Refuse disposing unit

Claim 2

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housIng including a refuse storage compartment for storing refuse and a compressor compartment for compressing and freezing said refuse therein, said refuse storage compartment and said compressor compartment being positioned within said unit housing and adjacent each other, said unit housing further including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said refuse storage compartment; refuse supporting means positioned within said refuse storage compartment for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means, said refuse supporting means being movable along with refuse therein to said compression compartment for compressing and freezing said refuse; compressor mechanism means mounted within said compressor compartment for compressing refuse located therein; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a dense pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 3

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 1 wherein said unit housing further includes second door means for inserting said refuse supporting means and refuse supported thereby into said compressor compartment, said second door means being further provided for removing said pellet-shaped unit therefrom.

Claim 4

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 1 wherein said refuse supporting means comprises a disposable bag which is compressible along with said refuse.

Claim 5

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 1 including means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within both of said compartments at a freezing temperature for pre-chilling said refuse prior to compression thereof and freezing said refuse into a dense pellet-shaped unit during compression thereof.

Claim 6

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 1 wherein said refuse storage compartment and said compressor compartment include a common opening therebetween and wherein said refuse disposing unit further comprises conveyance means mounted within and to both of said compartments and through said opening for transporting said refuse supporting means and refuse therein from said refuse storage compartment to said compressor compartment.

Claim 7

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 5 wherein said conveyance means includes track means mounted to and extending through both of said compartments and vehicle means mounted to said track means for movement between said compartments, said vehicle means including connecting means for connecting said refuse supporting means thereto.

Claim 10

A method according to claim 7 including the step of freezing said refuse prior to compression thereof.

Claim 11

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse storage housing for storing refuse, said refuse storage housing being located inside a dwelling and including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a compressor housing for compressing and freezing said refuse, said compressor housing being located outside said dwelling; disposable refuse supporting means positioned within said refuse storage housing for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means, said refuse supporting means being movable along with refuse therein to said compressor housing for compressing and freezing both said supporting means and said refuse; compressor mechanism means mounted within said compressor housing for compressing said supporting means and refuse located therein; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a dense pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 12

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse storage housing for storing refuse, said refuse storage housing being located inside a dwelling and including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a compressor housing for compressing and freezing said refuse, said compressor housing being located outside said dwelling; disposable refuse supporting means positioned within said refuse storage housing for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means, said refuse supporting means being movable along with refuse therein to said compressor housing for compressing and freezing both said supporting means and said refuse; compressor mechanism means mounted within said compressor housing for compressing said supporting means and refuse located therein; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a dense pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 13

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 9 wherein said compressor housing includes compressor loading door means for inserting said supporting means and refuse into said compressor housing and unloading door means for removing said Pellet-shaped units after a compression cycle, said compressor loading door means being located within said dwelling.

Claim 14

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 9 including connecting means mounted within said refuse storage housing for supporting said refuse supporting means therein.

Claim 15

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 9, including means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within both of said housings at a freezing temperature for pre-chilling said refuse prior to compression and freezing said refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit after compression thereof.

Claim 16

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 9 wherein said compressor mechanism includes compressor head means for movement between a retracted position and an extended position, said refuse disposing unit further including means for moving said compressor head means from said retracted position to said extended position for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said compressor head means back to its retracted position.

Claim 17

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 13 wherein said compressor housing includes outside loading door means and wherein said refuse disposing unit further includes an open-ended tubular container for containing refuse and means for disengageably mounting said container to and within said compressor housing whereby said compressor head means passes through said tubular container during the compression cycle for compressing and freezing said refuse therein.

Claim 18

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing for receiving refuse therein, said unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing, said compressor mechanism means including compressor head means for movement between a retracted position and an extended position; an open-ended tubular container for containing refuse, said container being disengageably mountable within and to said housing; means for disengageably mounting said container within and to said housing; means for moving said compressor head means from said retracted position through said open-ended tubular container and to said extended position for compressing refuse within said container and thereafter moving said compressor head means back to its said retracted position; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 19

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing for receiving refuse therein, said unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing, said compressor mechanism means including compressor head means for movement between a retracted position and an extended position; an open-ended tubular container for containing refuse, said container being disengageably mountable within and to said housing; means for disengageably mounting said container within and to said housing; means for moving said compressor head means from said retracted position through said open-ended tubular container and to said extended position for compressing refuse within said container and thereafter moving said compressor head means back to its said retracted position; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 20

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls of a character whereby refuse can be frozen thereto; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit, said pellet-like unit freezing to said chamber walls and resisting movement of further refuse being compressed.

Claim 21

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls of a character whereby refuse can be frozen thereto; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit, said pellet-like unit freezing to said chamber walls and resisting movement of further refuse being compressed.

