Abstract:
A vertical waste compactor that includes a pair of side-by-side packing rams that provide increased compaction force on waste materials contained within an open-top trash receiving container that can be conveniently moved inwardly and outwardly of a supporting frame that supports the dual packing rams. The packing rams are driven by a pair of hydraulically actuated assemblies that are supported by the device housing and are pivotally connected to the compaction rams.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a compactor for waste material. More particularly, the invention concerns a dual-ram, high-density, industrial-type vertical waste compacting apparatus. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Waste production in the United States has reached enormous proportions and continues to increase. To better dispose of this waste and to relieve overburdened land fills, a number of different types of home and industrial type trash compactors have been suggested. 
     Home trash compactors are usually quite small and generally comprise a small, vertically operated ram which moves within a small trash compactor body to compact domestic type waste materials placed into the body. Industrial-type trash compactors, are generally much larger than home trash compactors, and typically comprise either pivotally mounted or vertically operated ram components that compact trash disposed within a container of several cubic foot capacity allowing the waste material to be contained within a smaller cubic foot space. 
     Exemplary of a prior art, pivotally mounted, ram-type unit is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,165 issued to Fenner et al. The Fenner et al compactor packs waste material in an open top container which is adapted for movement inwardly and outwardly of a supporting frame. The ram unit of the device is pivotally supported at one end by the frame with its other end being selectively movable to an extended position within the container to a retracted position above the container and to an intermediate position proximate the top of the container. A housing encases the ram unit and has an opening for feeding waste material into the container while the ram unit is in the intermediate position. A power unit is operatively connected to and moves the ram unit selectively to the extended, retracted and intermediate position. 
     Exemplary of a prior art, vertically movable, ram-type unit is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,626 issued to Nall et al. The Nall et al device is provided with a ram component having a single inclined surface so that on the ram&#39;s downward compacting stroke, a horizontal force is created through the trash acting on the bin wall to press the bin against a retaining bar thereby preventing “walking” or horizontal movement of the bin. 
     Various other types of vertically movable, ram-type units have been suggested in the past that embody multi-action ram movements and elaborate control systems that require substantial maintenance and eventually cause system failure in the field. Typically, these prior art trash compactors are of complex in design, are costly to manufacture and maintain, and, in some cases are quite difficult to use. Additionally, many of the more complex prior art compactors do not efficiently pack the waste material and as a result fail to effectively minimize trash storage and pick-up expense. 
     The thrust of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art trash compactors by providing a compactor that is of simple, a rugged design that efficiently maximizes compaction ratios in order to substantially reduce trash storage and pick-up expense. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel, vertical waste compactor that is ideally suited for efficient trash disposal for apartments, condominiums hospitals, hotels and various other industrial and commercial facilities. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor of the aforementioned character that uniquely comprises a pair of side-by-side packing rams that provide increased compaction force on waste materials contained within the open top trash receiving container of the apparatus that can be conveniently moved inwardly and outwardly of a supporting frame that supports the dual packing rams. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor of the character described which is of a simple design, is easy and safe to use and requires minimum maintenance. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical waste compactor that embodies an energy efficient hydraulic system which allows for motor horsepower reduction and high hydraulic system pressure. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor of the class described in the preceding paragraphs that is uniquely designed to maximize the capability of the compactor to develop high density compacted loads. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a waste compactor that is economical to construct, is efficient in operation, is durable and long lasting and effectively avoids problems associated with scavengers and rodents. 
     In summary, the novel trash compaction apparatus of the invention comprises a housing having a closed-in upper portion and a front opening lower portion, and a top open container for receiving the waste to be compacted. The container is easily movable from a first position within the lower front open portion of the housing and a second position outwardly of said housing. First and second side-by-side rams are mounted within housing for simultaneous movement from an upper position within the upper portion of the housing to an extended position within the housing and finally to an extended trash compaction position within the top open container. An operating mechanism of a simple, straight forward design operates the dual rams and in the preferred form of the invention comprises a pair of cooperating hydraulic rams that controllably move the rams through the compaction cycle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the waste material compactor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational, diagrammatic view of the waste compactor shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the removal of the top open container from the lower portion of the housing of the apparatus. 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B, when considered together, comprise a cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 — 5  of FIGS. 3A and 3B. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B, when taken together, comprise a view similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B but showing the compaction rams of the apparatus in a lowered position compacting the waste contained within the top open container. 
     FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 — 7  of FIG.  6 A. 
     FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  8 — 8  of FIG.  6 B. 
     FIG. 9 is a generally schematic view illustrating the construction of the hydraulic operating system of the apparatus of the invention for moving the compaction rams from the upper most position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the compaction position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B, when considered together, comprise a cross-sectional view of an alternate form of waste material compactor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  11 — 11  of FIG.  10 A. 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B, when taken together, comprise a view similar to FIGS. 10A and 10B, but showing the compaction rams of this latest form of the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view of the area designated as “ 13 ” in FIG.  12 A. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 — 14  of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  15 — 15  of FIG.  12 B. 
     FIG. 16 is a generally schematic view illustrating the construction of the hydraulic operating system of this alternate form of the apparatus of the invention for moving the compaction rams from the upper most position shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B to the compaction position shown in FIGS.  12 A and  12 B. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3 A and  3 B, one form of the apparatus for compacting waste is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  14 . As indicated in FIG. 1, the apparatus comprises a housing  16  having a closed upper portion  16   a  and a front open lower portion  16   b.  Receivable within front open lower portion  16   b  is a top open container  18  for receiving the waste to be compacted. Container  18  is movable from a first position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1 wherein the container is disposed within housing  16  to a second position shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 1 wherein the container is in an outwardly position relative to of housing  16 . 
     As indicated in FIGS. 2,  3 A and  3 B, container  18  comprises a bin-like structure having interconnected front, rear, side and bottom walls  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  respectively. Interconnected with bottom wall  26  are a plurality of spaced apart caster assemblies  30 . Caster assemblies  30  are of conventional construction each having a yoke-like body portion  30   a  adapted to rotatably support a roller  30   b.  As best seen by referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, sidewalls  24  of container  18  slope slightly inwardly. Affixed to sidewalls  24  are C-shaped beams  32 , the purpose of which will presently be described. As best seen in FIG. 1, container  18  is provided with spaced-apart, generally U-shaped handles  36  which can be used to roll the waste receiving container from the compaction position shown in FIG. 1 to the outward position shown by the phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     An important feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in container support means which support the container within housing  16  during the compaction steps. These support means here comprise a pair of angle irons  38  that are affixed to the steel legs or column members  40  of housing  16 . More particularly, the vertically extending legs  38   a  of each of the angle brackets  38  are connected as by welding to columns  40  so that the horizontal legs  38   b  of the angle bracket extend inwardly into the lower open portion of housing  16  in the manner best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. When the waste container is in the compaction position shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 1,  3 A and  3 B, side beams  32  engage and are supported by the inwardly extending legs  38   b  of angle brackets  38 . To assist in guiding beams  32  into position over legs  38   b,  the forward extremities  39  of each of the legs extends forwardly of housing  16  and is bend down in the manner best seen FIG.  2 . With this construction, as the container  18  is rolled into the compaction position within the lower portion  16   b  of housing  16 , side beams  32  will slide over legs  38   b  of angle brackets  38  in the manner shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B so as to provide rigid support to the container  18  so long as the container is in the compaction position within housing  16 . 
     Another very important feature of the apparatus of the invention comprises the novel compaction means of the invention for compacting trash contained within container  18 . This unique compaction means here comprises first and second compaction rams  42  and  44  which are connected to housing  16  for movement between an upper position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B into a lowered compaction position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As best seen in FIG. 5 each of the compaction rams  42  and  44  include interconnected front, rear, side and bottom walls  46 ,  48 ,  50  and  52  respectively (see also FIGS.  3 A and  3 B). 
     Also forming a part of the compaction means of the invention is operating means which are connected to the first and second compaction ram for controllably moving the compaction ram between the first upper position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B into the second extended, or compaction, position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the present form of the invention, this important operating means comprises a first hydraulic assembly  56  that is connected to ram  42  and a second hydraulic assembly  58  that is connected to second compaction ram  44 . Hydraulic assemblies  56  and  58  are of identical construction and are connected to housing  16  by means of an upstanding support tube  59  and cross pin  59   a  in the manner best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Each of the hydraulic assemblies comprises a hydraulic cylinder  60  within which a piston and connecting rod  62  and  64  respectively reciprocate. Each of the connecting rods  64  terminates in a connector means for pivotally connecting the connecting rod to the top of a selected compaction ram. This novel connector means is here provided as a yoke-like connector component  66  within which a mounting or connector pin  68  is journaled in the manner best seen in FIG.  7 . Mounting pin  68  extends through the spaced-apart sides  66   a  and  66   b  of yoke body  66  and also extends through an upwardly extending connector element  70  that is affixed to bottom wall  52  of each of the compaction rams  42  and  44  as by welding (FIG.  7 ). 
