The present disclosure relates to compactors for crushing trash or
recyclables, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for solar-powered/grid connected/battery operated waste compaction.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Garbage cans and trash receptacles are important items at any
location where there are people, to avoid the people having to carry trash with them
or worse, simply littering. Many public areas such as outdoor recreation facilities
provide trash cans at many locations, and most visitors are quite receptive to using
such trash cans, provided that they are convenient and accessible.
[0004] However, trash cans often quickly fill up and require periodic
emptying by maintenance personnel. Larger trash cans provide more capacity, but they still fill up and result in larger bulky unwieldy loads when they're emptied. For any size, trash cans that are remote are more difficult to empty, and require that personnel spend time and equipment traveling, emptying and hauling from the remote locations. Also, in urban locations and other high traffic areas, sanitation personnel must spend significant amounts of time and cost to remove trash and recyclables often several times daily, and urban areas often have space constraints on trash-bin size. As is well known, typical trash is fairly bulky and is capable of being compacted down to smaller sizes. Most trash collection trucks utilize hydraulic compactors to increase their capacity. Compaction on-site can save money and help to conserve fuel by reducing collection frequency, and thus vehicle travel time. Prior art trash and recyclables compactors characteristically require high-voltage, AC electricity, and are almost ubiquitously connected to the electricity grid. This limits the location of such trash compactors. Others have a fuel tank associated with them, such as with compaction mechanisms onboard garbage

trucks or certain compactors that use diesel generators to provide power for
compaction rams. These gas or diesel systems produce great noise and pollution as
they operate. Thus, prior art trash compactors are characteristically confined to
areas where electrical connections are feasible and cost-effective, or where there is
a fossil fuel power source. An example Q a prior art compactor is provided in US
5713270 which describes a hospital clothing compactor. This system operates by
connection to a standard power supply and includes control features to restrict
access to authorised personnel. The power source can be solar energy.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for powered compaction in remote settings
and high-traffic areas, that will allow people to conveniently dispose of trash or recyclables, but allow much less frequent emptying service from maintenance personnel.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an approach for a
electro- mechanical, electro-pneumatic, electro-hydraulic or similar indigenous,
customizable and scalable waste compaction system which is powered through
solar energy or renewable energy from any reliable source to compact trash and
recyclables.
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device and
method that facilitates lower cost for compacting trash and recyclables by using
stored photovoltaic energy or grid energy or stored energy from any reliable source
of electricity.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates efficient collection, storing of solar or renewable or grid energy and using
the stored energy to compact trash or recyclables.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates prevention of tampering and/or user injury.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates safety measures include a locking mechanism on the access door to the
waste bin to prohibit the general public or any unauthorised person from removing
the waste.
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a light weight
collection bin which can also be replaced time to time (in case of recyclable plastic
bag).
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates monitoring the level of trash or recyclables in the chamber.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates easy towing of many devices at once.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that can
be located in remote places.
[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates fewer maintenance visits for emptying, while reducing litter.
[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates animal-proofing for everything from insects to bears.
[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for a device that
facilitates reduction of odour which is objectionable.
SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates to compactors for crushing trash or
recyclables, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for solar-
powered/grid connected/battery operated waste compaction.
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for a compacting device
for crushing trash or recyclables. The compacting device may include an enclosure and a removable bin located within the enclosure and characterised in that: one or more compaction rams located within the enclosure, the one or more compaction rams positioned to travel along a preset path within the enclosure and within at least part of the removable bin to compress items within the removable bin. The device may further include a motor controller to track and control the charge of a storage

battery and to control compaction cycles performed by the compacting device. The
motor controller may skip a compaction cycle when the storage battery may be
undercharged until an adequate charge has been attained, and a driving mechanism
located within the enclosure and electrically connected to a motor controller and
the storage battery. The driving mechanism may be coupled to the one or more
compaction rams and may use electric power from the storage battery to move the
compaction ram along the preset path within the enclosure. The device may also
include a processor, operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors and the driving
mechanism, wherein the processor executes a set of executable instructions that are
stored in a memory, upon execution of which, the processor causes the device to:
receive, a first set of signals from the plurality of sensors, the first set of signals
may pertain to sensing level of the items in the removable bin, generate an alert
signal by a signalling mechanism, the alert signal generated when the level of items
in the removable bin crosses a predefined threshold level and upon generation of
the alert signal, activate the driving mechanism to compact and reduce the items in
the removable bin.
[0021] In an embodiment, an access door may be located on the enclosure,
the access door may allow user access within the enclosure and items introduced
into the enclosure by the access door may settle into the removable bin.
[0022] In an embodiment, a photovoltaic panel may be located on an upper
exterior surface of the enclosure, the photovoltaic panel may be positioned to be
exposed to sunlight, to convert the received sunlight into electric power, and the
photovoltaic panel may be electrically connected to the storage battery located
within the enclosure to store the electric power converted from the received
sunlight.
[0023] In an embodiment, the driving mechanism may be disabled when the
access door may be open.
[0024] In an embodiment, the compaction ram may be outside of the
removable bin at one end of the preset path.
[0025] In an embodiment, the removable bin may include a plurality of
wheels attached at a lower portion of the device.

[0026] In an embodiment, the signalling mechanism may be further
configured to provide an indication that the enclosure may be failing to operate
properly if any or a combination of components in the enclosure stop working.
[0027] In an embodiment, an authentication module may be configured to
obtain a registration data based on a request from an unregistered user through a computing device associated with a user, wherein login credentials are generated based on acknowledgement of the request and verification of the registration data, wherein the user enters the generated login credentials to access, control and monitor the device.
[0028] In an embodiment, the device may be operatively coupled to the
authentication module configured to provide access to the device only to a registered user, the authentication module further operatively coupled to an alarm and trigger unit to trigger an alarm whenever there is an unauthorized access to the device.
[0029] In an embodiment, the processor may activate an audio device
operatively coupled to the enclosure upon receiving a second set of signals pertaining to sensing of a presence of an individual by the plurality of sensors and the audio device may start playing a voice message.
[0030] In an embodiment, a spraying mechanism coupled to the removable
bin may spray non-xenobiotic chemical mixture stored inside a tank assembly
operatively coupled to the removable bin. The non-xenobiotic chemical mixture
may be sprayed on collected items inside the removable bin to treat the items and
to reduce microbial degradation rate. In an embodiment, a spray mechanism can be
used in dispensing of many other liquids such as but not limited to hand sanitiser,
liquid soap + water, air freshener, fire extinguishing liquid, etc.
[0031] In an embodiment, the processor may trigger fire extinguisher
system to extinguish fire operatively coupled to the enclosure upon receiving a third set of signals pertaining to sensing any or a combination of temperature and burning of the items in the removable bin.

