U.S. patent application number 10/508747 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for incremental material urging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Byrne Trailer Manufacturing (Wagga Wagga) Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Laurence Byrne.
Application Number | 20070098531 10/508747 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3834848 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070098531 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Byrne; Laurence |
May 3, 2007 |
Incremental Material Urging System
Abstract
An incremental material urging system comprising: (a) a
container structure having a rear end and a forward end, (b) a
material urging structure (c) material urging structure activating
means wherein said material urging structure is incrementally
advanced from a retracted position at said rear end of said
container structure, to a fully advanced position at said forward
end of said container structure, where said forward end is a
discharge end.
Inventors: |
Byrne; Laurence; (Wagga
Wagga, NSW, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Byrne Trailer Manufacturing (Wagga
Wagga) Pty Ltd
278 Hammond Avenue
Wagga Wagga, NSW
AU
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050191158 A1 |
September 1, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
3834848 |
Appl. No.: |
10/508747 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 3/28 20130101; B65F
9/00 20130101; B65D 88/126 20130101; B65D 88/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/400 |
International
Class: |
B65F 9/00 20060101
B65F009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2002 |
AU |
AUPS1251 |
Claims
1. An incremental material urging system comprising: (f) a
container structure having a rear end and a forward end, (g) a
material urging structure, (h) material urging structure activating
means wherein said material urging structure is incrementally
advanced from a retracted position at said rear end of said
container structure, to a fully advanced position at said forward
end of said container structure, where said forward end is a
discharge end.
2. The material urging system of claim 1 wherein said container
structure includes; (a) a floor sub-structure, (b) side wall
sub-structures, (c) a roof, (d) a top opening, (e) a top opening
cover, (f) a discharge end closure means.
3. The material urging system of claim 1 or 2 wherein said material
urging structure is incrementally retracted by said activating
means from said discharge end to said rear end of said container
structure.
4. The material urging system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein
said activating means are disposed along each side wall of said
container structure and wherein said activating means operate
substantially in unison.
5. The material urging system of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein
said material urging structure is a close sliding fit within said
container structure, said material urging structure adapted to
slide on the surface of said floor sub-structure.
6. The material urging system of any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein
each of said side wall substructures is provided with a slot
extending substantially along the length of said wall substructure,
said slot providing a separation between an upper and a lower
portion of internal wall sheeting.
7. The material urging system of claim 6 wherein said material
urging structure is provided on each side of said structure with a
projecting lug, each one of said lugs projecting through one of
said slots.
8. The material urging system of claim 6 or 7 wherein each of said
slots is co-linear with a rail system said rail system adapted to
support and guide a reciprocating beam.
9. The material urging system of claim 8 wherein said reciprocating
beam is provided with a plurality of thrust assemblies; said thrust
assemblies disposed at substantially equal intervals along the
length of said beam, between a forward end and a rear end of said
beam.
10. The material urging system of claim 9 wherein each of said
thrust assemblies includes; (a) an assembly support, (b) a double
ended pawl, (c) a pawl pivot shaft, (d) a pawl actuator means.
11. The material urging system of claim 10 wherein said double
ended pawl is rotatable about said pawl pivot shaft by said pawl
actuator means from a first forward thrusting position to a second
rearward thrusting position.
12. The material urging system of claim 10 or 11 wherein said pawl
actuator means is a linear actuator.
13. The material urging system of any one of claims 10 to 12
wherein each of said double ended pawls is rotated by said linear
actuator; said actuator pivotally connected at a first end to one
end of said double ended pawls and at a second end to said
reciprocating beam.
14. The material urging system of any one of claims 10 to 13
wherein each of said double ended pawl s is provided with a pawl
control bracket, said bracket supporting a control pivot shaft.
15. The material urging system of claim 14 wherein each said
control pivot shaft is pivotally connected to a common control arm,
said control arm being pivotally connected at an outer end to a
linear actuator and wherein said actuator is pivotally connected to
said reciprocating beam.
16. The material urging system of any one of claims 10 to 15
wherein each said double ended pawl is adapted to thrust against
the rearward facing side of said projecting lug when said double
ended pawl is in said forward thrusting position and to thrust
against the forward facing side of said projecting lug when said
double ended pawl is in a rearward thrusting position.
17. The material urging system of any one of claims 10 to 16
wherein that portion of a first end of said double ended pawl
adapted to thrust against said projecting lug presents a vertical
outer surface when set in said forward thrusting position or said
rearward thrusting position; a second end of said double ended pawl
then rotated to a position precluding potential contact with said
projecting lug.
18. The material urging system of claim 17 wherein each opposite
face of each of said first end and said second end of said double
ended pawl is a sloping face, each said sloping face intersecting
on the bisector of said double ended pawl so as to form a shallow
"V" shaped space and where said sloping opposite face of that end
set to a thrusting position is adapted to impart a turning moment
to said pawls when impacting on said projecting lug while said pawl
actuator means is deactivated.
19. The material urging system of claim 18 wherein each said double
ended pawl may be rotated when impacted by a said sloping face to a
position about said pivot shaft such that said projecting lug is
able to pass said thrust assembly.
20. The material urging system of any one of claims 8 to 19 wherein
said reciprocating beam is urged into reciprocating motion by an
hydraulic ram pivotally connected at a first end of said ram to
said reciprocating beam and at a second end of said ram to said
container structure.
21. The material urging system of any one of claims 8 to 20 wherein
said reciprocating beam is fitted at its forward outer end with an
initial retraction thrust block and at its rear outer end with an
initial advance thrust block.
22. The material urging system of claim 20 or 21 wherein, when said
material urging structure is in a fully retracted first position at
said rear end of said container structure and said hydraulic ram is
retracted, said projecting lug is located between said initial
advance thrust block and the first thrust assembly located nearest
said rear end of said reciprocating beam.
23. The material urging system of any one of claims 20 to 22
wherein said reciprocating motion for a first forward movement of
said material urging structure comprises the steps of: (a)
extending said hydraulic ram to urge said initial advance thrust
block into contact with said projecting lug so as to drive said lug
and said material urging structure to a first partial forward
incremented position, (b) retracting said pawl actuator means to
rotate said double ended pawl into a forward thrust position, (c)
deactivating said pawl actuator means so as to allow rotation of
said double ended pawl s when the sloping face of that pawl set to
said forward thrust position is contacted by said projecting lug,
(d) retracting said hydraulic ram so as to retract said thrust
assembly nearest to rear end of said reciprocating beam past said
projecting lug, (e) retracting said pawl actuator means to reset
said double ended pawls of said thrust assembly nearest to rear end
of said reciprocating beam to said forward thrust position, (f)
extending said hydraulic ram to drive said thrust assembly nearest
to rear end of said reciprocating beam into contact with said
projecting lug thereby driving said material urging structure to a
completed first forward increment.
24. The material urging system of any one of claims 20 to 23
wherein subsequent forward increments of said material urging
structure comprise the steps of: (b) deactivating said pawl
actuator means so as to allow rotation of said double ended pawl
when contacted by said projecting lug, (c) retracting said
hydraulic ram so as to retract the next forward thrust assembly
past said projecting lug, (d) retracting said pawl actuator means
to reset the next forward thrust assembly to said forward thrust
position, (e) extending said hydraulic ram to drive forward said
next forward thrust assembly thereby driving said material urging
structure to a next forward incremented position.
25. The material urging system of any one of claims 20 to 24
wherein, when said material urging structure is in a fully advanced
position at said forward end of said container structure and said
hydraulic ram is extended, said projecting lug is located between
said initial retract thrust block and the thrust assembly located
nearest said forward end of said reciprocating beam.
26. The material urging system of any one of claims 21 to 25
wherein a sequence for a first rearward movement of said material
urging structure comprises the steps of: (a) retracting said
hydraulic ram to urge said initial retract thrust block into
contact with said projecting lug thereby driving said lug and said
material urging structure to a first partial rearward incremented
position, (b) extending said pawl actuator means to rotate said
double ended pawl into a rearward thrust position, (c) deactivating
said pawl actuator means so as to allow rotation of said double
ended pawls when the sloping face of that pawl set to said rearward
thrust position is contacted by said projecting lug, (d) extending
said hydraulic ram so as to advance said thrust assembly nearest to
forward end of said reciprocating beam past said projecting lug,
(e) extending said pawl control actuator to reset said double ended
pawls of said thrust assembly nearest to rear end of said
reciprocating beam to said rearward thrust position.
27. The material urging system of any one of claims 21 to 25
wherein subsequent rearward increments of said material urging
structure comprise the steps of: (a) deactivating said pawl
actuator means so as to allow rotation of said double ended pawls
when contacted by said projecting lug, (b) extending said hydraulic
ram so as to advance the next rearward thrust assembly past said
projecting lug, (c) extending said pawl actuator means to reset the
next rearward thrust assembly to said rearward thrust position, (d)
retracting said hydraulic ram to drive rearward said next rearward
thrust assembly thereby driving said material urging structure to a
next rearward incremented position.
28. The material urging system of any of claims 1 to 27 wherein
said urging system is adapted to the compaction of refuse.
29. The material urging system of any one of claims 2 to 28 wherein
said roof is provided with an openable aperture for the
introduction of refuse into said container structure.
30. The material urging system of claim 28 or 29 wherein said
discharge end closure means is in the form of a discharge gate,
said gate adapted to provide a reaction surface for the compaction
of said refuse between said discharge gate and said material urging
structure.
31. The material urging system of claim 30 wherein said container
structure is provided with an intermediate openable gate positioned
between said discharge gate and said openable aperture in said
roof, said intermediate gate adapted to provide a reaction surface
for the compaction of refuse between said intermediate gate and
said material urging structure.
32. The material urging system of any one of claims 1 to 31 wherein
said container structure is provided with a plurality of
articulated compaction devices; said devices supported by hinges
along said sides of said container structure; said devices acting
through apertures in said sides to intrude into a volume of refuse
contained in said container structure.
33. The material urging system of claim 32 wherein said articulated
compaction devices are hinged from said roof of said container
structure; said compaction devices acting through apertures in said
roof.
34. The material urging system of any one of claims 2 to 33 wherein
said container structure is provided with at least one articulated
section of said floor substructure; said section adapted to rise
vertically within said container structure to provide compaction
force on a volume of refuse.
35. The material urging system of any one of claims 2 to 34 wherein
said container structure is provided with at least one articulated
section of said roof; said section adapted to descend vertically
within said container structure to provide compaction force on a
volume of refuse.
36. The material urging system of any of claims 1 to 35 wherein
said material urging system is adapted to the transfer of a
compacted volume of refuse from said container structure into a
transport vehicle.
37. The material urging system of any preceding claim wherein said
system is adapted to retrofitting of said system to existing refuse
transfer stations.
