Patent Publication Number: US-2018050867-A1

Title: Waste management deposit and compaction station with wireless capability

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/768,471, filed on Aug. 18, 2015 which is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application Serial No. PCT/US2015/017455, which has an international filing date of Feb. 25, 2015 and designates the United States of America, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/944,281, filed Feb. 25, 2014. The disclosures of these prior applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for receiving and compacting waste while simultaneously providing a source for wireless data communication. 
     It is common practice for public venues to supply waste receptacles for the collection and management of waste. Throughout many cities, metropolitan areas, event venues, and the like, waste collection units are strategically located in areas commonly occupied by the public. The waste collection units are usually simple cylindrical or rectangular containers that range in volume and are configured to receive a disposable plastic liner. 
     To further facilitate the centralization of waste, and reduce the likelihood of unwanted objects getting into or out of the container, units also often have a removable top portion. The removable top portion can have a door that is maintained in a closed position by a spring, hydraulic or other similar mechanism. The door can be manipulated by the user, either by force, foot pedal, proximity sensor, button, or the like, to allow access to the interior of the container for the user to distribute trash. Waste collection units that incorporate a removable top and door are beneficial because they ensure that trash remains within the container and is not blown out by the wind or removed by an animal. 
     Other similar waste receptacles may incorporate a compaction mechanism as well. The compaction mechanism allows for the distributed waste to be compacted after it is deposited into the waste receptacle. The compaction process is beneficial because it allows the waste receptacle to contain more material in a smaller volume than receptacles that do not compact the waste. The compaction mechanism also requires an energy source to accomplish adequate compaction. Energy has been provided for the compaction process through connecting the receptacle to an electrical outlet or allowing the unit to operate through the use of batteries. Further, solar cells located on the top portion of the receptacle have been utilized to charge batteries that power the compaction process. 
     In addition to managing the waste that is created by large groups of people, a more recent need has developed for providing wireless data access to those same groups. Wireless data access has become an important asset to an efficient society. The popularity of smartphones and wireless communications has created a very strong desire for wireless accessibility. Wireless technology has been developed to accommodate large groups of people but is often limited in coverage to very specific areas. Wireless access is greatly inhibited by physical structures such as buildings and other solid forms found throughout an urban environment. While citywide wireless accessibility is desirable, it is currently limited to very narrow coverage areas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a trash receptacle; 
         FIG. 2  is a front side view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method of providing an integrated wireless data accessibility and management system within a trash receptacle; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevated perspective view of expanded outer components of a second embodiment of a trash receptacle; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated perspective view of inner components of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7 a    is a linearly expanded view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7 b    is an expanded view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 7 a    with a basket offset from a basket carrier; 
         FIG. 7 c    is an elevated perspective view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 7 b   , with a door oriented in an opened position; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of a receiving assembly from the trash receptacle of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an expanded view of the receiving assembly of  FIG. 8  with an additional wall shown; 
         FIG. 10  is a front-side elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a hydraulic lift assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a back-side elevated perspective view of the hydraulic lift assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top-side view of the hydraulic lift assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the hydraulic lift assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an expanded view of the hydraulic lift assembly of  FIG. 10   
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of different power systems; 
         FIG. 16 a    is a logic flowchart for a control system; 
         FIG. 16 b    is a logic process for checking the electrical components of the control system of  FIG. 16   a;    
         FIG. 16 c    is a logic process for formatting and reporting data obtained by the control system of  FIG. 16   a;    
         FIG. 16 d    is a logic process for shutting down the control system of  FIG. 16   a;    
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view of a data transfer network from a user to a client; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic flowchart for an application that allows users to send a distress signal; 
         FIG. 19  is a wireframe view of a loading screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a wireframe view of a sign-in screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a wireframe view of a panic option screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a wireframe view of a menu option screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a wireframe view of a timer screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a wireframe view of a locked screen of the application of  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a wireframe view of a disarm screen of the application of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a receptacle  100  of one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 1  shows a substantially rectangular structure that is comprised of a first side  102 , a second side  104 , a front side  106 , a rear side  108 , a top side  110 , and a bottom side  112 . The first side  102 , second side  104 , front side  106 , rear side  108 , top side  110 , and bottom side  112  can be substantially composed of steel, aluminum, plastic or any other similar material and substantially encompass an interior region  302  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Each of the first side  102  and the second side  104  can further contain a clear member  114  that can allow for weather sensitive electronics to be located within the interior region  302  and be viewed from the exterior of the receptacle  100 . The material of the clear member  114  can be glass, acrylic, plastic, or any other similar material that is at least partially transparent. Further, the clear member  114  can be configured to protect a touch-sensitive screen while still allowing user interaction from the exterior of the receptacle  100 . The clear member  114  can be integrated into each of the first side  102  and the second side  104  to provide an at least partially airtight window that can allow the user to see at least some of the contents of the container  100 . The clear member  114  can range in size and shape to accommodate a plurality of displaying functions. In one particular embodiment, the clear member  114  can be shaped to maximize the viewing area of a display  116  that may be located behind the clear member  114 . 
     The display  116  can be a plurality of sizes. Further, there may be more than one display  116  located on or inside of the receptacle  100 . The size of the display  116  can depend on the dimensions of the first side  102  and the second panel  104 . In one aspect of the current disclosure, the display  116  size can substantially cover the first side  102  and the second side  104 . Further, in one embodiment the display  116  size may be compatible with a common computer monitor or television screen and consist of a digital high definition monitor, an LED Flat-Panel monitor, an OLED screen or the like. The display  116  can be located on each of the first side  102  and the second side  104  to allow for the contents of the display  116  to be viewed from the exterior of the receptacle. The clear member  114  may protect the display  116  from being harmed by exterior objects such as debris thrown at the displays, rain, hail, snow or other expected natural or artificially induced hazards. 
     The top side  110  may also have a solar panel  118  incorporated into, or placed on top of, the top side  110 . Placing the solar panel  118  on the top side  110  may be ideal because it allows for a surface that will be most directly in line with the sun. The solar panel  118  may be placed in an opening on the top side  110  or coupled on top of the top side  110  using couplers. 
     The solar panel  118  may be placed in the interior region  302  of the receptacle  100  to reduce the likelihood of theft. The solar panel  118  may be wider and longer than a cutout in the top side  110 . The cutout can allow sufficient sunlight to reach the solar panel  118  while keeping the solar panel  118  substantially confined to the interior region  302  of the receptacle  100 . This configuration can reduce the likelihood of theft because of the difficulty in removing the solar panel  118 . While the configuration of placing the solar panel  118  in a cutout has been described, this disclosure should not be limited to such a configuration. One skilled in the art can understand how other methods could be used to secure the solar panel  118  to the top side  110 . Such methods can include, but should not be limited to, coupling the solar panel  118  to the top of the top side  110  with secure couplers, covering the solar panel  118  with a theft-resistant transparent material, coupling metallic bands across the solar panel  118  to hold it in place, and the like. 
     A front view  200  of the receptacle  100  is shown in  FIG. 2 . An access door  206  can occupy a majority of the front side  106  of the receptacle  100  and be substantially surrounded by a frame member  202 . The access door  206  can be pivotally coupled at an outside edge  210  and have a lock  218  at one or more of the outside edges  210 . The access door  206  can be pivotally coupled at any one of the outside edges  210  and can allow the access door  206  to swing from a closed position  220 , to an opened position (not shown). One skilled in the art can understand how any one of the outside edges  210  can be pivotally coupled to the frame member  202  to allow the access door  206  to swing about the pivot and all such variations of the pivotal coupler&#39;s location should be considered as incorporated herein. 
     The lock  218  can be located to engage the frame member  202  at the opposite side of the hinged outside edge  210 . The lock  218  can removeably couple the access door  206  to the frame member  202  when the lock  218  is in an engaged position. Further the lock  218  can be manipulated to a disengaged position and allow the access door  206  to rotate from the closed position  220  to an opened position (not shown). The particular number of locks  218 , and the manner in which they are engaged and disengaged should not limit the present disclosure. One skilled in the art can understand how using multiple locks  218  instead of one lock  218  may be desirable. Multiple locks  218  can add increased safety and security by ensuring that the access door  206  remains fully closed on all outside edges when the locks  218  are engaged. Further, the particular means for engaging and disengaging the lock  218  should not be limited. Such means as a key and keyhole, a proximity receiver and transmitter, or any other common locking mechanism can be used for the present disclosure. 
