GB1567194A - Method and apparatus for refuse handling - Google Patents

Description

(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REFUSE HANDLING (71) We, CARRIER CORPORATION, a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, having its principal place of business at Syracuse, New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following state ment :- This invention relates to a refuse handling method and apparatus.

One aspect of environmental consideration which has become of major concern involves the disposal of refuse. The need for practicable techniques for disposing of the great amounts of rubbish being produced daily has given rise to a number of proposals in this area. One common approach has been to dump refuse into sanitary land fill areas. A more recent development involves the transfer of refuse to a refuse-handling facility, such as a power generating plant wherein the refuse is consumed as fuel in the production of energy. In order to assure the economic feasibility of these techniques, it is important that they be performed in as efficient and economical a fashion as possible. The present invention involves one stage of this technique, namely the transfer of refuse from one or more remote stations to the disposal area.

According to conventional practice, refuse is collected by trucks which travel from one source of refuse to another. When the truck is full, it is driven to the disposal area and emptied, and then returned to pick up more refuse. Recently, transfer stations have been introduced to the system to minimize travel of individual trucks from refuse pick-up points to the disposal area.

These transfer stations include a compaction device which receives refuse from the collection trucks, and then compresses the refuse, so that it will occupy a smaller volume. The refuse is then transferred to another larger vehicle by which it is transported to the disposal area. An example of one of these systems is disclosed in U.S.

Bowles patent No. 3,610,139.

These conventional transfer stations require personnel to operate the packer, as well as attendants to supervise the loading of refuse from the packer into trucks. Often time is lost in attempting to align the truck body with the packer, so that the refuse is transferred into the truck body without spillage.

It would be desirable to perform such operations with a minimal number of onhand personnel. Understandably significant savings can be realized from a system requiring little supervision and attention.

Of course, this should be accomplished while avoiding the use of unduly complicated and sophisticated equipment which typically involves high costs and frequent servicing.

The present invention provides refuse handling apparatus comprising: a refuse container having a vertically slidable closure; a carriage for removably supporting said container; a refuse packer assembly for loading refuse into said refuse container; a loading dock including track means for supporting said carriage for limited movement towards and away from said packer assembly; power means positioned on said loading dock for moving said carriage towards said packer assembly to a refuse loading position and away from said packer assembly to a container removal position; and a refuse clearing member for clearing refuse situated between said packer assembly and said container subsequent to said container being loaded with refuse, said refuse clearing member including a cutting edge for severing refuse, and an inclined refuse de flecting surface located under a bottom edge of said closure when said container is in the refuse loading position for deflecting refuse situated beneath said closure into said container when said closure is lowered.

The invention also provides a method of handling refuse comprising: removably supporting a refuse container on a carriage, said container having a vertically slidable closure: movably supporting said carriage for limited movement along track means towards and away from a refuse packer assembly; moving said carriage towards said packer assembly to a refuse loading position; loading refuse into said refuse container; clearing refuse situated between said packer assembly and said container after said container has been loaded with refuse, said clearing step comprising locating a cutting edge and a refuse deflecting surface beneath a bottom edge of said vertically slidable closure, severing refuse with said cutting edge, and deflecting severed refuse into said container when said vertical slidable closure is lowered; and moving said container on said carriage away from said packer assembly to a container removal position.

The invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : - Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a refuse handling apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a refuse container being carried by a lift vehicle; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a container securing mechanism employed at a refuse unloading station; Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of an alternative form of refuse transfer station; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer station taken along line 6-6 of Fig.

5 and depicting a refuse container mounted on the loading carriage; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer station taken along line 7-7 of Fig.

5; Figs. 8a to 8g are schematic views corresponding to Fig. 6 and depicting the sequential refuse loading operation of the transfer station; Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view depicting a plurality of refuse transfer stations and a power generating plant; Figs. 10a to lOd are schematic side elevational views of a refuse unloading station depicting the sequential unloading operation; Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a loading station for loading refuse into a container; Fig. 12 is a plan view of the loading station of Fig. 11 with the refuse container being removed and with a portion of a packer assembly being broken away for clarity; Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of the packer assembly taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 11, depicting a refuse clearing member in its downward position;; Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of a front portion of the packer assembly depicting the clearing member in its downward position; Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 depicting the clearing member in an upward position; Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 14 directing the clearing member in its upward position; Fig. 16A is a schematic side elevational view of front portion of the packer assembly and a situation which might occur during a loading operation; Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 13 depicting the relationship between the front end of the packer assembly and the front end of the container as the container is shifted toward a refuse loading position;; Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 13 depicting the relationship between the front end of the packer assembly and the front end of the container when the container is disposed in the refuse loading position; Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 13 depicting a locking mechanism for securing the container against movement relative to the packer assembly; Fig. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fluid actuated unit for operating the locking mechanism taken along line 20-20 in Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a side elevational view, with parts broken away, depicting the relationship between the front end of the packer assembly and the front end of the container as the latter approaches a refuse loading position; ; Fig. 22 is a side elevational view, with parts broken away, depicting the relationship between the front end of the packer assembly and the front end of the container with the container being disposed in the refuse loading position; Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 22 depicting a closure member of the container being raised by the refuse clearing member; Fig. 24 is a rear-end view of the container, with parts broken away, depicting a mechanism for controlling the rate of rearward movement of an ejector head of the container; Fig. 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25-25 of Fig. 24 with a portion of a guide channel broken away; Fig. 26 is a schematic illustration of the container weighing circuitry for controlling operation of the packer assembly in accordance with container weight;; Fig. 27 is a schematic view of a hydraulic circuit for actuating hydraulic piston-andcylinder devices at the loading station; and Figs. 28A to 28D are schematic views of an electric circuit for actuating the hydraulic circuitry.

In Figs. 1 to 10 there is depicted a refuse transfer station or loading station 8 according to the present invention. The transfer station includes a plurality of adjacently disposed dumping pits 10 which service a series of refuse packer assemblies 12. Each dumping pit is situated for receiving refuse dumped from collection trucks 14 of a conventional nature. An endless conveyor 16 is positioned at the bottom of each pit, the conveyors being arranged to transfer refuse from the dumping pits to the packer assemblies. The packer assemblies each include a refuse hopper 18 whose refuse inlet opening 20 (Fig. 2) is situated below the discharge end of the associated transfer conveyor 16. In this manner, refuse that is dumped into the pits from the trucks 14 is transferred to the interior of the hoppers 18.

Each hopper 18 includes a front discharge opening 21 situated ahead of the refuse inlet 20. The rear of the packer is enclosed by a movable packer head 22. A suitable power mechanism, such as a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 24, is connected to the packer head 22 to reciprocate the latter forwardly and rearwardly within the hopper 18 (Fig. 8a). During a forward stroke the packer head 22 is operable to discharge forwardly through the discharge opening 21 refuse which has been deposited within the hopper 18.

Disposed in front of the packer assembly 12 is a container loading dock 26 (Fig. 8a).

The loading dock 26 includes a plurality of tracks 28 which slidably support the wheels 30 of a reciprocable loading carriage 32. A hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 34 (Fig. 8b) mounted on a fixed frame 36 on the loading dock is connected to the underside of the loading carriage 32 to reciprocate the latter toward and away from the discharge opening 21 of the packer assembly 12.

The carriage 32 is adapted to support a container 40 in alignment with the discharge opening 21. The container 40 includes, top, bottom, and side walls, and a bulkhead, or ejector head 42 (Fig. 10a) that is reciprocable relative to such walls.

The container further includes a tailgate 44 located at a forward end thereof (Fig. 3).

This tailgate 44 is hingedly mounted to the upper portion of the container to permit upward swinging movement of the tailgate about a horizontal axis. The tailgate has an opening in its upper portion which may be covered by a slidable door panel 46 (Figs. 3, 8c). The tailgate 44 and the door panel 46 serve as closures for the front of the container 40. During a loading operation the tailgate 44 is maintained in a closed condition by a latch located on the underside of the tailgate 44 and the door panel 46 is held open as will be discussed subsequently.

The loading dock is sunken relative to the packer assembly so that the opening of the container 40 exposed by the sliding panel 46 is generally aligned with the discharge opening 21 of the packer assembly during a loading operation.

Disposed at the discharge opening 21 of the hopper 18 is a refuse clearing member 48 which is vertically slidable across the discharge opening 21 in guillotine-like fashion. During its downward descent, the refuse clearing member 48 sweeps across the front face of the packer head 22 and deflects refuse into the container 40. A fluid actuated piston-and-cylinder device 50 is provided on a fixed frame 52 for vertically reciprocating the clearing member 48. The clearing member 48 includes a lifting arm 54 (Fig. 8a) which projects toward the container 40. The sliding door panel 46 includes a projection 56 which is disposed above the lifting arm 54 and is positioned so as to overlie the lifting arm 54 when the container is in a loading position (Fig. 8b) and the clearing member 48 is in its lowermost position.As a result, raising of the clearing member 48 brings the lifting arm 54 into contact with the projection 56 and the door panel 46 is raised.