[0032] In an embodiment, a camera unit may be coupled to the enclosure to
capture real time video footage and transmit the real time video footage to a
computing device associated with an operator.
[0033] In an embodiment, the removable bin may include a plurality of
chambers coupled to a plurality of inlets, each chamber coupled to at least one
electro- mechanical, electro-pneumatic, electro-hydraulic or similar compaction
ram.
[0034] In an embodiment, the compaction ram may travel simultaneously
within all of the plurality of chambers.
[0035] In an embodiment, the motor controller may receive signals from a
photoelectric or any kind of sensor, providing an indication that the items may be
located in the channel above the removable bin.
[0036] In an aspect, the device may include an electric motor located within
the enclosure and electrically connected to the motor controller, the electric motor
connected to a reduction gear mechanism. The reduction gear mechanism may also
be connected to a scissor jack type indigenous compaction ram, and the compaction
ram, when moved by the geared motor mechanism, may move along the preset path
within the enclosure. The electric motor may be further electrically coupled to an
actuator configured to compact the items when the removable bin gets completely
filled with the items. A removable bin access door may further be located on the
enclosure that may allow insertion and removal of the removable bin from the
enclosure.
[0037] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for a method for
compacting items using a compacting device. The method may include the steps of
providing a compacting device having an enclosure for the collection of the items
and including a removable bin, providing a photovoltaic panel positioned for
exposure to the sun, storing power produced by the photovoltaic panel in storage
battery, upon receiving a signal, using stored power to drive a compacting ram to
reduce the volume of the items in the enclosure. The items may be introduced into
the enclosure by the access door that settle into the removable bin and when the
compaction ram travels along the preset path within the enclosure, the compaction

ram may compress the items within the removable bin where the compaction ram may travel within at least a part of the removable bin. The method may further include the step of using stored power to drive the compacting ram back to a starting position.
[0038] In an embodiment, before the step of using stored power to drive a
compacting ram, the method may include the step disabling access to the enclosure by a user, and after the step of using stored power to drive the compacting ram back to a starting position, the method may include the step of enabling access to the enclosure by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the
same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be
distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes
among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary network architecture in which or with
which proposed waste management system can be implemented in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary architecture of a processor in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary representation of a flow diagram
associated with the proposed method in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an assembly of
the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of the present invention in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of the removable bin (312)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary exploded view of a tank assembly (310),
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary exploded view of a front face assembly
(304) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary exploded view of a compaction ram
(318) comprising a jack assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0049] FIGs. 9A and 9B show an exemplary exploded view of a control
panel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the
present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0051] The present disclosure provides for a system and a method for
system for facilitating modelling of underwater topography.
[0052] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a
computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).
[0053] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining
one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the

present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.
[0054] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary
embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for
illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various
modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thus, the present
invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives,
modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed.
[0055] The present invention uses the novel approach of using solar energy
to compact trash and recyclables. Solar energy is a clean source of power, and also
it enables compaction of waste in remote locations where other forms of power are
impractical and uneconomical. Often, it is impractical and uneconomical to connect
grid power to a compactor located even at a relatively close distance to an electricity
source, for example, across a parking lot from a retail establishment.
[0056] The present invention provides a low cost device and method for
compacting trash and recyclables using stored photovoltaic energy. The device may be formed to efficiently collect solar energy, efficiently store said energy and as needed, use the stored energy to compact trash or recyclables. The solar collector typically may be a photovoltaic (PV) apparatus which may be connected to a storage device, such as a battery, capacitor or fuel cell. Mechanical means of energy storage may include springs, pneumatic and hydraulic pressure but not limited to the like. The apparatus may use stored energy to intermittently compact trash or

recyclables. In another embodiment, the device supplies AC electricity to an AC-powered compaction mechanism by changing DC power from the PV array into AC electricity by means of an inverter. In a separate embodiment, the device supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a compaction ram that may be actuated by hydraulic pressure but not limited to the like.
[0057] In an illustrative embodiment, the electronics of the receptacle may
be enclosed in at least two compartments adjacent to the compaction area. This compartment may not be accessible from the outside, to prevent tampering and/or user injury. Another feature to prevent user or operator injury is a battery disengage, which will prevent compaction-ram movement when either compartment door is open and will provide access to electronics or the compaction chamber. This works because the lock is coupled with a contactor switch, so whenever a door may be open, the contactor switch may open as well. The battery and electronics compartments may also be sealed from water to protect the enclosed electronics from the elements, and the battery compartment may be vented separately from the electronics and motor compartments to allow for hydrogen gas to escape safely, as the flammable gas can be produced during charging of many types of batteries. The PV array may be protected from weather and vandalism by a covering constructed typically of durable plastic and a metal grate. The battery may be stored at the bottom of the compartment, in order to lower the center of gravity of the receptacle, and prevent tipping, while the hydrogen vent may be located above the battery chamber to allow hydrogen gas to rise and escape the chamber without coming into contact with sparks from the motor or electronics compartments. At the bottom of this compartment may be the motor, which may be connected to the reduction gearbox and drive chains.
[0058] The waste insertion door may be locked shut during a compaction
cycle or may be constructed to block from user intrusion into compaction chamber. The safety measure may eliminate the possibility of a user being injured by the compaction ram. In the illustrative embodiment, the use lockout may be passive and may not require energy to operate. Similar contraptions may be seen on mailboxes, and prevent the user from gaining access to the inner chamber of the device. Other

safety measures include a locking mechanism on the access door to the waste bin to prohibit the general public from removing the waste. Only waste management personnel can access the waste chamber and electronics chamber. An access door may be hinged to allow the sanitation personnel to have unimpeded access to the waste bin.
[0059] Another embodiment can incorporate several compaction rams
and/or compaction chambers, allowing for separation and compaction of different
recyclable materials. The device may also include mechanisms such as paper or
plastic shredders, and bottle or can crushers, to more effectively reduce the volume
of many materials. Since such an embodiment can be constructed to have multiple
compaction chambers, the overall weight of each collection bin can be reduced,
which will reduce worker injury associated with heavy loads.
[0060] Another embodiment of the present invention may allow monitoring
of the trash level in the compaction chamber. By monitoring the level of trash or recyclables in the chamber, a wireless communication mechanism can relay this information to the sanitation personnel so that unneeded visits may be avoided. Communication may be relayed with a wireless transmitter or by a physical indicator, such as an indicator lamp but not limited to it. This further may save time and money by allowing the maintenance personnel to schedule collections according to demand.
[0061] Another embodiment of the present invention may be constructed to
be easily moved by virtue of a towing apparatus that enables many devices and/or compaction bins to be connected to each other, so that a single vehicle can tow many devices at once. The unique method of trash removal may also help to reduce worker injuries associated with carrying heavy loads.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may include a
trash or recyclable collector which can be located in remote places that may not have access to AC power, and also require many fewer maintenance visits for emptying, while reducing litter.
[0063] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be
optimized to work more often during times of most usage. Use of the device may