     The access door  206  can allow access into the interior region  302  of the receptacle  100  by approved personnel. This can be advantageous for both allowing a trash container within the interior region  302  to be emptied and for maintaining the electrical components within the receptacle  100 . In another aspect of the current disclosure, the access door  206  may be removable entirely from the front side  106  to allow for uninhibited access to the interior region  302 . 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates a slot door  204 . The slot door  204  can control the access to the interior region  302  by restricting access to the interior region  302  unless a foot pedal  208  is engaged. The foot pedal  208  may be located on the front side  106  of the receptacle in an area that allows for the foot pedal  208  to be easily accessed. The foot pedal  208  may pivot between a first position and a second position. Further, as the foot pedal  208  is moved from the first position to the second position, the slot door  204  can also move from a first position  120  ( FIG. 1 ) to a second position  306  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     The receptacle  100  is shown with the second side panel  104  substantially removed  300  in  FIG. 3 . The foot pedal  208  can be connected to the slot door  204  by a connecting member  304 . The connecting member  304  can enable the movement of the foot pedal  208  from the first position to the second position to move the slot door  204  from the first position  120  to the second position  306 . The foot pedal  208  and the slot door  204  can be maintained in the first position  120  by a spring or other elastic or weighted member (not shown). The spring can substantially maintain the slot door  204  in the closed position. The spring or weight may have material properties that allow for the foot pedal  208  to be engaged by a human force sufficient to pivot the slot door  204  from the first position  120  to the second position  306 . While a spring or weight have been specifically disclosed, one skilled in the art can appreciate that there are other possible methods that can be used to maintain a position until sufficient force is applied. Such methods can also include a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, a mechanical locking mechanism, and the like. 
     The foot pedal  208  can also store energy for a compaction cycle. The foot pedal  208  can compress or rotate a spring, compress air into a chamber, lift a weighted member or the like for later release during the compaction cycle. The foot pedal  208  can be used to create more potential energy each time the foot pedal  208  is moved from the first position to the second position. After sufficient potential energy is stored by one of the methods mentioned above, a compaction process may be activated either mechanically or under the direction of an electronic controller (not shown). Alternatively, in one embodiment the foot pedal may add hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic system. The hydraulic pressure may immediately move a hydraulic cylinder or it may be stored for later use. 
     Further, located within the interior region  302  can be the electrical components that power and control the trash receptacle  100 . A flow diagram  400  of a method of providing an integrated wireless data accessibility and management system within a trash receptacle is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The electrical components located within the interior region  302  of the receptacle  100  can include at least a stacked battery management system  402 , a threshold sensor  404 , a compaction sensor  406 , a notification processor  408 , a compaction actuator  410 , the display  116 , a Wi-Fi transmission system  414 , and a mobile device alert system  416 . 
     In the alternative to using the foot pedal  208  to create potential energy for the compaction process, the stacked battery management system  402  can energize the compaction process. The battery management system  402  can consist of any number of batteries designed to power the actuator  410  during a compaction cycle. In one embodiment, there can be three batteries located alongside one another. The compaction cycle may be accomplished utilizing the power supplied by a battery through the battery management system  402 . In a multi battery system, when one battery loses charge, the battery can be removed and replaced by a fully charged battery without compromising the compaction cycle. This embodiment can also incorporate a monitoring system that utilizes the notification processor  408 , display  116 , and/or the mobile device alert system  416  to provide an alert that any one of the three batteries may need replaced. 
     While the stacked battery management system  402  can be used to power the compaction process, a separate battery or battery pack (not shown) may be used to power the compaction sensor  406 , the threshold sensor  404 , the notification processor  408 , the display  116 , the mobile device alert system  416 , and the Wi-Fi transmission system  414 . The second battery pack can be electronically independent from the stacked battery management system  402  and have a separate notification sent from the notification processor  408  to indicate the level of charge. Further, the solar panel  118  may be electrically coupled to the battery or battery pack to supply supplemental power to the battery or battery pack when the receptacle  100  is exposed to sunlight. The solar panel  118  may provide supplemental energy to the battery or battery pack to prolong the battery life of the battery or battery pack. Under ideal conditions, when there is adequate sunlight and total exposure of the solar panel  118 , the solar panel  118  may substantially recharge the battery or battery pack. While the battery or battery pack may be charged by the solar panel  118 , the multi battery system controlled by the battery management system  402  may be electrically independent from, and not charged by, the solar panel  118 . In a different embodiment, the battery management system  402  may be charged by the solar panel  118  along with the battery or battery pack. Alternatively, the battery management system  402  may have a separate solar panel for supplemental charging. 
     The receptacle  100  may also have an auxiliary power option that can be electrically coupled with a standard electrical outlet (not shown). When the auxiliary power source is electrically coupled to an external source, the notification processor  408  may also act as a power management controller and allow the receptacle  100  to be powered through the external source. When auxiliary power is supplied, the battery management system  402  and the battery or battery pack can be bypassed. Further, if the auxiliary power is provided, the auxiliary power may also charge both the stacked battery management system  402  and the battery or battery pack. This embodiment allows the receptacle  100  to function either remotely off of the stacked battery management system  402  and the battery or battery pack or through electronic coupling with an external source. 
     The compaction process can be monitored by the compaction sensor  406  and threshold sensor  404 . The compaction sensor  406  can consist of any number of sensors designed to determine how much material has been distributed into the interior region  302 . There can be one or more compaction sensor  406  located in the interior region  302 . The one or more compaction sensor  406  may be specifically located within the interior region  302  and communicate with the notification processor  408  to send notifications and control the compaction process. The notification processor  408  may then indicate the amount of material within the interior region  302 . The number or type of compaction sensors  406  used can determine the resolution sent to the notification processor  408 . For example, three sensors can be placed within the interior region  302  to identify when the interior region  302  is 50%, 75%, and 80% full or a more precise sensor can be utilized to detect precisely how full the receptacle  100  is. One skilled in the art can understand how a plurality of sensors can be used for this application such as capacity displacement sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and strain gauges to name a few and this disclosure should not be limited to one specific type of sensor. 
     In addition to the compaction sensor  406 , the receptacle  100  can have the threshold sensor  404  that determines when the interior region  302  has reached maximum capacity. In one embodiment, a single precise sensor can be used for both the compaction sensor  406  and the threshold sensor  404 . When the threshold sensor  404  indicates that the contents of the interior region  302  have reached a maximum capacity, it may communicate with the notification processor  408  and the actuator  410  to perform the compaction process. The notification processor  408  may use the display  116 , the mobile device alert system  416 , and/or the Wi-Fi transmission system  414  to communicate the state of the interior region  302  to another device or communication means such as an email, text message, or notification on a management application or computer program. The threshold sensor  404  may be separate from the compaction sensor  406  or it may be the same. Further, the threshold sensor  404  can be comprised of a plurality of different types of sensors such as capacity displacement sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and strain gauges to name a few. 
     The compaction process can be controlled by monitoring both the compaction sensor  406  and the threshold sensor  404 . The compaction sensor  406  can activate the compaction process when waste inside the receptacle  100  reaches a predefined level. Further, the threshold sensor  404  can activate the compaction process when the interior region  302  is determined to be substantially full. In the alternative, the compaction process can be controlled by a timer. For example, the compaction process may occur once every day or week depending on the need for that particular unit. One skilled in the art can understand the many ways the described compaction sensor  406  and threshold sensor  404  may be used along with the notification processor  408  to control the compaction process. 
     In addition to the threshold sensor  404  communicating with the notification processor  408 , the threshold sensor  404  can communicate with the slot door  204  locking mechanism (not shown). The slot door locking mechanism can be engaged when the threshold sensor  404  indicates the interior region  302  is full. The engaged slot door  204  locking mechanism can prevent the slot door  204  from moving to the second position  306 . The threshold sensor  404  can communicate with the slot door locking mechanism to ensure the interior region  302  cannot be filled passed the desired limit or threshold. 