38. The material urging system of any preceding claim wherein said
system is adapted to the reduction in volume of any compactable
material.
39. The material urging system of any preceding claim wherein said
system is adapted to the discharge of material from a transport
vehicle, the load container of said vehicle forming a container
structure.
40. The material urging system of claim 6 wherein said material
urging structure activating means includes a primary mechanical
system and a secondary mechanical system.
41. The material urging system of claim 40 wherein said primary
mechanical system includes a pair of hydraulic rams; each hydraulic
ram of said pair of hydraulic rams affixed to a rearward end of one
of said side wall substructures.
42. The material urging system of claim 41 wherein the piston rod
of each hydraulic ram of said pair of hydraulic rams is connected
to a respective engagement nest beam.
43. The material urging system of claim 42 wherein each said
respective engagement nest beam extends substantially the length of
said container structure.
44. The material urging system of claims 41 or 42 wherein each said
engagement nest beam is adapted to simultaneous guided reciprocal
motion by in-stroke and outstroke action of said hydraulic ram.
45. The material urging system of any one of claims 42 to 44
wherein each nest of said engagement nest beam is provided with an
elongate slot.
46. The material urging system of claim 45 wherein each said
elongate slot lies in a common horizontal plane with said slot
extending substantially along the length of said wall
substructure.
47. The material urging system of claim 45 or 46 wherein each
successive said elongate slot is spaced along each said respective
engagement nest beam according to said in-stroke and out-stroke of
said hydraulic ram.
48. The material urging system of any one of claims 40 to 47
wherein said secondary mechanical system is at least partially
incorporated within said material urging structure.
49. The material urging system of claim 48 wherein said secondary
mechanical system comprises a pair of thrust tongue plates adapted
to alternate between a first extended state so as to project from
respective sides of said material urging structure and a second
retracted state.
50. The material urging structure of claim 49 wherein said pair of
thrust tongue plates are urged between said first extended state
and said second retracted state by hydraulic means.
51. The material urging system of claim 49 or 50 wherein each one
of said pair of thrust tongue plates projects through respective
ones of said slots extending substantially along the length of
respective said wall substructures when in said first extended
state.
52. The material urging system of any one of claims 49 to 51
wherein each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is adapted to
engage with one of said elongate slots when said thrust tongue
plates are in said first extended state.
53. The material urging system of any one of claims 49 to 52
wherein each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is caused to
engage with a respective said elongate slot when each said ram of
said primary mechanism is in an in-stroked state.
54. The material urging system of any one of claims 49 to 53
wherein each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is caused to
disengage from a respective elongate slot when said thrust tongue
plates are retracted into said first state.
55. The material urging system of any one of claims 49 to 54
wherein said material urging structure is incremented between an
initial position and a successive position by stroking of said
hydraulic ram while each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates
is engaged with said respective elongate slot.
56. The material urging system of any one of claims 41 to 55
wherein said material urging structure is incremented forwardly
when said pair of hydraulic rams out-strokes and rearwardly when
said pair of hydraulic rams in-strokes.
57. The material urging system of any one of claims 41 to 56
wherein each side wall of said side wall substructures is provided
with a plurality of apertures along the length of said container
structure; successive ones of said apertures spaced according to
said in-strokes and outstrokes of said pair of hydraulic rams.
58. The material urging system of any one of claims 40 to 57
wherein said secondary mechanical system includes a pair of
retainer tongue plates adapted to alternate between a first
extended state so as to project from respective sides of said
material urging structure and a second retracted state.
59. The material urging system of claim 58 wherein said retainer
tongue plates project through respective ones of said plurality of
apertures when in said first extended state.
60. The material urging system of claim 58 or 59 wherein said
retainer tongue plates are urged between said first extended state
and said second retracted state by hydraulic means.
61. An incremental material urging system comprising; (a) an
elongate floor structure, (b) at least one guide element extending
along a portion of said elongate floor structure, (c) a material
urging structure adapted to incremental movement along said at
least one guide element, said urging structure provided with a load
urging surface normal to said floor structure and transverse to
said at least one guide element, (d) a material urging structure
incrementing means.
62. The material urging system of claim 61 wherein said material
urging structure includes a substantially vertical surface adapted
to act against moveable load objects.
63. The material urging system of claim 61 or 62 wherein said
urging structure incrementing means include: (a) at least one
linear actuator, (b) a guide element clamping mechanism associated
with each said at least one linear actuator.
64. The material urging system of claim 63 wherein each said at
least one linear actuator is attached at a first end to a rear
portion of said urging structure and at a second end to a said
guide element clamping mechanism; said at least one linear actuator
lying substantially in a vertical plane through a corresponding one
of said at least one guide element.
65. The material urging system of claim 63 or 64 wherein said guide
element clamping mechanism comprises a clamping caliper provided
with gripping pads adapted to apply frictional force to each side
of said at least one guide element.
66. The material urging system of any one of claims 63 to 65
wherein said at least one linear actuator is an hydraulic ram.
67. The material urging system of any one of claims 43 to 66
wherein a said guide element clamping mechanism is activated by an
hydraulic ram.
68. The material urging system of any one of claims 63 to 47
wherein an increment of said urging structure for the purpose of
advancing said load objects along said floor structure is effected
by the steps of: (a) extension of said at least one linear actuator
while said guide element clamping mechanism is activated to grip
said at least one guide element, (b) deactivating said guide
element clamping mechanism associated with each said at least one
linear actuator, (c) retracting said at least one linear
actuator.
69. The material urging system of any one of claims 63 to 67
wherein an increment of said urging structure for the purpose of
retracting said urging structure is effected by the steps of: (a)
retraction of said linear actuator while said guide element
clamping mechanism associated with each said at least one linear
actuator is activated to grip said guide element, (b) deactivating
said guide element clamping mechanism, (c) extending said at least
one linear actuator.
70. The material urging system of any one of claims 61 to 49
wherein said at least one guide element is a rail.
71. The material urging system of any one of claims 61 to 69
wherein said at least one guide element is a channel let into said
elongate floor structure.
72. An incremental material urging system comprising; (a) an
elongate floor structure, (b) at least one rail element extending
along a portion of said elongate floor structure, (c) a linear
actuator linked by linking means to said at least one rail element,
the axis of said actuator disposed in parallel alignment to said at
least one rail element, said actuator adapted to urge reciprocating
movement of said at least one rail element along said elongate
floor, (d) a material urging structure adapted to incremental
movement along said at least one rail element, said urging
structure provided with a vertical load urging surface normal to
said floor structure and transverse to said at least one rail
element, (e) at least one urging structure clamping element, said
element adapted to releasably lock said urging structure to said at
least one rail element.
73. The material urging system of claim 72 wherein said material
urging structure is supported on said at least one rail elements by
friction reducing means.
74. The material urging system of claim 72 or 73 wherein said
material urging structure is supported by said floor structure by
friction reducing means.
75. The material urging system of any one of claims 72 to 74
wherein said floor structure is provided with material urging
structure arresting means.
76. The material urging system of claim 75 wherein said arresting
means are comprised of a plurality of vertical articulated pins
disposed in pairs transverse to said at least one rail element and
at intervals along the length of said at least one rail element
equivalent to the stroke length of said linear actuator, said pins
adapted to move between a first retracted position flush with said
floor and a second extended position projecting from said
floor.
77. The material urging system of any one of claims 72 to 74
wherein said material urging structure is provided with friction
pads, said pads adapted to be driven downwardly relative to said
urging structure so as to provide friction sufficient to arrest
said structure at an incremented position.
78. An incremental material urging system adapted to the compaction
of a volume of compactable material; said system comprising: (a) a
container structure including floor, roof, and side wall structures
closed at a first rearward end, (b) a loading aperture in said roof
for introducing said compactable material into said container
structure, (c) an incrementing urging structure adapted to
traversing substantially the length of said container structure,
(d) a discharge gate at a second forward end of said container
structure for the ejection of said compactable material.
79. The system of claim 78 wherein each of said side wall
structures is provided with an elongate slot extending
substantially the length of said container structure; said slot
communicating with the inside surface of each of said side wall
structures.
80. The system of claim 78 or 79 wherein said urging structure is
urged into incremental horizontal motion within said container
structure by two cooperating mechanical systems.
81. The system of claim 80 wherein a first one of said two
interacting mechanical systems is an incremental urging structure
engagement mechanism.
82. The system of claim 80 wherein a second one of said two
interacting mechanical systems is an urging structure driving
mechanism.
83. The system of any one of claims 78 to 82 wherein said
incrementing urging structure is comprised of a box-like structure
having at least a material urging front compacting face
substantially equal in area and dimensions as the internal cross
section of said container structure.
84. The system of any one of claims 78 to 83 wherein said urging
structure further includes side elements, top and bottom elements
adapted to permit sliding movement of said urging structure within
said container structure.
85. The system of claim 83 or 84 wherein said urging structure
engagement mechanism is disposed within said box-like
structure.
86. The system of any one of claims 81 to 85 wherein said
engagement mechanism includes a pair of thrust tongue plates each
disposed at one of said sides of said urging structure and urged by
actuator means so as to alternate between a first inwardly
retracted state and a second outwardly projecting state; the
arrangement being such as to cause each said engagement plate to
project outwardly through said elongate slot.
87. The system of any one of claims 81 to 86 wherein said
engagement mechanism further includes a pair of retainer tongue
plates each disposed at one of said sides of said urging structure
and urged by actuator means to alternate between a first inwardly
retracted state and a second outwardly projecting state; the
arrangement being such as to cause each said retainer plate to
engage with one of a plurality of retainer slots in said sidewall
structures of said container structure.
88. The system of claim 86 or 87 wherein said actuator means are
hydraulic rams.
89. The system of claim 82 wherein said urging structure driving
mechanism is comprised of two concurrently operating mechanisms
disposed along the outside of each of said sidewall structures.
90. The system of claim 89 wherein each of said two mechanisms is
comprised of an incrementing hydraulic ram and an elongate member
urged into reciprocal horizontal motion by said ram.
91. The system of claim 90 wherein said elongate member is provided
with a plurality of equi-spaced engagement nests; each said nest
including an elongate slot.
92. The system of claim 91 wherein each said elongate slot of each
of said engagement nests is coincident with said elongate slot in
said side wall structure.
93. The system of claim 91 or 92 wherein each said elongate slot of
said engagement nest is adapted to receive said engagement tongue
plate when said tongue plate is in said outwardly projecting
state.
94. The system of any one of claims 91 to 93 wherein spacing
between said engagement nests is substantially equal to the stroke
of said incrementing hydraulic ram.
95. The system of claim 94 wherein spacing between said plurality
of retainer slots is equal to said spacing between said engagement
nests.