     Hydraulic lines  72  and  74  extend from distribution or 50/50 valves  76  which are connected to housing  16  in the manner best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. More particularly, hydraulic lines  72  extend from valves  76  to the upper portion  60   a  of each of the hydraulic cylinders  60  so that hydraulic fluid introduced into portion  60   a  will force piston  62  downwardly within the hydraulic cylinder (see also FIG.  9 ). Extending from the lower extremity  60   b  of each of the hydraulic cylinders  60  are hydraulic lines  74  that function to interconnect hydraulic cylinders  60  with a tank  75  via a hydraulic line  77  and a conventional relief valve  78  preferably set at about 1000 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.) (FIG.  9 ). As best seen by referring to FIG. 9, hydraulic line  77  also communicates with a tank  80  via a hydraulic line  81 , a conventional pilot-operated check valve  82  and a conventional solenoid operated directional valve assembly  84 . 
     The central port  76   a  of 50/50 valve  76  communicates with a Pump P- 1  via hydraulic line  85 , a conventional pilot-operated check valve  86  and directional valve  84  in the manner shown in FIG.  9 . Hydraulic line  85  also communicates with a Pump P- 2  via a hydraulic line  87  and an in-line check valve  88 . Pumps P- 1  and P- 2  are driven by a conventional two horsepower electrical motor  89  and Pump P- 1  communicates via lines  85  and  87  and a relief valve  90  with a tank  92 , while Pump P- 2  communicates with tank  80  via a hydraulic line  93  and a conventional relief valve  94  preferably set at about 550 p.s.i. All of the components of the hydraulic system that are interconnected in the manner shown in FIG. 9 are readily commercially available and their interconnection and construction are well understood by those skilled in the art. The relief valves  78 ,  90  and  94  are, of course, incorporated into the hydraulic system for safety purposes and a screen filter  95  communicates with Pumps P- 1  and P- 2  in order to filter particulates from the hydraulic fluid. 
     By way of illustration, each of the dual compaction cylinders  56  and  58  preferably has a 3 inch bore and a 30 inch stroke. It is to be understood, however, that, depending upon the end application to be made of the apparatus of the invention, hydraulic assemblies  56  and  58  can be of various sizes and the hydraulic system used to provide working fluid to the cylinders can be varied from that shown in FIG. 9 in manners well understood by those skilled in the art. 
     In operating the apparatus of the invention, with the top open container in position within the lower portion of the housing  16  in the manner shown by the solid lines in FIG. 1, hingedly connected door  96  can be swung open in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in FIG. 1 by grasping handle  96   a.  With the door open, waste materials can be placed in the top open container with relative ease. When the trash within the container has reached the level within the stroke of the twin compaction rams, door  96  is shut and the power is turned on by conventional control switches  97  (FIG. 1) so as to energize motor  89 . When motor  89  is energized, Pump P- 1  will provide fluid under pressure to the upper portion  60   a  of the hydraulic cylinder via hydraulic lines  72  and  85 , directional valve  84  and check valve  86 . This fluid under pressure will simultaneously force the compaction rams  42  and  44  downwardly from the position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B so as to exert an even compaction force on the waste material contained within the top open container  18 . As the twin rams move toward the bottom of the stroke the trash will begin to compact imparting only a downward force against the trash, but also a horizontal force toward the sides of the container. 