     The slot door  204  locking mechanism may also be utilized to restrict access to the interior region  302  when the compaction process is occurring. When the compaction process starts, the slot door  204  locking mechanism can be engaged to prevent users from opening the slot door  204  during the compaction process. Engaging the slot door  204  locking mechanism during the compaction cycle can prevent users from distributing waste in areas that may mechanically disrupt the operation of the compaction process. 
     The notification processor  408  can control the communication to and from the receptacle  100 . The notification processor  408  can be connected to a wireless service provider, such as AT&amp;T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or the like, to allow the notification processor  408  to wirelessly communicate data without requiring a hardwired communication line such as an Ethernet cable. The notification processor  408  can send notifications via the wireless service provider through the mobile device alert system  416 . The mobile device alert system  416  can send notifications regarding the amount of material within the interior region  302 , the battery power left in the stacked battery management system  402 , the display&#39;s  116  status, the second battery or battery pack power level, or any other desired notification. 
     The display  116  can be controlled remotely by transmitting data to and from the receptacle  100  through the wireless service provider. The display  116  can show the status of the various electrical components within the receptacle  100 . Further, the display  116  can be used to show messages, warnings, advertisements, public safety concerns and the like to the surrounding area. The display  116  can be located in any area of the receptacle  100  that would create the most visibility to the surrounding public and any number of displays  116  may be mounted or coupled to the receptacle  100 . 
     The display  116  can be controlled and monitored remotely and independently from the other electrical components within the receptacle  100  through the Wi-Fi transmission system  414 . The display  116  can be managed separately from the mobile device alert system  416  to allow a first party to monitor the status of the electrical components within the receptacle  100  while a second party monitors and manages the contents of the display  116 . 
     In addition to providing visual information to the surrounding public through the display  116 , the receptacle  100  may also provide access to data by forming a Wi-Fi transmission system  414  that is accessible to or useable by the public. The Wi-Fi transmission system  414  may further provide wireless access to data through the wireless service provider. The Wi-Fi transmission system  414  can allow users to access data while the users are within the wireless capabilities of the receptacle  100 . Multiple receptacles  100  can be located within a given area to create a channel blanket across the given area. Technology such as Extricom&#39;s SignalShare can be utilized to enable high throughput to users by eliminating co-channel interference to provide better coverage. The overlapping channel blankets can allow a user to continue to use the Wi-Fi transmission system  414  to access data as the user moves from the range of a first receptacle to the range of a second receptacle. Further, the channel blanket system of multiple receptacles ensures seamless mobility and continuity of Wi-Fi access with no access point handoffs as the user moves throughout the area covered by the channel blanket. The Wi-Fi transmission system  414  can provide Wi-Fi communication to and from the user to the receptacle  100  while the wireless service provider can provide data access to the users who are connected via Wi-Fi. 
     The receptacle  100  may also have an external network receptacle (not shown). The network receptacle can allow the unit to be wired directly to an external data source such as a cable modem or network to bypass the use of the wireless service provider. When the network receptacle is connected to a functioning network or modem, the receptacle  100  can utilize the wired connection, rather than the wireless service provider, to provide data communications. Further, when the network receptacle is connected to a functioning network or modem, the receptacle  100  can utilize the network receptacle to provide a majority of the data communication required by the electrical components within the receptacle  100 . 
     A computer program or application for a smartphone or other mobile device (not shown) can control the notification processor  408  and/or the display  116 . The program or application can have a grid or a map that mimics the location of the receptacles  100 . The grid or map can indicate where each receptacle  100  is located and can further allow access to the monitored electrical information of the receptacle  100 . The computer program or application may further show information such as the stacked battery  402  status, the second battery or battery pack status, and the volumetric level of waste in the interior region  302 . Further, the program or application can create a warning signal, such as a blinking light or highlighted area, when one of the receptacles  100  requires maintenance. 
     The computer program or application can further be used to manage the display  116 . The computer program or application can be used to organize what is shown on the display  116 , how long any image is shown, how the various images transition from one another, and any other aspects of the display  116  that may be beneficial to monitor remotely. If more than one display  116  is located on a receptacle, the computer program can either show the same image on each display  116  or it may control each display  116  independently. Further, the program may provide for secure access to certain capabilities to limit administrative control. For example a trash company or municipality may view the screen that shows which receptacles require maintenance but be denied access to change the content being shown on the display  116 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of the components forming the outer shell of one embodiment of the receptacle  500  is shown. In this embodiment, the outer structure of a receptacle is comprised of a first side  502 , a second side  504 , a front side assembly  506 , a rear side assembly  508 , a top side assembly  510 , and a bottom side  512 . The first side  502 , second side  504 , front side assembly  506 , rear side assembly  508 , top side assembly  510 , and bottom side  512  can be substantially composed of steel, aluminum, plastic or any other similar material and substantially encompass an interior region  520 . 
     The front side assembly  506  may be composed of a pedal face  522 , a pedal backing  524 , a front door  526 , and a slot panel  528 . The pedal face  522  and pedal backing  524  may be coupled to one another to create a recess along a planar front face created along the surface of the pedal face  522 . A first and second corner support  530 ,  532  may also define a coupling point between the front side assembly  506  and the first and second side  502 ,  504 . More particularly, the first corner support  530  may be disposed about the length of the receptacle  500  to create a substantially 90 degree transition between the front side assembly  506  and the second side  504 . Similarly the second corner support  532  can be disposed about the length of the receptacle  500  to create a substantially 90 degree transition between the front side assembly  506  and the first side  502 . 
     The components of the front side assembly  506  may be coupled to the first corner support  530 , the second corner support  532 , or both the first and second corner support  530 ,  532 . The pedal face  522  may be coupled to the first corner support  530  on one end and the second corner support  532  on the other end. The pedal face  522  may also be coupled to the bottom side  512 . Additionally, the pedal backing  524  may be coupled the pedal face  522  and the bottom side  512 . The front door  526  may be pivotally coupled to the first corner  530 , the second corner support  532 , the pedal face  522 , or the slot panel  528 . Further, the front door  526  may not be pivotally coupled to any panel at all. In one embodiment the front door  526  may pivot to a fully opened position to allow a user to gain access to the interior region  520 . Further, the front door  526  may have a locking mechanism to only allow authorized personnel to open the front door  526 . Further, one skilled in the art would know that the door described above could be located on any panel and this disclosure should not be limited to the door being on the front side assembly  506 . 
     The slot panel  528  may also be coupled to the first corner support  530  and the second corner support  532 . The slot panel  528  may further be coupled to the top side assembly  510  along a top edge. The first and second corner supports  530 ,  532  may terminate at a first and second marker  534 ,  536 . The first and second markers  534 ,  536  may also couple the first and second corner supports  530 ,  532  to the top side assembly  510  and/or the slot panel  528 . The markers  534 ,  536  may define a coupler that can house an illuminating or reflective member (not shown). 
     The first side  502  may be coupled to the first corner support  530  at a substantially 90 degree angle from the front side assembly  506 . The first side  502  may further be coupled to the bottom side  512  at a bottom end and the top side assembly  510  at a top end. The first side  502  may also be coupled to a third corner support  538  at a back end. Similarly, the second side  504  may be coupled to the second corner support  532  at a substantially 90 degree angle from the front side assembly  506 . The second side  504  may be coupled to the bottom side  512  at a bottom end and the top side assembly  510  at a top end. The second side  504  may also be coupled to a fourth corner support  540  at a back end. 
     Both the first side  502  and the second side  504  may define an opening  514 . The opening  514  may be sufficiently sized to accommodate a visual communication device. A clear member  516  may substantially seal the opening  514  to the structure defining the opening  514 . The clear member  516  may allow the visual communication device to project images through the opening  514  while protecting one surface of the visual communication device from damage. 
     The rear side assembly  508  may be comprised of a first, second, and third panel  542 ,  544 ,  546 . The first panel  542  may be at a lower portion of the rear side assembly  508 . The first panel  542  may be coupled to the bottom side  512  at a bottom end, the third corner support  538  at a first side, the fourth corner support  540  at a second side, and the second panel  544  at a top side. Alternatively, the first panel  542  may not be coupled to the second panel  544  at all. 
