Scale Based Load Limiting Mechanism For Refuse Vehicles With An Intermediate Container
AssigneeThe Curotto-Can, LLC
InventorBrian T. PARKER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the system prevents a lifting of a refuse container to prevent emptying of the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the system prevents gripping of a refuse can.
Claims10
A refuse vehicle comprising:
- a bin supported by the refuse vehicle;
- a lift mechanism, a container is coupled with the lift mechanism to receive refuse to be added to the bin via a lift operation;
- a lift assembly for dumping refuse cans into the container coupled with the lift mechanism;
- a sensor for sensing a weight, the weight varying in accordance with the refuse contained in the bin;
- a controller, the controller receiving a weight signal from the sensor;
- a lift lockout, the lift lockout inhibiting operation of the lift mechanism if the weight sensed by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value.
A refuse vehicle comprising:
- a bin supported by the refuse vehicle;
- a gripper mechanism, the gripper mechanism associated with a container coupled with a lift mechanism on the vehicle, the gripper mechanism taking hold of a can containing refuse to be added to the container coupled with the lifting mechanism;
- a sensor for sensing a weight, the weight varying in accordance with the refuse contained in the bin;
- a controller, the controller receiving a weight signal from the sensor;
- a lockout, the lockout inhibiting operation of the gripper mechanism if the weight sensed by the sensor exceed a predetermined value.
The refuse vehicle of claim 8, wherein the gripper mechanism lifts the can toward the container to deposit refuse in the container.
The refuse vehicle of claim 8, wherein the lockout inhibits the gripper mechanism from taking hold of the can.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.