Abstract: A recycle/re-manufacturing program to enable the collection of products to re-use them in a re-manufacturing processes to create valuable products which can be also be broken down at the end of their lives and re-used. It has been found that the bio-plastic materials can be re-used up to ten times with no degradation in properties. Enabling multiple collections and re-use of the materials. A benefit is that tech factories receive clean waste streams and low-cost materials which can be re-used multiple times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage compounding system and methods for the same. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking. Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is provided that includes an interface cabinet having an inlet portal. At least one bin is provided for receiving the accepted recyclable container. A roller system identifies and sorts the recyclable containers. A crusher is driven by a motor with a mechanical coupling between the crusher and the motor. The crusher is adapted to receive various containers and is positioned intermediate between the roller system and the bin. A cart or frame displaceable relative to the interface cabinet, the crusher is mounted on the cart or the frame. A reverse vending machine in another embodiment includes a interface cabinet, the interface cabinet having an inlet portal for recyclable container input and a rejected container depository. At least one bin and a roller system are provided along with a wash system for cleaning components of the interface cabinet between the inlet portal and the bin.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include improved systems and methods for sorting and metering materials to be recycled at a material recovery facility. Systems and methods for the accurate and automated sorting and metering of recoverable materials may include a bunker with an integral conveyor adapted to meter presorted materials such that predetermined amounts of the materials may be delivered to a baler for baling and sale. Exemplary systems may include an auger screw type conveyor sized and shaped to deliver the materials to, for example, a baling system. The systems may also include a crusher for reducing the volume of the materials prior to metering from the bunker; by reducing the volume of the materials in the bunker, a baler may operate more efficiently, increasing output from the facility.

Abstract: A method of writing data into a memory device is disclosed. The method comprises utilizing a pipeline to process write operations of a first plurality of data words addressed to a memory bank. Further, the method comprises writing a second plurality of data words and associated memory addresses into a cache memory, wherein the cache memory is associated with the memory bank and wherein further each data word of the second plurality of data words is either awaiting write verification associated with the memory bank or is to be re-written into the memory bank. The method also comprises detecting a power down signal and responsive to the power down signal, and before the memory device is powered down, processing data words of the second plurality of data words and associated memory addresses through the pipeline to write data into the memory bank. Finally, the method comprises powering down the memory device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a calculation unit that calculates a charge for a service used by a user based on a charge schedule, and a changing unit that, when a period starts, changes the charge schedule from a first charge schedule to a second charge schedule of at least one second charge schedule, and that, when the period ends, changes the charge schedule from the second charge schedule to the first charge schedule.

Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.

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 waste compression device with a fee calculation function is provided for shaking and compressing wastes and calculating the quantity of the wastes. The waste compression device includes a casing. The casing has therein: a storage cart; a compression unit for compressing the wastes in the storage cart; a vibration unit for shaking the storage cart; a quantity sensor; a storage level sensor; an interface unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls the compression and vibration. The interface unit determines the best time to shake and compress the wastes according to the wastes level, and instructs a ticketing unit to dispense a coupon for joining a points reward scheme or receiving a cash discount or a gift according to the wastes quantity. The waste compression device calculates the quantity of the wastes, reduces the volume of the wastes, and encourages consumers to take the initiative in recycling wastes.

Abstract: An aluminum can cleaning system for separating magnetic materials and other debris from aggregate comprising aluminum cans comprises a conveyor having a magnet to cause the conveyor to retain a magnetic portion of the aggregate along a portion of the conveyor to separate the magnetic portion from a non-magnetic portion of the aggregate. The conveyor discharges the non-magnetic portion into an intake chute. An air duct has a first end in fluid communication with a lower end of the intake chute. A blower is configured to provide air flow from the intake chute into the air duct to carry the non-magnetic portion along the air duct. A channel is in fluid communication with a second end of the air duct. A screen is positioned along the channel to separate debris from aluminum cans and to direct the aluminum cans into a bin disposed proximate an opening in the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method and data carrier programmed with instructions for the method for recycling products includes recording through a mobile device that a product to be recycled has been brought to a collection point. The mobile device includes an identification module for identifying the mobile device and/or a user. A deposit is credited by the recycling of the product or a recycling fee is debited by the recycling of the product on an account linked with the identification module. Another aspect includes recording that a product to be recycled has been brought to a collection point. A code identifying the product is recorded by the collection point, and a first signal is sent to a mobile device that the product is to be recycled. A reward or debiting linked with the recycling of the product is automatically determined and credited or billed on an account linked with the identification module.