     The second panel  544  can be pivotally coupled to the receptacle  500 . In one embodiment, the second panel  544  is pivotally coupled along a bottom edge to the first panel  542 . In a different embodiment, the second panel  544  is coupled to the third corner support  538  along a first edge or the fourth corner support  540  along a second edge. In yet another embodiment, the second panel  544  is pivotally coupled to the third panel  546 . Finally, the second panel  544  may not be pivotally coupled to any elements of the receptacle  500 . Alternatively, it may be slideably or fixedly coupled to the receptacle  500 . 
     The third panel  546  may be coupled to the third corner support  538  on a first end and the fourth corner support  540  on a second end. The third panel  546  may also be coupled to a portion of the top side assembly  510  along a top edge. In one embodiment, the bottom edge of the third panel  546  is pivotally coupled to the second side  504 . In another embodiment, the third panel  546  is not coupled to the second panel  544 . 
     The top side assembly  510  may be comprised of at least one frame member  548  and a solar panel  518 . The frame member  548  may couple the top side assembly  510  to the slot panel  528 , the first, second, third, and fourth corner supports  530 ,  532 ,  538 ,  540 , the second side  504 , the third panel  546 , the first side  502 , and the first and second marker  534 ,  536 . The frame members  548  may further couple the solar panel  518  to the receptacle  500 . The solar panel  518  may be coupled to the frame members  548  in such a way that allows the frame members  548  to substantially restrict the solar panel  518  from being removed from the top side assembly  510 . 
     A person having skill in the relevant art will understand the plurality of ways various components can be coupled to one another to create the outer portion of the receptacle  500  and this disclosure should not be limited to any particular embodiment. In one embodiment of the receptacle  500 , the components may be coupled to one another to create a substantially water resistant outer shell. This can be achieved by using seals at the panel joints as would be understood by a person having skill in the relevant art. Further, an adhesive that has sealing properties, such as silicone or caulk, could be used to couple the components of the receptacle  500  to one another in a water resistant manner. A person having skill in the relevant art would understand the plurality of methods that could be used and this disclosure should not be limited to any single method. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , some of the internal components  600  are shown. A hydraulic lift assembly  602  may be coupled to the bottom side  512 . The hydraulic lift assembly  602  may be comprised of a foot pedal  604  operatively coupled to a hydraulic cylinder  1204  ( FIG. 12 ) and rollers  704  (shown in  FIG. 7 a   ). Adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder  1204  and rollers  704  may be a basket carrier  606  and a basket  608 . The basket carrier  606  may define a region capable of receiving the basket  608  therein. Further, the basket carrier  606  may have at least one roller  610  coupled to an exterior wall of the basket carrier  606 . The roller  610  may correspond to a rail support  902  ( FIG. 9 ) that can guide the basket carrier  606  in a linear direction  612 . 
     The top portion of the internal components may have a receiving assembly  614 . The receiving assembly  614  may be composed of a plurality of walls  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622 , coupled to one another to define an internal cavity  624 . The receiving assembly  614  may also have a door  626  coupled thereto. The receiving assembly  614  may be sized to correspond to the basket  608 . More specifically, the receiving assembly  614  may become at least partially disposed within the basket  608 . In one embodiment, a substantial portion  628  of the receiving assembly  614  may become disposed within the basket  608 . 
     An expanded view  700  is shown in  FIG. 7 a    where the internal components  600  are expanded relative to one another in the linear direction  612 . The expanded view  700  more clearly shows the hydraulic cylinder  1204  and the roller  704  disposed beneath the basket carrier  606 . The basket carrier  606  may have a rail (not shown) that corresponds to the roller  704 . The rail may act as a guide for the roller  704  as the hydraulic cylinder  1204  is engaged. 
     The basket  608  may be removed from the basket carrier  606  as shown in the exploded view  701  of  FIG. 7 b   . Further, the door  626  is shown in an opened position  703  in  FIG. 7 c   . The receiving assembly  614  will be better understood with reference to the partial cross sectional view  800  with the wall  616  removed as shown in  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 8 , the door  626  is shown in the opened position  703 . 
     The door  626  may be comprised of a first member  802  and a second member  804  coupled to a first side  806  and a second side  808 . The first member  802  and the second member  804  may also be coupled to one another along a shared edge. The first and second members  802 ,  804  and the first and second sides  806 ,  808  may be coupled to one another to create a door assembly  810 . 
     The door assembly  810  may have a substantially V-shaped cross section that defines an inner cavity  812  therein. In one embodiment, the inner cavity  812  may be specifically sized to meter the amount of debris that can enter a receiving cavity  814  at any one time. This may be achieved by pivotally coupling the door assembly  810  to the walls  620 ,  616  through a pivot axis  816 . The pivot axis  816  may be disposed about a lower portion of the inner cavity  812  to allow the opening of the inner cavity  812  to be partially oriented away from the receiving cavity  814  in the opened position  800 . 
     The receiving assembly  614  may also be comprised of a first and second paddle  818 ,  820 . The first and second paddle  818 ,  820  may be oriented in a closed position  822  or an opened position (not shown). In the closed position  822 , the paddles  818 ,  820  may become oriented to be in substantially planar alignment with one another. The paddles  818 ,  820  may also be sufficiently sized to correspond with the dimensions of a bottom opening  824  of the receiving assembly  614 . In one non-limiting example, when the paddles  818 ,  820  are in the closed position  822 , the receiving cavity  814  may be substantially blocked about the bottom opening  824  by the paddles  818 ,  820 . In the closed position  822 , and debris deposited through the door assembly  810  into the receiving cavity  814  will remain in the receiving cavity  814  until the paddles  818 ,  820  become oriented in the opened position. 
     The paddles  818 ,  820  may be coupled to the walls  616 ,  620  about a first and second paddle axis  826 ,  828 . The first paddle axis  826  may be defined along a longitudinal and substantially centremost portion of the first paddle  818 . The second paddle axis  828  may similarly be defined along a longitudinal and substantially centremost portion of the second paddle  820 . The first and second paddles  818 ,  820  may also have at least one pivot member  830  disposed about the first or second paddle axis  826 ,  828 . The pivot members  830  may pivotally couple the paddles  818 ,  820  to the walls  616 ,  620  to allow the paddles  818 ,  820  to transition between the opened position and the closed position  822 . 
     At least one motor  1556  ( FIG. 15 ) may be coupled to the paddles  818 ,  820  to provide an electronic means for transitioning the paddles  818 ,  820  between the opened position and the closed position  822 . In one embodiment, the motor  1556  may contain chains or belts connecting a drive shaft of the motor  1556  to at least one pivot member  830  of each paddle  818 ,  820 . In a different embodiment, a motor  1556  may be directly coupled to the pivot member  830 . In yet another embodiment, the motor  1556  may drive the paddles  818 ,  820  through a plurality of gears. 
     Referring now to the exploded view  900  of the receiving assembly  614  shown in  FIG. 9 , the components are shown separated from one another. A partial section of the rail support  902  is shown coupled to the wall  616 . The rail support  902  may extend substantially the height of the receptacle  500  and provide both structural support to the receiving assembly  614  and guidance to the basket carrier  606  ( FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, the rollers  610  of the basket carrier  606  may become disposed about the rail support  902 . In this embodiment, the basket carrier  606  may be slideably coupled to the rail support  902  through the rollers  610 . The rail support  902  may also provide a spacer assembly  904  between the receiver assembly  614  and the receptacle  500 . In one embodiment, a second rail support (not shown) may be disposed about the wall  620  in a similar way as described above for the rail support  902 . 
     A first and second guide slot  906 ,  908  are also shown in  FIG. 9 . The first guide slot  906  may be a substantially arc-shaped slot defined by the wall  616 . Similarly, the second guide slot  908  may be a substantially arc-shaped slot defined by the wall  620 . The first and second guide slots  906 ,  908  may be substantially similar in size and shape and slideably couple with at least one door guide  910 . 
     The door guides  910  may be a pin-like extension from the first and second sides  806 ,  808  and extend away from the inner cavity  812 . The door guides  910  may become disposed within the guide slots  906 ,  908  to define maximum and minimum rotation of the door assembly  810  about the pivot axis  816  and relative to the wall  622 . When the door assembly  810  is in the fully closed position ( FIG. 7 b   ), the face of the door  626  and the face of the wall  622  may be substantially parallel to one another and the door guides  910  may be at one end  706  of the guide slots  906 ,  908 . When the door assembly  810  is in the fully opened position ( FIG. 7 c   ), the face of the door  626  may be angularly offset from the face of the wall  622  and the guides  910  may be at a different end  711  of the guide slots  906 ,  908 . 
