Automated alignment and dumping of refuse cans

US11899460B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• OSHKOSH CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey Koga · Oshkosh, US
• Emily Davis · Rochester, US
• Jerrod Kappers · Oshkosh, US
• Vince Schad · Oshkosh, US
• Robert S. Messina · Oshkosh, US
• Christopher K. Yakes · Oshkosh, US
• Joshua D. Rocholl · Rochester, US
• Vincent Hoover · Byron, US
• Clinton T. Weckwerth · Pine Island, US
• Zachary L. Klein · Rochester, US
• John Beck · Oshkosh, US
• Brendan Chan · Oshkosh, US
• Skylar A. Wachter · Dodge Center, US
• Dale Matsumoto · Oshkosh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 16, 2021
• Grant date: Feb 13, 2024
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65F2210/168
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for detecting and engaging a refuse can includes at least one sensor positioned on a refuse collection vehicle and configured to detect objects on one or more sides of the refuse vehicle, an actuator assembly configured to actuate to engage the refuse can, and a controller configured to detect, using a single-stage object detector, the presence of the refuse can based on first data received from the at least one sensor, determine, based on the first data, a position of the refuse can with respect to the refuse collection vehicle, generate a first trajectory from the refuse collection vehicle to the position of the refuse can, generate a second trajectory for the actuator assembly, and initiate a control action to move at least one of the refuse collection vehicle along the first trajectory or the actuator assembly along the second trajectory to engage the refuse can.