96. A method according to any one of claims 78 to 95 for forward
incremental urging of said urging structure along the length of
said container structure; said method including the steps of: (a)
in-stroking said hydraulic rams of said driving mechanism, (b)
urging said thrust tongue plates into said second outwardly
projecting state so as to engage with one of said plurality of
engagement nests, (c) out-stroking said hydraulic rams so as to
urge said elongate member, said plurality of engagement nests and
said urging structure one increment towards said forward end of
said container structure, (d) urging said retainer tongue plates
into said second outwardly projecting state so as to engage with
one of said plurality of said retainer slots, (e) urging said
thrust tongue plates into said first inwardly retracted state, (f)
in-stroking said hydraulic rams, (g) iterating steps (a) to (f)
until said urging structure reaches a maximum forwardly incremented
position.
97. A method according to any one of claims 78 to 95 for rearward
incremental urging of said urging structure along the length of
said container structure; said method including the steps of: (a)
out-stroking said hydraulic rams of said driving mechanism, (b)
urging said thrust tongue plates into said second outwardly
projecting state so as to engage with one of said plurality of
engagement nests, (c) in-stroking said hydraulic rams so as to
retract said elongate member, said plurality of engagement nests
and said urging structure one increment towards said rearward end
of said container structure, (d) out-stroking said hydraulic rams,
(e) iterating steps (a) to (d) until said urging structure reaches
a maximum rearwardly incremented position.
98. A method for the compaction and transfer to a refuse transport
means of a volume of refuse, said method including the steps of:
(a) loading a quantity of refuse material through an opening in the
roof of a container structure, said container structure provided
with an incrementing material urging structure and an openable
discharge gate, (b) closing said opening so as to provide a sealed
container envelope for said quantity of refuse, (c) incrementally
advancing said urging structure to a desired degree of compaction
of said refuse material, (d) aligning the loading aperture of a
refuse transport means with said discharge gate of said container
structure, (e) opening of said discharge gate and incrementing said
material urging structure so as to discharge said refuse material
into said refuse transport means.
99. The material urging system of any preceding claim wherein each
increment of said material urging structure from said fully
retracted position towards said fully advanced position moves
material towards said discharge end.
100. The incremental material urging system of any preceding claim
wherein each increment of said material urging structure from said
fully retracted position towards said fully advanced position moves
material towards said discharge end.
101. A method for the removal of material from the container
structure of a transport vehicle, said method including the steps
of: (a) providing said container structure with a material urging
structure, said structure provided with a load urging surface
having an area equivalent to the internal cross-section of said
container structure, (b) activating said material urging structure
with reciprocating mechanisms adapted to increment said urging
structure between a first retracted end to a second discharge
end.
102. A method for the movement of material along a supporting
surface from a first position to a second position, said method
including the steps of: (a) providing said supporting surface with
a material urging structure, said structure provided with a load
urging surface normal to said supporting surface, (b) activating
said material urging structure with reciprocating mechanisms
adapted to increment said urging structure between said first
position and said second position.
103. The material urging system of any one of claims 1 to 39
wherein each increment of said material urging structure from said
fully retracted position towards said fully advanced position moves
material towards said discharge end.
104. The incremental material urging system of any one of claims 61
to 77 wherein each increment of said material urging structure from
said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced position
moves material towards said discharge end.
105. The method of any of claims 98 to 100 wherein each increment
of said material urging structure from said fully retracted
position towards said fully advanced position moves material
towards said discharge end.
106. The method of any preceding claim wherein each increment of
said material urging structure from said fully retracted position
towards said fully advanced position moves material towards said
discharge end.
107. A material urging structure adapted to the transfer of
material from a first loaded position to second unloaded position
by incremental movements induced by reciprocating extensible urging
means; where said reciprocating extensible urging means have an
operating stroke significantly smaller than the separation between
said first loaded position and said second unloaded position.
108. A system and method for the compaction of loose material as
substantially herein described and with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to systems for the incremental
conveying of solid material for transfer between adjacent locations
and for the incremental compaction of loose polymorphous material
for the purposes of minimizing costs of storage, transportation or
disposal.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Compaction of loose material is desirable in many industries
and for many different reasons. Generally the process includes some
form of a confining volume into which the material is deposited
with a subsequent mechanical means of decreasing that volume.
[0003] In a particular application, that of waste management, the
confining volume may take the form of an elongate generally
rectangular section container having a moveable urging structure at
one end. Waste matter is introduced into the container following
which hydraulic rams cause the urging structure to be moved along a
part of the length of the container, driving the material into a
compacted mass against a discharge gate. Once compacted, the mass
may be ejected from the forward end of the container structure by a
further movement of the rams, for example into a transport
vehicle.
[0004] A feature of such compaction systems is the need for very
long hydraulic rams. These then have to be of telescopic multi
stage construction and of large diameter to ensure sufficient power
towards the end of the compaction stroke, where the load tends to a
maximum. These requirements in turn demand very large hydraulic
power systems making compactors of this type very expensive and
generally beyond the reach of small isolated communities.
[0005] Generally the discharge of the compacted material is into a
transport vehicle for subsequent transfer to a waste disposal or
recycling site at which point the material has to be removed from
the transport vehicle.
[0006] One known method is that of hydraulically jacking the
container portion of the vehicle to a sufficient angle to allow the
material to be ejected under the force of gravity. Particularly at
soft surface land-fill sites this entails a danger of the vehicle
tipping over side-ways as its center of gravity is raised during
the jacking process.
[0007] Another known method is by means of a so-called walking
floor fitted to the vehicle in which a series of hydraulically
articulated rails cover the floor of the vehicle. These are bulky,
very complex, expensive and heavy devices with high wear rates and
maintenance costs, adding significantly to the cost of waste
management.
[0008] In general the conveying of solid material or objects into
and out of a transport vehicle is generally a time consuming
operation often involving piecemeal retrieval of one object at a
time from its pre-loading position to a position in the transport
vehicle. Particularly in the case of palletized materials, the
usual method is by means of a fork-truck or similar equipment. This
imposes limitations on the type of vehicle which can be used,
generally requiring a vehicle with side-loading capability. This
requires considerable adjacent space, which may be a scarce and
expensive commodity at city loading docks for example.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to address or
ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly there is provided in a first broad form of the
invention an incremental material urging system comprising: [0011]
(a) a container structure having a rear end and a forward end,
[0012] (b) a material urging structure [0013] (c) material urging
structure activating means wherein said material urging structure
is incrementally advanced from a retracted position at said rear
end of said container structure, to a fully advanced position at
said forward end of said container structure, where said forward
end is a discharge end.
[0014] Preferably said container structure includes;
[0015] (a) a floor sub-structure
[0016] (b) side wall sub-structures
[0017] (c) a roof
[0018] (d) a top opening
[0019] (e) a top opening cover
[0020] (f) a discharge end closure means
[0021] Preferably said material urging structure is incrementally
retracted by said activating means from said discharge end to said
rear end of said container structure,
[0022] Preferably said activating means are disposed along each
side wall of said container structure and wherein said activating
means operate substantially in unison.
[0023] Preferably said material urging structure is a close sliding
fit within said container structure, said material urging structure
adapted to slide on the surface of said floor sub-structure.
[0024] Preferably each of said side wall substructures is provided
with a slot extending substantially along the length of said wall
substructure, said slot providing a separation between an upper and
a lower portion of internal wall sheeting.
[0025] Preferably said material urging structure is provided on
each side of said structure with a projecting lug, each one of said
lugs projecting through one of said slots.
[0026] Preferably each of said slots is co-linear with a rail
system said rail system adapted to support and guide a
reciprocating beam.
[0027] Preferably said reciprocating beam is provided with a
plurality of thrust assemblies, said thrust assemblies disposed at
substantially equal intervals along the length of said beam,
between a forward end and a rear end of said beam.
[0028] Preferably each of said thrust assemblies includes;
[0029] (a) an assembly support
[0030] (b) a double ended pawl
[0031] (c) a pawl pivot shaft
[0032] (d) a pawl actuator means
[0033] Preferably said double ended pawl is rotatable about said
pawl pivot shaft by said pawl actuator means from a first forward
thrusting position to a second rearward thrusting position.
[0034] Preferably said pawl actuator means is a linear
actuator.
[0035] Preferably each of said double ended pawls is rotated by a
linear actuator; said actuator pivotally connected at a first end
to one end of said double ended pawls and at a second end to said
reciprocating beam.
[0036] Preferably each of said double ended pawl is provided with a
pawl control bracket, said bracket supporting a control pivot
shaft.
[0037] Preferably each said control pivot shaft is pivotally
connected to a common control arm, said control arm being pivotally
connected at an outer end to a linear actuator and wherein said
actuator is pivotally connected to said reciprocating beam.
[0038] Preferably each said double ended pawl is adapted to thrust
against the rearward facing side of said projecting lug when said
double ended pawl is in said forward thrusting position and to
thrust against the forward facing side of said projecting lug when
said double ended pawl is in a rearward thrusting position.
[0039] Preferably that portion of a first end of said double ended
pawl adapted to thrust against said projecting lug presents a
vertical outer surface when set in said forward thrusting position
or said rearward thrusting position; a second end of said double
ended pawl then rotated to a position precluding potential contact
with said projecting lug.
[0040] Preferably. each opposite face of each of said first end and
said second end of said double ended pawl is a sloping face, each
said sloping face intersecting on the bisector of said double ended
pawl so as to form a shallow "V" shaped space and where said
sloping opposite face of that end set to a thrusting position is
adapted to impart a turning moment to said pawls when impacting on
said projecting lug while said pawl actuator means is
deactivated.
[0041] Preferably each said double ended pawl may be rotated when
impacted by a said sloping face to a position about said pivot
shaft such that said projecting lug is able to pass said thrust
assembly.
[0042] Preferably said reciprocating beam is urged into
reciprocating motion by an hydraulic ram pivotally connected at a
first end of said ram to said reciprocating beam and at a second
end of said ram to said container structure.
[0043] Preferably said reciprocating beam is fitted at its forward
outer end with an initial retraction thrust block and at its rear
outer end with an initial advance thrust block.
[0044] Preferably, when said material urging structure is in a
fully retracted first position at said rear end of said container
structure and said hydraulic ram is retracted, said projecting lug
is located between said initial advance thrust block and the first
thrust assembly located nearest said rear end of said reciprocating
beam.
