Abstract: A compactor arrangement (202) includes a compactor; an empty-container transport device for transporting empty containers in the compactor arrangement in a transport region above the empty-container transport device; a first anti-encroachment guard structure which laterally delimits the transport region and which is provided between the transport region and the compactor, wherein the first anti-encroachment guard structure defines a feed region through which empty containers can be fed laterally out of the transport region to the compactor; and a guard device having a second anti-encroachment guard structure which is configured such that, selectively, an encroachment from the direction of the transport region into the feed region can be prevented.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a function module arrangement (1002), which is installed on a support framework (204a) above an empty-container transport device (202t), wherein the function module arrangement (1002) has: a module receptacle (1004) for receiving multiple function modules (1006), the multiple function modules (1006), which are designed to match the module receptacle (1004) such that the multiple function modules (1006) can each be selectively received in multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) in the module receptacle (1004), at least one processor (1008) which is configured to ascertain an actual configuration of the multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) and to operate the function module arrangement (1002) and/or the compactor arrangement (202) on the basis of the ascertained actual configuration.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a compactor (102); an empty-container transport device (202t) for transporting empty containers (104) in the compactor arrangement (202) in a transport region (1000t) above the empty-container transport device (202t); a first anti-encroachment guard structure (1000s) which laterally delimits the transport region (1000t) and which is provided between the transport region (1000t) and the compactor (102), wherein the first anti-encroachment guard structure (1000s) defines a feed region (1000d) through which empty containers (104) can be fed laterally out of the transport region (1000t) to the compactor (102); and a guard device (1002) having a second anti-encroachment guard structure (1002s) which is configured such that, selectively, an encroachment from the direction of the transport region (1000t) into the feed region (1000d) can be prevented.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a compactor arrangement (202) may have the following: a function module arrangement (1002), which is installed on a support framework (204a) above an empty-container transport device (202t), wherein the function module arrangement (1002) has: a module receptacle (1004) for receiving multiple function modules (1006), the multiple function modules (1006), which are designed to match the module receptacle (1004) such that the multiple function modules (1006) can each be selectively received in multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) in the module receptacle (1004), at least one processor (1008) which is configured to ascertain an actual configuration of the multiple configurations (1100c, 1100d, 1100e, 1100f) and to operate the function module arrangement (1002) and/or the compactor arrangement (202) on the basis of the ascertained actual configuration.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes an optical capturing apparatus for optically capturing features of an empty container. The capturing apparatus includes light sources and cameras. The light sources and the cameras are arranged around a capturing region in a horseshoe-shaped manner. One of the light sources and one of the cameras are arranged such that the camera is arranged in the beam path of the light source such that, when an empty container has been brought into a capturing region, the camera captures a modified luminous energy from the light source compared to the case where there are no empty containers in the capturing region. The return device further includes a circuit connected to the plurality of cameras and configured to activate an additional camera or an additional light source of the light sources on the basis of the luminous energy captured by the camera.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes a housing; an empties-introduction opening by way of which empties are introducible; a conveying mechanism disposed in the housing and by which empties that have been introduced can be conveyed away. The mechanism has an empties-receptacle portion facing the opening and by which the empties from the opening reach the mechanism. The portion is disposed to be adjacent to the opening and spaced apart therefrom such that a gap is present between the opening and the portion. The device further includes an optical detection device disposed in the housing adjacent to the opening, so as to be able to optically detect in an at least substantially encircling manner introduced empties; and a web extending in a region between a lower portion of the opening and the portion, to be able to serve as a bearing for the empties at least partially bridges the gap.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus (1) for compacting receptacles has a compacting unit (3) with at least one first advancing device (4) for transporting at least one receptacle (G) in an insertion direction (E). The compacting unit (3) is configured to compact the receptacle (G) while the receptacle (G) is transported in the insertion direction (E). A post-compacting unit (5) is downstream of the compacting unit (3) in the insertion direction (E) and has at least one second advancing device (6) for transporting the at least one receptacle (G) through the post-compacting unit (5). The post-compacting unit (5) is configured to compact the at least one receptacle (G) further. Positions of the at least one first advancing device (4) of the compacting unit (3) and the at least one second advancing device (6) of the post-compacting unit (5) are changeable with respect to one another in the insertion direction (E).

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an input unit for a reverse vending machine. The input unit includes a conveying unit with at least one conveying belt configured to receive and transport an empty container, and a guide structure configured to carry and guide the conveying unit relative to a housing of the reverse vending machine.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes an optical capturing apparatus for optically capturing features of an empty container. The capturing apparatus includes light sources and cameras. The light sources and the cameras are arranged around a capturing region in a horseshoe-shaped manner. One of the light sources and one of the cameras are arranged such that the camera is arranged in the beam path of the light source such that, when an empty container has been brought into a capturing region, the camera captures a modified luminous energy from the light source compared to the case where there are no empty containers in the capturing region. The return device further includes a circuit connected to the plurality of cameras and configured to activate an additional camera or an additional light source of the light sources on the basis of the luminous energy captured by the camera.

Abstract: A return device for empties includes a housing; an empties-introduction opening by way of which empties are introducible; a conveying mechanism disposed in the housing and by which empties that have been introduced can be conveyed away. The mechanism has an empties-receptacle portion facing the opening and by which the empties from the opening reach the mechanism. The portion is disposed to be adjacent to the opening and spaced apart therefrom such that a gap is present between the opening and the portion. The device further includes an optical detection device disposed in the housing adjacent to the opening, so as to be able to optically detect in an at least substantially encircling manner introduced empties; and a web extending in a region between a lower portion of the opening and the portion, to be able to serve as a bearing for the empties at least partially bridges the gap.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an input unit for a reverse vending machine. The input unit includes a conveying unit with at least one conveying belt configured to receive and transport an empty container, and a guide structure configured to carry and guide the conveying unit relative to a housing of the reverse vending machine.

Abstract: A compacting apparatus (1) for compacting receptacles has a compacting unit (3) with at least one first advancing device (4) for transporting at least one receptacle (G) in an insertion direction (E). The compacting unit (3) is configured to compact the receptacle (G) while the receptacle (G) is transported in the insertion direction (E). A post-compacting unit (5) is downstream of the compacting unit (3) in the insertion direction (E) and has at least one second advancing device (6) for transporting the at least one receptacle (G) through the post-compacting unit (5). The post-compacting unit (5) is configured to compact the at least one receptacle (G) further. Positions of the at least one first advancing device (4) of the compacting unit (3) and the at least one second advancing device (6) of the post-compacting unit (5) are changeable with respect to one another in the insertion direction (E).