For reasons to be subsequently explained, the ejector head 42 is preferably located in a forward position prior to initiation of a refuse-loading operation (Figs. 8a-8c).

During loading of the container by the packer head 22, the ejector head 42 is forced progressively rearwardly (Figs. 8d-8f).

It is preferable to provide a power actuable hook arrangement 55 (Fig. 6) at the front of the packer assembly for locking the container against movement relative to the packer assembly when the former is situated in a loading position.

The piston-and-cylinder devices 24, 34 and 50 for reciprocating the packer head 22, the loading carriage 32, and the clearing member 48, are actuated from a central control panel at a main control station.

These piston-and-cylinder devices are preferably solenoid actuated, with electrical signals to the solenoids being controlled by an operator at the central control panel.

In this manner, a single operator is able to control all phases of the refuse loading operation.

Since these piston-and-cylinder devices are permanently located at the loading station, there is no need for special hookups to be made with the containers as would be required if any of such devices were mounted on the containers.

The container 40 can be laid upon and removed from the carriage 32 in any suitable fashion, such as by means of a specialized lift truck 60 (Fig. 3) capable of lifting and supporting the container between the carriage 32 and a transport vehicle. The truck 60 includes lift plate 62 which is movable horizontally upon a support 64, the later being movable vertically upon a frame 66. Suitable connectors, such as hooks, for example, can be provided to engage a container 40. The truck 60 has the advantage that containers can be moved freely about a yard and stacked. The truck 60 picks up a container from the carriage 32 and carries it to a suitable transport vehicle, such as a railroad car, and vice versa.

Alternatively, an overhead crane system 70 as depicted in Figs. 5-7 can be used for handling the containers 40 in lieu of a specialized srtuck. The crane system 70 includes a pair of rails 72 upon which are mounted two pairs of traveling slides 74.

Each pair of slides carries a hoisting plate 76 by means of winch-actuated cables 78.

The plate 76 can thus be raised and lowered by the cables 78 and displaced transversely along the tracks 72 between the transfer station 8 and transport stations 80, 82. The transport stations 80, 82 can comprise rail mounted flat-cars 84 which are adapted to carry the containers 40. Thus, filled containers 40 can be conveniently transferred to one transport station 82 for delivery to a power generating plant P (Fig. 9), and empty containers 40 can be transferred from the transport station 84 to the transfer station 8.

Upon arrival of a filled container 40 at the power plant P it can be removed from the transport vehicle by a specialized truck 60 or other suitable container-handling system, such as an overhead crane system 70.

The power plant P includes a refusehandling facility to which the refuse is initially delivered for subsequent processing.

This facility can include a conveyor 90 (Fig. 10d) arranged at a refuse unloading station 91 to receive incoming refuse. The unloading station 91 includes an unloading dock 92 which carries a series of track segments 94 supporting the wheels 96 of an unloading carriage 98. These tracks 94 support the unloading carriage 98 for limited reciprocable movement towards and away from a discharge zone 100 adjacent the conveyor 90. A hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 102 is affixed to a framework 104 on the unloading dock 91 and is operably connected to the unloading carriage 98 to reciprocate the latter.

The unloading carriage includes two locking devices 106 (Fig. 4) arranged to receive two associated rear corners of a container 40. These locking devices 106 include a swiveling lock bar 108 which can be rotated by a fluid actuated pistonand-cylinder device 110. The container 40 has an aperture at these two corners aligned with and receiving a bar 108 when the container is seated upon the unloading carriage 98. Subsequent rotation of the lock bars 108 within the recess, in the manner of a bayonet connection serves to secure the container against movement relative to the unloading carriage 98.

A gate opening mechanism 112 is mounted at the discharge zone and includes a framework 114 upon which is pivotably mounted an arm 116. The pivotal arm 116 carries a swingable latch 118. The latch 118 can be rotated about a horizontal axis by a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device (not shown) mounted on the arm 116. The arm 116 is swingable by a hydraulic pistonand-cylinder device 120. The gate 44 of the counter 40 carries an extension 122 which, when the container has been shifted forwardly to an unloading position by the hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 102 (Fig. 10b), can be grabbed by the latch 118. When the container is in the unloading position, the latch which locks the tailgate 44 is released by suitable actuation of a power device mounted on the unloading carriage.Retraction of the hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 120 serves to pivot the arm 116 and the gate 44 upwardly to fully expose the front end of the container 40.

An ejector-displacing mechanism 124 is mounted at the rear-end of the unloading carriage 98. This ejector-displacing mechanism preferably comprises a telescoping hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly 126 which carries an abutment member 128.

Extension of the assembly 126 brings the abutment member 128 into engagement with the rear side of the ejector head 42 and shifts the latter forwardly to dispel the contents of the container (Fig. 10d). Subsequent retraction of the telescoping pistonand-cylinder assembly 126 shifts the abutment member 128 away from the ejector head, leaving the latter situated at the front of the container 40 in the manner depicted in Fig. 8a.

The fluid actuated piston-and-cylinder devices 102, 120, and 126 for operating the unloading carriage 98, the arm 116 and the ejector head 42, and the piston-and-cylinder device for operating the latch 118, are preferably of the solenoid-actuated type and are actuated from a main control panel at the unloading station. Consequently, unloading of the containers requires a minimal number of personnel. Since the pistonand-cylinder devices are permanently mounted at the unloading station, rather than being carried by the container, there is no need for special hook-ups once the container is positioned upon the unloading carriage 98.

Refuse is collected by collection vehicles 14 and is carried to an associated transfer station 8, as is depicted diagrammatically in Fig. 9. These vehicles dump their contents into one of the dump pits 10 at the transfer station. The dumped refuse is deposited through the refuse inlet 20 of the hopper 18 by the conveyor 16. An empty container 40 is positioned upon the loading carriage 32 with the latter being located in a rearward, or container-receiving position (Fig. 8a). As a result, the container 40 becomes aligned with the discharge opening 21 of the hopper 18.

From the main control panel at the loading station the hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 34 is actuated to advance the carriage 32, and thus the container 40, forwards into a container loading position adjacent the packer assembly (Fig. 8b). In response to this movement the projection 56 of the container overlies the lifting arm 54. Subsequent actuation of the hydraulic pistonand-cylinder device 50 from the main control panel raises the clearing member 48 and the sliding door panel 46 (Fig. 8c).

The packer head 22 is then advanced to discharge refuse into the container (Fig. 8d).

In response to continued cycling of the packer head 22 and continued insertion of refuse into hopper 18 the container 40 becomes gradually filled. Dunring this procedure, the ejector head 42 is gradually shifted rearwardly under the action of the incoming refuse. It may be desirable, particularly for packing in short containers, to leave the ejector head in its rearward position (Fig. 8f) during the loading operation.

When the container has been suitablv loaded, reciprocation of the packer head 22 is halted, and the hydraulic piston-andcylinder device 50 is actuated from the main control panel to lower the clearing member 48. The door panel 46 also descends at this time. It may be desirable to provide a shoulder on the clearing member 48 disposed over the top of the sliding door panel 46 so as to force the door panel closed in the event that resistance to downward movement is encountered.

Subsequently, the loading carriage 32 is withdrawn from the packer assembly 12 by actuation of the hydraulic piston-and cylinder device 34. The container 40 is subsequently lifted from the loading carriage by the vehicle 60 (Fig. 3) for example and transferred onto a transport vehicle, such as the railcars 84, and is shipped to the power plant P. Until needed as fuel, refuse can be stored in the container 40 at the power plant since the containers themselves constitute convenient, economical storage units for the refuse.

When it is desired to empty the container, the container 40 is seated upon the unloading carriage 98 at the unloading dock 91 (Fig. 10a). Each lock bar 108 (Fig. 4) on the unloading carriage enters its associated aperture at the corners of the container 40. Rotation of these lockbars by the piston-and-cylinder device 110 locks the container to the carriage 98.

The hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 102 is actuated by the main control operator at the main control panel to shift the unloading carriage 98 and the container 40 forwards to the discharge zone (Fig. 10b).

