Patent ID: 6332745
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A method for collecting refuse employing a front-loading type refuse collection vehicle having a cab and a storage body disposed rearwardly of the cab, the storage body having a loading opening adapted to receive refuse from a container, comprising the steps of:providing a container engaging device adapted to engage the container, and at least one packing mechanism for compacting the refuse within the storage body;automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the movement of the at least one container engaging device and the at least one packing mechanism;moving the container through a dump path between an initial load position in which the container is located at about ground level, and a dump position in which the container is located adjacent the loading opening;depositing refuse from the container through the loading opening and into the storage body;moving the container through a return path between the dump position and the initial load position;during repetition of the above-recited steps, confining movement of the container engaging device and the packing mechanism so that during refuse collection: (i) when the container is positioned forward of the cab, neither the container engaging device nor the container are permitted to contact the cab or the ground; (ii) when the container is positioned adjacent the loading opening, the container is not permitted to contact the storage body; and (iii) the packing mechanism and the container do not contact each other during refuse collection.