B65F2003/023

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING WASTE RECEPTACLES USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.

Refuse container identification using parcel data
11580799 · 2023-02-14 · ·

Techniques are described for correlating entity identification information with refuse containers being serviced by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV). Location data can be collected by location sensor(s) on the RCV at a time when a triggering condition is present, such as a time when a lift arm is operating to empty a refuse container into the hopper of the RCV. The location data can be provided as input to an algorithm that estimates a container location through a vector offset to account for the distance and direction of the RCV lift arm relative to the location sensor in the RCV. The container location can be correlated with parcel data to determine the parcel that the container was on or near to when it was serviced, and the customer or other entity associated with the parcel can be correlated to the particular container based on the analysis.

Grabber For A Front Loader Refuse Vehicle
20230002153 · 2023-01-05 ·

A grabber assembly has a beam assembly with a bracket. A grabber gear assembly is coupled with the bracket. The grabber gear assembly has a pair of gear mechanisms coupled with the bracket. Each gear mechanism has a shaft and a pair of thrust bearings, one at each end of the shaft. A grabber arm mounting pad is coupled with each shaft. A gear section is coupled with each shaft. The gear sections of each shaft mesh with one another to drive the grabber arm mounting pads. An actuating driver is coupled with one of the shafts to drive the grabber gear assembly and move the arms between an open and grasping position.

LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR A REFUSE VEHICLE

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, a lift assembly, and a projector. The vehicle body defines a receptacle for storing refuse. The lift assembly is configured to selectively engage a waste container. The lift assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The projector is positioned to emit light outwardly away from the refuse vehicle and proximate the lift assembly to define a target area.

OPERATIONAL MODES FOR A REFUSE VEHICLE

A refuse vehicle has a chassis supporting a plurality of wheels, as well as a motor. A vehicle body is also supported by the chassis and defines a receptacle for storing refuse. A lifting system is coupled to the vehicle body and is movable between a first position and a second position vertically offset from the first position using a hydraulic system. The refuse vehicle also has a processing unit in communication with the lifting system and the motor. The processing unit is configured to access and execute a plurality of preset operational modes stored within a memory to adjust performance parameters of the refuse vehicle. The operational modes include at least two different operational modes corresponding to different route types.

Refuse vehicle with electric lift

A fully-electric lift assembly for a refuse vehicle includes a track, a carrier, and a push chain. The track includes multiple channels that extend along an entire length of a path of the track. The carrier is configured to translate along the path of the track. The carrier includes multiple slidable members, each slidable member configured to engage the track at a corresponding one of the channels. The push chain is configured to couple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by an electric motor. The push chain is configured to exert a pushing force on the carrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.

SYSTEM FOR LIFTING AND TIPPING A BIN CONTAINING SOLID WASTE MATERIALS IN A CONTAINER BODY AND CONTAINER ASSEMBLY HAVING THE SAME
20220396425 · 2022-12-15 ·

A system for lifting and tipping a bin containing solid waste materials in a container body and for compacting the solid waste materials in the container body includes a motor, a packer plate, and at least one linkage assembly operatively connected to the motor. When the motor is operated, the at least one linkage assembly is configured for lifting the bin above the container body, tipping the bin, pivoting the packer plate from a retracted position to a compacting position and then from the compacting position to the retracted position, and lowering the bin back down. A solid waste materials collection and compaction container assembly has a container body and a system for lifting and tipping a bin in the container body, and for compacting solid waste materials in the container body.

Systems and methods for detecting waste receptacles using convolutional neural networks

Systems and methods for detecting a waste receptacle, the system including a camera for capturing an image, a convolutional neural network, and processor. The convolutional neural network can be trained for identifying target waste receptacles. The processor can be mounted on the waste-collection vehicle and in communication with the camera and the convolutional neural network configured for using the convolutional neural network. The processor can be configured for using the convolutional neural network to generate an object candidate based on the image; using the convolutional neural network to determine whether the object candidate corresponds to a target waste receptacle; and selecting an action based on whether the object candidate is acceptable.

AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM
20220380121 · 2022-12-01 ·

Systems and methods for autonomous robotic waste and recycling bin collection, including a plurality of receptacles, having a lid, a fill sensor on the underside of the lid and a collection bin, with a robot engagement mechanism. The fill sensor detects a fill level of the receptacle. The system also has autonomous robots, having a plurality of robot sensors and at least one prong connected to a motor. A bin collection server receives the fill levels from the fill sensors; determines a plurality of full bins; generates a collection instruction and sends the collection instruction to an autonomous robot. The autonomous robot navigates to each bin; inserts at least one prong into the robot engagement mechanism; lifts the collection bin; navigates to the collection facility; and deposits the collection bin in the collection facility.

Carry can for refuse vehicle

A vehicle system includes a refuse vehicle, a carry can, and an electric energy system. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a lift assembly. The body assembly defines a vehicle refuse compartment. The carry can is selectively couplable to the lift assembly. The carry can includes a container defining a container refuse compartment and an articulating collection arm coupled the container. The articulating collection arm has an actuator positioned to facilitate manipulating the articulating collection arm. The electric energy system is at least one of positioned on the refuse vehicle or positioned on the carry can. The electric energy system is configured to facilitate operating the actuator of the articulating collection arm.