occur most often during daylight hours, and therefore the unit may have power from daylight as needed to perform compaction. Further, since more people may be active outdoors during sunny days, the present invention may be optimized to meet increased usage with increased compaction cycles.
[0064] In another exemplary embodiment, the collection bins which handle
dense, heavy waste, may be positioned on a wheeled cart, reducing heavy lifting by sanitation personnel. Since waste may be packed into at least two or more compartments, each load may be made lighter, further reducing the strain for workers of lifting loads
In another exemplary embodiment, the system may be animal-proof, for everything from insects to bears but not limited to the like. Access to the contents may be blocked by doors and circuitous paths. Odour which may be objectionable and which also can attract critters may be reduced by the design. The entire waste compaction system may be portable and can be customized to install in any vehicle so that it can be act as secondary or door to door waste collection system. The access door (326) (also referred to as the outlet gate (326)) to remove compressed garbage bag/garbage bin can be opened through specially designed/customised digital lock code/combined lock/any mechanical locking arrangement/digital bar code based locking arrangement/RFID Tag based locking -unlocking arrangement or any such key less arrangement. The disclosed compaction machine is having specially designed legs which can be used to fix the whole machine at any platform using cement concrete/nut-bolt/etc.
[0065] In another exemplary embodiment, bin capacity information may be
relayed wirelessly, helping to avoid wasted trips and time. Real-time information provides an advantage over traditional reactionary scheduling methods. Real-time information will enable significant improvements in routing and scheduling techniques, and can be reduced to software to automate and optimize waste collection scheduling and routing decisions.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1 illustrates a waste
management system (110) (also referred to as the system (110) hereinafter) to one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N). The one or more users may be individuals in

an organisation, school, university, industry and the like and family members using the waste management system (110). As illustrated, first computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) may be associated with the one or more users (individually referred to as the user 102, and collectively referred to as the users 102, hereinafter). The first computing devices 104-1, 104-2... 104-N (individually referred to as the first computing device (104), and collectively referred to as the first computing devices (104), or user device (104) hereinafter) may be communicatively coupled to the system (110) or a centralised server (112) through a network (106). In an embodiment, the system (110) can be implemented using any or a combination of hardware components and software components such as a cloud, a server, a computing system, a user device, a network device and the like. Examples of the user device (104) can include, but not limited to, a smart phone, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a standalone unit, and the like.
[0067] Further, the network (106) can be a wireless network, a wired
network or a combination thereof that can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, Bluetooth and the like.
[0068] Further, the network (106) can either be a dedicated network or a
shared network. The shared network can represent an association of the different types of networks that can use variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.
[0069] The system (110) may be further communicatively coupled to a
second computing device (116) associated with a second user (114). In an aspect the second user may be an operator, a technician, an engineer that may be in charge of maintenance and monitoring of the system (110) but not limited to the like. The system (110) may include an enclosure (302) (From FIG. 3) (interchangeably referred to as the body assembly 302), a removable bin (312) (also referred to as dustbin 312) located within the enclosure (302). One or more compaction rams (318), located within the enclosure (302). The one or more compaction rams (318)

positioned to travel along a preset path within the enclosure (302) and within at
least part of the removable bin (312) to compress items within the removable bin.
The system (110) further includes a motor controller (324), to track and control the
charge of a storage battery (36), and to control compaction cycles performed by
said compacting system wherein said motor controller (324) will skip a compaction
cycle when said storage battery may be undercharged until an adequate charge has
been attained, and a driving mechanism located within the enclosure (302) and
electrically connected to a motor controller (3302) and the storage battery. The
driving mechanism may be coupled to the one or more compaction rams (318), and
use electric power from the storage battery to move the compaction ram (318) along
the preset path within the enclosure (302). The system (110) may further include a
processor (3022) (From FIG. 2), operatively coupled a processor, operatively
coupled to a plurality of sensors and the driving mechanism. The processor may
execute a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution
of which, the processor causes the system to: receive, a first set of signals from the
plurality of sensors, wherein the first set of signals pertain to sensing level of the
items in the removable bin, generate, an alert signal by a signalling mechanism,
generated when the level of items in the removable bin crosses a predefined
threshold level and upon generation of the alert signal, activate the driving
mechanism to compact and reduce the items in the removable bin.
[0070] In an embodiment, an access door (326) may be located on the
enclosure (302), that may allow the user (102) access within the enclosure (302) wherein items introduced into the enclosure (302) by the access door (326) settle into the removable bin (302).
[0071] In an embodiment, a photovoltaic panel (316) may be located on an
upper exterior surface of the enclosure (302) to be exposed to sunlight, to convert the received sunlight into electric power. The photovoltaic panel may be electrically connected to the storage battery located within the enclosure (302) to store the electric power converted from the received sunlight.
[0072] In an embodiment, the driving mechanism can include rack and
pinion mechanism, scissor lift mechanism or any other actuating mechanism, the

driving mechanism may be disabled when the access door (326) is open. The compaction ram (318) may be outside of the removable bin (312) at one end of the preset path and the removable bin (312) may include a plurality of wheels attached at a lower portion of the system.
[0073] In an embodiment, a signalling mechanism may be further
configured to provide an indication that the enclosure (302) may be failing to operate properly if any or a combination of components in the enclosure stop working.
[0074] The system (110) may further include an authentication module to
obtain a registration data based on a request from an unregistered user through a second computing system (116) associated with a second user (114), wherein login credentials may be generated based on acknowledgement of the request and verification of the registration data, wherein the second user may enter the generated login credentials to access, control and monitor the system. The authentication module may be configured to provide access to the system only to a registered user and may trigger an alarm whenever there is an unauthorized access to the system. For example, the system may contain real time information sharing system which may share information from any or a combination of primary and secondary collection site of the system to the user (114). The system (110) system may transmit real time data of the garbage level, battery status, System ID, location, ID of worker who operate the collection and emptying of garbage but not limited to the like and other functioning details of the system (110) to the second computing device (116).
[0075] In an embodiment, an audio system operatively coupled to the
enclosure may be activated upon receiving a second set of signals pertaining to sensing of a presence of a user (102) by the plurality of sensors and the audio system may start playing a voice message. For example, when an individual (102) comes nearby the system to dump garbage, the system may sense the presence of the individual (102) and start playing voice message which may instruct the user about how to use the system and segregate the garbage on the spot and dump. After instruction when the user steps on to the system, and may sense height, weight and

BMI of the user but may display the height, weight and the BMI of the user only
when the user dumps the garbage inside the removable bin. After dumping the
garbage, the system may play thank you message and display motivational message.
[0076] In an embodiment, a spraying mechanism may be coupled to the
removable bin sprays non-xenobiotic chemical mixture stored inside a tank assembly (310) operatively coupled to the removable bin, the non-xenobiotic chemical mixture sprayed on collected items inside the removable bin to treat the items and to reduce microbial degradation rate. For example, Before each compaction, the system may spray non-xenobiotic chemical or unharmful organic chemical mixture on the collected garbage inside the removable bin to treat the garbage and to reduce its microbial degradation rate which ultimately enhances the storage time of garbage and reduce the harmful gas emission, bad odour, pest, rodents, pathogens and stray animals interaction.
[0077] In an embodiment, the processor may trigger fire extinguisher
system to extinguish fire operatively coupled to the enclosure upon receiving a third set of signals pertaining to sensing any or a combination of temperature and burning of the items in the removable bin.
[0078] In an embodiment, a camera unit may be coupled to the enclosure
(302) to capture real time video footage and transmit the real time video footage to the second computing system (116) associated with the second user (114). For example, the system (110) may send real time video footage to the second user (114) for surveillance and security purposes. Real time video coverage may also deter the users (102) to misuse the system (110) and also help in keeping an eye on thieves and any other criminals.
[0079] In an embodiment, the removable bin (312) may include a plurality
of chambers coupled to a plurality of inlets, each chamber coupled to at least one compaction ram. For example, the system may contain at least three chambers with at least three dedicated inlets for food waste, recyclable items and non recyclable or hazardous with separate compaction and waste management mechanism via the compaction ram (318) travelling simultaneously within all of the plurality of chambers.