Claim 22

A refuse dIsposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit, said driving means including means for imparting rotation to the outermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders and wherein the remaining cylinders are thread mounted to their respective adjacent outer cylinders and responsive to the rotation of said outermost cylinder for successive movement relative to their respective adjacent outer cylinder, the innermost cylinder being the last cylinder to move to its extended position.

Claim 23

A refuse dIsposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit, said driving means including means for imparting rotation to the outermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders and wherein the remaining cylinders are thread mounted to their respective adjacent outer cylinders and responsive to the rotation of said outermost cylinder for successive movement relative to their respective adjacent outer cylinder, the innermost cylinder being the last cylinder to move to its extended position.

Claim 24

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit and means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within said refuse housing at a freezing temperature for pre-freezing said refuse prior to compression and freezing said refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit after compression thereof.

Claim 25

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a refuse housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse within said housing; a compressing and freezing chamber within said housing receiving refuse inserted through said door means, and having a plurality of walls; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing for compressing said refuse, said compressor mechanism means including a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor mechanism housing, and into said compressing and freezing chamber, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended position; drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position; and freezing means for lowering the temperature of at least some of said chamber walls below the freezing temperature of water for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit and means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within said refuse housing at a freezing temperature for pre-freezing said refuse prior to compression and freezing said refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit after compression thereof.

Claim 26

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a refuse storage and compression container positioned within said unit housing and tiltably mounted for movement between an upright position for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means and a tilted position for compression of said refuse; compressor mechanism means mounted within said unit housing and cooperating with said refuse storage and compression container when said container is in its tilted position for compressing refuse therein; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit.

Claim 27

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a refuse storage and compression container positioned within said unit housing and tiltably mounted for movement between an upright position for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means and a tilted position for compression of said refuse; compressor mechanism means mounted within said unit housing and cooperating with said refuse storage and compression container when said container is in its tilted position for compressing refuse therein; and freezing means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit.

Claim 28

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 19 including disposable refuse supporting means positioned within said refuse storage and compression container for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means, said disposable supporting means being compressed and frozen along with said refuse therein.

Claim 29

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 19 including mounting means for biasing said refuse storage and compression container in said tilted position and locking means for maintaining said container in said upright position.

Claim 30

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 19 wherein said refuse storage and compression container and said compressor mechanism include cooperating engagement means for rigidly engaging each other when said container is in its tilted position, said engagement means confining the compression stress resulting from the compression of said refuse to said container.

Claim 31

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 19 wherein said compressor mechanism means includes a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounted within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor housing, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended positions; and drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted positions to said extended positions for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position.

Claim 32

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 23 wherein said driving means includes means for imparting rotation to the outermost cylinder and wherein the remaining cylinders are thread mounted to their respective adjacent outer cylinders and responsive to the rotation of said outermost cylinder for successive movement relative to their adjacent outer cylinders, the innermost cylinder being the last to move to its respective extended position.

Claim 33

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 19 including means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within said container at a freezing temperature for pre-chilling said refuse prior to compressing and freezing said refuse.

Claim 34

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a refuse storage and compression container mounted within said unit housing and positioned for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means; compressor mechanism means positioned within said housing and mounted for movement laterally of itself between a non-compressing position away from said container and a position adjacent said container for compressing the refuse inserted in said container, means for thereafter moving said compressor mechanism means longitudinally of itself to compress refuse in said container; and means for freezing said compressed refuse into a dense pellet-like unit.

Claim 35

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; a refuse storage and compression container mounted within said unit housing and positioned for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means; compressor mechanism means positioned within said housing and mounted for movement laterally of itself between a non-compressing position away from said container and a position adjacent said container for compressing the refuse inserted in said container, means for thereafter moving said compressor mechanism means longitudinally of itself to compress refuse in said container; and means for freezing said compressed refuse into a dense pellet-like unit.

Claim 36

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 including refuse supporting means positioned within said container for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means.

Claim 37

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 wherein said container and compressor mechanism means include cooperating engagement means for rigidly engaging each other when said compressor mechanism means is in said compressing position, said engagement means confining the compression stress resulting from the compression of said refuse to said container.

Claim 38

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 wherein said compressor mechanism means includes a compressor mechanism housing and a plurality of concentric cylinders mounteD within said compressor mechanism housing and to each other for telescopic movement between a retracted position within said compressor mechanism housing and an extended position out of said compressor housing, said compressor mechanism means further including compressor head means connected to the innermost cylinder of said plurality of cylinders for compressing said refuse when said plurality of concentric cylinders are in said extended positions; and drive means for telescopically moving said cylinders from said retracted position to said extended position for compressing said refuse and thereafter moving said cylinders back to said retracted position.