     As the piston  62  of the hydraulic assemblies move downwardly within the hydraulic cylinders, the hydraulic fluid will be forced to flow into tank  75  in the manner shown in FIG. 9 for reuse in the next cycle upon operation of directional valve  84 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  6 A, and  6 B, a novel feature of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a center dividing wall assembly  98 , which is of a construction best seen in FIGS. 6B and 8. Wall assembly  98 , along with the side walls of housing  16 , guide the travel of the compaction rams evenly and smoothly downwardly from the upper position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the lower compaction position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Clearance is strategically provided between the central wall assembly  98  and the side walls  96  of the housing (FIG. 5) so that the compaction rams, which can pivot slightly about pivot pin  68  (see also FIG.  7 ), will permit the compaction rams to travel smoothly downwardly into the trash container without seizing or binding within the upper portion of housing  16 . In this regard, experience has shown that if the single compaction ram is used in lieu of the dual compaction rams unique to the apparatus of the present invention, the compaction ram will frequently bind against the interior walls of the housing unless expensive and sophisticated guide systems are provided to enable precise downward travel of the compaction ram within the housing  16 . By using the dual ram arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, this expensive ram guiding mechanism is not required and the dual rams can be successfully guided by the simple structural arrangement shown in the drawings. 
     Conventional limit switches (not shown) are provided so that the compactor will not operate unless a container is positioned within the lower portion of housing  16  and secured in position by the locking means of the invention that is here provided as the container locking bar mechanism generally designated in FIG. 1 by the numeral  100 . This novel locking bar mechanism retains the top open container within the housing and secures the container against movement during the compaction cycle thus uniquely avoiding the common walking problem experienced by prior art compaction devices during compaction. Limit switches (not shown) are also provided to ensure that the throw end or  100   a  of the locking bar is closed and locked in order for the apparatus of the invention to operate. When the top open container is full, an indicating light (not shown) will illuminate indicating to the operator that the container is fill of compacted trash. When this indication is received, locking bar mechanism  100  can be operated so that the top open container  18  can be rolled away from housing  16  for picking up by conventional front-end loader refuse trucks in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. Strategic sizing of the top open container and the twin compaction ram maximizes the capability of the apparatus to develop high density compacted loads. 
     Turning next to FIGS. 10 through 16, an alternate form of the apparatus for compacting waste is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  112 . 
     This latest form of the invention is similar in many respects to that shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 and like numerals are used in FIGS. 10 through 16 to identify like components. The main difference between the earlier described embodiment of the invention and that shown in FIGS. 10 through 16 resides in the use of two, side-by-side hydraulic assemblies to drive each of the compaction rams rather than a single hydraulic assembly. As before, the apparatus of this latest embodiment comprises a housing  114  having a closed upper portion  114   a  and a front open lower portion  114   b.  Receivable within front open lower portion  114   b  is a top open container  18  for receiving the waste to be compacted. Container  18  is of the same construction and operation as previously described herein as is the support means that supports the container within housing  16  during the compaction steps. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the compaction means of this latest form of the invention also comprises first and second compaction rams  42  and  44  which are connected to housing  114  for movement between an upper position shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B into a lowered compaction position shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. However, as previously mentioned, the operating means of this latest embodiment are of a novel twin hydraulic assembly construction with each of the first and second compaction rams being driven by an assemblage  116  made up of first and second interconnected hydraulic cylinders  118  and  120  respectively. Hydraulic assemblages  116  are of identical construction and each assemblage is connected to housing  114  by a support bracket  121  and cross pin  121   a  (FIGS.  13  and  14 ). It is to be noted that, unlike the tubular support  59  of the earlier described embodiment, bracket  121  does not comprise a tubular segment that extends upwardly of the top surface of housing  114 , but rather comprises a flat top plate  121   b.  This important low-profile feature of the apparatus is possible because of the novel twin cylinder construction of the hydraulic assemblages  116  next to be described. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 11, each of the cylinders  118  and  120  houses a reciprocating piston and connecting rod  124  and  128  respectively. The connecting rods  128  that reciprocate within hydraulic cylinders  120  are connected to the compaction rams by novel connector means for pivotally connecting the connecting rod to the compaction ram. This connector means here comprises spaced-apart, upstanding members  129  that are welded to bottom plates  52  of the compaction rams (FIG.  15 ). Members  129  are apertured to receive a connector pin  129   a  that extends through bore  128   b  formed in connecting rods  128 . In similar manner, the upper ends of each of the connecting rods that reciprocate within cylinders  118  are connected to the previously mentioned cross pins  121   a  so that the assemblages  116  depend from the cross pins in the manner shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 16, hydraulic lines  134  extend from a 50/50 valve  76 , which is of the character previously described, to the upper portion of each of the hydraulic cylinders  120  so that hydraulic fluid introduced into the upper portions of the cylinder will force pistons  124  downwardly therewithin in the manner shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Extending from the lower end of each of the cylinders  120  are hydraulic lines  136  that function to interconnect hydraulic cylinders  120  with a tank  138  via a hydraulic line  138  and a conventional relief valve  142  preferably set at about 1000 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.). 
