Patents

Bigbelly’s IP portfolio represents important technologies that are vital to the basic function of a solar powered compactor. Over the years, we have leveraged the knowledge, insight, and requirements of critical customer installations in regions around the globe. This has enabled us to develop the world leading smart waste and recycling system. 

Patents Granted

Solar-Powered Compaction Apparatus (Patents 7,124,680 and 7,481,159)

A trash compactor designed for public use is powered by a photovoltaic cell array (32). This allows the trash compactor to be placed in locations where no power is available, but with frequent human traffic. The compaction feature allows the unit to be emptied less often than a typical trash container. The trash compactor can include a storage system (36) to store power for compaction cycles. A removable bin allows easy removal of the compacted trash. The removable bin (20) can include multiple chambers for different trash types.

Electrically-Powered Programmable Waste Enclosure (Patent 9,352,887)

A package deposit enclosure designed for public use is powered by an efficient storage battery and photovoltaic cell array. These unique features allow the package deposit enclosure to be placed in locations where no power is available, but where there is frequent human traffic. Sensing and wireless data communication features allow the unit to be emptied less often than typical package delivery enclosures. Wireless communication also allows users’ access to real-time information. On board power enables other functions, such as lighting and audio, to enhance device functionality.

Dynamically adjustable nodes in a sensor network (Patents 10,285,131and 10,200,954)

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.

Dynamically adjustable sensors for trash compactors and receptacles (Patent 10,195,807)

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

System and method for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles (Patent 10,162,318)

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles. The system first receives data associated with a storage receptacle configured to communicate with the system via a network, wherein the data is received from a server storing information transmitted by the storage receptacle, the storage receptacle having an energy storage for powering operational functions performed by the storage receptacle. The system then identifies a parameter of the storage receptacle associated with an operational function of the storage receptacle, and transmits a signal to the storage receptacle for modifying the parameter based on the data associated with the storage receptacle to yield a modified operation of the storage receptacle.

Electrically-powered programmable waste enclosure (Patents 9,902,539 and 9,352,887)

This invention is directed towards a waste enclosure device (“device”) comprising a waste enclosure employing operational functions including collection and monitoring capacity wherein said device includes one or more programmable logic controllers. Operational functions are performed by electrical components including sensors to determine waste deposits characteristics and contents. Said device operational functions are further adapted to send and receive data, optionally wirelessly, and configured and adapted to utilize solar derived electric power and, optionally, electric power from other sources.

Published Patents Pending

Dynamically Adjustable Sensors To Modify The Frequency Of Compactions

Publication Number:  20160354990

Security System For Electrically-Powered Trash Compactors And Receptacles

Publication Number:  20160347540