As previously mentioned, the latch which locks the tailgate 44 is unlocked through actuation of a power device mounted on the unloading carriage 98. The latch 118 is then rotated upwards to capture the extention 122 of the tailgate 44. The hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 120 tis then actuated to swing the tailgate 44 upwardly (Fig. 10c). Subsequent extension of the telescoping piston-and-cylinder assembly 126 brings the abutment member 128 into pushing engagement with the ejector head 42. The ejector head is thus displaced forwardly 10 expel refuse from the container onto the conveyor 90. When unloading of the container has been accomplished, reverse actuation of the hydraulic piston-and-cylinder devices is effected to close and lock the tailgate, retract the abutment member 128, and withdraw the container from the discharge zone.The container, with its ejector head 42 preferably being disposed in a forward position, can then be lifted from the unloading carriage 98 and deposited onto a suitable transporting vehicle for return shipment to the transfer station for refilling. Of course, a continuous flow of containers will be established in that the loading of containers occurs as other containers are being transported, stored, and/or unloaded.

It will be realized that the present invention provides a highly simplified and economical system for transporting refuse from one point to another. Importantly, loading and unloading functions can be performed at each point by an operator at a main control panel. That is, once a container is deposited onto the loading or unloading carriages, it becomes instantly aligned with the packer assembly and the discharge zone, respectively, and the loading and unloading functions can be accomplished by activation of hydraulic piston-andcylinder devices mounted at the loading and unloading stations. Such actuation occurs independently on the container, i.e., there are no actuators mounted on the container that need to be coupled to a control system at the loading and unloading stations. As a result, personnel requirements are minimized. Also the cost of the containers is minimized.Since it is envisioned that many containers will be required, this advantage is substantial.

Moreover, due to the relatively low cost of the containers, they can serve as economical storage units for storing refuse at the handling facility.

A preferred embodiment of a loading station 8 in accordance with the present invention is described in Figs. 11 to 28 and includes a packer assembly 12 and a loading dock 26 (Fig. 11) disposed thereahead. The packer assembly includes a refuse hopper 18. The hopper 18 includes side walls 218, a bottom wall 220, and a top wall 222 which define a forwardly open discharge opening or mouth 224. The top wall 222 provides an inlet 226 for receiving refuse that is supplied to the hopper 18 in any convenient manner. A packer head 22 is mounted for reciprocation within the hopper 18. The top of the packer head 22 is spaced from the top wall 222 of the hopper to define a gap 229 (Fig. 16A) therebetween. A suitable power actuable mechanism, such as a hydraulic piston-andcylinder device 24, is connected to the packer head to reciprocate the latter forwardly and rearwardly.During a forward stroke, the packer head 22 is operable to discharge refuse from the open mouth 224 of the hopper.

The loading dock 26 includes four sections 28 of track which slidably support the wheels 30 of a reciprocable loading carriage 32. The carriage 32 includes side and end beams 238, 240 and a series of cross beams 242. Flanges 244 connected between pairs of cross beams serve to rotatably mount the wheels 30. As will be discussed, the cross beams 242 are arranged to removably support a refuse container 40.

The track sections 28 are mounted on a weigh bridge 252, the latter being seated at its corners upon a plurality of load cells 254. As will be explained subsequently, the load cells 254 function to weigh the container during a loading operation.

A power actuable mechanism 256 is mounted on the loading dock 26 to reciprocate the carriage 32 toward and away from the packer assembly 12. More particularly, a stationary support 258 situated beneath the carriage 32 carries a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder device 34 which is connected to a cross beam of the carriage.

Front and rear bumper members 260, 262 limit the fore and aft movement of the carriage.

The refuse container 40 includes top, bottom, and side walls 264, 266, 268 (see Figs. 11, 4), and a movable rear wall or ejector head 42 slidably mounted in guide channels on the side walls, as will be discussed subsequently. In this manner, the ejector head 42 is capable of fore and aft movement within the container 40.

The container further includes a tailgate 44 located at one end thereof. This tailgate 44 is hingedly mounted to the upper portion of the container to permit upward swinging movement of the tailgate about a horizontal axis. A bottom portion of the tailgate is closed by a plate 271 (Figs. 2123). The tailgate has an opening 273 in its upper portion and a vertically slidable door panel 276 for covering this opening 273 (Fig. 21). That is, the door panel 276 includes vertical channel brackets 278 that are slidable along upright guide bars 280 carried by the tailgate (Fig. 17). The lower edge of the door panel normally rests atop a downwardly and inwardly inclined stop ledge 279 of a horizontal beam 281 which defines the lower edge of the opening 273.

The tailgate 44 and the door panel 276 serves as closures for the front of the container. During a loading operation the tailgate 44 is maintained in a closed condition and the door panel 276 is opened by means to be discussed subsequently. During unloading of refuse the tailgate is opened.

The loading dock 26 is oriented relative to the packer assembly so that the opening 273 of the container 40 exposed by the sliding panel 276 is generally aligned with the mouth 224 of the packer assembly during a loading operation.

The container 40 is dimensioned to fit upon the loading carriage 32. The container 40 is operable to be lifted from and lowered onto the loading carriage 32 by means of any suitable lifting apparatus, such as a suitable motorized lift truck (not shown).

The carriage 32 includes a series of corner flanges at the corners thereof within which the container 40 is nestingly received. This prevents displacement of the container during a loading operation.

Mounted at the front of the packer assembly 12 is a refuse clearing assemblv 290 (Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 23). The refuse clearing assembly 290 includes a stationary framework 52 mounted between the carriage 32 and the packer assembly 12. The framework 52 includes a pair of upstanding posts 294 which straddle the mouth 224 of the hopper 18 and a cross bar 296 intersecting the tops of the posts 294 (Fig. 13). Along outer sides of the posts are provided vertical guide bars 298, 299 which define vertical guide channels 302. Slidably mounted in these channels is a reciprocable clearing body 304.The clearing body 304 includes a pair of upstanding side sections 306, a top section 308 interconnecting the top ends of the side sections 306 and a lower section 310 interconnecting the lower ends of the side sections 306, thereby leaving the central portion 312 of the clearing body open (Fig. 13). The lower section 310 includes a horizontal cutting edge 314 formed by a bevel face 315 (Fig. 21). As the clearing body travels downwardly, the cutting edge 314 sweeps across the mouth of the hopper in guillotine-like fashion so as to sever any refuse in its path. Projecting from the side sections 306 are guide bars 316 which are slidably received within the vertical guide channels 302 of the framework 52 (Fig. 17).Suspended from the cross bar of the framework is a power actuable mechanism, preferably in the form of a pair of hydraulic piston-and-cylinder devices 50 which are connected to the top section 308 of the clearing body. Retraction of these hydraulic piston-and-cylinder devices 50 raises the clearing body (Figs. 15, 16), and extension of the devices 50 lowers the clearing body so as to sweep the cutting edge 314 across the mouth 224 of the packer hopper 18.

A plurality of brackets 319 are employed to secure the guide bars 298, 299 to the upstanding posts 294. Also, a plurality of flanges 317 are mounted to upper portions of the guide bars 298, 299 to guide the door panel 276 in its upper stages of travel as will be discussed.

Mounted on the top section 308 of the clearing body are a pair of lift arms 320 (Figs. 13, 21). The lift arms 320 project through openings 322 formed in the tbp section 308. Each lift arm includes an inner end which is pivotally mounted at 324 on the packer side of the clearing body for vertical swinging movement, and an outer end 326 facing the loading dock. Preferably, each lift arm 320 has a slight upward angular profile as depicted in Fig. 21.

Downward swinging movement of the arms is limited by means of a stop shoulder defined by a wall 328 of the openings 322.

The lift arms 320 cooperate with a lift plate 330 which projects forwardly from an upper portion of the door panel 276.

That is, the lift arms 320 are arranged to underly this lift plate 330 as the container is advanced toward the packer assembly 12. As depicted in Figs. 21 and 22, the lift fingers are engaged by a front surface 338 of the advancing door panel 276 and are thereby caused to swing upwardly in response to continued advancement of the container. Thereupon, the upwardly swinging arms 320 abut a raising surface on the underside of the lift plate 330, causing the entire door panel 276 to be partially lifted as the container advances. In this manner, the container is able to assume a position wherein the end of the opening 273 is essentially flush with the hopper mouth 224 to minimize spillage of refuse during actual loading of the refuse.

A pair of brackets 335 are secured to the top section 308 of the clearing body 304.

These brackets 335 define shoulders which are disposed in overlying relation to the door panel 276 when the door panel has ben lifted by the arms 320. As a result, during downward travel of the clearing body 304, closing of the door 276 will be power-assisted.

The clearing body has, along its bottom section 310 on the container-facing side, a plate 336. This plate includes a refuse deflection surface 332 which is inclined upwardly and outwardly from the cutting edge 314 in general alignment with the bevel face 315 (Fig. 21). As the clearing body 304 sweeps across the front face of the packer head 22 at the end of a container loading operation, refuse is deflected into the container opening 273 (Fig. 23) by the bevel face 315 and the deflecting surface 332. This action, in conjunction with the cutting performed by the cutting edge 314, serves to clear refuse from the end of the opening 273, allowing the door 276 to be closed.