[0080] In an embodiment, the motor controller (324) may receive signals
from a photoelectric sensor, providing an indication that the items may be located in the channel above the removable bin (312).
[0081] The system (110) may further include an electric motor located
within the enclosure (302) and electrically connected to the motor controller (324),
the electric motor connected to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may
also be connected to a compaction ram, wherein the compaction ram, when moved
by the drive mechanism, may move along the preset path within the enclosure (302).
The electric motor may be further electrically coupled to an actuator configured to
compact the items when the removable bin gets completely filled with the items. A
removable bin access door located on the enclosure (302) may allow insertion and
removal of the removable bin (312) from the enclosure (302).
[0082] In an implementation, the first computing devices (104) and the
second computing devices (116) coupled to the system (110) can be accessed by applications residing on any operating system, including but not limited to, AndroidTM, iOSTM, and the like. Examples of the first and the second computing devices (104, 116) may include, but not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical or an equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices such as mobile phone, smartphone, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, pager, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device, wherein the computing device may include one or more in-built or externally coupled accessories including, but not limited to, a visual aid device such as camera, audio aid, a microphone, a keyboard, input devices for receiving input from a user such as touch pad, touch enabled screen, electronic pen and the like. It may be appreciated that the first and the second computing devices (104, 116) may not be restricted to the mentioned devices and various other devices may be used. A smart computing device may be one of the appropriate systems for storing data and other private/sensitive information.
[0083] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary architecture of the system (110)/
centralised server (112) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the

present disclosure. The system (110) or the centralized server (112) may include
one or more processors (202) that may be configured to receive, a first set of signals
from the plurality of sensors, wherein the first set of signals pertain to sensing level
of the items in the removable bin, generate, an alert signal by a signalling
mechanism, generated when the level of items in the removable bin crosses a
predefined threshold level and upon generation of the alert signal, activate the
driving mechanism to compact and reduce the items in the removable bin.
[0084] The one or more processors (202) may be implemented as one or
more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) (202) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (204) of the centralized server (112). The memory (202) may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network. The memory (204) may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0085] The system (110) / centralized server (112) may also comprise an
interface(s) (206). The interface(s) (206) may comprise a variety of interfaces, for
example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices,
storage devices, SCAD A, Sensors and the like. The interface(s) (206) may facilitate
communication of the centralized server (112) with various devices coupled to it.
The interface(s) (206) may also provide a communication pathway for one or more
components of the centralized server (112). Examples of such components include,
but are not limited to, processing engine(s) (208) and database (210).
[0086] The one or more processors (202) may be implemented as a
combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the one or more processors (202). In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the

programming for the one or more processors (202) may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the one or more processors (202) may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the one or more processors (202). In such examples, the system (110) / centralized server (112) may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (110) / centralized server (112) and the processing resource. In other examples, the one or more processors (202) may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0087] In an aspect, the database (210) may be configured to store any data
including, but not limited to, at least one of the health parameters or the output including health condition associated with the user (102). In another aspect, the database (210) may comprise data that may be either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processor (202) or the processing engines (208).
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine(s) (208) may
include a signal acquisition engine (212), a decoding engine (214) and other engines
(216), wherein the other engines (216) may further include, without limitation,
input reminder engine, storage engine, or signal generation engine.
[0089] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary representation of a flow diagram
associated with the proposed method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0090] As illustrated, a method for compacting items using a compacting
device may include at 252 the step of providing a compacting device having an enclosure for the collection of the items and including a removable bin, and at 254, the step of providing a photovoltaic panel positioned for exposure to the sun, storing power produced by the photovoltaic panel in storage battery. The method may further include the step of 256 upon receiving a signal, using stored power to drive

a compacting ram to reduce the volume of the items in the enclosure. The items may be introduced into the enclosure by the access door that settle into the removable bin and when the compaction ram travels along the preset path within the enclosure, the compaction ram may compress the items within the removable bin where the compaction ram may travel within at least a part of the removable bin. The method may further include the step of using stored power to drive the compacting ram back to a starting position.
[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an assembly of
the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0092] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view detailing the enclosure (302),
compacting ram (318), front face assembly (304), control panel assembly (306), a
locking mechanism (308), a tank assembly (310), the removable bin (312), a body
ring for the removable bin (314), a top cover sheet (316), a fan assembly (318),
motor controller (324) coupled to a PCB assembly (324) and an access door (326).
[0093] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of the enclosure (302) in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0094] As illustrated, the enclosure (302) and the associated components of
the enclosure (302) are shown. The components coupled to the enclosure (302) may include one or more body sheets (401) covering the enclosure (302). A water outlet (404) may be connected at the bottom surface of one or more base sheets (402, 403) of the enclosure (302). The base sheets (402, 403) may be further covered with one or more raw bottom (RB) sheets (405, 406 and 407). A jack assembly (409, 410) may be coupled to the compaction drive assembly (318). A sensor unit (411) may include one or more sensors such as a temperature sensor (412), an IR sensor (413), a laser sensor (415), a metal sensor (434) but not limited to the like. A DC motor coupled to the driving mechanism may be inside a motor cover (416). One or more collars (417, 423) may be connected to a holding patty (419) in the enclosure (302), while a body patty (433) may be connected to a body collar (418). One or more channels (420, 421) may be coupled to the jack assembly (409, 410). A top cover (424) may cover the top surface of the enclosure (302). One or more solenoids (422, 425) may be included in a solenoid unit (426). An enclosure handle (429) may be

coupled to an enclosure protrusion (427). A limit switch (432) coupled to a limit
switch plate (430) may be enclosed in a limit switch cover (431). A locking
mechanism (435) may be further coupled to a rod associated with the enclosure
(302).
[0095] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the removable bin (312) in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0096] As illustrated, FIG. 5 shows the removable bin (312) having a bin
sheet (501) and surrounded by one or more bin collars (502, 506) and a
polysynthetic collar (503) surrounding the access door (326) to the removable bin
(312). The removable bin (312) may include a bin cover (504), and a bin handle
(505), lock patty (508), a lock rod (509) and an impact resistant component such as
an acrylic (507) but not limited to the like. The capacity of the removable bin (312)
and the entire waste compaction system can be customizable from as minimum as
10 Litres to as maximum as 10,000 Litres or even more.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary exploded view of a tank assembly (310),
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0098] As illustrated, the tank assembly comprises of connection means
(601, 602), one or more caps (603 and 604) coupled to one or more pipes (607), a
tank (605), a level sensor (606) for sensing the liquid level in the tank (605) and a
motor (607) to pump water into the tank (605). The capacity of the tank assembly
(310 ) may be adjustable, scalable and customizable.
[0099] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary exploded view of a front face assembly
(304) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated,
the front face assembly (304) may include one or more front faces (701-705), a flip
door cover (706), a flip door hook (707), one or more doors (708, 730), screen
cover, speaker unit (710, 711) coupled to a speaker (717), one or more lock patties
(712, 713, 714, 715) coupled to a lock assembly (716), indication light holder
(718), one or more impact resistant sheets (719, 720) such as the acrylic sheets but
not limited to the like, a battery storage unit (728) comprising a battery (729), a
limit switch (721), a spring joint assembly (722), metal sensor unit (723) enclosing
a metal sensor (724) operatively coupled to a wire pass (725), one or more LED

