Material collection and transfer cart
An apparatus includes a base frame, first and second bins, first and second hydraulic assemblies, and a computer controller. The first hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raise and lower the first bin relative to the base frame. The second hydraulic assembly is configured to selectively raise and lower the second bin relative to the base frame. The first and second hydraulic assemblies are individually actuable, and their actuation is coordinated by the controller. In another aspect, a method for transferring product using an apparatus includes inputting to a computer controller a first threshold rate of change in weight signals of a weight sensor; relaying a plurality of weight signals from the weight sensor to the controller; calculating a determination by the controller at least in part on whether the threshold rate of change has been exceeded; and automating actuation of a hydraulic assembly based on the determination.
1 . A method for transferring product using an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a base frame having opposite first and second sides;
a first bin;
a first lifting assembly;
a second bin; and
a second lifting assembly;
the method comprising:
obtaining a first side weight signal from a first sensor;
obtaining a second side weight signal from a second sensor;
raising the first bin from the base frame, tilting the first bin toward the first side, and lowering the first bin onto the base frame; and
raising the second bin from the base frame independently from raising the first bin from the base frame, tilting the second bin toward the first side, and lowering the second bin onto the base frame.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein tilting the first bin toward the first side comprises extending a first cylinder of the first lifting assembly.
3 . The method of claim 2 comprising:
lowering the first bin from a first height; and
raising the second bin to the first height.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein tilting the second bin toward the first side comprises extending a second cylinder of the second lifting assembly.
5 . The method of claim 1 comprising actuating the first lifting assembly based on at least one of the first side weight signal and the second side weight signal.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a top back wall disposed at a top edge of at least one of the first and second bins, the method comprising changing a position of the top back wall with respect to the respective bin.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein raising the first bin occurs while the apparatus traverses a ground surface.
8 . The method of claim 1 comprising simultaneously raising the first bin and the second bin from the base frame.