As a container 40 is advanced toward the packer assembly and the lift arms 320 partially raise the door panel 276 as previously mentioned, the bottom edge of the door panel 276 is allowed to move into overlying relationship with the surface 332.

During downward travel of the door panel, the deflecting surface 332 clears the way for the door panel by deflecting refuse located therebelow into the container. In this manner, closing of the door panel is facilitated.

When the container 40 has been advanced by the carriage 32 to a loading position preparatory to a loading operation, the container 40 is secured relative to the packer assembly 12 prior to operation of the packer. This is achieved by means of a latching assembly 350 (Fig. 19). The latching assembly 350 includes a pair of locking arms 352, 353, preferably hook-shaped, that are pivotally mounted for horizontal swinging movement on brackets 354 at the front of the hopper 18 below the hopper mouth 224. Connected to both of these locking arms 352, 353 is a power actuable mechanism in the form of a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit 356 (Fig. 20). The hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit 356 includes a sleeve 358 having slide bushings 360 mounted therein. Mounted for reciprocable movement within the sleeve is a floating hydraulic cylinder housing 362.

The cylinder housing 362 is pivotably mounted to a connecting rod 364 which, in turn, is pivotably connected to one of the hooks 353. Reciprocably mounted within the cylinder housing 362 is a piston 366 carrying a piston rod 368. Pivotably connected to the piston rod 368 is another connecting rod 370 which is pivotably connected to the other hook 352. Hydraulic fittings 372, 374 are provided in the cylinder housing 362 for connection to conventional flexible fluid hoses 376 for admitting hydraulic fluid to opposite sides of the piston 366. The application of pressurized fluid to one side of the piston via fitting 372 causes the piston 366 to be shifted in one direction (i.e., to the right in Fig. 20) and causes the cylinder housing to be shifted in the opposite direction (i.e., to the left in Fig. 20).As a result, the hooks 352, 353 are pivoted inwardly to lock ing positions (Fig. 19). Application of hydraulic fluid to the opposite side of the piston 366 via fitting 374 reverses this movement of the piston and cylinder housing, causing the hooks to be swung outwardly to unlocking positions.

The container side walls 268 include a pair of upright beams 380, each beam including a steel rod 382 situated along a rear end thereof (Fig. 19). The rods 382 define abutment surfaces to be engaged by the hooks when the latter are in locking positions. During a locking procedure, the carriage actuating piston-and-cylinder device 34 advances the loading carriage 32 and the container 40 toward the packer assembly 12 such that the rods are advanced beyond a point necessary for engagement with the locking arms 352, 353. The hydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit 356 is then actuated to swing the locking arms 352, 353 inwardly to locking positions. Thereafter, the carriage actuating piston-and-cylinder device 34 is retracted to back the rods 382 into firm engagement with the hooks as depicted in Fig. 19. In this manner, the container is firmly held against the locking arms 352, 353.Also, a slight spacing is provided between the front of the container 40 and the clearing body 304 to allow the body to travel generally unimpededly.

Even more importantly, as the container 40 is being loaded by the packer, the firm contact between the container and locking arms 352, 353 tends to minimize vibration.

During a loading operation, the packer head 22 rams refuse into the opening 273 of the container. As the refuse bears against the ejector head 42 of the container, it tends to displace the ejector head rearwardly. Advantageously, mechanicallyinduced friction forces are imparted to the ejector head so as to resist such rearward displacement in a controlled manner. In so doing, the refuse being loaded is caused to be compacted, thereby maximizing the use of container space. A compaction control mechanism for imparting the mechanically induced friction forces is set forth in detail below.

The second end 401 (Fig. 11) of the container 40 is open. To provide an enclosed volume for receiving refuse material in the container, the container has a longitudinally slidable refuse restraining assembly that prevents discharge of refuse material from the open end 401. The refuse restraining assembly includes the transverse bulkhead assembly 42 that can slide betwen the ends of the container 40.

The container walls 268 (see Fig. 24) are each provided on their inner surface with a guide assembly 402. The guide assembly 402 may comprise, for example, a U-shaped channel member 403 which is mounted on the corresponding side wall 268 so that it extends longitudinally along the container cavity. Each channel member 403 is spaced above the horizontal floor 404 and may be provided with beveled support members 405, 406. The beveled support members 405, 406, are connected to the wall 268 and engage the U-shape channel 403 adjacent the open end thereof such that a longitudinal slot is provided along the side wall 268 on the inside of the container 40. The beveled support members 405, 406 help to avoid unnecessary corners in which refuse material may become lodged. The two guide assemblies 402 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the longitudinal centreline of the container 40.

The bulkhead assembly 42 includes a frame assembly 407 (see Fig. 25) having a vertically extending portion 408 and a horizontally extending portion 409. The horizontally extending portion 409 is provided with a pair of flanges 410. Each flange 410 extends toward a corresponding side wall 268 and has a pair of spaced apart shoes 411, 412 on the under side. The shoes 411, 412 on a horizontal surface of a corresponding channel 403 and guide the bulkhead assembly during longitudinal translation in the container.

Each flange 410 also has a second pair of shoes 413, 414 positioned on the upper side thereof in general vertical alignment with the lower shoes 411, 412. The upper shoes 413, 414 preferably have a small clearance with the upper horizontal surface of the guide member 403. The upper shoes 413, 414 provide stability from tipping of the frame assembly about a horizontal axis extending between the side walls 268.

The vertically upstanding frame portion 408 includes a generally vertical bulkhead portion 415 at the upper end thereof. Below the generally vertical bulkhead portion 415 is an inclined bulkhead portion 416 having its upper edge connected to the lower edge of the vertical bulkhead portion 415. The inclined bulkhead portion 416 is partially supported by the horizontal frame portion 409 and has a lower edge 417.

The bulkhead assembly also includes a transversely extending beam 418 (Fig. 24) which is part of a vertically displaceable frame assembly. Attached to each end of the beam 418 is an L-shaped angle section 419 which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the beam 418. Each angle section 419 has a projecting finger-like flange 420 which is positioned to be received in the corresponding U-shaped channel 403. Each flange 420 has a pad 421 of suitable friction material on the upper surface thereof.

To prevent the beam 418 from moving laterally with respect to the bulkhead assembly, the horizontal frame portion 409 is provided, on each side, with a pair of short vertical guides 422, 423 (Fig. 25).

The vertical guides 422, 423 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction to accommodate the beam 418 and guide vertical movement thereof.

The friction pads 421 move along with the beam 418 and are positioned between the shoes 413, 414. When the beam 418 is raised, the friction pads 421 frictionally contact the upper internal surface of the U-shaped guides 403. At the same time, the lower pads 411, 412 frictionally contact the lower internal surface of the guides 403.

Accordingly, the pads 421, 411, 412 cooperate to resist -movement of the bulkhead assembly relative to the guides 403 and thus the container 40. With the beam 418 raised, the pads 411, 412, 421 inhibit movement of the bulkhead assembly in either longitudinal direction in the container.

On the other hand, if the friction pads 421 are not raised vertically into engagement with the corresponding guide channel surfaces, the friction pads 428 do not engage and do not cause the lower pads 411. 412 to frictionally inhibit movement of the bulkhead assembly.

Spaced inwardly from each end and on the underside of the transverse beam 418 is a bearing pad 424. Each bearing pad 424 is engaged by a corresponding cam 425 on the end of a corresponding lever cam 426. Each lever cam 426 is pivotally attached to the horizontal frame portion 409 and has a tie rod 427 pivotally connected to its distal end. Each tie rod 427 is connected to and in general alignment with a spring actuated rod 428 that slidably extends from a corresponding end of a circularly cylindrical spring housing 429.

The spring housing 429 (Fig. 25) may be suitably attached to the horizontal frame portion 409 such as by a bracket 430. The spring housing 429 contains a compression spring 431 (Fig. 24) that resiliently urges each actuated rod 428 outwardly from the spring housing 429.

Each end of the spring housing 429 may be provided with one or more suitable adjustment bolts 432 to control the resilient force exerted on the end of the actuator rods 428. It will be seen that the force exerted on the distal end of each lever cam 426 tends to rotate the lever cam 426 causing the cam end 425 to act on the corresponding bearing pad 424. The cam end 425 thus causes the transverse beam 418 to be raised and the friction pads 421 and the lower pads 411, 412 to engage the channels 403. In this manner the bulkhead assembly is frictionally restrained.

