 2013-09-18 北京晶方铭远科贸有限公司 Garbage collection management system and garbage collection method
FR3010058A1 (en) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-06 Rf Conception METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF WASTE CONTAINER
WO2021064210A1 (en) * 2019-10-02 2021-04-08 Advanced Manufacturing Control Systems Ltd Refuse collection vehicle weighing system

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0402352A1 (en) * 1989-06-08 1990-12-12 M-U-T Maschinen-Umwelttechnik- Transportanlagen Gesellschaft M.B.H. Weighing system for refuse material
GB2253066A (en) * 1991-02-19 1992-08-26 Toter Inc Weighing the contents of a container
US5230393A (en) * 1991-06-27 1993-07-27 Mezey Armand G Refuse collection and weighing system
US5401915A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-03-28 Fritz Schafer Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Identification unit for garbage cans
US5416706A (en) * 1984-04-27 1995-05-16 Hagenbuch; Leroy G. Apparatus for identifying containers from which refuse is collected and compiling a historical record of the containers
EP0752578A1 (en) * 1995-07-06 1997-01-08 Terberg Machines B.V. Weighing device

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5416706A (en) * 1984-04-27 1995-05-16 Hagenbuch; Leroy G. Apparatus for identifying containers from which refuse is collected and compiling a historical record of the containers
EP0402352A1 (en) * 1989-06-08 1990-12-12 M-U-T Maschinen-Umwelttechnik- Transportanlagen Gesellschaft M.B.H. Weighing system for refuse material
US5401915A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-03-28 Fritz Schafer Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Identification unit for garbage cans
GB2253066A (en) * 1991-02-19 1992-08-26 Toter Inc Weighing the contents of a container
US5230393A (en) * 1991-06-27 1993-07-27 Mezey Armand G Refuse collection and weighing system
EP0752578A1 (en) * 1995-07-06 1997-01-08 Terberg Machines B.V. Weighing device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1428772A1 (en) * 2002-12-10 2004-06-16 PM Group PLC Weighing method in particular for weighing waste materials
ITBO20080582A1 (en) * 2008-09-24 2010-03-25 Fermo A S I T E S R L METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE QUANTITY AND TYPE OF WASTE PRODUCED BY A DATA SUBJECT PRODUCER AND COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM THAT IMPLEMENTS THIS METHOD
CN103302078A (en) * 2013-06-09 2013-09-18 北京晶方铭远科贸有限公司 Garbage collection management system and garbage collection method
CN103302078B (en) * 2013-06-09 2016-02-17 晶方铭远（北京）包装技术有限公司 Rubbish recycling management system and rubbish recovering method
FR3010058A1 (en) * 2013-08-29 2015-03-06 Rf Conception METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF WASTE CONTAINER
WO2021064210A1 (en) * 2019-10-02 2021-04-08 Advanced Manufacturing Control Systems Ltd Refuse collection vehicle weighing system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9921078D0 (en) 1999-11-10
GB0022113D0 (en) 2000-10-25

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