     A person having skill in the relevant art understands that there are many ways to implement the pivotally opening function of door assembly  810  and this disclosure should not be limited to the particular method described herein. One skilled in the relevant art understands that a stop may be implemented on a portion of the door assembly  810  to restrict pivotal movement of the door instead of using slots and pins. Further, at least one hydraulic arm, spring, piston, or the like can be utilized to stop the door from opening past a certain point. Further still, the door may be coupled to a foot pedal that transitions the door between the closed position and the opened position, the maximum allowed movement of the foot pedal may define the maximum movement of the door. Accordingly, at least these methods for pivotally controlling a door movement are considered as incorporated herein and no single method is limiting. 
     An elevated perspective view  1000  of the bottom side  512  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The bottom side  512  may be removeably coupled to the hydraulic lift assembly  602 . The hydraulic lift assembly  602  may be comprised of the foot pedal  604 , at least one lever arm  1002 , a first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006 , the hydraulic cylinder  1204 , an extension arm  1008 , and the roller  704 . The foot pedal  604  may be a substantially flat material sized to be engageable by a user&#39;s foot. The foot pedal  604  may be coupled to the lever arm  1002  to transfer a force input from the foot pedal  604  to the hydraulic cylinder  1204 . If the hydraulic cylinder  1204  receives a force input, it may generate a force output that changes the angular orientation of the extension arm  1008  relative to the bottom side  512 . 
     A platform  1010  may couple the roller  704  to the extension arm  1008 . The platform  1010  may be pivotally coupled to both the extension arm  1008  and a position arm  1012  at different locations. As the angular orientation of the extension arm  1008  changes relative to the bottom side  512 , the location of the platform  1010  also changes. The platform  1010  may define a bottom face that is substantially parallel to a face of the bottom side  512 . As the extension arm  1008  changes the location of the platform  1010 , the bottom face of the platform  1010  may remain parallel to the bottom side  512  because it is pivotally coupled with the position arm  1012 . A person having skill in the relevant art will understand how to pivotally couple two members to one another in a way that allows the two members to remain parallel to one another as they rotate. 
     A first and second sensor  1014 ,  1016  are also shown in  FIG. 10 . The first and second sensor  1014 ,  1016  may further be coupled to a support  1018 . The first sensor  1014  may be coupled to the support  1018  at a location that indicates the hydraulic cylinder  1204  is in a first position. The second sensor  1016  may be coupled to the support  1018  at a location that indicates the hydraulic cylinder  1204  is in a second position. In one embodiment, the first position could be the most compressed position of the hydraulic cylinder while the second position may be the most extended position of the hydraulic cylinder. In yet another embodiment, the first position may be when the basket carrier  606  is in the lowest most position and the second position may be when the basket carrier  606  is in the upper most position. 
     A backside perspective view  1100  of the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is shown in  FIG. 11 . In the perspective view  1100 , at least one bearing or bushing  1102  may be disposed within the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006 . The bearing or bushing  1102  may be oriented to be disposed about the lever arm  1002  as it transitions through the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006 . The bearing or bushing  1102  may allow the lever arm  1002  to pivot about a lever axis  1104 . The bearing or bushing  1102  may also be coupled to the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006  by at least one retaining member  1106 . The retaining member  1106  may allow the lever arm  1002  and the bushing or bearing  1102  to be slideably placed into the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006 . In one embodiment, this may allow the lever arm  1002  to become correctly positioned within the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006 . 
     A control valve  1108  may be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder  1204 . The control valve  1108  may be electronically controlled to direct a hydraulic fluid (not shown) through the components of the hydraulic cylinder  1204 . The control valve  1108  may have a first position, where the hydraulic cylinder  1204  will not allow the platform  1010  to lower. The control valve  1108  may also have a second position, where the platform  1010  may be lowered. In one embodiment, the control valve  1108  may also have a pressure transducer disposed therein. The pressure transducer can be used to determine the amount of pressure in the hydraulic system. In a different embodiment, the pressure transducer may be separate from the control valve  1108 . 
     The lever arm  1002  may be coupled to a sleeve  1110 . The sleeve  1110  may be disposed about the lever axis  1104  and also be coupled to a pump contact  1112 . The pump contact  1112  may be offset from the lever axis  1104  and disposable to provide force to a pump assembly  1202  ( FIG. 2 ) of the hydraulic cylinder  1204 . If a force is applied to the lever arm  1002  in a down direction  1115 , the lever arm  1002  may pivot about the lever axis  1104  to create a torque in the sleeve  1110 . The torque in the sleeve  1110  may then be transferred to the pump contact  1112 . Depending on the position of the control valve  1108 , the pump contact  1112  may convert the torque applied to the pump contact  1112  to an engaging force on the pump assembly  1202  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     The extension arm  1008  may be pivotally coupled to the first and second support plate  1004 ,  1006  through a support axis  1114 . The hydraulic cylinder  1204  may provide a force to the extension arm  1008  that causes the extension arm  1008  to rotate about the support axis  1114 . As the extension arm  1008  rotates about the support axis  1114 , the platform  1010  and roller  704  may be raised or lowered. A top side view  1200  of the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The pump assembly  1202  may be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder  1204  to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic lift assembly  602 . The pump assembly  1202  may be reversible by the control valve  1108  to provide both an extending force and a retracting force to the hydraulic cylinder  1204  as is known in the art. Additionally, a side view  1300  of the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an expanded perspective view  1400  of the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is shown. The pump assembly  1202  may have a first pump  1402  and a second pump  1404 . The first and second pump  1402  and  1404  may provide the necessary fluid displacement to operate the hydraulic lift assembly  602  when a user applies a force to the foot pedal  604 . 
     The components of the receptacle  500  may be coupled to one another to form a substantially compact, multipurpose system. In one embodiment, a user may desire to distribute refuse into the basket  608 . In order to do this, the user may first step on the foot pedal  604  to pivot the door assembly  810  to the opened position  703 . In one embodiment, this may be achieved by coupling a linkage (not shown) from the foot pedal  604  to the door assembly  810 . As the foot pedal  604  is engaged by the user, the linkage may convert the force in the down direction  1115  into a force that moves the door assembly  810  into the opened position  703 . Once the door assembly  810  is in the opened position  703 , the user may deposit the refuse into the inner cavity  812  of the door assembly  810 . The user may then release the foot pedal  604  and allow the door assembly  810  to transition to the fully closed position  220 . Once in the fully closed position  220 , the refuse placed therein may fall into the receiving cavity  814 . 
     In addition to transitioning the door assembly  810  to the opened position  703 , when the user engages the foot pedal  604  the pump contact  1112  may be forced into the pump assembly  1202 . In turn, the hydraulic cylinder  1204  may expand, causing the platform  1010  to rise along with the rollers  704 . The rollers  704  may slide along a bottom rail (not shown) coupled to the basket carrier  606 . The basket carrier  606  may slide in the linear direction  612  towards the receiving assembly  614 . The basket carrier  606  may slideably move in the linear direction  612  because of the roller&#39;s  610  interaction with the rail support  902 . 
     The paddles  818 ,  820  may be in the closed position  822  as the substantial portion  628  of the receiving member  614  becomes disposed within the basket  608 . The paddles  818 ,  820  may begin to contact any debris located within the basket  608  as it is forced towards the paddles  818 ,  820 . Each step on the foot pedal  604  by a user may raise the basket  608  a little closer to the receiving assembly  614 , compressing the debris located therein. Once the substantial portion of the receiving assembly  614  becomes disposed with the basket  608 , the first sensor  1014  may indicate to a controller to release the control valve  1108  and allow the basket  608  to return to a lowered position. 
     While a compaction process has been described by raising the basket  608  into the substantial portion  628  of the receiving member  614 , a person having skill in the relevant art would understand that a similar compaction process could be used that lowers the paddles down into the receiving member. Alternatively, a compaction process could compact debris against a side wall instead of a top or bottom surface. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be limited to any one compaction process. 