During advancement of the bulkhead assembly to discharge the container contents, it is desirable to release the friction pads 421 from engagement with the guides 403. Accordingly, the distal end of each lever cam 426 is connected to a second tie rod 433. Each tie rod 433 is pivotally connected to the lower end of an actuator rod 434.

The actuator rod 434 is positioned along a vertical plane of symmetry for the bulkhead assembly and is slidably mounted in a guide block 435 (Fig. 24) positioned centrally on the beam 418. The actuator rod 434 is pivotally connected at its upper end to one arm of a bell crank 436 (Fig.

25). A second arm 438 of the bell crank 436 is proximally disposed to a transversely extending push bar 437 carried by the vertical frame portion 408. The bell crank 436 is pivotally mounted on the vertical frame portion 408 with the second arm 438 in a generally vertical posture.

When the bulkhead is to be advanced, it must be pushed. Accordingly, a suitable push rod 128 (Fig. 25) is provided with a U-shaped recess 440 which conforms to the external contour of the transversely extending push bar 437. The end of the push rod 128 also engages the second arm 438 of the bell crank 436 when it engages the push bar 437 to forcibly advance the bulkhead assembly. Engagement of the bell crank 436 bv the push rod 128 rotates the bell crank 436 about its pivot and lifts the actuator rod 434. The actuator rod 434 acts through the tie rods 433 to pull the lever cams 426 inwardly toward the center line against the spring bias of the spring 431. Rotation of the lever cams 436 and the cams permits the transverse beam 418 to lower thereby releasing frictional engagement between the friction pads 421 and the longitudinal guides 403.

When the bulkhead assembly has advanced to the end of the container 40 withdrawal of the push rod 128 releases pressure on the second arm 438 of the bell crank 436 thereby allowing the compression spring 431 to cause engagement of the friction pads 421 with the guides 403.

The compaction control mechanism described above enables compaction of the refuse to occur as the refuse is being inserted into the container. As a result, greater efficiency is exhibited over systems wherein refuse is compacted within the 1..opper prior to being inserted into the con t ainer.

The sequence of operations performed at t:le loading station can be summarized as t willows. A container 40 is positioned on the carriage 32. Piston-and-cylinder device 34 advances the carriage 32 and thus the con t,iiner toward the packer assembly. Near the end of this travel the automatic lift arms 320 are pivoted upwardly by the container, thereby partially raising the door 276 (Figs. 21-22). The piston-and-cylinder unit 356 closes the locking arms 352, 353 (Fig.

19) and then the piston-and-cylinder device 34 retracts the carriage to firmly engage the lock arms with the abutment rods 382.

The clearing member 304 is then raised by piston-and-cylinder devices 50, thereby raising the door 276 through the lifting action of the arms 320 (Fig. 23). The packer head 22 is reciprocated by the piston-and-cylinder device 24 so as to ram refuse into the container 40. Compaction of the refuse is regulated by the forces being applied to the ejector head 42 by the compaction control mechanism shown in Fig. 24 and described above. Operation of the packer head can be terminated as the result of manual or automatic control, as will be discussed subsequently.

As the container is being filled with refuse, it may occur that an elongate article, such as a tubular metal support C of a child's swing set, for example, may become lodged between the inlet 226 of the hopper and the container, as depicted in Fig. 16A. Efforts to transfer this article C into the container may be hampered by a tendency for the article to occupy the gap 229 during advancement of the packer head 22. In such circumstances, the packer head is retracted from the discharge opening 224 and the clearing member is lowered into contact with the article. In this fashion, a portion of the article becomes crimped downwardly away from the gap 229 and into the path of the packer head 22. When the clearing member has been subsequently raised, the packer head is advanced to shift the article toward the container.These steps can be repeated at least until the article C clears the inlet 226, relieving the tendency of the article to occupy the gap 229.

When the container has been suitably filled., the piston-and-cylinder devices 50 lower the clearing body 304 to sweep the cutting edge 314 across the front face of the packer head 22, the edge severing any refuse in its path. The deflecting surface 332 and bevel face 315 displace refuse into the container, clearing the way for descent of the door panel 276 whose descent may be further aided by the shoulders 335 on the clearing body. Subsequently, the carriage is advanced to relieve the pressure between the locking arms 352, 353 and the rods 382, and the locking arms are then opened. The carriage is then withdrawn from the packer assembly, whereupon the container can be removed.

In achieving this operation attention is directed to a control circuitry depicted in Figs. 27, 28 which enable operations to be carried out from a control panel at a main control station. In Fig. 27 there is depicted a schematic diagram of a hydraulic system for powering the hydraulic piston-andcylinder devices situated at the loading station. In Figs. 28A-28D there is depicted, in schematic form, electrical circuitry for activating the hydraulic system. As will become apparent, this circuitry enables an operator situated at a main control station to operate all functions at the loading station.

As shown in Fig. 27, a plurality of hydraulic pumps 450, 452, 454, 456, are connected to a pump-driving motor 458. The pump 450 is connected via conduits 460, 462 to operate the carriage positioning piston-and-cylinder device 34 and the piston-and-cylinder device 356 for actuating the locking arms 352, 353. A fluid relief system 464 is provided for minimizing impact of the carriage 32 against the forward bumper 262, as will be discussed.

Directing attention to Figs. 28A-28D, the electrical circuitry for actuating the hydraulic system will be discussed. Note that these figures contain numerical references 1-114 at the left of the figures to indicate various locations or lines of the circuit for simplified reference.

Connectors L1, L2, L3 (lines 1, 1A. 2) are connected to a source of power, such as a 480 volt three-phase branch circuit for example. Connectors L1 and L2 are connected to the piston-and-cvlinder actuating circuitry by a transformer TR (line 3). By closing switches SM (lines 1, 1A, 2) and S2 (line 6) power is supplied to the circuitry.

When the operator activates a keyoperated selector switch SS1 (line 9), the master relay coil KA (line 9) is energized, thereby closing the normally open relay contacts CRA in line 15. Attention is directed to the right-hand side of Figs. 28A28C wherein there are identified the lines containing relay contacts that are controlled by the corresponding relay coils. The symbol "K" designates the relay coil and the symbol "CR" designates the contacts controlled thereby. For example, coil K5 (line 28) operates the normally closed contacts CR 5 in line 20, the normally open contacts CR 5 in line 23, and other contacts CR 5 in lines 23, 25, 30, 38, and 45.

When the switch SS1 (line 9) has been depressed, the indicator light LT-1 (line 11) will be illuminated if a container 40 is in place on the carriage 32. To effect this, a plurality of normally open limit switches LS1 and LS1A (line 10) are mounted on the carriage and are closed by the positioning of a container thereon.

By depresing the pump start button PB-2 (line 18), the relay KB is energized.

Relay KB thereby closes all normally open relay contacts CRB, including those in lines 1, IA and 2 to operate the hydraulic pump motor 458. At this time the pump running indicator light LT2 (line 18) becomes illuminated.

Upon activating the relay KA being energized, the relay K12 (line 42) is energized since the clearing body, or guillotine 304 is in a downward position holding the limit switch LS6 (line 42) closed. The limit switch LS6 can be mounted at a convenient location on the loading station so as to be activated by the clearing body 304 in its up and down positions (i.e., in an upward position the clearing body opens the switch LS6). The energized relay K12 closes the contacts CR 12 (line 20), thereby illuminating the advance carriage button LPB1 (line 23).

Thereupon, the operator closes the illuminated advance carriage button LPB 1 (line 20) to energize the relay coil K2 (line 20) and thereby close contacts CR 2 (line 103) to activate solenoid 5 HSolA (line 103 and Fig. 27). The solenoid 5HSolA is shifted to the right to communicate the conduit 462 with the piston end of the hydraulic piston-andcylinder device 34 (Fig. 27), and the carriage is advanced. As the carriage reaches the front bumper 262, the limit switch LS3 (line 28) is engaged by the container and is closed, thereby energizing the coil KS and deactivating the solenoid SHSoLA via opening of the normally closed contacts CR 5 (line 20). The conduit 462 is thereby communicated with the hydraulic reservoir through the valve 5H.Continued advancement of the carriage under its own momentum causes a check valve 466A (Fig.

27) to be opened, allowing free flow from the reservoir to the piston end of the piston-and-cylinder device 34. The rod end of the piston-and-cylinder device 34 forces open a relief valve 468B, re-directing fluid from the piston-and-cylinder device 34 into the conduit 462 and through the valve 5H and thence into the reservoir to dissipate some of the momentum of the carriage.

During retraction of the carriage, the same action occurs via check valve 466B and relief valve 468A.