     As illustrated in FIG. 16, hydraulic line  140  also communicates with tank  144  via a hydraulic line  146 , a conventional pilot-operated check valve  148 , a conventional directional valve  150  and a hydraulic line  152 . The central port  76   a  of 50/50 valve  76  communicates with a Pump P- 1  via hydraulic line  154 , a conventional pilot-operated check valve  156  and directional valve  150 . Hydraulic line  154  also communicates with a Pump P- 2  via a hydraulic line  158  and an in-line check valve  160 . 
     As before, Pumps P- 1  and P- 2  are driven by a conventional two horsepower electrical motor  89  and Pump P- 1  communicates with a tank  92  via lines  85  and  87  and via a relief valve  90 . Similarly, Pump P- 2  communicates with tank  144  via a hydraulic line  164  and a conventional relief valve  166  preferably set at about    550   p.s.i. All of the components of the hydraulic system that are interconnected in the manner shown in FIG. 16 are readily commercially available and are of a character well understood by those skilled in the art. The relief valves  90 ,  142  and  166  are, of course, incorporated into the hydraulic system for safety purposes and, as before, a screen filter  95  communicates with Pumps P- 1  and P- 2  in order to filter particulates from the hydraulic fluid. 
     It is to be understood that, depending upon the end application to be made of the apparatus of the invention, hydraulic assemblies  118  and  120  can be of various sizes and the hydraulic system used to provide working fluid to the cylinders can be varied from that shown in FIG. 16 in manners well understood by those skilled in the art. 
     In operating the apparatus of the invention, with the top open container in position within the lower portion of the housing  114 , the hingedly connected door  96  can be swung open. With the door open, waste materials can be placed in the top open container with relative ease. When the trash within the container has reached the level within the stroke of the twin compaction rams, door  96  is shut and the power is turned on by conventional control switches so as to energize motor  89 . When motor  89  is energized, Pump P- 1  will provide fluid under pressure to the upper portion of the hydraulic cylinders  120  via hydraulic lines  134 , directional valve  150  and check valve  156 . This fluid under pressure will tend to force the piston  124  of cylinders  120  downwardly. Simultaneously fluid under pressure will flow into the lower portions of cylinders  118  via hydraulic lines  167  tending to force the pistons of these cylinders upwardly in the manner indicated by the arrows  128   a  of FIG.  16 . As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, this movement of pistons  124  will simultaneously force the compaction rams  42  and  44  downwardly from the position shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B to the position shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B so as to exert an even compaction force on the waste material contained within the top open container  18 . It is to be noted that as the compaction rams move downwardly the hydraulic assemblies  116  also move downwardly within housing  116  to the positions shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. As the twin rams move toward the bottom of the stroke the trash will begin to compact imparting only a downward force against the trash, but also a horizontal force toward the sides of the container. 
     As the pistons  124  of the hydraulic assemblies move within their respective hydraulic cylinders, the hydraulic fluid contained within the cylinders will be forced to flow into tank  144  in the manner shown in FIG. 16 for reuse in the next cycle upon the selective operation of directional valve  150 . Prior to the commencement of the next compaction cycle, the pistons  124  will, of course, be moved into the starting position shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. 
     As is in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, a center dividing wall assembly  98  which along with the side walls of housing  16  guide the travel of the compaction rams evenly and smoothly downwardly from the upper position to the lower trash compaction position shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Clearance is strategically provided between the central wall assembly  94  and the side walls  96  of the housing so that the compaction rams, which can pivot slightly about pivot pin  68  will permit the compaction rams to travel smoothly downwardly into the trash container without seizing or binding within the upper portion of housing  16 . 
     As earlier discussed, conventional limit switches are provided so that the compactor will not operate unless a container is positioned within the lower portion of housing  114  and secured in position by the locking means of the invention. 
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.