Claim 39

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 29 wherein said drive means includes means for imparting rotation to the outermost cylinder and wherein the remaining cylinders are thread-mounted to their respective adjacent outer cylinders and responsive to the rotation of said outermost cylinder for successive movement relative to their adjacent outer cylinders, the innermost cylinder being the last to move to its respective extended position.

Claim 40

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 including means for substantially continuously maintaining the environment within said unit housing at a freezing temperature for pre-chilling said refuse prior to compression and freezing said refuse into a solid pellet-shaped unit.

Claim 41

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 wherein said refuse storage and compression container includes trap door means at the bottom thereof for removal of said solid pellet-like unit.

Claim 42

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 32 including means for mechanically opening and closing said trap door means.

Claim 43

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 33 including transfer means cooperating with said trap door means for gravitationally directing said solid pellet-like unit out of and away from said container.

Claim 44

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 26 wherein said container is tilted at an angle with respect to said unit housing and wherein said compressor mechanism moves between said positions at said angle perpendicular with said container.

Claim 45

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 35 including refuse supporting means positioned within said container for receiving and supporting refuse inserted through said loading door means.

Claim 46

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 35 wherein said container and compressor mechanism means include cooperating engagement means for rigidly engaging each other when said compressor mechanism means is in said compressing position, said engagement means confining the compression stress resulting from the compression of said refuse to said container.

Claim 47

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing; a refuse storage and compression container positioned within said unit housing and mounted for movement between a first position for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means and a second position adjacent said compressor mechanism for compressing said refuse; and means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit.

Claim 48

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a unit housing including loading door means for insertion of refuse therein; compressor mechanism means mounted within and to said housing; a refuse storage and compression container positioned within said unit housing and mounted for movement between a first position for receiving refuse inserted through said loading door means and a second position adjacent said compressor mechanism for compressing said refuse; and means for freezing said compressed refuse into a solid pellet-like unit.

Claim 49

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a longitudinal refuse compression and conveyance housing including a rearward end for receiving and compressing refuse and an open forward end for extruding said refuse out of said housing; compressor means positioned within said housing for compressing said refuse and extruding said refuse out of said open end; means for freezing the refuse within said housing; and means for inhibiting movement of the frozen refuse toward said open forward end whereby said frozen refuse serves as a back-up for further refuse during compressing thereof, said movement inhibiting means comprising inner side walls on said housing maintained below freezing temperature and refuse frozen thereto.

Claim 50

A refuse disposing unit comprising: a longitudinal refuse compression and conveyance housing including a rearward end for receiving and compressing refuse and an open forward end for extruding said refuse out of said housing; compressor means positioned within said housing for compressing said refuse and extruding said refuse out of said open end; means for freezing the refuse within said housing; and means for inhibiting movement of the frozen refuse toward said open forward end whereby said frozen refuse serves as a back-up for further refuse during compressing thereof, said movement inhibiting means comprising inner side walls on said housing maintained below freezing temperature and refuse frozen thereto.

Claim 51

A refuse dispOsing unit according to claim 39 including friction means for providing resistance to the movement of refuse within said housing whereby said refuse is adequately compressed by said compressor means.

Claim 52

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 40 wherein said friction means includes a plurality of wedges mounted to the inside surface of said housing and extending towards the center thereof for providing said resistance.

Claim 53

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 40 wherein said friction means includes a plurality of slots positioned around the periphery of said housing and compression belt means positioned around said slots for reducing the over-all cross-sectional area of said housing.

Claim 54

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 39 wherein said compressor means includes means for producing a cavity through said compressed refuse.

Claim 55

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 39 wherein said compressor means includes a compressor head member positioned within said housing and movable through said housing for compressing and extruding said refuse.

Claim 56

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 44 wherein said compressor means further includes a piston and cylinder assembly having a piston portion fixed to and within said housing and a cylinder portion connected to said head member for moving said head member through said housing.

Claim 57

A refuse disposing unit according to claim 39 including deflection means mounted to said housing and positioned adjacent said open end for breaking off said compressed and frozen refuse as it is extruded out of said housing.

Claim 60

A method according to claim 47 including the step of frictionally providing resistance to the movement of said refuse whereby said refuse is adequately compressed.

Claim 61

A method according to claim 47 including the step of producing a cavity through said compressed refuse during compression thereof.

Claim 62

A method according to claim 47 including the step of breaking away said compressed and frozen refuse as said refuse is extruded out of said housing.

Claim 63

A method according to claim 47 including the step of transferring said extruded refuse to frozen storage.