     Simultaneously with the release of the control valve  1108 , the motors  1556  coupled to the paddles  818 ,  820  may rotate the paddles  818 ,  820  to the opened position. While the paddles  818 ,  820  are in the opened position, debris that has collected in the receiving cavity  814  may fall into the basket  608 . The motors  1556  may then transition the paddles  818 ,  820  back to the closed position  822  and the cycle can start over with the carrier in the bottom position. 
     A flowchart  1500  shows the electrical components of the present disclosure in  FIG. 15 . In the flowchart  1500 , one of a first, second, or third power configuration  1510 ,  1520 ,  1530  can be used provide power to several electrical systems  1550 . The electrical systems  1550  may include at least one display  1552 , controller  1554 , motor  1556 , camera  1558 , marker  1560 , network assembly  1562 , sensor  1564 , valve  1566 , and GPS device  1568  among other things. 
     In the first power configuration  1510 , a main power source  1511  can be electronically coupled to a system bus  1512  through an AC/DC converter  1514 . The main power source  1511  can be a conventional power source that is accessible through a basic power grid. The main power source  1511  can be supplied through a power chord (not shown) connected to the AC/DC converter  1514 . In this embodiment, the main power source  1511  may provide an AC-type power source. The AC/DC converter  1514  may convert the main power source  1511  from an AC-type power source to a DC-type power source that is compatible with the system bus  1512 . Once the system bus  1512  is supplied powered, it may provide power to the electrical systems  1550  as needed. 
     The second power configuration  1520  may provide for supplemental power through solar cells  1522 . In this configuration, a main power source  1524  may be connected to a local power grid through a power chord. The main power source  1524  may electrically couple the local power grid to a solar and AC/DC converter/charger  1526 . When the main power source  1524  is supplying power, the converter/charger  1526  may convert the local power source to a battery charge power prior to sending the charge power to a battery  1528 . The battery  1528  may remain in a fully charged state when the main power source  1524  is coupled to the local power source. 
     The second power configuration  1520  may also charge the battery  1528  through the solar cells  1522  when the main power source  1524  is not providing power. In this configuration, the solar cells  1522  may be exposed to solar energy. The solar energy is captured by the solar cells  1522  and sent to the converter/charger  1526 . The converter/charger  1526  may convert the energy collected by the solar cells  1522  into the charge power that is sent to the battery  1528 . The solar cells  1522  may provide supplemental charge power to charge the battery  1528 . The battery  1528  may further provide the stored power to a system bus  1529 . Finally, the system bus  1529  may distribute power to the electrical systems  1550  as needed. 
     In the third power configuration  1530  the power source may be charged exclusively by solar cells  1532 . In this power configuration  1530 , the solar cells  1532  may be electrically coupled to a solar charger  1534 . The solar charger  1534  may also be electrically coupled to a battery  1536 . The solar cells  1532  may provide solar energy to the solar charger  1534 . The solar charger  1534  may convert the solar energy into charge power before sending it to the battery  1536 . The battery  1536  may then be electronically coupled to a system bus  1538 , which supplies power to the electrical systems  1550  as needed. 
     One skilled in the relevant art would understand how a plurality of variations based on the first, second, and third power configurations  1510 ,  1520 ,  1530 , could be used. For example, the main power source  1511 ,  1524  could be electronically coupled to a plurality of different power sources. In one example, the main power source may be electronically coupled to a 120 volt alternating current source as is common in the United States. In yet another embodiment, the main power source may be electronically coupled to a 230 volt alternating current source as is common in the United Kingdom. Further, the voltage supplied to the system bus  1512 ,  1529 ,  1538  may be a plurality of types and voltages. One skilled in the relevant art would understand how a plurality of voltage sources and outputs can be converted to supply power to different electrical system. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be limited to any one power configuration. 
     While the system bus  1512 ,  1529 ,  1538  may provide electrical power to the electrical systems  250 , the controller  1554  may also be in communication with the electrical systems  250 . Referring now to  FIG. 16 a   , an initial controller logic flowchart  1600  is shown. Block  1602  may be initiated to start the overall logic process of the controller  1554 . Block  1602  may start when the controller  1554  is first supplied power. In one embodiment, there may be a power switch that may be engaged by a user to start the process of block  1602 . In yet another embodiment, block  1602  may be initiated remotely by a user through the network  1562 . 
     Once the start process of block  1602  is initiated, block  1604  may utilize the controller  1554  to determine the screen resolution of the displays  1552 . Block  1606  may be simultaneously, or otherwise, executed with block  1604 . In block  1606 , the controller  1554  may communicate with the GPS device  1568  to determine the status of the GPS device  1568  connection and the location of the receptacle  500 . In block  1608 , data logging mechanisms and external sensors  1564  are initialized. In block  1610 , the controller  1554  starts internal timers to set the intervals for which the controller  1554  will report and receive data through the network  1562 . Block  1612  may be initiated by the controller. In block  1612 , the valve  1566  may be transitioned to a lowering position to allow the hydraulic lift assembly  602  become oriented in the lowered position. During block  1612 , the motors  1556  may be engaged to transition the first and second paddles  818 ,  820  to the closed position  822 . 
     After block  1612 , the controller  1554  initiates a first process  1614  ( FIG. 16 b   ) and a second process  1616  ( FIG. 16 c   ). The first process  1614  may, in part, monitor the electrical systems  1550  while the second process  1616  may communicate with external components through the network  1562 . 
     The first process  1614  may begin at block  1618 , where the data from the electrical systems  1550  is monitored. Throughout the monitoring of block  1618 , the system will be checked for errors in block  1620 . If there is no error detected in  1620 , the controller  1554  will continue to monitor the electrical systems  1550 . If there is an error detected in  1620 , the controller  1554  will initiate a third process  1652  ( FIG. 16 d   ). While block  1618  is monitoring the electrical systems  1550 , in block  1622  the power input into the controller  1554  may be monitored. Block  1622  may monitor the battery  1528 ,  1536 , to determine if battery overcurrent has occurred. Block  1622  may also monitor the electrical properties of the main power source  1511 ,  1524 , the converter  1514 ,  1526 ,  1534 , and the solar cells  1522 ,  1532  to ensure the electrical components are functioning normally. If block  1622  determines everything is functioning properly, the controller  1554  may move to block  1626 . If the controller determines there was an issue found in block  1622 , block  1624  may be initiated. In block  1624 , if battery overcurrent has occurred, the controller  1554  may send an error communication through the network  1562  and shut down the receptacle  500 . If a different error was detected in block  1622 , the controller  1554  may send an error message through the network  1562 . 
     The controller  1554  may also be simultaneously executing block  1626 . In block  1626 , the first and second sensors  1014 ,  1016  may be monitored to determine whether the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is in a top position. If in block  1626  the controller  1554  determines that the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is in the top position, the controller may execute block  1628 . In block  1628 , the controller  1554  may release the control valve  1108  and allow the hydraulic lift assembly  602  to transition to a bottom position. During block  1628 , the controller  1554  may send a signal to the motors  1556  to transition the first and second paddles  818 ,  820  to the opened position. 
     Block  1630  may also be simultaneously performed by the controller  1554 . In block  1630 , the controller  1554  may monitor one of the sensors  1564  to determine if an overflow condition has occurred. In one embodiment, block  1630  may monitor a break beam sensor (not shown) to determine whether the overflow condition has occurred. If the overflow condition has occurred, the controller may move to block  1632  to increment a break beam sensor counter. The counter of block  1632  may be used by the controller  1554  to determine how long the overflow condition has occurred. 
     In block  1634 , the controller  1554  monitors the counter of block  1632  to determine if a threshold timer value has been met. If the threshold timer value has been met, the controller executes block  1636 , where the motors  1556  are engaged by the controller  1554  to transition to the opened position and the control valve  1108  is transitioned to the release orientation where the hydraulic lift assembly  602  can transition to a lowered position. 
