Abstract: A recycling machine is provided which compacts containers using a multi-purpose compacting system which includes a roller assembly having a roller configured to draw containers through an adjustable container-receiving throat. The compacting system also includes a base plate assembly with a movable base plate which at least partially defines the throat, the base plate being mounted for movement between a first orientation wherein the base plate is a first predetermined distance from the roller so as to define an open container-receiving throat, and a second orientation wherein the base plate is a second lesser predetermined distance from the roller so as to close the container-receiving throat. The throat typically is closed as the container passes between the roller and the base plate so as to compact the container therebetween.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is configured to selectively accept bulk fed containers, the machine including an in-feed station with an in-feed door and a hopper accessible via the in-feed door, the hopper having a first mouth which is open when the in-feed door is in an open orientation and closed when the in-feed door is in a closed orientation. The in-feed door has a second mouth, which is smaller than the first mouth, and which remains open regardless of in-feed door orientation. The in-feed station thus is configured to simultaneously freely receive multiple disarrayed containers through the first mouth when the in-feed door is in the open orientation and is configured to receive containers through the second mouth when the in-feed door is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is configured to selectively accept bulk fed containers, the machine including an in-feed station with an in-feed door and a hopper accessible via the in-feed door, the hopper having a first mouth which is open when the in-feed door is in an open orientation and closed when the in-feed door is in a closed orientation. The in-feed door has a second mouth, which is smaller than the first mouth, and which remains open regardless of in-feed door orientation. The in-feed station thus is configured to simultaneously freely receive multiple disarrayed containers through the first mouth when the in-feed door is in the open orientation and is configured to receive containers through the second mouth when the in-feed door is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A recycling machine is provided which compacts containers using a multi-purpose compacting system which includes a roller assembly having a roller configured to draw containers through an adjustable container-receiving throat. The compacting system also includes a base plate assembly with a movable base plate which at least partially defines the throat, the base plate being mounted for movement between a first orientation wherein the base plate is a first predetermined distance from the roller so as to define an open container-receiving throat, and a second orientation wherein the base plate is a second lesser predetermined distance from the roller so as to close the container-receiving throat. The throat typically is closed as the container passes between the roller and the base plate so as to compact the container therebetween.

Abstract: A system, such as a reverse vending machine, for handling redeemable beverage containers of the type carrying side-borne, optically readable information codes. Featured in the machine specifically described herein is a scanning station along the sides of which are plural elongate rotary brushes whose bristles engage an endo-fed end for the purpose of both propelling it through the station for further processing, and for spinning it within the station for presentation for reading by an outboard optical scanner of the information code carried on the container.