In response to closing of the switch LS3 and energization of the relay K5, the container-advanced light LT4 is illuminated (line 29), and the close locks button LPB3 (line 31) is illuminated. Thereupon, the operator depresses this button LPB3 (line 30) to energize coil K6 (line 30) and thereby actuating the solenoid 4HSolB (line 102 and Fig. 27). This causes the piston-andcylinder device 356 to be retracted to swing the locking arms 352, 353 closed (Fig. 19).

In response to this movement, the limit switch LS5 (line 36) is engaged and closed, thereby closing the normally open contacts CR 9 (line 30) to deactivate the relay K6 and the solenoid 4HSolB. Also, the return carriage button LPB2 (line 25) is illuminated.

The return carriage pushbutton LPB2 (line 21) is then pushed by the operator to energize the relay K3 and thereby activate the solenoid 5HSolB (line 107).

Accordingly, the carriage is moved away from the packer assembly 12 until the rods 382 firmly engage the locking arms 352, 353 (Fig. 19). At this point the limit switch LS3 (line 28) opens, thereby deenergizing the relay K5 to open the contacts CR 5 in line 22 and thereby deactivate solenoid SHSolB. Now, the pushbutton LPBS (line 39) is illuminated indicating that the clearing body should be raised.

The operator depresses the button LPBS (line 38) and the relay K10 is energized, thereby activating solenoid 3HSolB (line 97). Hydraulic fluid from the pump 452 is directed through the pilot conduit 470, through the valve 3H and against the righthand side of a valve 472. This shifts the valve 472 in a manner causing fluid from the conduit 474 to be directed to the rod sides of the piston-and-cylinder devices 50.

Accordingly, the clearing body 304 is raised and eventually closes the limit switch LS7 (line 44). This illuminates the light LT8 (line 45) indicating that the clearing body has been raised, and energizes the relay K13 (line 44) to deactivate relay K10 (line 38) by closing the contacts CR 13 (line 38).

This deactivates the valve 3H. Also, the contacts CR 13 (line 45) are closed to energize relay K14 (line 46) thereby closing contacts CR 14 (line 48) to supply power to an automatic refuse loading circuit.

The automatic cycle button LPB7 (line 47) becomes illuminated as relay K14 is energized.

The operator then pushes the illuminated automatic cycle button LPB7 (line 48) to energize the relay K15 (line 49). This causes contacts CR 15 (lines 51, 76) to close, allowing power to be conducted to either of the relays K24 (line 78) or K25 (line 80), depending upon the condition of the contacts CR 17 in lines 77 and 79.

The condition of these contact CR17 is governed by relay K17 (line 53) which in turn, is controlled by relay K16 (line 51) via contacts CR 16 (line 52) and by relay K18 (line 54). The relays K16 and K18 are controlled by limit switches LS8 (line 50) and LS9 (line 54) (Fig. 27). Limit switch LS8 is open, and switch LS9 is closed, when the packer head 22 is in a rearward position (Fig. 11). Conversely, when the packer head 22 is in a forward position (Fig. 16), the switch LS8 is closed and switch LS9 is open.

Thus, at the initiation of a loading cycle the packer head 22 is in a rearward position. The coils K16 and K17 are, therefore, deenergized and power is conducted through the contacts CR 17 (line 77) to energize the relay K24 (line 78). This relay, in turn, activates the solenoid lHSolA (line 85) and valve 14 to direct hydraulic fluid from pilot conduit 480 against the left side of valve 482. Pressurized fluid from pumps 454, 456 is thereby directed to the piston side of the pistonand-cylinder device 24 to advance the packer head 22. At its forwardly advanced position during a loading mode of operation, the packer head is extended beyond the hopper mouth and into the container (Fig. 8d).

A relief valve 488 is provided to relieve excessive pressure in conduit 489, should such excessive pressure occur. That is, pressure buildup in line 487 acts upon an unloading valve 484 through a pilot conduit 487 from the pump 456. The valve 484 is shifted so as to communicate the pilot side of the relief valve 488 with the fluid reservoir. Consequently, the valve 488 is opened, allowing fluid from pump 456 to travel to the reservoir.

When the packer head has been advanced, it closes the forward packer limit switch LS8 (line 50) and opens the limit switch LS9 (line 54 and Fig. 27). Therefore, the relay K 17 is energized and the relay K18 is deenergized. As a result, the contacts CR 17 (line 79) and CR 18 (line 80) are opened to energize the relay K25. This produces activation of the solenoid I H Sol B (line 89), causing the packer head to be retracted. A pilot actuated check valve 290 is provided to facilitate conveyance of fluid from the piston end of the piston-andcylinder device 24 to the reservoir.

A limit switch LS10 (line 83) is arranged to be engaged and closed by the packer head 22 within two or three inches of the end of the forward and return packer head stroke. That is, just as the packer head reaches the termination of its forward or rearward stroke, it closes the switch LS10 and energizes the relay K27. This, in turn activates the solenoid 7HSolA (line 111) to relieve the pressure at the pilot end of the relief valve 488 and communicate the pump 456 with the reservoir to reduce final impact of the packer head. The solenoid 7HSolA is deactivated unless the limit switch LS10 is closed.

When the packer return limit switch LS9 (line 54) is closed in response to the return of the packer head, the relay coils K16 and K17 will be deenergized and the packer will again be advanced. Such cycling of the packer head, in conjunction with the depositing of refuse into the hopper 18 serves to gradually fill the container with refuse. Under the action of the oncoming refuse, the ejector head 42 is urged progressively rearwardly. This rearward travel is resisted in a controlled manner by the resisting forces being imposed by the compaction control mechanism. As a result, a selected compaction of the refuse is obtained. Cycling of the packer head during a refuse loading mode of operation will continue repeatedly until terminated by one of a number of occurrences.Among such occurrences are: (1) Attainment of predetermined container weight, with packer head 22 in rear ward position (automatically deter mined), (2)- attainment of sufficiently high resistance to packing (automatically determined) (3) manual activation of receptacle clearing button PB4 (line 57), and (4) manual activation of stop cycle button PB3 (line 48).

Regarding the first of these occurrences it will be recalled that the container is weighed by load cells 254 which can be of a conventional nature. These load cells 254 supply electrical signals of a magnitude that is proportionate to the weight being sensed. When the total weight sensed by these load cells 254 reaches a predetermined magnitude, the relay contacts CRW (line 58) will be closed. If the packer returns to a rearward position concurrently with the contacts CRW being closed, then the hopper clearing cycle will be automatically initiated, and will function in a manner to be later described. Actuation of the contacts CRW (line 58) can be accomplished in numerous ways, one such way being shown in Fig. 26.The load cells which define the weighing scale are electrically coupled to a conventional summing amplifier SA which combines the signals from the load cells 254 and directs the resultant signal to a conventional signal comparator C. The comparator compares this resultant signal with a reference signal from an adjustable potentiometer P. When the summation signal equals and/or exceeds the reference signal, the relay coil KW is energized to close the normally open contacts CRW (line 58). Closing of the contacts CRW will not initiate a hopper clearing mode unless the packer head 22 is in a rearward position to energize the relay K18.

In this fashion, a true weight reading can be obtained which will not be influenced by forces being imposed by the packer head.

In the event that refuse being loaded is of relatively lightweight, the container may be filled before reaching the preselected weight for activation of the contacts CRW.

In such an event a pressure switch SPAS 1 (line 55) and a timer Tl(line 55) are employed to initiate a hopper clearing mode of operation. The switch SPAS 1 is connected in any suitable manner so as to be closed in response to pressurization of the pistonand-cylinder device 24 during a packer operation. For example, the switch SPAS 1 can be connected to the fluid conduit which conducts fluid to the piston side of the piston-and-cylinder device 24. In so doing, the timer T1 is energized. Under normal conditions, i.e., wherein the packer head 22 does not encounter excessive resistance, the packer head will complete its advancing stroke within the preset timing period.

Thus, when the packer head is returned, pressure on the switch SPAS1 is relieved, causing this switch to open and thereby deactivate the timer T1. In the event that the packer head encounters significant resistance, as when the container nears a fully packed condition, the high pressure pump 454 may be vented to the reservoir by forcing open a relief valve 491 (Fig. 27). If progress of the packer head is so slow that the packer head is unable to complete its advancing stroke within the timed period, the timer T1 "times-out" and closes the switch ST1 (line 56). This energizes the relay K 19 (line 59) and the hopper clearing mode is initiated.

In the hopper clearing mode the relay K19 activates the solenoid 6HSolA (line 108). As a result, pilot pressure acting on the valve 491 is increased to close the valve 491 and direct the full fluid force of the high pressure pump 454 to the piston-andcylinder device 24 to advance the packer head 22 through the remainder of its advancing stroke.

