Abstract: A device for generating, detecting and recognizing a contour image of a liquid container, such as at least partly transparent, colored or non-colored bottles comprising a light source, light detector means, means for directing light rays received from said light source as parallel rays transversely of a path travelled by said container, and for conveying to said light detector means light rays which are not refracted or hidden by said container, processing means connected to said light detector means for processing signals from said detector means which are indicative of such detected light rays, and means for comparing such processed signals with predetermined container feature data to recognize said contour image of the container. The means for directing light rays suitably comprises a Fresnel lens which is located at a longitudinal side of said path, and a planar mirror located at an opposite longitudinal side of said path, said light source e.g.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine for empty cans, wherein a can (21) which is delivered by a machine user is inspected in a first section (1) of the machine with regard to special characteristics, where a non-accepted can is returned to the machine user, whilst an accepted can is fed to a second section (7) for discharge into a receptacle, optionally via a compactor or shredder (17). The first section (1) consists of a first can guide having a first end (1') for can insertion, a second end (1") for can discharge, and a partially open central section (1'"). At the first end there is provided a first metal detector (2), and at the second end there is provided a second metal detector (3). An optical reader (4) is provided at a radial distance from the central portion and has its sensing field covering at least a part of the central portion, the reader reading characteristics of the can, such as a bar code applied thereon.

Abstract: A device for handling empty beverage containers, comprisinga stationary, longitudinally extending, supporting path having a first end and a second end, along which path the containers are caused to move, by means of pushing devices,said pushing devices including a plurality of interlinked, parallel, spaced apart members positioned transversely of the path and having drive devices for moving said members along the path like an endless belt,said supporting path at least over part of its length forming an angle with the horizontal and having container bottom supporting devices along at least part of its lower (longitudinal edge, andexit devices for discharging a specific container from the supporting path at a specific, related location along the said path.

Abstract: A device for compacting empty beverage containers of metal or plastics is provided with a substantially wedge formed container receiving space. Compactor elements subject the container to gradually increasing compacting forces as it moves through the container receiving space. The container is then engaged and punctured by puncturing elements as the container moves through the container receiving space. The compactor elements include a pair of mutually inclined, cooperative endless belts of a flexible material having a container engageable front surface and a rear side. The engaging and puncturing elements include a plurality of metal studs provided in the front surface of each of the belts along the length thereof.

Abstract: In a system comprising a reverse vending machine for empty liquid containers, such as e.g. empty beverage bottles, and a container collection table operatively connected with an outlet from the machine for collecting containers put into the machine by a customer and delivered out from the machine, a band extends between one longitudinal side region of the table and the other longitudinal region of the table. The band has an inherent rigidity enabling its faces to be substantially upright along the length thereof. The band is secured at one end thereof to one longitudinal side region. A roller is provided in an upright position at the other longitudinal side region for receiving the other end portion of an actuator operatively connected with the roller for winding or unwinding the end portion onto or from the roller, respectively.

Abstract: A conveyor for lightweight objects, such as plastic beverage containers, includes an upward facing conveyor surface and a drive for causing the conveyor surface to move. An air suction device located below the conveyor surface draws air through the conveyor surface. The drawn air creates an object-stabilizing suction force on an object located on the conveyor surface when the conveyor moves relative to the air suction device. The conveyor has provision for changing the suction force imposed on the object while it is being transported on the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A system for positioning of articles in a box or crate means, said box or crate means positionable on table means being selectively shiftable in two horixontal x, y directions through indexed motion and said articles being controllably supplied through chute means from above into said box or crate means at proper x, y positions of said table means relative to said chute means. Means are provided for delivering said box or crate means from a stack chute means capable of holding a stack of box or crate means.

Abstract: A system for identification, separation and compacting of empty beverage cans including a first device for distinguishing between cans to be accepted and not accepted and rejecting non-acceptable cans, and for detecting at least one dimension of a can to be compacted, and for determining a can redemption value based on such detection, and a second device for compacting the can through interaction of a three arm device, a first arm contacting a mid-portion of the can and compressing that mid portion, and second and third arms acting on end regions on either side of the mid-portion to compress the remaining portions of the can. The arm device is retracted and the compacted can is removed after the compressing action is completed by the arm device.

Abstract: A system for identification, separation and compacting of empty beverage cans including a first device for distinguishing between cans to be accepted and not accepted and rejecting non-acceptable cans, and for detecting at least one dimension of a can to be compacted, and for determining a can redemption value based on such detection, and a second device for compacting the can through interaction of a three arm device, a first arm contacting a mid-portion of the can and compressing that mid portion, and second and third arms acting on end regions on either side of the mid-portion to compress the remaining portions of the can. The arm device is retracted and the compacted can is removed after the compressing action is completed by the arm device.

Abstract: A device for handling empty beverage containers, comprising a rotatable revolver-type barrel with a plurality of container receiving compartments therein, means for rotating said revolver-type barrel, inlet means for entering a container into a compartment, means for detecting characteristic features of said containers upon rotation of said revolver-type barrel, means for comparing said detected features with predetermined feature data and to provide control signals as a function thereof, and two or more outlet means for discharging a container based on said control signals. Further, the device has means cooperating with at least one of said outlet means for compacting or crushing a container leaving said outlet means. Said comparing means includes means for calculating and presenting a possible redemption value for said container.

Abstract: A device for measuring one or a plurality of regions of an object to be able to determine one or a plurality of dimensions of said object, comprising a means (3, 1, 6) for directing a light beam towards said object, a means (6, 1, 9) for receiving light beams (8) which are reflected from said object, and a means (54, 57-64) for calculating the travel time of the beam to and from said object, with a means (56) causing the light beam to be modulated with a fixed frequency (f.sub.0), and a means (1, 2, 6) causing the light beam to sweep across said object at a defined angle/defined angles relative to a fixed plane of reference during the entire sweeping operation, the light (8) that is reflected by said object returning to intercepting means (9), via said light beam sweeping means (6, 1, 2).

Abstract: An assembly in the nature of a plurality of associated conveyors for selectively transferring a supply of articles for example, bottles, from one station to another. A pair of coacting and spaced rollers are constructed and arranged in the assembly to transfer the articles one by one from one of the conveyors to another; the arrangement being such that each article is temporarily retained or detained between the rollers and out of contact with the first conveyor enroute to the second conveyor.