Semi-autonomous refuse collection

US12134516B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Heil Co. · US

Inventors

• Stanley L. Maroney · Attalla, US
• David Lewis · Howell, US
• Robert B. Williams · Jasper, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 17, 2023
• Grant date: Nov 5, 2024
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

Operating a refuse collection vehicle to collect refuse from a refuse container includes positioning a refuse collection vehicle with respect to a refuse container to be emptied, and manually engaging a switch to initiate a dump cycle to be performed by the refuse collection vehicle on the refuse container. The dump cycle includes engaging the refuse container with a portion of the vehicle, lifting the engaged refuse container to a dump position, and moving the refuse container to release contents of the refuse container into a hopper of the refuse collection vehicle. The dump cycle continues to completion as long as the switch remains manually engaged.