When the packer head has been fully advanced, the limit switch LS8 (line 50) closes and the relay K17 is energized and the relay K18 is deenergized. Consequently, the relay K25 is energized to return the packer head. Also, the counter C1 (line 61) will pulse one count in response to activation of the relay K16 when the packer head has reached its forward position.

The packer head will then be cycled forwardly and rearwardly by the previously discussed operations, with the counter C1 pulsing one count each time the packer head reaches its advanced position. During this period refuse within the hopper will be collected and advanced forwardly. When a preselected number of 'pulses for which the counter C1 has been set have been reached, the counter C1 "counts out " and closes switch SC1 (line 64) to initiate a container closure mode of operation.

During the container closure mode the packer head continues to cycle, but does not reach the fully retracted position.

Therefore, no additional refuse is received within the hopper 18 and the packer head functions to tamp the refuse with short, high-powered strokes. In this connection, where the counter C1 "counts out", a counter C2 (line 65) is energized. Since the packer head is at the forward end of its stroke, the coil K17 is energized and thus energizes a closure mode timer T3 (line 67).

The packer head will begin to retract, but timer T3 will "time-out" before the packer head is fully retracted. Timer T3 will thus activate a switch ST3 (line 53) to deactivate the relay K17. Since the switch LS8 had opened when the packer head began to retract, the relays K16 and K17 have been deenergized and the packer head is again advanced. This abbreviated cycling continues, with the counter C2 pulsing once each time that the packer head energizes relay K16 upon reaching a forward position. During this closure mode the packer head is advanced its full advance stroke at high pressure to clear the forward end of the container of refuse. When the counter C2 counts out, it activates switch SC2 (line 67). Subsequent timing-out of the timer T3 acivates switch ST3 in line 67 to energize the relay K20 (line 68).As a result, the normally open relay contacts CR 20 (line 76) are closed to energize the relay K23 (line 75). The relay K23 closes the normally open contacts CR 23 (line 48) to deenergize the automatic packer circuitry. Meanwhile, the packer head 22 is being advanced in response to timing out of the timer T3.

This advancement continues until a switch MS1 (line 72) is activated to produce slow advancement of the packer head. This magnetic switch energizes a relay K22 (line 72) when the packer head nears the mouth of the hopper. Energizing of the relay K22 during previous modes of operation had no effect in the absence of concurrent closing of the contacts CR 20. In any event, the relay K22 opens contact CR 22 (line 77) to deactivate solenoid lHSolA and thereby block the high pressure pumps 454, 456 from the piston-and-cylinder device 24.

Relay K22 also closes contacts CR 22 (line 84) to energize the relay K28. This relay K28 closes contacts CR 28 (line 90) to activate- solenoid 2HSolA and thereby direct fluid of lower volume from pump 452 to the piston end of the piston-and-cylinder device 24 to advance the packer head at a slow rate.

- Such slow advancement continues until a switch PR1 (lines 69-70) is activated to energize the relay K21 (line 70). The switches MS-1 and PR-1 are of a conventional nature. The relay K21 opens contacts CR 21 to deenergize relay K14 and thereby denergize relay K15 to shut off all power to the packer head which immediately stops. Switch PRl (line 69-70) is positioned in the hopper so as to be activated in response to arrival of the packer head at the mouth of the hopper 18. Also in response to energization of the relay K21, the pushbutton LPB6 (line 40) is illuminated, indicating that the clearing member 304 should be lowered.

It is noted that anytime after initiation of the hopper clearing or container closure modes of operation, should the packer head fail to reach the forwardly advanced position before the timer T2 (line 56) times-out, the switch ST2 (line 73), closes, thereby energizing the relay K23. Relay K23 opens contacts CR 23 (line 48) to deenergize the relay K15 and thereby deenergize the automatic cycle circuitry to halt all movement of the packer head. Also, the closure mode alarm flasher LT12 (line 74) will begin flashing, indicating that manual operation is required.

Manual operation can be effected whenever the clearing body 304 is up the automatic cycle circuit is deenergized, and the pumps 454, 456 are running. In operation, the pushbutton PB5 (line 78) is depressed.

As a result, the relay K24 is energized to activate the solenoid lHSolA and advance the packer head. Also, the relay K26 is energized to activate solenoid 6HSolA and make full system power available. When the packer head activates the forward limit switch LS8 (line 50), the relay K24 is deenergized and the packer head stops. The operator can then depress the return button PB6 (line 80) to energize the relay K25 (line 80) and return the packer head. Once the packer head activates the rearward limit switch LS9 (line 54), the relay K25 will be deenergized and the packer head will stop. The packer head will-stop upon release of either the pack or return buttons PB5, PB6.

When the container closure mode of the packer head is finished, the button LPB6 (line 41) becomes illuminated and is depressed. Solenoid 3HSolA is thus activated to lower the clearing body 304. During its descent, the cutting edge 314 sweeps across the front face of the packer head - to sever refuse bridging the gap between the hopper and the container. Also, the deflecting surface 336 deflects into the container refuse located beneath the door panel 276.

As the clearing body is lowered, the door panel 276 will tend to descend therewith, aided if necessary by the shoulders 335 at the top of the guillotine. When it closes, the clearing member 304 activates limit switch LS6 (line 42) to deactivate the solenoid 3HSolA. Next, the carriage advance pushbutton LPB 1 (line 23) is illuminated and the pushbutton PB-1 (line 20) is pushed to activate solenoid 5HSolA and thereby advance the carriage to relieve pressure between the container bars 380 and the locking arms 352, 353 (Fig. 19). The limit switch LS3 is closed by the carriage to deactivate the solenoid 5HSolA and halt the carriage. This illuminates the openlocks pushbutton LPB4 (line 33) which is then depressed to activate solenoid 4HSolA to swing the locking arms 352, 353 to their unlocking positions.Switch LS4 (line 34) is closed when the locking arms have been swung open and further movement thereof ceases. The carriage return button LPB2 (line 25) becomes illuminated and is pressed (line 21) to activate the solenoid 5HSolB.

This causes the piston-and-cylinder device 34 to return the carriage until the limit switch LS2 (line 27) is closed. At this point the container return light LT3 (line 26) is illuminated indicating that the securing bars can be rotated to unlock the container from the carriage to permit removal of the container.

The control circuitry also includes an arrangement wherein the various cylinder actuating solenoids can be energized to test th onerability thereof independently of the normal operating sequence and absent the presence of a container on the carriage. In Fig. 28D test conductors 500, 502 are depicted in phantom. A test control switch TTGl (line 14) is operable to energize a test control relay KT (line 13) and thereby close the normally open contacts CRT in line 9 to prevent energization of the master control relav KA in line 9. A test start switch TTG2 (line 17) is closed to energize the pump motor relay KB to activate the pumps 450, 452, 454, 456. Attention is directed to Figs. 28C, 28D wherein test circuits 504 to 516 are depicted.These circuits include manual control switches 304S-316S which are operable from the main control panel. The switch 304S can be operated to activate either of the solenoids lHSolA or lHSolB to advance or retract the packer head. The switch 306S can be operated to activate the solenoid 2HSolA to test the slow advance spread of the packer head. The switch 308S can be operated to activate the solenoIds 3HSolA or 3HSolB to test operation of the clearing member 304. The switch 310S can be operated to activate the solenoids 4HSolA or 4HSolB to test operation of the locking arms 352, 353. The switch 312S can be operated to activate the solenoids SHSolA or 5HSolB to test operation of the carriage 32.The switch 314S can be operated to activate solenoid 6HSolA in conjunction with testing of packer head advancement to test power boosting of the piston-and-cylinder device 24.

Finally, the switch 316S can be operated to activate tthe solenoid 7HSolA in conjunction with packer head advancement and retraction to test operability of the packer head cushioning system. The limit switch LS7 is connected within the test circuitry (line 114) to illuminate a lamp 520 (line 114) when the clearing member has been raised during testing.

Among the major advantages provided by the described embodiment of the present invention is the fact that minimal personnel are required in the loading of a refuse container. All of the power actuable motors are permanently secured at the loading station, and thus no power hook-ups to the containers are required.

Handling of the containers is facilitated by the use of a movable carriage which is permanently deployed at the loading station. Thus, upon being positioned on the carriage, the container is appropriately deployed to be acted upon by the various power actuators for effecting a refuse loading operation.

Opening and closing of the door panel is facilitated by a clearing member which is able to propel the door panel upwardly and downwardly, while clearing the way for the door panel during closing thereof. The pre-lifting of the door panel by the lift arms 320 enables the container to be advanced to close proximity with the mouth of the packer, thereby minimizing spillage.

Such pre-lifting also assures that the deflecting surface 336 will be suitably positioned in underlying relation to the bottom edge of the door panel.

