Universal trash compactor
AssigneeAvangard Innovative LP
InventorsChung Wah Chan, Ricardo J. Perez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are embodiments that relate to apparatus for compacting materials. The apparatus comprising a mechanical linkage designed to be mounted within the interior of an existing waste receptacle, a compression surface operably connected to the mechanical linkage, and a motor operably connected to the mechanical linkage, wherein the motor is capable of extending and retracting the mechanical linkage, thereby lowering and raising the compression plate. Some embodiments will take advantage of integrated sensors and processors in order to capture and analyze large amounts of data related to the compactor operations. This data may lead to refinements and greater efficiency in the waste disposal processes.
Claims19
An apparatus for compacting materials comprising:
- a waste receptacle;
- a mechanical linkage mounted within the interior of the waste receptacle;
- a compression surface having a top operably connected to the mechanical linkage;
- a motor operably connected to the mechanical linkage, wherein the motor is capable of moving the compression surface via the mechanical linkage;
- a processor;
- a printer operably connected to the processor and mounted within the interior of the waste receptacle;
- and
- a distance sensor operably connected to the processor to measure the distance from the sensor to a waste deposited within the receptacle and determine an approximate volume of waste deposited in the receptacle;
- wherein the compression surface is arranged to tilt as it retracts to allow waste material on the top of the compression surface to fall off the top of the compression surface.
A method of converting an existing waste receptacle into a compactor, the method comprising the steps of:
- mounting a mechanical linkage within the existing receptacle;
- connecting the mechanical linkage to a compression surface having a top;
- connecting the mechanical linkage to a motor, wherein the motor is capable of moving the compression surface via the mechanical linkage;
- mounting a printer operably connected to a processor within the interior of the waste receptacle;
- and
- mounting a distance sensor within the interior of the waste receptacle, wherein the distance sensor is operably connected to the processor wherein said distance sensor measures the distance from the sensor to a waste deposited within the receptacle and determines an approximate volume of waste deposited in the receptacle;
- wherein the compression surface is arranged to tilt as it retracts to allow waste material on the top of the compression surface to fall off the top of the compression surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.