Abstract: An unattended apparatus for collecting aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of said aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited, including a microprocessor-based control system which controls the energization of various system components, monitors system data, monitors alarm signals, operates a display, controls the weighing cycle, controls the compensation cycle, and the like. The apparatus includes a heavys detector which measures the weight of an incoming object as a function of the displacement of the platform it strikes. A second metal detector is used to separate non-ferrous metals from non-metals. A trapdoor is provided for dropping out non-metals and heavys and closed to pass aluminum cans to the input of the crusher hopper.

Abstract: This relates to a low cost reliable controller which may be used in conjunction with induction motors or, more generally, to generate AC power from a DC source. The system utilizes a microprocessor in combination with low cost parallel transistors to provide the control function. A feedback module monitors the actual rotor speed and conveys this information back to the microprocessor. A voltage boost module may be used in combination with the microprocessor and switching circuits to optimize the overall efficiency of the system. The microprocessor computes slip and controls the voltage drive in order to further optimize efficiency of the system as a function of motor speed. Both the footfeed voltage and boosted voltage are analog voltages and are applied to an A/D converter. The output of the A/D converter presents a digital representation of the footfeed voltage or boost voltage to the microprocessor.

Abstract: Unmanned apparatus for collecting scrap aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of scrap aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited including a microprocessor control structure which produces control signals to control the operation of the apparatus including the dispensing of compensation, calibrating the weighing structure, and in response to alarm signals produced by operating components of the apparatus, to display the existence of any such alarm conditions, to identify their source and to deenergize the apparatus until the alarm causing conditions are corrected.