By backing the container into firm engagement with the locking arms, vibration effects are minimized during loading.

System efficiency is magnified by the packer control mechanism which enables refuse loading and compacting to be accomplished simultaneously.

Control over the loading operation is enhanced by monitoring refuse weight and pressure during loading, and terminating the container loading cycle of the packer head in response to the attainment of- a preselected weight or pressure.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. Refuse handling apparatus comprising: a refuse container having a vertically slidable closure; a carriage for removably supporting said container; a refuse packer assembly for loading refuse into said refuse container; a loading dock including track means for supporting said carriage for limited movement towards and away from said packer assembly; power means positioned on said loading dock for moving said carriage towards said packer assembly to a refuse loading position and away from said packer assembly to a container removal position; and a refuse clearing member for clearing refuse situated between said packer assembly and said container subsequent to said container being loaded with refuse, said refuse clearing member including a cutting edge for severing refuse, and an inclined refuse deflecting surface located under a bottom edge of said closure when said container is in the refuse loading position for deflecting refuse situated beneath said closure into said container when said said closure is lowered.

2. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said power means includes a fluid actuated piston and cylinder device mounted beneath and operatively connected to said carriage.

3. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said track means is supported by weighing means for providing an indication of the weight of said container when said container is in the refuse loading position; and means connected to said weighing means for producing an electrical signal in response to said container reaching a preselected weight.

4. Refuse handling apparatus according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said clearing member has means for partially raising said vertically slidable closure of said container in response to movement of said container to a refuse loading position to locate the bottom edge of said closure above said refuse deflecting surface.

5. Refuse handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said refuse container further comprises: walls defining a tubular body having a pair of ends; bulkhead means slidable within

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (17)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. pumps 450, 452, 454, 456. Attention is directed to Figs. 28C, 28D wherein test circuits 504 to 516 are depicted. These circuits include manual control switches 304S-316S which are operable from the main control panel. The switch 304S can be operated to activate either of the solenoids lHSolA or lHSolB to advance or retract the packer head. The switch 306S can be operated to activate the solenoid 2HSolA to test the slow advance spread of the packer head. The switch 308S can be operated to activate the solenoIds 3HSolA or 3HSolB to test operation of the clearing member 304. The switch 310S can be operated to activate the solenoids 4HSolA or 4HSolB to test operation of the locking arms 352, 353.The switch 312S can be operated to activate the solenoids SHSolA or 5HSolB to test operation of the carriage 32. The switch 314S can be operated to activate solenoid 6HSolA in conjunction with testing of packer head advancement to test power boosting of the piston-and-cylinder device 24. Finally, the switch 316S can be operated to activate tthe solenoid 7HSolA in conjunction with packer head advancement and retraction to test operability of the packer head cushioning system. The limit switch LS7 is connected within the test circuitry (line 114) to illuminate a lamp 520 (line 114) when the clearing member has been raised during testing. Among the major advantages provided by the described embodiment of the present invention is the fact that minimal personnel are required in the loading of a refuse container. All of the power actuable motors are permanently secured at the loading station, and thus no power hook-ups to the containers are required. Handling of the containers is facilitated by the use of a movable carriage which is permanently deployed at the loading station. Thus, upon being positioned on the carriage, the container is appropriately deployed to be acted upon by the various power actuators for effecting a refuse loading operation. Opening and closing of the door panel is facilitated by a clearing member which is able to propel the door panel upwardly and downwardly, while clearing the way for the door panel during closing thereof. The pre-lifting of the door panel by the lift arms 320 enables the container to be advanced to close proximity with the mouth of the packer, thereby minimizing spillage. Such pre-lifting also assures that the deflecting surface 336 will be suitably positioned in underlying relation to the bottom edge of the door panel. By backing the container into firm engagement with the locking arms, vibration effects are minimized during loading. System efficiency is magnified by the packer control mechanism which enables refuse loading and compacting to be accomplished simultaneously. Control over the loading operation is enhanced by monitoring refuse weight and pressure during loading, and terminating the container loading cycle of the packer head in response to the attainment of- a preselected weight or pressure. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. Refuse handling apparatus comprising: a refuse container having a vertically slidable closure; a carriage for removably supporting said container; a refuse packer assembly for loading refuse into said refuse container; a loading dock including track means for supporting said carriage for limited movement towards and away from said packer assembly; power means positioned on said loading dock for moving said carriage towards said packer assembly to a refuse loading position and away from said packer assembly to a container removal position;

and a refuse clearing member for clearing refuse situated between said packer assembly and said container subsequent to said container being loaded with refuse, said refuse clearing member including a cutting edge for severing refuse, and an inclined refuse deflecting surface located under a bottom edge of said closure when said container is in the refuse loading position for deflecting refuse situated beneath said closure into said container when said said closure is lowered.

2. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said power means includes a fluid actuated piston and cylinder device mounted beneath and operatively connected to said carriage.

3. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said track means is supported by weighing means for providing an indication of the weight of said container when said container is in the refuse loading position; and means connected to said weighing means for producing an electrical signal in response to said container reaching a preselected weight.

4. Refuse handling apparatus according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said clearing member has means for partially raising said vertically slidable closure of said container in response to movement of said container to a refuse loading position to locate the bottom edge of said closure above said refuse deflecting surface.

5. Refuse handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said refuse container further comprises: walls defining a tubular body having a pair of ends; bulkhead means slidable within

said body and displaceable between said pair of ends; end closure means hingedly connected to one end of said body, openable for container unloading, and having an opening for filling said container; the other end of said body having an opening operable to receive means to operate said bulkhead means; and frictional resistance means carried by said bulkhead means operable to resist movement of said bulkhead means relative to said container, and releasable during movement of said bulkhead means towards said end closure means so that the force necessary to advance said bulkhead means is minimized.

6. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the frictional force exerted by said frictional resistance means is adjustable so that the force acting on said bulkhead means to move said bulkhead means must exceed a predetermined value.

7. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said frictional resistance means includes friction pads that frictionally engage surfaces on said walls of said container.

8. Refuse handling apparatus according to claims 5, 6 or 7 wherein said bulkhead means includes a frame means for mounting said frictional resistance means; and said walls include guide means extending between the ends thereof, said guide means having surfaces engaged by said frictional resistance means and being operable to guide said frame means during movement longitudinally between the ends of said container.

9. Refuse handling apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said guide means includes a pair of U-shaped chanels, each channel being attached to a corresponding wall, and having a longitudinal opening facing the container cavity and a pair of vertically spaced apart surfaces; said frame means including spaced apart shoes on each side that are slidably supported on the lower surfaces of said U-shaped channels, and a vertically displaceable transverse frame having laterally extending fingers projecting through the longitudinal openings of the channels; and said friction pads are carried on corresponding fingers of said frame means.

10. A method of handling refuse comprising: removably supporting a refuse container on a carriage, said container having a vertically slidable closure; movably supporting said carriage for limited movement along track means towards and away from a refuse packer assembly; moving said carriage towards said packer assembly to a refuse loading position : loading refuse into said refuse container; clearing refuse situated between said packer assembly and said container after said container has been loaded with refuse, said clearing step comprising locating a cutting edge and a refuse deflecting surface beneath a bottom edge of said vertically slidable closure, severing refuse with said cutting edge, and deflecting severed refuse into said container when said vertically slidable closure in lowered; and moving said container on said carriage away from said packer assembly to a container removal position.

11. A method of handling refuse according to claim 10 wherein loading refuse into said refuse container includes displacing slidable bulkhead means situated inside said container near a forward end thereof towards the rear of said container as refuse is loaded into said container.

12. A method of handling refuse according to claim 10 or 11 further comprising displacing said container from said packer assembly after loading; placing said container on a support at an unloading site; aligning said slidable bulkhead means with an extendable-retractable power ejector means mounted on said support; extending said ejector means towards said bulkhead means, thereby discharging refuse from said container through the forward end; retracting said ejector, leaving said slidable bulkhead means in a forward position; and transporting said container to a loading site.

13. A method of handling refuse according to claim 12 wherein placing said container on a support includes placing said container on an unloading carriage carrying said ejector means, and displacing said carriage towards a discharge position where said ejector means is operated to discharge the contents of said container.

14. A method of handling refuse according to claim 12 wherein said step of transporting said container includes picking up said container and moving said container while suspended.

15. A method of handling refuse according to any one of claims 10 to 14 further comprising: weighing said container as refuse is loaded into said container; sensing the pressure of said refuse in said container as refuse is loaded into said container; and discontinuing the loading step when said container- has reached either a predetermined weight or a predetermined pressure.

16. A method of handling refuse substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

17. Refuse handling apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.