[0045] Preferably said reciprocating motion for a first forward
movement of said material urging structure comprises the steps of:
[0046] (a) extending said hydraulic ram to urge said initial
advance thrust block into contact with said projecting lug so as to
drive said lug and said material urging structure to a first
partial forward incremented position, [0047] (b) retracting said
pawl actuator means to rotate said double ended pawl into a forward
thrust position, [0048] (c) deactivating said pawl actuator means
so as to allow rotation of said double ended pawls when the sloping
face of that pawl set to said forward thrust position is contacted
by said projecting lug, [0049] (d) retracting said hydraulic ram so
as to retract said thrust assembly nearest to rear end of said
reciprocating beam past said projecting lug, [0050] (e) retracting
said pawl actuator means to reset said double ended pawls of said
thrust assembly nearest to rear end of said reciprocating beam to
said forward thrust position, [0051] (f) extending said hydraulic
ram to drive said thrust assembly nearest to rear end of said
reciprocating beam into contact with said projecting lug thereby
driving said material urging structure to a completed first forward
increment.
[0052] Preferably subsequent forward increments of said material
urging structure comprise the steps of: [0053] (a) deactivating
said pawl actuator means so as to allow rotation of said double
ended pawl when contacted by said projecting lug, [0054] (b)
retracting said hydraulic ram so as to retract the next forward
thrust assembly past said projecting lug, [0055] (c) retracting
said pawl actuator means to reset the next forward thrust assembly
to said forward thrust position, [0056] (d) extending said
hydraulic ram to drive forward said next forward thrust assembly
thereby driving said material urging structure to a next forward
incremented position.
[0057] Preferably, when said material urging structure is in a
fully advanced position at said forward end of said container
structure and said hydraulic ram is extended, said projecting lug
is located between said initial retract thrust block and the thrust
assembly located nearest said forward end of said reciprocating
beam.
[0058] Preferably a sequence for a first rearward movement of said
material urging structure comprises the steps of: [0059] (a)
retracting said hydraulic ram to urge said initial retract thrust
block into contact with said projecting lug thereby driving said
lug and said material urging structure to a first partial rearward
incremented position, [0060] (b) extending said pawl actuator means
to rotate said double ended pawl into a rearward thrust position,
[0061] (c) deactivating said pawl actuator means so as to allow
rotation of said double ended pawls when the sloping face of that
pawl set to said rearward thrust position is contacted by said
projecting lug, [0062] (d) extending said hydraulic ram so as to
advance said thrust assembly nearest to forward end of said
reciprocating beam past said projecting lug, [0063] (e) extending
said pawl control actuator to reset said double ended pawls of said
thrust assembly nearest to rear end of said reciprocating beam to
said rearward thrust position,
[0064] Preferably subsequent rearward increments of said material
urging structure comprise the steps of: [0065] (a) deactivating
said pawl actuator means so as to allow rotation of said double
ended pawls when contacted by said projecting lug, [0066] (b)
extending said hydraulic ram so as to advance the next rearward
thrust assembly past said projecting lug, [0067] (c) extending said
pawl actuator means to reset the next rearward thrust assembly to
said rearward thrust position, [0068] (d) retracting said hydraulic
ram to drive rearward said next rearward thrust assembly thereby
driving said material urging structure to a next rearward
incremented position.
[0069] Preferably said urging system is adapted to the compaction
of refuse.
[0070] Preferably said roof is provided with an openable aperture
for the introduction of refuse into said container structure.
[0071] Preferably said discharge end closure means is in the form
of a discharge gate, said gate adapted to provide a reaction
surface for the compaction of said refuse between said discharge
gate and said material urging structure.
[0072] Preferably said container structure is provided with an
intermediate openable gate positioned between said discharge gate
and said openable aperture in said roof, said intermediate gate
adapted to provide a reaction surface for the compaction of refuse
between said intermediate gate and said material urging
structure.
[0073] Preferably said container structure is provided with a
plurality of articulated compaction devices; said devices supported
by hinges along said sides of said container structure; said
devices acting through apertures in said sides to intrude into a
volume of refuse contained in said container structure.
[0074] Preferably said articulated compaction devices are hinged
from said roof of said container structure; said compaction devices
acting through apertures in said roof.
[0075] Preferably said container structure is provided with at
least one articulated section of said floor substructure; said
section adapted to rise vertically within said container structure
to provide compaction force on a volume of refuse.
[0076] Preferably said container structure is provided with at
least one articulated section of said roof; said section adapted to
descend vertically within said container structure to provide
compaction force on a volume of refuse.
[0077] Preferably said material urging system is adapted to the
transfer of a compacted volume of refuse from said container
structure into a transport vehicle.
[0078] Preferably said system is adapted to the retrofitting of
said system to existing refuse transfer stations.
[0079] Preferably said system is adapted to the reduction in volume
of any compactable material.
[0080] Preferably said system is adapted to the discharge of
material from a transport vehicle, the load container of said
vehicle forming a container structure.
[0081] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said
material urging structure activating means includes a primary
mechanical system and a secondary mechanical system.
[0082] Preferably said primary mechanical system includes a pair of
hydraulic rams; each hydraulic ram of said pair of hydraulic rams
affixed to a rearward end of one of said side wall
substructures.
[0083] Preferably said piston rod of each hydraulic ram of said
pair of hydraulic rams is connected to a respective engagement nest
beam.
[0084] Preferably each said respective engagement nest beam extends
substantially the length of said container structure.
[0085] Preferably each said engagement nest beam is adapted to
simultaneous guided reciprocal motion by in-stroke and outstroke
action of said hydraulic ram.
[0086] Preferably each nest of said engagement nest beam is
provided with an elongate slot.
[0087] Preferably each said elongate slot lies in a common
horizontal plane with said slot extending substantially along the
length of said wall substructure.
[0088] Preferably each successive said elongate slot is spaced
along each said respective engagement nest beam according to said
in-stroke and out-stroke of said hydraulic ram.
[0089] Preferably said secondary mechanical system is at least
partially incorporated within said material urging structure.
[0090] Preferably said secondary mechanical system comprises a pair
of thrust tongue plates adapted to alternate between a first
extended state so as to project from respective sides of said
material urging structure and a second retracted state.
[0091] Preferably said pair of thrust tongue plates are urged
between said first extended state and said second retracted state
by hydraulic means.
[0092] Preferably each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates
projects through respective ones of said slots extending
substantially along the length of respective said wall
substructures when in said first extended state.
[0093] Preferably each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is
adapted to engage with one of said elongate slots when said thrust
tongue plates are in said first extended state.
[0094] Preferably each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is
caused to engage with a respective said elongate slot when each
said ram of said primary mechanism is in an in-stroked state.
[0095] Preferably each one of said pair of thrust tongue plates is
caused to disengage from a respective elongate slot when said
thrust tongue plates are retracted into said first state.
[0096] Preferably said material urging structure is incremented
between an initial position and a successive position by stroking
of said hydraulic ram while each one of said pair of thrust tongue
plates is engaged with said respective elongate slot.
[0097] Preferably said material urging structure is incremented
forwardly when said pair of hydraulic rams out-strokes and
rearwardly when said pair of hydraulic rams in-strokes.
[0098] Preferably each side wall of said side wall substructures is
provided with a plurality of apertures along the length of said
container structure; successive ones of said apertures spaced
according to said in-strokes and outstrokes of said pair of
hydraulic rams.
[0099] Preferably said secondary mechanical system includes a pair
of retainer tongue plates adapted to alternate between a first
extended state so as to project from respective sides of said
material urging structure and a second retracted state.
[0100] Preferably said retainer tongue plates project through
respective ones of said plurality of apertures when in said first
extended state.
[0101] Preferably said retainer tongue plates are urged between
said first extended state and said second retracted state by
hydraulic means.
[0102] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is
provided an incremental material urging system comprising; [0103]
(a) An elongate floor structure, [0104] (b) at least one guide
element extending along a portion of said elongate floor structure,
[0105] (c) a material urging structure adapted to incremental
movement along said at least one guide element, said urging
structure provided with a load urging surface normal to said floor
structure and transverse to said at least one guide element, [0106]
(d) a material urging structure incrementing means.
[0107] Preferably said material urging structure includes a
substantially vertical surface adapted to act against moveable load
objects.
[0108] Preferably said urging structure incrementing means include:
[0109] (a) at least one linear actuator, [0110] (b) a guide element
clamping mechanism associated with each said at least one linear
actuator.
[0111] Preferably each said at least one linear actuator is
attached at a first end to a rear portion of said urging structure
and at a second end to a said guide element clamping mechanism;
said at least one linear actuator lying substantially in a vertical
plane through a corresponding one of said at least one guide
element.
[0112] Preferably said guide element clamping mechanism comprises a
clamping caliper provided with gripping pads adapted to apply
frictional force to each side of said at least one guide
element.
[0113] Preferably said at least one linear actuator is an hydraulic
ram.
[0114] Preferably a said guide element clamping mechanism is
activated by an hydraulic ram.
[0115] Preferably an increment of said urging structure for the
purpose of advancing said load objects along said floor structure
is effected by the steps of: [0116] (a) extension of said at least
one linear actuator while said guide element clamping mechanism is
activated to grip said at least one guide element, [0117] (b)
deactivating said guide element clamping mechanism associated with
each said at least one linear actuator, [0118] (c) retracting said
at least one linear actuator.
[0119] Preferably an increment of said urging structure for the
purpose of retracting said urging structure is effected by the
steps of: [0120] (a) retraction of said linear actuator while said
guide element clamping mechanism associated with each said at least
one linear actuator is activated to grip said guide element, [0121]
(b) deactivating said guide element clamping mechanism, [0122] (c)
extending said at least one linear actuator.
[0123] Preferably said at least one guide element is a rail.
[0124] Preferably said at least one guide element is a channel let
into said elongate floor structure.
[0125] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is
provided an incremental material urging system comprising; [0126]
(a) an elongate floor structure, [0127] (b) at least one rail
element extending along a portion of said elongate floor structure,
[0128] (c) a linear actuator linked by linking means to said at
least one rail element, the axis of said actuator disposed in
parallel alignment to said at least one rail element, said actuator
adapted to urge reciprocating movement of said at least one rail
element along said elongate floor, [0129] (d) a material urging
structure adapted to incremental movement along said at least one
rail element, said urging structure provided with a vertical load
urging surface normal to said floor structure and transverse to
said at least one rail element, [0130] (e) at least one urging
structure clamping element, said element adapted to releasably lock
said urging structure to said at least one rail element.
[0131] Preferably said material urging structure is supported on
said at least one rail elements by friction reducing means.
[0132] Preferably wherein said material urging structure is
supported by said floor structure by friction reducing means.
[0133] Preferably said floor structure is provided with material
urging structure arresting means.
[0134] Preferably said arresting means are comprised of a plurality
of vertical articulated pins disposed in pairs transverse to said
at least one rail element and at intervals along the length of said
at least one rail element equivalent to the stroke length of said
linear actuator, said pins adapted to move between a first
retracted position flush with said floor and a second extended
position projecting from said floor.
[0135] Preferably said material urging structure is provided with
friction pads, said pads adapted to be driven downwardly relative
to said urging structure so as to provide friction sufficient to
arrest said structure at an incremented position.