     In block  1638 , the controller  1554  may monitor one of the sensors  1564  to determine if the hydraulic lift assembly  602  is generating too much hydraulic pressure. In one embodiment of block  1638 , the pressure transducer in the control valve  1108  is used to determine hydraulic pressure. If the hydraulic pressure determined in block  1638  is too high, the controller may implement block  1640 . In block  1640  the controller may engage the motors  1556  to transition to the opened position and the control valve  1108  may be transitioned to the release orientation where the hydraulic lift assembly  602  can transition to a lowered position. In block  1640 , a fill percentage modifier may be implemented when a fill percentage is calculated. 
     Each of the blocks in the first process  1614  may be monitored either simultaneously or in any sequence. Further, each of the blocks may be monitored continuously while the controller  1554  has power. 
     Referring now to the second process  1616  shown in  FIG. 16 c   . In a first block  1642 , a reporting timer may be initiated by the controller  1554 . The reporting timer in block  1642  may be referenced during block  1644  to determine if a waiting interval has been met by the reporting timer. The waiting interval may be previously defined in the controller  1554 . During the waiting interval of block  1644 , the controller  1554  may execute block  1646  and obtain information from the electrical systems  1550  and format the data to be output as a pre-set format. After the waiting and formatting blocks  1644 ,  1646  have been completed, the controller  1554  may send the data through the network  1562  to a desired location in block  1648 . After the data has been sent in block  1648 , the waiting interval may be reset and blocks  1644 ,  1646 , and  1648  may be repeated. 
     During the second process  1616 , block  1650  may continuously check the second process  1616  for any errors. If the controller  1554  detects any errors during block  1650 , it may initiate the third process  1652 . If the controller  1554  does not detect any errors in block  1650 , the remaining blocks of the second process  1616  will continue to be executed by the controller  1554 . 
     If the controller  1554  ever detects a fatal error, the third process  1652  may be executed. In the third process  1652 , the controller  1554  may seize to perform the first and second process  1614 ,  1616  in block  1654  and merge all obtained data into a shutdown process. In block  1656 , the controller  1554  may close any running process or opened files. Finally, in block  1658 , the controller  1554  may shut down the electrical systems  1550 . 
     While the controller  1554  has been described throughout as performing many of the functions for the controller logic flowchart  1600 , one skilled in the art will understand that a plurality of methods could be used to execute the logic steps described above. More specifically, multiple controllers could be used. Each controller could be in electrical communication with the other and each controller could execute different blocks of the logic flowchart. There could also be no controller on the receptacle  500  at all. Rather, the network  1562  could communicate with an external source to control the electrical systems  1550 . In yet another embodiment there may be no logic flowchart at all. In this embodiment, the network  1562  could communicate with a user interface to show the status of the electrical systems  1550 . A user could then control the electrical systems  1550  by sending commands through the network  1562 . 
     The network  1562  may provide a plurality of wireless signal interfaces for transferring data. The network  1562  may provide standard wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, and the like. Further, the network  1562  may be wired to a local area network. The network  1562  may also communicate with other receptacles  500  that are located within the receptacles wireless range. In one embodiment, the receptacle  500  may be connected to a local area network that provides a high-speed connection to the internet. The receptacle could be wirelessly connected to other receptacles within wireless range of one another. The high-speed connection could be shared by all of the receptacles  500  wirelessly. Further, a user could stay within the wireless range of the plurality of receptacles  500  and seamlessly obtain the high-speed internet connection through wireless connectivity to the plurality of receptacles  500 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , one embodiment of a network configuration  1700  is shown in schematic form. In this nonexclusive embodiment, a first, second, and third receptacle  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 , may be in wireless communication with one another through a first and second wireless connection  1708 ,  1710 . The second receptacle  1704  may provide for a high-speed data connection  1712 . The data connection  1712  may be a wired connection such as Ethernet, cable, fibre optics, or the like. The data connection  1712  may allow the second receptacle to communicate with a server  1714 . The server  1714  may contain information that may be transmitted to the second receptacle  1704  through the data connection  1712 . Further, the second receptacle  1704  may provide the server  1714  with updated information regarding the electrical systems  1550  of the second receptacle  1704 . 
     In one embodiment, the first receptacle  1702  may be connected to the second receptacle  1704  through the first wireless connection  1708 . In this embodiment, the first receptacle  1702  may access the data connection  1712  through the first wireless connection  1708  with the second receptacle  1704 . The first receptacle  1702  may also communicate with the server  1714  through the data connection  1712 . 
     In another embodiment, the third receptacle  1706  may have the second wireless connection  1710  to the second receptacle  1704  and also have a cellular connection  1716  directly to the server  1714 . The cellular connection  1716  may allow the third receptacle  1706  communicate with the server  1714  through standard cellular data transfer protocols. The third receptacle  1706  may also communicate with the server  1714  by accessing the data connection  1712  of the second receptacle  1704  through the second wireless connection  1710 . In this embodiment, the third receptacle  1706  may communicate with the server  1714  through the cellular connection  1716  and/or the second wireless connection  1710 . In one aspect of this embodiment, the third receptacle  1706  may determine whether the second wireless connection  1710  or the cellular connection  1716  provides the best connection for transferring/receiving data. In yet another aspect, the third receptacle  1706  may utilize both the second wireless connections  1710  and the cellular connection  1716  to transfer/receive data simultaneously. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of users  1718 - 1723  may access a network through the receptacles  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 . In this embodiment, the user  1718  may be within wireless range of the first receptacle  1702 . The user may then connect a wireless device (not shown) to a third user connection  1734  supplied by the first receptacle  1702 . The user  1718  may also access the data connection  1712  and the server  1714  because of the first receptacles  1702  first wireless connection  1708  with the second receptacle  1704  as described in more detail above. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, the user  1720  may be wirelessly connected to both the first receptacle  1702  and the second receptacle  1704 . In this embodiment, the user  1720  may wirelessly access the data connection  1712  either through the first receptacle  1702  via a first user connection  1724 , or the second receptacle  1704  via a second user connection  1726 . Alternatively, the user could use both receptacles  1702 ,  1704  simultaneously. In this embodiment, the user  1720  will ultimately gain access to the data connection  1712  through the second receptacle  1704 . However, if the user  1720  has a stronger first user connection  1724 , the user may gain access to the data connection  1712  through the first receptacle  1702  as described in more detail above. Further, the user  1720  may gain access to the data connection  1712  through both the first and second user connection  1724 ,  1726 . 
     In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the user  1723  may connect wirelessly to the third receptacle  1706  through a third user connection  1728 . The third user connection  1728  may allow the user  1723  to utilize the network connections of the third receptacle  1706 . In one embodiment, the user  1723  may gain access to the cellular connection  1716  through the third receptacle  1706 . The user  1723  may transfer/receive data through the cellular data protocols used by the third receptacle  1706 . Alternatively, the user  1723  may transfer/receive data through the data connection  1712  provided through the third receptacle&#39;s  1706  second wireless connection  1710  with the second receptacle  1704 . 
     At least one user  1730  may access the server  1714  through a data connection  1732 . The user  1730  may be provided with login information to gain access to the server  1714 . Once the user  1730  has accessed the server  1714 , the user  1730  may send/receive information to/from the plurality of receptacles  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 . The user  1730  may monitor the receptacles to determine whether any errors have occurred, the level of refuse deposited therein, the information displayed on the displays  1552 , or view images produced by the camera  1558  among other things. The user  1730  may also provide instructions to the plurality of receptacles  1702 ,  1704 ,  1706 , in order to control their functionality. In one embodiment, the user  1730  may send information to be shown on the displays  1552 . In yet another embodiment, the user  1730  may remotely shut down a receptacle through the server  1714 . 
     The server  1714  may also send notification information to the user  1730 . In one nonlimiting example, the server  1714  may send the user  1730  a notification of an issue with a receptacle. In that case, the server  1714  may provide notice in the form of an email, a text message, an automated phone call, a notification on a control application, and/or any other form of communication that would be noticed by the user  1730 . 
     One skilled in the art will understand that there is a plurality of ways to obtain data connectivity both wirelessly and through a local area network. Further, a person having skill in the relevant art understands that there is a plurality of ways to wirelessly mesh a plurality of wireless devices to share a data connection. One example of a system that could be used to provide part of the network  1562  is “AirTight Wireless Mesh” as provided by AirTight Networks, Inc. The Airtight system allows certain wireless access points to be wirelessly connected to one another to share one or more wired network connections. One skilled in the art understands that there are many ways to achieve a wireless mesh to share a hardwired network connection and this application should not be limited to any particular one. 
