Patent ID: 6158945
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A loader device for loading a refuse collection vehicle comprising a vehicle cab, a vehicle chassis, and a body into which refuse may be loaded, the body being mounted to the vehicle chassis and having an exit passage from which loaded refuse may be emptied; said loader device comprising:(i) an arm which pivots about a first pivot axis located on the chassis from a loading position to an unloading position, said arm including a lifting mechanism from lifting said arm;(ii) a fork which extends from said arm and which pivots about a second pivot axis located on said arm from a loading position to an unloading position, said fork including a rotating mechanism for rotating said fork about said second pivot axis; and(iii) a control circuit for coordinating simultaneous operation of said lifting mechanism and said rotating mechanism, said control circuit including a first rotary positioning sensor mounted along said first pivot axis which senses the pivotal position of said arm and which produces an actual arm position signal indicating the position of said arm, and translation mans for receiving and translating said actual arm position signal to a corresponding desired fork position and outputting a desired fork position signal to said rotating mechanism to move a container supported upon the forks along a plurality of preselected paths of travel above the cab between a container loading position and a container dumping position.