Series hydraulic circuit tailgate locking mechanism

A tailgate locking apparatus for a refuse container having an open end, the container having a tailgate mounted thereon for movement between a closed position, wherein the tailgate covers the open end, and an open position, wherein the open end is uncovered, the tailgate locking apparatus comprising first and second locking cylinders for locking the tailgate in the closed position, said first and second locking cylinders being movable between a tailgate locked position and a tailgate unlocked position, each of said first and second locking cylinders comprising:

• (a) a lower end wall, an upper end wall having a central opening formed therein, and a housing interconnecting said lower and upper end walls, said housing and end walls defining an interior volume between the interior surfaces of the housing and end walls;
• (b) a piston assembly disposed within said interior volume, said piston assembly comprising a piston and a piston rod extending from said piston through said upper end wall central opening, said piston dividing said interior volume into a lower chamber and an upper chamber;
• wherein the upper chamber of said first locking cylinder is fluidly connected to the lower chamber of said second locking cylinder, wherein the volume of the upper chamber of said first locking cylinder and the volume of the lower chamber of the second locking cylinder are equal, and wherein the piston rod of the second locking cylinder extends from its corresponding piston a distance greater than the piston rod of the first locking cylinder extends from its corresponding piston.