     In one embodiment, the camera  1558  may be mounted on the front side assembly  506 . The camera  1558  may be oriented in a plurality of directions. Further, there may be more than one camera  1558  located on the receptacle  500 . In one embodiment, there is a plurality of cameras  1558  located about the receptacle  500  so that they may be combined to show a substantially 360 degree view about the receptacle  500 . 
     The cameras  1558  may be mounted to an external surface of the receptacle  500 . In this embodiment, a bracket may couple the camera  1558  to the receptacle  500 . The camera  1558  may transmit video data to the receptacle  500  either wirelessly through the network  1562  or through a wireless connection to the controller  1554 . In a different embodiment, the cameras  1558  may be mounted in the interior region  520  behind one or more panels of the receptacle  500 . In this embodiment, there may be a hole in the panel that is sufficiently sized and located to allow an unobstructed view from the camera  1558  to the surrounding area. The hole in the panel may also be covered or otherwise sealed with a clear member such as glass or any other similarly transparent material. The glass may keep moisture or other external forces from harming the camera  1558  while still allowing the camera  1558  to record images from the surrounding area. 
     A person having skill in the relevant art will understand the plurality of camera systems and mounting options that could be utilized on the receptacle  500  and this disclosure should not be limited to any particular embodiment. 
     In a different embodiment, the cameras  1558  may further provide a security monitoring feature. In this embodiment the cameras  1558  may record both audio and video from the environment surrounding the receptacle. The cameras  1558  may be programmed to send an alert if certain conditions are met. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cameras  1558  may send an alert if an audio input is recorded that corresponds to expected audio inputs for a gunshot. In another embodiment, the cameras  1558  may use face-recognition to determine whether a targeted person has been in the area. In yet another embodiment, the cameras  1558  may be programmed to send an alert when a dangerous weapon, such as guns, is observed. In one embodiment, a system such as SmartWitness™ may be used along with the cameras  1558 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , a flowchart  1800  is shown that allows a user to communicate a distress signal to a plurality of sources. The flowchart  1800  may be implemented by a portable device that can communicate with a plurality of sources. In block  1802 , the user may initiate an application by selecting an icon from a screen. After the user has selected the icon in block  1802 , a loading screen may indicate that the application is loading in block  1804 . After the loading block  1804  is complete, a sign-in screen of block  1806  may be shown. The sign-in screen of block  1806  may provide the user with an option to log in to a previously setup account or it may also provide the user with an option to create an account to use the application. After the user has logged in at block  1806 , the application may display an armed panic menu in block  1808 . The armed panic menu of block  1808  may be a panic icon that can be selected by the user. In addition to the armed panic menu of block  1808 , the application mar also have an icon that can be selected by the user to enter the menu options in block  1810 . 
     If the user selects the panic icon of block  1808 , block  1812  may initiate a countdown sequence. Once the countdown sequence is initiated in block  1812 , a countdown window may show the remaining time in the countdown and provide for an option to immediately send an alarm or immediately disarm the application in block  1814 . If the countdown of block  1814  is completed or the user initiates the alarm, block  1816  will initiate an alarm. Once the alarm is initiated in block  1816 , block  1818  may activate several protective features, such as; sounding an audible alarm, tracking location with any available GPS data, enabling any available audio or video recording, notifying pre-selected contacts, showing distress signals, and notifying local authorities. Finally, in block  1820 , the alarm can be disabled by inputting a personal identification code pre-set by the user. 
     In one non-exclusive embodiment of the protective features of block  1818 , the receptacle  500  may be utilized to provide a supplemental alert. For example, the displays  1552  that are located within a certain proximity to the user may flash and/or display an alert message. Further, the camera  1558  on the receptacle  500  may begin recording upon receiving the alarm signal of block  1818 . The markers  1560  may also flash or provide a visual distress signal indicating that the alarm signal was received. Further, the GPS device  1568  of the receptacle may provide information regarding the location of the alarm signal. 
     One embodiment of a loading screen  1900  from block  1804  is shown in  FIG. 19 . The loading screen  1900  may display an application icon  1902  and a loading status indicator  1904 . The application icon  1902  can display various graphics indicating the program that is loading. Further, the load status indicator  1904  may provide a visual indication that the application is being loaded on the portable device. 
     A sign-in screen  2000  is shown in  FIG. 20 . Once the loading process of block  1804  is complete, the device may show the sign-in screen  2000  while executing block  1806 . The sign-in screen  2000  may display an icon  2002  indicating the application being run. The sign-in screen  2000  may also have a location for the user to put in a sign-in name  2004  and a sign-in password  2006 . A first link  2008  may provide the user with assistance if the sign-in information has been forgotten. Once the user has input the correct sign-in information, they may select a log-in button  2010  to execute the application using the user&#39;s specific log-in credentials. Finally, a second link  2012  may be provided to allow the user to create a sign-in name and sign-in password if they do not already have one. 
     Once the user has logged in to the application as described above and mentioned in block  1808 , a panic option screen  2100  may be displayed as shown in  FIG. 21 . The panic option screen  2100  may display an application identifier  2102  at a top location. The application identifier  2102  may be disposed next to a menu icon  2104 . The menu icon  2104  may be selected by the user to display a plurality of menu options. A panic icon  2106  may be displayed in an easily accessible location on the device. The panic icon  2106  can be selected by the user to initiate the countdown procedure as mentioned in block  1812 . Further, a status indicator  2108  may be disposed at a bottom portion of the device to tell the user the status of the application (i.e., whether it is armed or unarmed). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , the menu options of block  1810  are shown in an expanded state  2200 . Selecting the menu icon  2104  may expand a plurality of option buttons  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208 . Each of the plurality of option buttons  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  can be individually selected by the user to open a corresponding option window. Option button  2202  may be selectable to bring the user to a profile page. The profile page may allow the user to change the specific information related to the user&#39;s account. The option button  2204  may be selectable to open a trusted contacts page. The trusted contacts page could allow the user to add or remove the contact information the user desires the application to use. The option button  2206  could be selectable to open a privacy policy page. The privacy policy page could list the specific details of the applications privacy policy with the user. Finally, the option button  2208  could be selectable to allow the user to sign out of their account. 
     While a set number of option buttons  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  have been described herein, one having skill in the relevant art understands that any number of option buttons may be used. Further, while specific functions of each of the option buttons  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  has also been described herein, one skilled in the relevant art understands that the option buttons  2202 ,  2204 ,  2206 ,  2208  could be configured to perform a plurality of functions not explicitly disclosed herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be limited to the specific functions described explicitly herein. 
     If the user selects the panic icon  2106  as described in block  1812 , a timer screen  2300  may be displayed to the user as shown in  FIG. 23 . The timer screen  2300  may show a timer indicator  2302 . The timer indicator  2302  may display a countdown until the alarm block  1818  is initiated. The user may also have the option to select an immediate alarm icon  2304 . The immediate alarm icon  2304  may bypass the countdown and immediately initiate the alarm procedure of block  1818 . Further, a cancel icon  2306  may be selectable by the user to cancel the countdown prior to initiating the alarm procedure. 
     Once the alarm is initiated as described above, a locked screen  2400  may be displayed as shown in  FIG. 24 . The lock screen  2400  may display a status window  2402  to show the user the current status of the application. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the status window  2402  may indicate a locked condition when the alarm has been activated. Along with the status window  2402 , a disarm icon  2404  may also be displayed on the device. The disarm icon  2404  may allow the user to disengage the alarm. Finally an alarm notification  2406  may be displayed. The alarm notification  2406  may show the user the type of alarm procedure that is being executed by the application. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the alarm notification  2406  may indicate that the audio/video of the device is being recorded, that certain people have been contacted, and that the position of the device is being tracked through the GPS signal of the device. 
     If the disarm icon  2404  is selected, a disarm screen  2500  may be displayed as shown in  FIG. 25 . The disarm screen  2500  may display a message  2502  requesting the user to input a user specific code or word. Also shown on the disarm screen  2500  may be a user entry window  2504  where the user may enter the user specific word or code. If the user successfully enters the user specific word or code, the application may be disarmed and no longer send the alarm notifications of block  1818 . 
     While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claim.