[0136] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is
provided an incremental material urging system adapted to the
compaction of a volume of compactable material; said system
comprising: [0137] (a) a container structure including floor, roof,
and side wall structures closed at. a first rearward end, [0138]
(b) a loading aperture in said roof for introducing said
compactable material into said container structure, [0139] (c) an
incrementing urging structure adapted to traversing substantially
the length of said container structure, [0140] (d) a discharge gate
at a second forward end of said container structure for the
ejection of said compactable material.
[0141] Preferably each of said side wall structures is provided
with an elongate slot extending substantially the length of said
container structure; said slot communicating with the inside
surface of each of said side wall structures.
[0142] Preferably said urging structure is urged into incremental
horizontal motion within said container structure by two
cooperating mechanical systems.
[0143] Preferably a first one of said two interacting mechanical
systems is an incremental urging structure engagement
mechanism.
[0144] Preferably a second one of said two interacting mechanical
systems is an urging structure driving mechanism.
[0145] Preferably said incrementing urging structure is comprised
of a box-like structure having at least a material urging front
compacting face substantially equal in area and dimensions as the
internal cross section of said container structure.
[0146] Preferably said urging structure further includes side
elements, top and bottom elements adapted to permit sliding
movement of said urging structure within said container
structure.
[0147] Preferably said urging structure engagement mechanism is
disposed within said box-like structure.
[0148] Preferably said engagement mechanism includes a pair of
thrust tongue plates each disposed at one of said sides of said
urging structure and urged by actuator means so as to alternate
between a first inwardly retracted state and a second outwardly
projecting state; the arrangement being such as to cause each said
engagement plate to project outwardly through said elongate
slot.
[0149] Preferably said engagement mechanism further includes a pair
of retainer tongue plates each disposed at one of said sides of
said urging structure and urged by actuator means to alternate
between a first inwardly retracted state and a second outwardly
projecting state; the arrangement being such as to cause each said
retainer plate to engage with one of a plurality of retainer slots
in said sidewall structures of said container structure.
[0150] Preferably said actuator means are hydraulic rams.
[0151] Preferably said urging structure driving mechanism is
comprised of two concurrently operating mechanisms disposed along
the outside of each of said sidewall structures.
[0152] Preferably each of said two mechanisms is comprised of an
incrementing hydraulic ram and, an elongate member urged into
reciprocal horizontal motion by said ram.
[0153] Preferably said elongate member is provided with a plurality
of equi-spaced engagement nests; each said nest including an
elongate slot.
[0154] Preferably each said elongate slot of each of said
engagement nests is coincident with said elongate slot in said side
wall structure.
[0155] Preferably each said elongate slot of said engagement nest
is adapted to receive said engagement tongue plate when said tongue
plate is in said outwardly projecting state.
[0156] Preferably spacing between said engagement nests is
substantially equal to the stroke of said incrementing hydraulic
ram.
[0157] Preferably spacing between said plurality of retainer slots
is equal to said spacing between said engagement nests.
[0158] Preferably a method for forward incremental urging of said
urging structure along the length of said container structure
includes the steps of: [0159] (a) in-stroking said hydraulic rams
of said driving mechanism, [0160] (b) urging said thrust tongue
plates into said second outwardly projecting state so as to engage
with one of said plurality of engagement nests, [0161] (c)
out-stroking said hydraulic rams so as to urge said elongate
member, said plurality of engagement nests and said urging
structure one increment towards said forward end of said container
structure, [0162] (d) urging said retainer tongue plates into said
second outwardly projecting state so as to engage with one of said
plurality of said retainer slots, [0163] (e) urging said thrust
tongue plates into said first inwardly retracted state, [0164] (f)
in-stroking said hydraulic rams, [0165] (g) iterating steps (a) to
(f) until said urging structure reaches a maximum forwardly
incremented position.
[0166] Preferably a method for rearward incremental urging of said
urging structure along the length of said container structure
includes the steps of: [0167] (a) out-stroking said hydraulic rams
of said driving mechanism, [0168] (b) urging said thrust tongue
plates into said second outwardly projecting state so as to engage
with one of said plurality of engagement nests, [0169] (c)
in-stroking said hydraulic rams so as to retract said elongate
member, said plurality of engagement nests and said urging
structure one increment towards said rearward end of said container
structure, [0170] (d) out-stroking said hydraulic rams, [0171] (e)
iterating steps (a) to (d) until said urging structure reaches a
maximum rearwardly incremented position.
[0172] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method for the compaction and transfer to a refuse
transport means of a volume of refuse, said method including the
steps of: [0173] (a) loading a quantity of refuse material through
an opening in the roof of a container structure, said container
structure provided with an incrementing material urging structure
and an openable discharge gate, [0174] (b) closing said opening so
as to provide a sealed container envelope for said quantity of
refuse, [0175] (c) incrementally advancing said urging structure to
a desired degree of compaction of said refuse material, [0176] (d)
aligning the loading aperture of a refuse transport means with said
discharge gate of said container structure, [0177] (e) opening of
said discharge gate and incrementing said material urging structure
so as to discharge said refuse material into said refuse transport
means.
[0178] Preferably each increment of said material urging structure
from said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced
position moves material towards said discharge end.
[0179] Preferably each increment of said material urging structure
from said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced
position moves material towards said discharge end.
[0180] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a method for the removal of material from the
container structure of a transport vehicle, said method including
the steps of: [0181] (a) providing said container structure with a
material urging structure, said structure provided with a load
urging surface having an area equivalent to the internal
cross-section of said container structure, [0182] (b) activating
said material urging structure with reciprocating mechanisms
adapted to increment said urging structure between a first
retracted end to a second discharge end.
[0183] In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a
method for the movement of material along a supporting surface from
a first position to a second position, said method including the
steps of: [0184] (a) providing said supporting surface with a
material urging structure, said structure provided with a load
urging surface normal to said supporting surface, [0185] (b)
activating said material urging structure with reciprocating
mechanisms adapted to increment said urging structure between said
first position and said second position.
[0186] Preferably each increment of said material urging structure
from said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced
position moves material towards said discharge end.
[0187] Preferably each increment of said material urging structure
from said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced
position moves material towards said discharge end.
[0188] Preferably each increment of said material urging structure
from said fully retracted position towards said fully advanced
position moves material towards said discharge end.
[0189] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there is
provided a material urging structure adapted to the transfer of
material from a first loaded position to second unloaded position
by incremental movements induced by reciprocating extensible urging
means; where said reciprocating extensible urging means have an
operating stroke significantly smaller than the separation between
said first loaded position and said second unloaded position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0190] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0191] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the first and second
preferred embodiments of the invention,
[0192] FIG. 2a and 2b show a first and second embodiment of the
invention in use,
[0193] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a side wall substructure
according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention,
[0194] FIG. 4 is a side view of the side wall substructure of FIG.
3,
[0195] FIGS. 5a to 5c show a first operating sequence of a
component of part of the first preferred embodiment of the
invention,
[0196] FIGS. 6a to 6c show a second operating sequence of the
component of FIGS. 5a to 5c,
[0197] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a side wall substructure
according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention,
[0198] FIGS. 8a to 8c show a first operating sequence of a
component part of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
[0199] FIGS. 9a to 9c show a second operating sequence of a
component part of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
[0200] FIGS. 10a and 10c show a third operating sequence of a
component part of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
[0201] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
invention,
[0202] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the invention,
[0203] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred
embodiment of the invention,
[0204] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0205] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further preferred
embodiment of a material urging structure when viewed from the
rear.
[0206] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one of a pair of primary
mechanical systems for the embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0207] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a secondary
mechanical system for the embodiment of FIG. 15.
[0208] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of part of a container
structure with side wall sheeting partially removed to show the
material urging structure of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0209] A first preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in
[0210] which a material urging system is adapted to the compaction
of loose material.
[0211] With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 1 a material
urging system 10 comprises a container structure 11 including floor
substructure 15, wall substructures 16, a discharge gate 21 and
material urging structure 12. Roof 17 includes top opening 18 and
top opening cover 19. Preferably top opening cover 19 and discharge
gate 21 are operated by hydraulic rams 20 and 23 respectively.
[0212] FIG. 1 shows material urging structure 12 in its fully
advanced position projecting through discharge gate opening 22 with
discharge gate 21 in its open position. When material urging
structure 12 is in a fully retracted position at rear end 13 of
container structure 11, compactable material may be inserted into
the container through top opening 18. With the top opening cover 19
closed and discharge gate 21 lowered, material urging structure 12
is driven towards the forward end 14, thereby compacting any
material in the container against the discharge gate 21.
[0213] FIG. 2a shows material urging system 10 in loading mode,
with side wall substructure and part of internal wall sheeting
removed for clarity, and where material urging structure 12 is
fully retracted at rear end 13 of container structure 11 and
compactable material 24 is introduced through top opening 18.
[0214] FIG. 2b shows material urging system 10 with side wall
substructure 16 removed for clarity, and where compacted material
25 has been ejected through opened discharge gate 21 into transport
vehicle 26.
[0215] The process of compaction of compactable material according
to this first embodiment of the invention will now be described in
more detail.
[0216] FIG. 3 is a cross section of a wall substructure 16 as
viewed from the forward end 14 of container structure 11. It should
be noted that the wall substructure 16 and all associated
components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are symmetrically duplicated for
the opposite side wall of container structure 11 and the mechanism
hereinafter described works in unison on both sides of the
container structure.
[0217] Wall substructure 16 includes upper frame structure 34 and
lower frame structure 35 made up of a plurality of vertical frame
members 27 and horizontal frame members 28 (as further illustrated
in FIG. 4). Affixed internally to upper frame structure 34 and
lower frame structure 35 are upper wall sheeting portion 30 and
lower wall sheeting portion 31 respectively.
[0218] The upper and lower portions of wall sheeting 30 and 31 and
frame structures 34 and 35, are separated so as to form a
horizontal slot 32 extending substantially for the length of the
container structure 11. Joining webs 36 are rigidly connected to
each corresponding upper and lower vertical frame member 27 to
effectively combine upper and lower frame structures 34 and 35 into
a unified rigid structure.
[0219] Still with reference to FIG. 3, a pair of longitudinal rail
members 37 disposed side by side are provided of which the inner
rail member is attached to upper wall section vertical frame
members 27 and the outer rail member is attached to the joining
webs 36. Rail members 37 are spaced apart so as to leave a vertical
slot 40 between their adjoining sides. Rail members 37 extend the
length of container structure 11 and are preferably in the form of
rectangular section steel tubing. The upper, lower and adjoining
surfaces of longitudinal rail members 37 are provided with bearing
strip material 38.
