Abstract: Automatic recycling device for empty containers, in particular bottles, cans, and the like, includes a cleaning device, a recognition unit, an introduction unit for the empty containers, at least one transport run, defined by a conveyor belt. Cleaning module and a method for operation of the automatic recycling device in a cleaning mode is likewise provided. Automatic or semi-automatic cleaning of at least one transport run of the automatic recycling machine is provided without installation of stationary cleaning devices. A separate cleaning module is provided that is insertable into the automated device, and which may be transported through the automated device by the conveyor belt. A stop holds the cleaning module stationary as conveyor belt runs, and cleaning fluid escaping from the cleaning module is dosed onto the conveyor belt. Thorough cleaning of conveyor belt and peripheral components is achieved thanks to foam formation and the wiping effect.

Abstract: The invention described here concerns a unit for automatic container returns systems, with a conveyor device for transporting the containers in the direction of their longitudinal axis, with two rotary-driven rollers arranged along the conveyor path and which can be transferred from a neutral position into an identification position in which they release the container from the conveyor device and rotate said container, and with a sorting means for the selective, lateral removal of the container from the conveyor device according to the identification. It is the object of the invention to provide a generic unit for automatic container returns systems that is characterised by a simple construction.

Abstract: The invention described here concerns a unit for automatic container returns systems, with a conveyor device for transporting the containers in the direction of their longitudinal axis, with two rotary-driven rollers arranged along the conveyor path and which can be transferred from a neutral position into an identification position in which they release the container from the conveyor device and rotate said container, and with a sorting means for the selective, lateral removal of the container from the conveyor device according to the identification.

Abstract: An automatic empty container return machine includes a detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category, an input unit located upstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to the detection unit, an output unit located downstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers that have been identified by the detection unit as being of the predetermined category, a transport stage having a conveyor for transporting empty containers from the input unit through the detection unit to the output unit, and a self-cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of the input unit, detection unit, output unit and transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean surfaces thereof that are preselected to be cleaned.

Abstract: An automatic empty container return machine includes a detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category, an input unit located upstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to the detection unit, an output unit located downstream of the detection unit for receiving empty containers that have been identified by the detection unit as being of the predetermined category, a transport stage having a conveyor for transporting empty containers from the input unit through the detection unit to the output unit, and a self-cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of the input unit, detection unit, output unit and transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean surfaces thereof that are preselected to be cleaned.