Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cans or bottles from plastic bags and plastic bag parts, including a frame and a perforated drum operably rotatably attached to the frame. The drum has a circular cross section. A divider member is disposed in the interior of the drum with edges of the divider member being in close proximity to the inside of the drum. A vacuum device is connected to one side of the divider creating a lower pressure section of the drum whereby cans or bottles and plastic bags falling onto the rotating drum causes the plastic bags to attach to the exterior of the drum on the lower pressure section thereof. This allows the plastic bags to be released on the other side of the drum from the pull of the lower pressure as the drum is rotated, by having a low pressure and high pressure side of the drum.

Abstract: A method for automatically loading bags of recyclable containers into a trailer. The containers of plastic bags are put onto a conveyor, which delivers them to a loader having a ram to push the bags of containers into the trailer automatically. In a preferred embodiment, a computer assisted by electric eye sensors controls the number of strokes of the ram, and controls when the conveyor and loader is operating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing and transporting empty, recyclable, aluminum and plastic beverage containers returned to redemption centers without requiring the redemption centers to sort the containers by distributor and then separate the containers into like materials for removal. The present invention also illuminates the burden imposed on the distributors from having to pick up the containers from the redemption centers, then shred or bale the materials, and then sell the materials to recyclers. The invention comprises the steps of collecting and depositing the aluminum and plastic containers into a single holding bin at the redemption center's facilities. Using a blower such as a centrifugal fan and chute to blow the contents of the holding bin into a transporter such as a semi-trailer or compactor. Transporting the transporter to a separating facility which automatically separates the aluminum and plastic containers into like materials.

Abstract: The can flattening machine of the present invention comprises a first conveyor for carrying the cans to the upper end of a hopper located above a pair of belt assemblies. The belt assemblies are elongated and are positioned relative to one another so as to create a V-shaped notch therebetween. The cans fall between the belt assemblies and are flattened between the lower ends of the belt assemblies. One of the lower ends of the belt assemblies is spring mounted with respect to the other so as to be yieldably movable away from the other belt assembly.