lights (732, 733) coupled to an LCD screen (731). In an exemplary embodiment, the front face assembly (304) may further include a of waste/garbage inlet for disposing off the garbage into the removable bin (312).
[0100] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary exploded view of a compaction ram
(318) comprising a jack assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a driving mechanism for compaction is show which may include a scissor lift mechanism that has a platform (801) that can be raised straight upward or downwards via a railed structure operatively coupled to one or more motors (828). The platform (801) can be of varied shapes, sizes, and densities depending on the model. The scissor lift jack assembly further comprises one or more channels (802, 803, 809, 810) coupled to one or more patties (804, 805, 814, 815, 834), one or more sheets (808,, 822, 824, 825, 826, 830, 831, 832, 833), one or more rods (806, 807, 811, 812, 816), one or more bearings (817, 818), one or more bolts (823, 827), limit switch covering (820), limit switch plate (819), limit switch casing (821), a cover (829). In an embodiment, the scissor lift may use cross balance supports comprising the one or more channels (802, 803, 809, 810) coupled to the one or more patties (804, 805, 814, 815, 834), the one or more sheets (808,, 822, 824, 825, 826, 830, 831, 832, 833), the one or more rods (806, 807, 811, 812, 816), one or more bearings (817, 818), one or more bolts (823, 827) to move up and down. In an embodiment, the scissor lift can be electro mechanical. The scissor lift also may include a base (813) and the size of the base also depends on the model. The base serves as the foundation of the lift and may be made with rigid metal. The base has one or more sheets (808, 822, 824, 825, 826, 830, 831, 832, 833) or interchangeably referred to as tracks to guide rollers at the bottom of one or more rods or interchangeably referred to as scissor legs. The rollers, along with support from the base (813), ensure steady ascent and descent. The scissor legs (807) extend from the base (813) to the platform (801). The scissor legs (807) may raise the platform (801) as the scissor legs constrict and lower the platform (801) as the scissor legs expand. The scissor legs may be in a pantograph or criss-cross pattern. The scissor lift may have between one and four cylinders (822) attached to the scissor legs (807). The cylinder's contents depend on the type of scissor lift. For

example, a hydraulic scissor lift has a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid, while
another type of cylinder called pneumatic pump fills with compressed air while an
electromechanical one is charged up by electricity and movement of motors
(828).The power source can range from a self-contained motor or a remote power
pack. There are many ways a scissor lift is powered. The way a scissor lift works
depend on its power source, but the resulting movement is the same. The power
source is turned on and the cylinder may be pushed outwards and causes the scissor
legs to push apart. The platform is raised and the garbage beneath the platform is
pushed into the removable bin. The compaction ram (318) may be electro¬
mechanical, electro-pneumatic, electro-hydraulic but not limited to the like.
[0101] FIGs. 9A and 9B show an exemplary exploded view of a control
panel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0102] As illustrated, FIG. 9A shows the control panel assembly (320)
comprising a cabinet light (901), control panel (902), temperature sensor casing (903), RFID lock (904), RF ID patty (905). FIG. 9B highlights, one or more control panels (911, 913) that may include one or more control panel covers (912, 918), one or more control panel sheets (915), a control panel PCB (914), a speaker knob (916) and a light switch (917).
[0103] A solar-compaction system according to the present invention is
shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the orientation of the components of the removable bin (312), as well as showing a position of a hinged waste removal and trash insertion door (326). A photovoltaic (PV) cell array may be mounted on top of the unit, covering much of it. In one embodiment, at least 12 PV cells produce enough power for the average number of 15 compaction cycles per day has enough energy storage in the battery storage unit (728) to provide for usage through weeks of intermittent sunlight. The cells are wired to the energy storage system, which stores power to drive the compaction. Status indicator lights comprising LED lights (732, 733) coupled to an LCD screen (731) provide visual means of displaying information such as a system malfunction or to indicate the level of bin capacity used and available. A trash insertion door (326) acts to prevent user injury because it locks out the user from the trash compaction area. The Photovoltaic (PV) array is

positioned on top of the device for maximum sunlight exposure. The PV array may
also be placed on other sides of the device to increase exposure to the sun when the
sun is lower on the horizon. The PV array may be optimally placed on an angle to
prevent it from being covered by snow or debris. Further, the angle may be used to
increase sunlight exposure based on azimuth of the sun across the sky. For example
a PV array can be arranged to receive the most southern exposure during the day.
Alternatively, the PV array may be pivotally mounted and powered in order to rotate
and track maximum sunlight exposure. Although the PV array is shown attached to
the unit, the PV array may also be separately located from the device and
electrically connected. The PV array may alternatively be located inside the outer
cover, and the outer cover may be constructed to allow sunlight into the protected
area where the PV resides. The PV array may otherwise be mounted in a location
on or outside the outer container accessible by light via a reflective surface such as
a mirror, and inaccessible by vandals, negligent operators and animals.
[0104] The compaction ram (318) is shown in the resting position above the
compaction chambers. The illustrated embodiment includes a two sided ram to
improve compaction capability and to facilitate removal by decreasing weight of
each load. Alternatively, the compaction ram (318) may move up or sideways,
depending on the design of the system. The removable bin (312) includes a handle
and wheels to roll smoothly in and out of the outer enclosure (302).
[0105] The storage battery unit (728) is located preferably at a low point in
the container to provide stability. The storage battery unit (728) that may include one or more batteries (729) can be upsized or downsized for different climates, compaction demands, or for or auxiliary functions, such as providing usable AC electricity through an inverter. The one or more batteries (729) may also be stored separately from the enclosure. The electronics compartments are preferably located in a weather-proof area of the enclosure. Electronic components can include a motor controller, battery (729) charging controller, user interface, and sensors, as will be described below. The access door (326) to the electronics area is key-lockable. When unlocked, the battery (729) will preferably be automatically disengaged.

