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 together into a compactor at the redemption center's facilities. Transporting the compacted aluminum and plastic beverage containers to a separating facility which automatically separates the aluminum and plastic containers into like materials.

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 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.

Abstract: The can counter slide of the present invention comprises an elongated slide having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending longitudinally therein. The slide is inclined so that the cans, when placed on the slide, will fit within the grooves and slide downwardly toward the lower end. At the lower end are a plurality of photo-electric cells, one for each of the V-shaped grooves. These photo-electric cells sense and count each can as it slides off the lower end of the slide. A vibrator can be applied to the slide to cause the slide to vibrate and thereby enhance the ability of the cans to slide downwardly in the V-shaped grooves. Also, a rotating brush can be provided adjacent the lower end of the slide to cause each of the cans to speed up and thereby separate from the other cans in the V-shaped groove, just prior to the time that the cans encounter the photo-electric cells.

Abstract: The device for sorting and counting a plurality of cans comprises a circular table having a rotatable circular floor and a fixed side wall. Attached around the periphery of the side wall are a plurality of counting tubes, each of which includes a photo-electric cell therein for sensing the number of cans which pass through the tube. Each photo-electric cell is connected to a counter on a display device which records and displays the number of cans passing through each tube. One counter totals all of the cans passing through all of the tubes.