Patent ID: 8794135

Claim:
A method for controlling the operation of a waste compactor having a hydraulic ram and a hydraulic pump operative for applying hydraulic pressure to extend and retract the ram during compacting strokes of the compactor, wherein the hydraulic pump comprises a hydraulic fluid having at least one characteristic, the method comprising the steps of: establishing extend and retract time constraints for the hydraulic ram; operating the hydraulic ram; monitoring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid while the hydraulic ram is operated; estimating one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid; adjusting the extend and retract time constraints based on the estimated one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fluid and accounting for changes in the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid over time, during extension, retraction and stopping of the ram during compacting strokes; detecting hydraulic fluid leaks; wherein the hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from a reservoir and wherein the reservoir includes a hydrostatic pressure sensor; and, providing notice of any of the hydraulic fluid leaks.