[0106] In the illustrative embodiment, a deep cycle battery (729) is
employed to drive a DC motor (829), FIG. 5. The motor drives a jack, which rotates
and which transmits the crushing force to the compaction ram (318). Alternatively,
the motor (828) may provide power to the jack assembly, or one or more motors
(828) may be directly attached to the jack assembly, or the motor or motors may be
connected via reduction gears to chains or lead screws, which control the position
of the compaction ram. Alternatively, a hydraulic piston may be used to move the
compaction ram. In this embodiment, the motor is used to drive a fluid pump, which
supplies pressure to the hydraulic cylinders to move the ram.
[0107] The motor controller (324) is a central microprocessor which
manages all operations, detects all inputs and provides outputs for running the device. It controls power to the motor by relays or contactors (mechanical or solid-state) or other switching means. A photo-eye is located above the compaction chamber and is actuated when trash blocks the light rays between this photo-eye sensor and a reflector on the opposite side of the channel above the compaction chamber. The photo-eye signals the programmable logic controller (PLC) (324) when trash blocks the light beam for a measured amount of time, indicating that trash is located in the channel above the compaction chamber, and should be compacted. Other sensors may be used to detect the level of trash, including for example pressure sensors, micro switches, scales etc.
[0108] Pressure sensors are located above and below the compaction ram
(318) and are actuated when the compaction ram has reached the end of its downward and then upward cycle. The sensors provide input to the motor controller (324) PLC. The motor controller (324) can also receive input from the motor (828) that signals that the compaction ram 24 has reached the bottom of its downward cycle by means of a centrifugal switch on the motor (828) or a current sensor in the motor controller (324) which detects motor current, or other type of sensor. When the motor (828) has reached the bottom of its cycle (or jams), it will stop due to the upward force on the ram from the compacted trash, or due to irregular forces that cause the ram to jam. At this point, the motor will stall, and a centrifugal switch sends a signal to the motor controller (324) to stop or reverse the direction of the

motor (828), or the current sensor (programmed current limit) linked to the motor controller (324) senses high current in the stalled motor, and will reverse the cycle, returning the compaction ram (318) to the top of its cycle. Otherwise, the motor (828) may be stopped by use of a manual kill switch, or activated by a manual actuator. In this illustrative embodiment, the current sensor is linked to a timer through the PLC (320), which will allow the motor controller (324) to gauge the travel distance of the compaction ram before motor stall, and thus measure the degree of "fullness" in the trash bins. In the illustrative embodiment, the maximum load is reached when the 12V motor reaches 40 Amps. If this current limit is reached within 10 seconds, then the controller will gauge that the compaction chamber is V2 full. If the current limit is reached within 5 seconds, then the controller will gauge that the compaction bin is full. Another method of indicating "fullness" is sensing ram travel with a rotational encoder located on the drive shaft. The PLC (320) senses conditions and then indicates status through a wireless data transmitter, and through status indicator lamps through one or more LED lights (732, 733) coupled to an LCD screen (731)..
[0109] In this embodiment, the projected PV array output is 50 Watts Peak,
and will generate, on average, 150 Watt-hours of energy per day, given an average of 3 hours of full sunlight available per day. Sunlight energy is collected in the PV Array and is converted by the charge controller, into a useful battery (729) charging current and voltage. Battery (729) reserve will be approximately 600 Watt-hours, and each cycle will use approximately 3 Watt-hours. Thus, the energy reserve in the illustrative embodiment is enough to run up to 3020 compaction cycles. The controller will be programmed to permit compaction cycles such that battery (729) over-discharge and thus battery (729) damage is avoided. Since many electrical components are popular in 24 volt configurations and most PV arrays are available in 12 volt charging configurations, it may be economically advantageous to provide for 12 volt battery (729) charging and 24 volt systems operations. This may be accomplished through the use of a relay and contactor switch, which will change the system voltage from 12 volts to 24 volts each time a compaction cycle is initiated.

[0110] In another embodiment which does not use an embedded
microprocessor, the switching and control is performed using solid-state electronics. The cycle is triggered by a "Start" signal, shown as a key switch, however other devices may be used, including a pushbutton, photoelectric sensor, weight sensor etc. When the cycle begins, the motor will turn on and latch into the "forward" (down) mode. A LED light will turn on, indicating that a cycle is taking place. If the bin is not full, the compaction ram will actuate the lower pressure sensor, which will then turn the status lamp via one or more LED lights (732, 733) coupled to an LCD screen (731) off. If the bin is full (pressure sensor or limit switch (432) is not actuated), the lamp will remain on after machine cycle is done, alerting sanitation staff that collection is needed. The motor will run in forward until either lower limit switch (432) or pressure switch is reached, or until a timeout occurs. A timeout will occur if the amount of trash prevents the ram from reaching the bottom in the time allotted for a normal downward cycle. When the ram stalls, a clutch will disengage the motor, allowing the motor to spin at no-load. Motor will spin at no-load until timeout occurs and motor is reversed. When motor reverses, clutch will automatically re-engage. Upon hitting the lower limit switch (432) or reaching a timeout, motor will stop for a preset time delay, then will reverse. The motor will run in reverse until the upper limit switch (432) is actuated. When the upper limit switch (432) is reached, the motor stops and a new timer begins. A start signal will be ignored until this timer is finished. Once the cycle delay timer is done, the system is reset and ready for a new start signal.
[0111] The system includes a separate safety interlock switch on the access
door for emptying the bin. This switch disengages the power supply from all the control elements when the access door to the compaction area is open (this switch also resets the "bin full" lamp).
[0112] In another embodiment, the motor controller (324) outputs AC
power to an AC motor, allowing the same invention to power AC compaction mechanisms. The motor controller (324) includes a power inverter (including either a pure sine wave or modified sine wave) to provide alternating current power for an AC motor. This is advantageous because many of the existing compactors in the

field use AC power. Thus, the present invention, as shown in this embodiment, can
power a traditional compactor with solar power and embedded control logic.
[0113] In this embodiment, the device uses a hydraulic pump to pressurize
hydraulic fluid from a tank (605), allowing the same invention to power a compaction mechanism that utilizes hydraulic fluid pressure cylinders to move the compaction ram. This is advantageous because many of the existing compactors are hydraulic, and require a hydraulic pump that is powered by AC electric power or internal combustion engine. The present invention, as shown in this embodiment, can power a traditional compactor with solar power and embedded control logic and a DC motor. This can save money and setup time, and allow compaction with various types of mechanisms to be used in remote locations not currently economically serviced by common electricity lines or with current compaction methods. Alternative systems may be used, and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a pneumatic pump can be used to inflate a bladder inside the compaction ram (318), thereby compacting the trash without requiring a compacting ram and drive system.
[0114] A feature of the illustrative embodiment is that the motor controller
(324), when in charging mode, can act as a maximum power tracker, regulating the charging of the battery (729) from the PV array. The power tracker has the ability to vary the level of voltage and amperage based on the characteristics of the PV array, the sunlight level and the battery (729) condition. The power tracker has the ability to balance off current and voltage to optimize battery (729) charging. The motor controller (324) has the ability to optimize the charging regimen of the batteries, by tracking the level of photovoltaic energy available and the battery (729) charge. When the battery (729) is fully discharged, the controller 44 will provide low voltage and high amperage. When the battery (729) is almost completely charged, the controller will provide a higher voltage and lower current. When the battery (729) is fully charged, the controller will not provide any charge to the battery (729), or will simply provide a trickle charge. Conversely, when the battery (729) is undercharged, the controller (324) may delay or skip a compaction cycle until adequate charge has been attained. This serves to save battery (729) life