[0220] Interposed between adjoining longitudinal rails 37 is an
I-beam 39 oriented so that its central web hangs vertically in slot
40 with the underside surfaces of its upper flange supported on the
bearing strip material 38 covering the upper surfaces of
longitudinal rail members 37. The sizes of rail members 37, I-beam
39 and bearing strip material 38 are so chosen as to allow a
sliding fit reciprocating movement of I-beam 39 on rails and
bearing strips.
[0221] Attached to the upper flange of I-beam 39 is thrust block
41. A main hydraulic ram 42, attached to wall substructure 16 at
the ram's passive end 43, and to thrust block 41 at its rod end 44,
is adapted to impart the reciprocating movement to I-beam 39.
[0222] Attached to the lower flange of I-beam 39 is a plurality of
thrust assemblies 46a to 46n. Each thrust assembly 46 includes a
double ended pawl 48 of which a first end 51 is visible in FIG. 3.
Pawl 48 is mounted on pivot shaft 50 supported in thrust assembly
support 47. and may be rotated about pivot shaft 50 by pawl
actuator means 49 so as to bring one of its ends down to the level
of slot 32; its other end then having been rotated into a position
above and clear of the level of slot 32.
[0223] Material urging structure 12 is adapted to slide on floor 15
and is a close sliding fit between internal wall sheeting 29 and
roof 17. Each side of material urging structure 12 is provided with
projecting lug 45, adapted to extend through slot 32 so as to
engage with one end of double ended pawl 48.
[0224] FIG. 4 shows a side view of material urging system 10 from
which the internal wall sheeting has been omitted for clarity.
[0225] Material urging structure 12 shown as hatched, has been
moved towards the discharge gate 21 of container structure 11 to
the position shown, by a first extension stroke of hydraulic ram 42
acting on I-beam 39. First movement of I-beam 39 was transferred to
projecting lug 45 through pawl first end 51a of thrust assembly
46a. As shown in FIG. 4, main ram 42 is in its retracted state
ready to move material urging structure 12 a second increment
towards the discharge gate by driving pawl end 51b of thrust
assembly 46b against projecting lug 45.
[0226] The interaction of material urging structure 12 projecting
lug 45 and a thrust assembly 46 will now be described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5a to 5d. Again it should be noted
that the actions described are symmetrically duplicated for both
sides of container structure 11.
[0227] At the start of a compaction sequence, material urging
structure 12 is fully in its retracted position at rear end 13 of
container structure 11 (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 5a, projecting
lug 45 is then forward, (that is towards the forward end 14), of
thrust assembly 46a. At this stage, thrust assembly pawl actuator
49a is in retracted mode which has rotated first end 51a of pawl
48a in forward thrust position. Main ram 42 now extends for a first
compaction stroke, sliding I-beam 39 forward together with thrust
assembly 46a, to force lug 45 and hence material urging structure
forward to a first incremented position.
[0228] Hydraulic ram 42 now retracts, to pull I-beam 39 back to its
initial position. This requires second thrust assembly 46b to pass
the projecting lug 45 as shown in FIG. 5b and 5c. This is achieved
by de-activating pawl actuator 49b, allowing double ended pawl 48b
to rotate about pawl pivot shaft 50b as upwardly sloping face 56b
is forced against the lug 45. When ram 42 is fully retracted, pawl
actuator 49b is returned to its retracted position, thus rotating
first end 51b of pawl 48b to its forward thrust position as shown
in FIG. 5d.
[0229] This sequence is repeated until material urging structure 12
reaches a point of maximum or desired compaction. Discharge gate 21
is then opened and the compacted material incrementally advanced
until material urging structure 12 reaches its forward limit at
forward end 14 of container structure 11, projecting through opened
discharge gate 21.
[0230] Depending on the material being compacted, the material
urging structure 12 may be subject to a degree of "spring-back"
especially as maximum compaction is approached towards the end of
the compaction process. This can force the urging structure back
into a position where the next thrust assembly cannot be retracted
back past the projecting lug and hence no further incremental
movement of the urging structure is possible. To prevent this
situation, material urging structure 12 may be fitted with braking
or locking means which are activated during the retraction of
I-beam 39 and until the double ended pawls are returned to the
forward thrust position.
[0231] For the incremental movements towards forward end 14, main
ram 42 does not out-stroke to its full extent, the stroke being
controlled by suitable limit switches. This is to allow the
furthest forward thrust assembly 46n to be driven just past lug 45,
(when second end 52n has been rotated to its reverse thrust
position and its actuator is de-activated), by a full extension of
the main ram 42. After extending pawl actuator 49n to reset second
end 52n to the reverse thrust position, the first return increment
of material urging structure 12 towards rear end 13 of container
structure 11 may be made.
[0232] This process is shown in FIGS. 6a to 6c. Initially I-beam 39
with thrust assembly 46n is partially retracted by main ram 42 to
allow pawl actuator 49n to extend, thereby rotating pawl 48n to
bring second end 52n of pawl 48n into its reverse thrust position
as shown in FIG. 6a.
[0233] With pawl actuator 49n de-activated, thrust assembly 46n is
pushed past lug 45 by the full extension of main ram 42 as shown in
FIG. 6b. Pawl actuator 49n now extends to reset second end 52n to
its reverse thrust position as shown in FIG. 6c. Retraction of main
ram 42 now forces material urging structure 12 into a first
retracted position. Extension of main ram 42, (while pawl actuator
49n-1 is de-activated), allows thrust assembly 46n-1 to be pushed
past lug 45. After second end 52n-1 of pawl 48n-1 has been set to
its reverse thrust position, the next retraction of ram 42 forces
the material urging structure 12 into a second retracted
position.
[0234] This sequence is repeated until the material urging
structure 12 is returned to its fully retracted position at rear
end 13 of container housing 11. The retraction strokes of main ram
42 for the incremental retraction of material urging structure 12
are shorter than the full retraction stroke of main ram 42, the
stroke being limited by suitable limit switches. This is to allow
the first thrust assembly 46a to be retracted past lug 45 by a full
retraction of the ram to re-commence the incremental compaction
sequence described above.
[0235] In use, the incremental advance of the material urging
structure towards the forward end of container structure 11, occurs
once a quantity of compactable material has been introduced into
container structure 11 and both the top opening cover 19 and
discharge gate 21 are closed. When a desired degree of compaction
has been achieved at some point during the advance of material
urging structure 12, discharge gate 21 is opened and the compacted
material ejected by the completion of the incremental advance of
the urging structure.
[0236] As an aid to the compaction process, an optional
intermediate compaction gate may be located at some point between
the top opening and the discharge gate. This allows smaller
quantities of refuse material to be compacted and, once compacted,
to be pushed past the intermediate gate. This has the advantage of
achieving a higher compaction density of the final compacted load
available for transfer to the refuse transport vehicle.
Second Embodiment
[0237] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the
construction of the container structure is as that previously
described for the First Embodiment above and, as before, both sides
of the container structure are symmetrical and carry symmetrical
mechanical systems. Like features are numbered as for the first
embodiment but with the addition of 100 so that for example feature
39 is number 139 in this embodiment and so forth.
[0238] With reference to FIG. 7 I-beam 139 is supported by twin
longitudinal rail members 137 and is connected to main hydraulic
ram 142 via thrust block 141. Attached at intervals along the
underside of I-bean 139 are thrust assemblies 146, the end view of
one of which, as seen from the forward end of the container
structure 111, is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment thrust
assembly 146 is comprised of clevis mount 160 carrying pawl pivot
shaft 150 about which rotates double ended pawl 148. Rigidly
connected to pawl 148 as may best be seen in FIG. 8a, is control
bracket 161 which in turn carries control pivot shaft 162. Again
with reference to FIG. 8a, control pivot shaft 162 is pivotally
connected by means of bearing 163 to control arm 164.
[0239] Control arm 164 similarly connects to each of the control
pivot shafts 162 of each of the thrust assemblies 146 whereby
reciprocating movements of control arm 164 have the effect of
rotating the attitude of double ended pawls 148 between a forwardly
incrementing thrust position as in FIG. 8a and a rearwardly
incrementing thrust position as in FIG. 8c.
[0240] Control arm 164 is connected to a pawl control actuator 166
(shown in FIG. 10a), such as an hydraulic ram, mounted to I-beam
139 at rear end 113 of container structure 111, so that by the
operation of this single actuator, the operating positions of all
double ended pawls may be changed in unison.
Intermediate Incrementing of Material Urging Structure
[0241] With reference to FIG. 8a, at the beginning of an
intermediate increment of the material urging structure 112 towards
the forward end 114 of container structure 111, the pawl control
actuator is in its retracted position so that control arm 164 has
rotated all double ended pawls 148 into the forwardly incrementing
thrust position as shown in FIG. 8a. I-beam 139 is now urged
towards forward end 114 by the extending of main ram 142.
[0242] This brings first end 151(i) of pawls 148(i) of that thrust
assembly 146(i) which is closest to projecting lug 145 of the
material urging structure 112 (represented in FIGS. 8a to 8c by a
dashed line) into contact with projecting lug 145, thereby driving
the material urging structure forward towards forward end 114. Thus
in FIG. 8a, it is first end 151(i) of double pawl 148(i) of thrust
assembly 146(i) which has contacted projecting lug 145 and drives
material urging structure 112.
[0243] When this stroke of I-beam 139 has reached its limit,
pressure is released from the pawl control actuator and I-beam 139
is retracted by hydraulic ram 142. Towards the end of this
retraction stroke, the next forward thrust assembly 146(i+1) to
assembly 146i just used to drive the material urging structure
forward, has to pass the projecting lug 145. This situation is
shown in FIG. 8b, (in which the control bracket 161(i+1) and
control arm 164 have been partly removed for clarity) where thrust
assembly 146(i30 1) has reached projecting lug 145. As thrust
assembly 146.sub.i+1 continues to be retracted, double ended pawl
148(i30 1) is forced to rotate about pawl pivot shaft 150(i+1) as
the upwardly sloping face 156(i30 1) is forced against projecting
lug 145.
[0244] This rotation continues until first end 151(i30 1) of double
ended pawl 148(i30 1) slides over the top of projecting lug 145 as
shown in FIG. 8c. At the limit of retraction of I-beam 139, double
ended pawl 148(i30 1) (together with all double ended pawls of the
thrust assemblies) is rotated back into the forward thrust position
of FIG. 8a by the retraction of the pawl control actuator.
[0245] This sequence is repeated until material urging structure
112 reaches a point of maximum or desired compaction. Discharge
gate 21 is then opened and the compacted material incrementally
advanced until the material urging structure reaches its forward
limit at forward end 114 of container structure 111, projecting
through opened discharge gate 121.
