Abstract: Containers and an apparatus for sensing containers such as beverage cans, which cans include means for identifying the beverage cans on which a return payment is to be made. The containers on which a deposit is made will be identified in a particular way to indicate that upon return a return payment is to be made. The present device provides an automatic, individual container sensing unit used as shown in combination with a crushing device for sensing whether the can is proper for repayment, and crushing the container subsequent to proper identification.

Abstract: Apparatus for crushing containers, such as beverage cans, in a crushing zone between a movable ram and a relatively stationary platen, and for delivering the crushed containers to given receptacles according to the material of the containers. Control means for power operated means, such as a container counting device, includes a pair of movable container engaging probe members that are adapted to engage opposite ends of a container in a testing zone through which the container passes during movement to the crushing zone, the probe members comprising portions of an electric circuit also including a selector switch having a movable switch element. The extent of movement of the movable switch element is governed by the extent of movement of the probe members toward and away from engagement with a container. Power operated mechanism imparts movements to the ram, probe members, and a container feeding device.

Abstract: A housing having its interior divided into a supply chamber for a folded row of connected tickets and a dispensing chamber, and providing a discharge opening at one end for delivery of tickets. A feeding element in the dispensing chamber is operated by an actuator to feed the row of tickets toward the discharge opening. The actuator is movable between spaced feeding and holding positions and has an edge portion that holds the row of coupons or tickets against discharge movements when the actuator is in its holding position. A retarding arrangement applies frictional effort against the row of tickets to prevent free movement of the tickets during a portion of the feeding movement of the feeding element, and lessens the frictional effort or drag on the tickets when the actuator is moved to its holding position.