and prevent failure. Because of the ability for the controller (324) to optimize
charging regimen and control the motor, it serves a dual purpose.
[0115] Typically the duty cycle of the compaction apparatus is higher
during peak traffic hours. For example, during lunch time, there will be more waste
discarded into the device. This duty cycle can be controlled by a timer, or by a
photo-eye as described above. The preferred method is to use the photo-eye because
it will optimize compaction cycle to meet the demand for compaction. This allows
for maximum charge time between needed compactions, and minimizes noise (if
any) and down time due to the compaction cycle. This duty cycle is typically
determined by low power timing circuitry contained in the receptacle. It is
modifiable on the unit, or is programmable by means of a wireless communication
device or by electrical connection between the programming device (i.e. computer)
and the PLC (320). The motor controller (324) can also include data logging
features, to allow compaction cycle history to be stored for later analysis.
[0116] A battery disconnect is attached to one or both of the battery supply
cables. When either the trash bin removal door or the electronics door is opened,
the battery is automatically disconnected, to prevent injury.
[0117] Table 1 provides specifications for a prototype system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Table 1: The dimensions given below is just for reference as the waste compactor bin is completely customizable according to the need, type of garbage, quantity of garbage, installation circumstances and surrounding.
Physical Specs of Unit
Size of Ram
Width 8.00 Inches
Length 12.50 Inches
Numb er of Ram s 2
Weight 302.00 Pounds
Size of Compartment
Height of bin 24.00 inches

Length of bin
Width of bin
plunge of ram
height of ram
Volume of Bin
Volume available after compaction
Worst case volume after compaction
Compaction ratio
Volume of raw trash collected
Best Case number of compactions
Worst case number of compactions

19.50 inches
10.50 inches
8.00 inches
10.00 inches
42.54 gallons
15.79 gallons
7.89 gallons
4:1
107.17 gallons
8.08 per fill
16.17 per fill

Motor Specs
Horsepower RPM Voltage Max Amps

0.50 HP 1800.00 RPM 12.00 volts 39.00 amps

Power Numbers
RPM at Chain drive
Torque
Cycle Time

8.00 RPM 3983 HP 30 seconds

Power Consumption
Losses
Drive Mechanism

80.00 percent

Energy Consumption per compact
Energy of compaction stroke 1.41 W*hrs
Energy of retraction stroke 0.94 W*hrs
Energy Needed per cycle 2.35 W*hrs

Energy Needed per cycle w/losses 3.36 W*hrs
Compactions Needed
Compactions per day in High Volume Use 12.13
Energy Used per day 40.77 W*hr

Battery
Voltage Amp* hours Watt*hours

12.00 Volts 55.00 Ah 660.00 W*hr

Average Temperature (Min) 14.00 DegF
Efficiency Due to Temp (round trip) 60.00 Percent
Actual Energy per battery 396.00 W*hr
Days of Compacting w/o charge 9.71 Days
Days to completely recharge 10.30 Days

Photovoltaic
Number of Cells Area of PV

35.00 Cells
560.00 Square Inches (4" x 4" cell)

PV Specs
Energy from Sun PV efficiency Peak wattage of PV Power from Cell Capacity factor (avg sun) Hours at avg capacity Energy Collected per day Adjusted available energy

0.66 W/inA2
15.00 Percent efficient (14-22%)
55.44 Peak watts
0.10 W/inA2
70.00 percent
3.00 hours
116.42 W*hr
52.39 W*hr

[0118] The enclosure (302) may include drainage holes near the bottom to
allow liquids in the trash to drain from the unit, to allow increased compaction of
the remaining trash. An additional feature for cold weather locations includes a
heating element to warm up the trash, thereby thawing any frozen liquids to allow
them to drain. Further, many materials such as plastic are easier to compress at a
higher temperature, so by heating the contents to the present invention can increase
compaction efficiency. The heating element may be controlled so that it is only
activated when the battery is near full charge. Further, heating elements may be
placed above, beneath or within the PV array, in order to melt snow or ice that is
covering the PV array. In warmer climates, a shallow drainage basin may be used
to facilitate evaporation of liquids. Sensors can detect moisture, temperature, or a
lack of light reaching the PV array and activate the snow melting heating elements
or may initiate fans to evaporate liquids in the drainage basin.
[0119] Another embodiment of the present invention includes using two or
more similar bins for trash storage, for the purpose of separating recyclable
materials and to reduce the weight and volume of each bin, reducing the chance of
worker injury, and enabling the use of smaller, more standardized garbage bags.
[0120] The enclosure may include mounting clips on the exterior to allow
advertisement placards to be placed on the outside of the enclosure (302)s. Other features include wired or wireless communications equipment installed with the enclosure (302). Radio signals may be transmitted by the enclosure (302) when it is full and no more compaction is possible, or if the unit is broken or being vandalized. Further, the enclosure (302) can report on conditions including battery charge, cycle counts etc. The enclosure (302) can also receive signals, including commands to immediately perform compaction cycles or to change cycle timing, etc. The enclosure (302)s may also report conditions by indicator lights which may indicate if the unit is full or malfunctioning. Such indicator lights allow the enclosure (302)s to be inspected from a distance (such as through binoculars) to allow service personnel to determine whether it is necessary to make a service trip to the enclosure.

[0121] It is possible to have one, two or more enclosure (302)s for trash
storage, for the purpose of separating recyclable materials and to reduce the weight and volume of each bin, reducing the chance of worker injury, and enabling the use of smaller, more standardized garbage bags. The enclosure (302) may have separate access ports to allow people to sort and place different types of items into different enclosure (302)s. For example, one enclosure (302) could have paper products while others have cans. Such a device according to the present invention could then compact the contents each internal enclosure (302) separately (using individual compaction rams or one compaction ram which the enclosure (302)s are mechanically shifted to), or all at once using one large compaction ram 24 that spans all the enclosure (302). Alternatively, each enclosure (302) may have various types of crushers or shredders suited for each type of material. If different compaction rams are used for each internal enclosure (302), than the device could compact only the enclosure (302)s that were full. Further, since different materials have different compacting characteristics (for example, crumpled paper compresses much easier than metal cans), the compacting mechanism size, shape, force, method and cycle duration can be optimized for a particular type of material.
[0122] Although solar power is disclosed as a source of power for the
present invention, other sources of power are within the scope of the invention. This includes windmill or waterwheel generators located proximate the enclosure (302), or located at an optimal location for collecting power. Alternatively, a generator with a hand or foot crank may be positioned with the enclosure (302), with instructions inviting users of the trash enclosure (302) to crank the handle or pedal several times to help store energy to compact their trash. For such generators, whether by windmill, waterwheel or human, alternative energy generation means and energy storage means may be used, for example pumping air into a pressure tank for driving a pneumatic motor, winding up a spring mechanism, or a pulley system to raise a very heavy compaction ram, which then compacts the trash by its own weight.
[0123] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the
invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without

departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0124] Some of the advantages of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0125] The present disclosure provides for an approach for using solar
energy to compact trash and recyclables.
[0126] The present disclosure provides for a device and method that
facilitates lower cost for compacting trash and recyclables by using stored
photovoltaic energy.
[0127] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates efficient
collection, storing of solar energy and using the stored solar energy to compact trash
or recyclables.
[0128] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates
prevention of tampering and/or user injury.
[0129] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates safety
measures include a locking mechanism on the access door to the waste bin to
prohibit the general public from removing the waste.
[0130] The present disclosure provides for a light weight collection bin.
[0131] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates
monitoring the level of trash or recyclables in the chamber.
[0132] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates easy
towing of many devices at once.
[0133] The present disclosure provides for a device that can be located in
remote places.
[0134] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates fewer
maintenance visits for emptying, while reducing litter.