[0246] To prevent "spring-back" of the material urging structure
112 induced by the compacted material driven before it, urging
structure 112 may preferably be fitted with braking or locking
means to retain its incremented position while thrust assemblies
are being retracted for a next forward increment.
First Return Increment
[0247] The final forward incremental stroke of the main rams drives
the material urging structure through the discharge gate
sufficiently far to completely push the compacted material into the
adjoining transport vehicle as shown in FIG. 2b. At this point the
furthest forward thrust assembly 146n which has moved the urging
structure to this final discharge position remains behind the
projecting lug 145 of the urging structure. To make the initial
incremental return of the urging structure, a return thrust block
165 is attached to the end of I-beam 139 just forward of the
furthest forward thrust assembly 146n as shown in FIG. 9a.
[0248] When I-beam 139 is retracted, thrust return block 165 acts
on projecting lug 145 and material urging structure 112 is moved a
first partial return increment towards the rear end 113 of
container structure 111. The pawl control actuator now extends to
rotate double ended pawls 148n into their return thrust position as
shown in FIG. 9b. With pressure released from the pawl control
actuator to allow rotation of double ended pawl 148n through
contact with the projecting lug 145, I-beam 139 is now driven
forward, pushing thrust assembly 146n past projecting lug 145. The
pawl control ram now extends to return double ended pawls 148n into
the return thrust position shown in FIG. 9c enabling the retraction
stroke of I-beam 139 to complete the first return increment of
material urging structure 112 towards rear end 113.
[0249] The remaining returning increments are a reverse procedure
of the intermediate incrementing sequence described above.
First Forward Increment
[0250] The final rearward incremental retraction of the main rams
142 causes projecting lug 145 to reach the position at rear end 113
of container structure 111 as shown in FIG. 10a. I-beam 139 is
provided at this end with a forward thrust block 167.
[0251] At the first extension of main ram 142 from this position of
the material urging structure 112 at rear end 113, it is the
forward thrust block 167 which pushes the projecting lug 145 and
hence material urging structure 112 forward to the first partially
incremented position shown in FIG. 10b. When this position has been
reached, pawl control actuator is retracted to rotate double ended
pawl 148a into its forward thrust position as shown in FIG.
10b.
[0252] Pressure is then released from the pawl control actuator and
the I-beam retracted to pull thrust assembly 146a past projecting
lug 145. Pawl control actuator 166 then retracts to return double
ended pawl s 148a into their forward thrust position. The main ram
142 then extends to complete the first incremental advance of the
material urging structure, followed by the intermediate increment
sequence described above.
[0253] As with the first embodiment, in this embodiment of the
invention also, the container structure may optionally be fitted
with an intermediate compaction gate to allow the sequential
assembling of a full compacted load from smaller compacted
quantities of waste material.
[0254] Although both the first and the second embodiments described
above are directed at compaction and the incremental urging
mechanisms act in conjunction with a container structure, the
principle of the mechanisms may be applied for example to drive
solid materials along a supporting surface. Thus the system may be
adapted to drive an array of palletized materials or containers
along the length of a loading dock for transfer into a transport
vehicle. In such a system the urging mechanisms may be disposed at
floor level or recessed into channels along both sides of the dock
with the equivalent of the material urging structure adapted to
slide on the surface of the loading dock or on suitable friction
reducing means such as rails or wheels or a combination of
these.
Third Embodiment
[0255] While uni-directional compaction of a volume of refuse as
described in the above embodiments greatly reduces the cost of
waste handling and transportation, greater compaction and further
economies can be achieved by applying compressive forces in more
localized areas and in different directions within the refuse
volume.
[0256] There are therefore provided in this embodiment additional
devices which may optionally be fitted to the container structure
of the first and second embodiments as previously described.
[0257] With reference to FIG. 11, a refuse compacting container
structure 211 is constructed in similar manner to the container
structures of the first and second embodiments and incorporates a
material urging structure 212 and incremental urging mechanisms,
(not shown) as previously described. Likewise it is provided with
top opening 218 and top opening cover 219 and a discharge gate 213.
As with the first and second embodiments the structure may
optionally be provided with an intermediate compaction gate to
allow for the compaction of smaller quantities of refuse
material.
[0258] In a preferred first form of this embodiment, at least one
additional compaction device 220 is provided along each of the two
side walls 216 of the container structure 211 in the area between
the top opening and the discharge end of the container. Where a
container structure is provided with an intermediate compaction
gate the additional compaction devices may best be placed in the
area between the top opening and the intermediate gate, but could
also be located between the intermediate gate and the discharge
gate or even in both these areas.
[0259] Again with reference to FIG. 11, each device 220 is in the
form of a generally rectangular shaped compactor plate 230 attached
to a support structure 224. Support structure 234 is hinged at end
231 to pivot about a shaft 232 located in bearing housings 233
attached to the side wall members 216. The support structure 234 is
adapted to pivotally accept the rod end of an hydraulic ram 235,
the passive end 236 of which is pivotally attached to the side wall
of the container structure.
[0260] Apertures in the side walls are adapted to accept the shape
of the compactor plate 230 and attachment structure 234 so that
when the hydraulic ram of a compaction device is activated, the
compactor plate is rotationally driven through the aperture to
impact on any refuse material in that area of the container
structure.
[0261] Initially, during the loading of refuse into the container
structure and subsequently during the passage of the material
urging structure towards the forward end, the compactor plates of
the compaction devices are maintained flush with the internal walls
of the container structure. The devices are best brought into
action when a sufficient amount of partly compacted material has
been accumulated in the area in which the devices are located.
[0262] Attachment structures 234 are preferably shaped so as to
shut off the aperture through which the compaction device acts so
as to prevent refuse material being pulled back through the
aperture 237 as the compactor plate 230 is retracted to its
position flush with the internal surface the of side wall.
[0263] In a second preferred form of this embodiment the additional
compaction devices are mounted from the roof of the container
structure and operate through apertures in the roof.
Fourth Embodiment
[0264] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the
container structure of the first and second embodiments as
described above is provided with other additional compaction urging
sub-systems. In this form at least a portion of the floor of the
container structure is articulated so as to be driven vertically
upward by actuators so as to intrude into the container volume from
below. The floor portion may be so articulated as a single section
or in a number of sections so as to apply maximum compaction force
to relatively small volumes of compactable material.
[0265] Similarly, a portion of the roof of the container structure,
singly or in sections, may be articulated to provide compaction
force from above. These compacting forces acting from below and
from above may then be applied together or in an alternating
sequence to the compactable material to provide the maximum
disturbance so as to minimise voids. A sequence may include periods
where both the upper and lower compacting surfaces advance followed
by rapid reversals of direction so as to agitate the material.
[0266] In a further aid to agitation the floor of the container
structure may be provided with oscillating or reciprocating plate
sections set into shallow scalloped recesses so as not to impede
the advance of the incrementing material urging structure as
described in the previous embodiments.
Fifth Embodiment
[0267] In a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, the
incremental advancing mechanism of the first or second embodiments
described above is adapted to the unloading of a transport vehicle.
In this instance the object of the mechanism is not to compact but
to remove a substantially unobstructed load, such as for example a
compacted refuse load from a transport vehicle.
[0268] With reference to FIG. 12, a transport vehicle 300 is shown
in which the outer surface of one side and a portion of the
internal wall of that side have been removed. Transport vehicle 300
is provided with material urging structure 310 extending between
floor 313, ceiling 315 and internal walls 314 and adapted to slide
along the floor 313 of the vehicle.
[0269] Disposed along each side of the transport vehicle are urging
mechanisms 319. Urging mechanisms 319 include rail structures
extending along the length of the vehicle, which carry
reciprocating beams activated by hydraulic rams 316. Each
reciprocating beam is provided with thrust assemblies at intervals
along its length; these assemblies being in the form described in
the first or second embodiments above. Since no compaction is
required the hydraulic rams driving the material urging structure
are of significantly smaller diameter, and the components of the
incrementing mechanism proportionately lighter in construction than
those of the previously described embodiments.
[0270] The thrust assemblies are caused to act sequentially on
material urging structure 310 which is provided, after the manner
of the previously described embodiments, with lugs which project
from each of its sides through slots 318 along internal walls 314
of the vehicle.
[0271] In use, a transport vehicle fitted with this mechanism is
loaded while material urging structure 310 is fully retracted to
the front end 311 of the vehicle 300. At a discharge site it
remains simply to open the doors at rear end 312 and activate the
incremental advancing mechanisms to completely empty the transport
vehicle.
Sixth Embodiment
[0272] In a sixth embodiment of an incremental material urging
system there is provided a rail system, a material urging structure
and an incrementing drive mechanism.
[0273] With reference to FIG. 13, floor 410 is provided with at
least a pair of parallel spaced apart fixed rails 411. A material
urging structure 412 is adapted to move along rails 411, supported
on friction reducing means such as bearing surfaces, internally
mounted wheels or linear bearings. Pivotally attached at the rear
end 413 of urging structure 412 are extendable linear actuators
414, which may, for example, be pneumatic or hydraulic rams. The
active or rod ends 415 of linear actuators 414 are provide with
clamping mechanisms 416 adapted to slide along rails 411 when
released and, when activated, clamp onto the sides of the rails
with suitable calipers.
[0274] For the material urging structure 412 to incrementally
advance along rails 411, linear actuators 414 are initially
retracted as shown in FIG. 13a. Clamping mechanisms 416 are then
activated to clamp onto rails 411 and the linear actuators extended
as in FIG. 13b to push the urging structure along the rails. The
clamping mechanisms are now released and the actuators retracted,
upon which the sequence of clamping, extending the actuators,
releasing the clamps and retracting the actuators is repeated to
incrementally advance the urging structure along the rails.
[0275] Urging structure 412 may be incrementally reversed along the
rails by a reverse sequence of the linear actuator extensions and
retractions and the clamping mechanisms.
[0276] In an alternative preferred form of this embodiment, the
rails may be substituted by channels let into a floor structure and
in which the clamping mechanisms comprise outwardly acting calipers
to act on the internal sides of the channels. In this form of the
embodiment the urging structure may be adapted to slide on the
floor surface or be provided with friction reducing means such as
for example wheels.
[0277] In use, the mechanism may be used to advance objects along a
platform such as for example a loading dock. Thus, again by way of
example, an array of two rows of pallets making up the entire load
intended for a flat bed transport vehicle may be transferred from
the loading dock in a series of incremental linear movements. For
this application a preferred arrangement of the rails is that of
two pairs of rails, each pair suitably spaced to provide support
and guidance to the rows of pallets.
[0278] In further examples of applications of this embodiment, the
device may be installed in a transport vehicle for the purpose of
ejecting a load from the vehicle, or when fitted to the container
structure of a refuse transfer station it may be used to
incrementally drive a material urging structure.
[0279] In yet a further example of the use of the device, the rails
may include curved sections.
