Visco-Benz Accumulator
Los Angeles, California
Louis Visco spent his lifetime involved in garbage/rubbish hauling and disposal in the Los Angeles area. He started his first business in 1934, with a route purchased from his brother-in-law Paul Benz, Sr. Louie Visco's Universal By-Products Company (including Universal Waste of El Cajon) was purchased by Waste Management Inc. in 1972, one of the earliest refuse conglomerates. That same year, WMI became the first publicly-owned disposal company.
In 1956, along with Fred Benz, Visco patented a refuse collection body built on a semi-trailer with a rear container loader. Similar to the Advance Accumulator, the rear hoist was carried on tracks formed in the trailer side walls, rolling containers up and over the top of the body. When the desired tipping point over the body was reached, the operator stopped the hoist, then used a long pole and hook to unlatch the container, which dumped by gravity into the trailer below. A bar screen automatically retained the load within the container until it was actually tipped.
This "Visco-Benz Accummulator" is known to have been built in limited quantities, but it is not known wether they were actually constucted in-house, or by an outside shop. It is also unclear if it ever had an official trade-name or was publicly marketed. The loader was used by Benz Disposal, as seen in a 1957 photo collecting containers at the Hollywood Bowl. It has also showed up in pictures of the G.I. Rubbish Company yard, owned by Sam and Manny Asadurian, who were business partners of Louie Visco.
This page will be updated when more information becomes available
Visco-Benz Accumulator drawing from the 1956 patent
Benz Disposal owned this VB Accumulator with Diamond T tractor picking up at the Hollywood Bowl in 1957
Two VB Accumulators with Diamond T tractors in the G.I. Rubbish Company yard
SELECTED PATENTS
|
Patent # |
Description |
Inventor |
Assignee |
Date |
|
US2906419 |
Self-loading truck |
Visco, et.al. |
|
November 13, 1956 |
9/15/18
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Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted
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