[0135] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates animal-
proofing for everything from insects to bears.
[0136] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates reduction
of odour which is objectionable.

We Claim:

1. A system for facilitating waste management and compaction, said system comprising:
an enclosure (302);
a removable bin (312) located within said enclosure and characterised in that:
one or more compaction rams (318), located within said enclosure (302), said one or more compaction rams (318) positioned to travel along a preset path within said enclosure (302) and within at least part of said removable bin (312) to compress items within the removable bin;
a motor controller (324), to track and control the charge of a storage battery (729), and to control compaction cycles performed by said compacting system wherein said motor controller (324) will skip a compaction cycle when said storage battery (729) is undercharged until an adequate charge has been attained, and a driving mechanism located within said enclosure (302) and electrically connected to a motor controller (324) and the storage battery (729), wherein said driving mechanism is coupled to said one or more compaction rams (318), said driving mechanism to use electric power from said storage battery (729) to move said compaction ram (318) along said preset path within said enclosure (302).
a processor, operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors and the driving mechanism, wherein the processor executes a set of executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution of which, the processor causes the system to:
receive, a first set of signals from the plurality of sensors, wherein the first set of signals pertain to sensing level of the items in the removable bin;

generate, an alert signal by a signalling mechanism, said alert signal generated when the level of items in the removable bin crosses a predefined threshold level; upon generation of the alert signal, activate said driving mechanism to compact and reduce said items in the removable bin.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an access door (326) is located on said enclosure (302), said access door (326) allows user access within said enclosure (302) wherein items introduced into said enclosure (302) by said access door (326) settle into the removable bin (312).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a photovoltaic panel is located on an upper exterior surface of said enclosure (302), said photovoltaic panel positioned to be exposed to sunlight, to convert said received sunlight into electric power, wherein the photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the storage battery located within said enclosure (302) to store the electric power converted from the received sunlight.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said driving mechanism is disabled when said access door (30) is open.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compaction ram (318) is outside of said removable bin (312) at one end of said preset path.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said removable bin (312) comprises a plurality of wheels attached at a lower portion of the system.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signalling mechanism is further configured to provide an indication that said enclosure (302) is failing to operate properly if any or a combination of components in the enclosure stop working.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an authentication module is configured to obtain a registration data based on a request from an unregistered user through a computing system associated with a user, wherein login credentials are generated based on acknowledgement of the

request and verification of the registration data, wherein the user enters the generated login credentials to access, control and monitor the system.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is operatively coupled to the authentication module configured to provide access to the system only to a registered user, the authentication module further operatively coupled to an alarm and trigger unit to trigger an alarm whenever there is an unauthorized access to the system.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor activates an audio system operatively coupled to the enclosure upon receiving a second set of signals pertaining to sensing of a presence of an individual by the plurality of sensors, wherein the audio system starts playing a voice message.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spraying mechanism coupled to the removable bin sprays non-xenobiotic chemical mixture stored inside a tank assembly operatively coupled to the removable bin, said non-xenobiotic chemical mixture sprayed on collected items inside the removable bin to treat the items and to reduce microbial degradation rate.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor triggers fire extinguisher system to extinguish fire operatively coupled to the enclosure upon receiving a third set of signals pertaining to sensing any or a combination of temperature and burning of the items in the removable bin.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a camera unit may be coupled to the enclosure to capture real time video footage and transmit the real time video footage to a computing system associated with an operator.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said removable bin (312) comprises a plurality of chambers coupled to a plurality of inlets, each chamber coupled to at least one compaction ram.
15. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said compaction ram travels simultaneously within all of said plurality of chambers.
16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motor controller (324) receives signals from a photoelectric sensor, providing an indication that the items are located in the channel above said removable bin (312).

17. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an electric motor located within said enclosure (302) and electrically
connected to said motor controller (324), said electric motor connected
to a drive mechanism , said drive mechanism also connected to a
compaction ram, wherein said compaction ram, when moved by a drive
mechanism , moves along said preset path within said enclosure (302),
wherein the electric motor is further electrically coupled to an actuator
configured to compact the items when the removable bin gets
completely filled with the items;
and an access door (326), located on said enclosure (302), allows insertion and removal of said removable bin (312) from said enclosure (302).
18. A device for facilitating waste management and compaction, said device
comprising:
an enclosure (302);
a removable bin (312) located within said enclosure and characterised in that:
one or more compaction rams (318), located within said enclosure (302), said one or more compaction rams (318) positioned to travel along a preset path within said enclosure (302) and within at least part of said removable bin (312) to compress items within the removable bin;
a motor controller (324), to track and control the charge of a storage battery (729), and to control compaction cycles performed by said compacting device wherein said motor controller (324) will skip a compaction cycle when said storage battery (729) is undercharged until an adequate charge has been attained, and a driving mechanism located within said enclosure (302) and electrically connected to a motor controller (324) and the storage battery (729), wherein said driving mechanism is coupled to said one or more compaction rams (318), said driving mechanism to use

electric power from said storage battery (729) to move said
compaction ram (318) along said preset path within said enclosure
(302).
a processor, operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors and the
driving mechanism, wherein the processor executes a set of
executable instructions that are stored in a memory, upon execution
of which, the processor causes the device to:
receive, a first set of signals from the plurality of sensors, wherein the first set of signals pertain to sensing level of the items in the removable bin;
generate, an alert signal by a signalling mechanism, said alert signal generated when the level of items in the removable bin crosses a predefined threshold level; upon generation of the alert signal, activate said driving mechanism to compact and reduce said items in the removable bin. 19. A method for compacting items using a compacting system, said method comprising:
providing a compacting system having an enclosure (302) for the
collection of the items and including a removable bin (312);
providing a photovoltaic panel positioned for exposure to the sun;
storing power produced by said photovoltaic panel in storage battery
(729);
upon receiving a signal, using stored power to drive a compacting ram
to reduce the volume of the items in said enclosure (302),
wherein items introduced into said enclosure (302) by said access door (326) settle into said removable bin (312), and wherein when said compaction ram travels along said preset path within said enclosure (302), said compaction ram compressing said items within said removable bin (312) and said compaction ram traveling within at least a part of said removable bin (312); and

using stored power to drive said compacting ram back to a starting
position. 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising:
before said step of using stored power to drive a compacting ram,
disabling access to said enclosure (302) by a user; and
after said step of using stored power to drive said compacting ram back
to a starting position, enabling access to said enclosure (302) by the
user.