[0280] The urging structure may be fitted with braking means to
maintain it at any incremented position while the linear actuators
re-position the clamping mechanisms. When provided with such
braking means the urging structure may be adapted to operate along
inclined surfaces.
Seventh Embodiment
[0281] In a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention an
incremental material urging system comprises a set of reciprocating
rail structures, a material urging structure and clamping
mechanisms.
[0282] With reference to FIG. 14, floor structure 510 is provided
with at least a pair of parallel spaced apart rails 511 adapted to
slide on the floor surface or on a series of suitable linear
bearings or wear pads (not shown). Rails are interconnected by yoke
513 at one end and yoke 513 is in turn connected to a linear
actuator 514 such as, for example, an hydraulic ram.
[0283] Floor structure 510 is further provided with a plurality of
arresting pins 517 retracted flush with the floor when not in use
but adapted to project a certain distance above floor level when
required. Arresting pins 517 are arranged, preferably in pairs
transverse to the rails, at intervals along floor 510 corresponding
to the stroke length of linear actuator 514.
[0284] A material urging structure 512 is adapted to ride on rails
511 and is provided with clamping mechanisms 516 adapted to grip
onto the rails. An incremental movement of material urging
structure 512 may then be effected by applying clamps 516 and
activating linear actuator 514 to urge an incremental movement of
rails 511 thereby forcing a corresponding movement of urging
structure 512.
[0285] Thus for a movement in the direction away from the linear
actuator as mounted in FIG. 14, the extension of the linear
actuator with the clamping mechanisms locking it to the rails, will
drive the urging structure in the desired direction. For a
subsequent increment the arresting pins immediately behind the
current position of the urging structure are raised to project from
the floor, the clamps are released and the linear actuator
retracted to draw the rails back into their initial position ready
for the next increment.
[0286] Clearly the sequence when reversed allows for the movement
of the urging structure in the opposite direction also. In a
further form of this embodiment the arresting pins acting through
the floor may be replaced by a locking system incorporated in the
material urging structure itself. One form of such a locking system
comprises friction pads driven downwardly from the urging structure
against the floor, providing sufficient friction to prevent the
urging structure from being moved from its current position through
the repositioning of the rails for the next increment. In a further
preferred form, the urging structure is lifted clear of contact
with the rails while these are retracted for a next increment.
[0287] In yet a further alternative form of this embodiment the
material urging structure is supported on wheels or other friction
reducing means on the floor and not on the articulated rails which
instead pass through clearance channels in the structure or below
the structure so that when the clamps are released the rails may be
relocated with no disturbance to the urging structure.
[0288] The device as described may be used as both a means of
transferring a load from a loading dock onto a transport vehicle
or, when fitted to the floor of a transport vehicle, for the
unloading of that vehicle.
[0289] Again, when fitted to the container structure of a refuse
transfer station the device may be used to drive a material urging
structure for the compaction of a refuse load.
Eighth Embodiment
[0290] In yet a further embodiment of an incremental material
urging system adapted to the compaction of loose material, a
container structure similar to that previously described for the
first embodiment herein above and shown in FIG. 1, also comprises a
floor substructure, wall substructures, a roof substructure and a
discharge gate disposed at a forward end of the container
structure. A portion of the rearward end of the present container
structure 700 is shown in FIG. 18.
[0291] A material urging structure 600 of the present embodiment
shown in FIG. 15 is preferably of substantially box-shaped
construction, having sides 610 and 611, top 612, bottom 613 and
front compacting face 614. Material urging structure 600 is adapted
to substantially traverse the length of the container structure and
is dimensioned so as to leave minimal clearance between urging
structure 600 and the internal surfaces of the floor, walls and
roof substructures of container structure 700. Prior to a
compaction phase of the material urging system the material urging
structure 600 is retracted towards a rearward end 702 (that is the
end opposite to the discharge gate) of the container structure 700,
at least to an extent that loading of material to be compacted may
be introduced into the container structure. This may be
accomplished for example through a top opening provided with a top
opening cover or through side apertures as previously
described.
[0292] The material urging structure 600 is urged into incremental
movement in both an advancing and compacting forward direction,
that is towards the discharge gate, and a retracting direction,
through the interaction of two hydraulically driven mechanical
systems; a driving system and an engagement system.
[0293] The first of these, the driving system, includes two
identical mechanisms disposed one on each side of the container
structure 700. With reference to FIG. 16 in which one of these
mechanisms 650 is illustrated, each includes an hydraulic ram 651
affixed by mounting bracket 652 to the outside of the side wall
substructure 704 at the rearward end 702 of the container structure
as best seen in FIG. 18. Both rams and mechanisms 650 on each side
of the container structure are arranged to stroke in unison. The
piston rod 653 of each ram 651 drives an engagement nest beam 654
extending substantially the length of the container structure 700
and guided, for example by roller elements 655, so as to allow the
beam 654 to be driven into horizontal reciprocating motion by its
respective ram 651.
[0294] Engagement nest beam 654 is provided with a number of
engagement nests 656 rigidly connected to the beam 654 and
equi-spaced along the length of the beam; the spacing conforming to
the stroke of the ram 651. Each nest 655 may take the form of a
plate 657 in which is provided an elongate slot 658. These elongate
slots 658 then lie along a common horizontal line at a level
coincident with the continuous slot 706 in each side wall
substructure 704 which extends substantially along the length the
container structure as previously described in the first preferred
embodiment above.
[0295] The second mechanical system, that is the engagement system
mechanism 615, is shown in FIG. 15 and is incorporated within the
material urging structure 600. With reference to the enlarged view
of the mechanism 615 in FIG. 17, a first thrust tongue plate 616
and second thrust tongue plate 617 are slidably supported between
horizontal guide rails 618 and 619 and between upper and lower
guide plates 620 and 621. Each thrust tongue plate 616 and 617 is
pivotally connected to a linkage arm 622 and 623 respectively which
in turn are pivotally connected to a central pivot arm 624. Central
pivot arm 624 is arranged to rotate about fixed vertical pivot axis
625 mounted between support plates 626.
[0296] Mounted to and between the inner ends of first thrust tongue
plate 616 and second thrust tongue plate 617 is a thrust tongue
hydraulic ram 627. It will be clear that by means of the mechanism
of linkage arms 622 and 623 and central pivot arm 624, first thrust
tongue plate 616 and second thrust tongue plate 617 will retract
inwardly when thrust tongue hydraulic ram 627 in-strokes and extend
outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 17 when the thrust tongue
hydraulic ram 627 out-strokes.
[0297] Referring again to FIG. 15, it can be seen that the
mechanism 615 is so located within material urging structure 600
that when the thrust tongue hydraulic ram 627 is in its out-stroked
position, first and second thrust tongues 616 and 617 project
through slots 628 and 629 in the sides of material urging structure
600. These slots are positioned to coincide with the continuous
slot 706 in each side wall substructures 704 of the container
structure 700 when urging structure 600 is installed.
[0298] Second mechanism 615 is further provided with first and
second retainer tongue plates 630 and 631, each of which is urged
into reciprocal motion by hydraulic rams 632 and 633 respectively.
When hydraulic rams 632 and 633 are in out-stroked position (as
shown in FIG. 17) first and second retainer tongue plates 630 and
631 project through slots in the sides of material urging structure
600 as can be seen in FIG. 15 (second retainer tongue 631 is hidden
from view).
[0299] Each side wall substructure 704 of the container structure
700 is provided with a series of retainer slots 708 as shown in
FIG. 18 arranged below the continuous slot 706 in the side walls of
the container structure and adapted to coincide with the positions
of first and second retainer tongue plates 630 and 631 when
material urging structure 600 is at each of incremented positions
along the length of the container structure. Thus the interval
between successive retainer slots is equal to the spacing of
engagement nests 655 and the stroke of the rams 651. In FIG. 18
urging structure 600 is shown at an intermediate position between
two incremented locations.
[0300] The slots 706 are sized to accept the insertion of retainer
tongue plates 630 and 631 as a sliding fit so as to lock material
urging structure 600 into a currently incremented position.
[0301] To effect a forwardly incrementing movement of the material
urging structure 600, rams 651 are initially in an in-stroked
condition. First and second thrust tongues 616 and 617 are then
urged into an outwardly extended position by the out-stroking of
thrust tongue hydraulic ram 627 so as to project through the
continuous slots in the side walls of the container structure and
engage with coinciding slots 658 of engagement nests 656 of each of
the driving system engagement nest beams 654.
[0302] As first and second thrust tongues 616 and 617 engage with
aligned nest slots 658, first and second retainer tongues 630 and
631 are retracted from engagement with their respective coinciding
retainer slots 708. The driving system rams 651 then out-stroke to
drive material urging structure 600 into a next advanced position
where retainer tongues 630 and 631 are urged outwardly to engage
with the corresponding retainer slots 708 in the side walls. This
prevents any partial retraction of the material urging structure
600 which may be induced by the reaction force of compressed
material between material urging structure and the discharge
gate.
[0303] The first and second thrust tongues 616 and 617 are now
retracted from their engaged position with the slots 658 of nests
656 of the engagement nest beams 654 thus allowing the rams 651 of
the driving mechanical system 650 to retract. This brings the next
forward nests 656 of the engagement nest beams 654 into coincidence
with the thrust tongue positions of the material urging structure
to allow for a further incrementing cycle.
[0304] The discharge gate may be opened when the material urging
structure 600 has reached a position relative to the engagement
nests 656 where the compression of the material between the
discharge gate and the material urging structure has reached a
desired degree. This will generally occur well before the most
forwardly incremented position available. Preferably sufficient
material is loaded into the container structure, and that point of
desired compression achieved, when the volume of the compressed
material is approximately equal to that of a transport vehicle
brought into alignment with the container structure at the
discharge end.
[0305] Further forward increments of the material urging structure
may then be used to drive the compressed volume of material into
the transport vehicle through the opened discharge gate. In at
least one preferred form of the present embodiment the last forward
stroke of the primary system and the configuration of the material
urging structure are such that the material urging structure
projects sufficiently through the discharge gate to fully drive a
load of compacted material into an abutting transport vehicle.
[0306] At the final forward increment the first and second thrust
tongue plates 616 and 617 remain engaged with their respective
nests and the subsequent in-strokes of the primary system rams 651
then constitute the first retraction of the material urging
structure 600. Further retraction cycles may be effected by
sequences of retraction of first and second thrust tongue plates,
out-stroking of the primary system rams and re-engagement of the
first and second thrust tongue plates with the next coincident
nests of the engagement nest beams. Since there is no reaction
force of compressed material acting on the material urging
structure, the use of the first and second retainer tongues during
retraction is not required.
[0307] The above describes only some embodiments of the present
invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art,
can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of
the present invention.
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