Abstract: This invention is to prevent a MAC of a correct answer from being calculated by use of an IC card even if count data in the database of a PC is falsified since the MAC calculated by the IC card is made invisible from the exterior of the IC card. Thus, falsification of data by enciphering the number (total sum) of cut sheets in a sheet checking equipment.

Abstract: This invention is to prevent a MAC of a correct answer from being calculated by use of an IC card even if count data in the database of a PC is falsified since the MAC calculated by the IC card is made invisible from the exterior of the IC card. Thus, falsification of data by enciphering the number (total sum) of cut sheets in a sheet checking equipment.

Abstract: The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: In a reverse vending machine the feed opening (22) in the front cover (14), for bottles and cans, is without a fixed connection to pipework, etc. At the same time, an opening (26) for emptying remnants is formed in the front cover (14), in the form of a bowl, which merges at the back side of the front cover into a drain pipe socket (28) positioned above an upwards open drain channel (30) in the interior of the machine, without a fixed connection between the drain pipe socket (28) and the channel (30). The front cover is possibly lockable and can be opened to the side by means of hinges (24), whereby the interior of the reverse vending machine is uncovered for inspection, maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A teller machine for the infeed and outfeed of banknotes having detectors for checking respectively the quality, denomination and validity of banknotes. The detector for checking the validity of a banknote carries out on each deposited and by-passing banknote a check relating to a first number of validity criteria and with respect to a second number of validity criteria. This second number of validity criteria is included in the teller machine as a closed and sealed unit so as to be in a material form available to the validity detector but sealed to prevent unintended access thereto. Banknotes determined to be genuine and of low quality by the respective detectors may be destroyed within the teller machine upon receipt of an acceptance signal from a superordinate unit outside the teller machine.

Abstract: A return device for containers, such as bottles, cups, cans, or the like, comprises an insertion opening for receiving the container and at least one distributing means for transporting the container from the insertion opening to a selectable processing means of the return device. For a faster and easier sorting of the containers in a compact way, the distributing means comprises at least one intermediate bottom and a receiving means which is movable relative to the bottom, transports the container away from the insertion opening and is provided with a bottom opening, the intermediate bottom being movably supported in the return device and comprising at least one sorting opening which can be positioned below the bottom opening for passing the container therethrough to the selected processing means.

Abstract: A teller-machine (1) for the infeed and outfeed of banknotes includes detectors (11, 12, 13) for checking respectively the quality, denomination and validity of banknotes. The detector (13) for checking the validity of a banknote carries out on each deposited and by-passing banknote a check relating to a first number of validity criteria (131) and with respect to a second number of validity criteria (132). This second number of validity criteria (132) in a materialised form which is available to the detector (13), is included in a teller machine as a closed and sealed unit (132).

Abstract: A financial document processing system has a transport path and an I/O device disposed along the transport path. The system comprises an input device for receiving a set of zone coordinates. An I/O device is disposed along the transport path. A memory is provided for storing a plurality of sets of rules. A processor is provided for (i) obtaining one set of the plurality of sets of rules based upon type of the I/O device, and (ii) applying the one set of rules against the set of zone coordinates to determine if the set of zone coordinates is acceptable. The processor then adjusts the set of zone coordinates based upon application of the set of rules against the set of zone coordinates.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is configured to selectively accept bulk fed containers, the machine including an in-feed station with an in-feed door and a hopper accessible via the in-feed door, the hopper having a first mouth which is open when the in-feed door is in an open orientation and closed when the in-feed door is in a closed orientation. The in-feed door has a second mouth, which is smaller than the first mouth, and which remains open regardless of in-feed door orientation. The in-feed station thus is configured to simultaneously freely receive multiple disarrayed containers through the first mouth when the in-feed door is in the open orientation and is configured to receive containers through the second mouth when the in-feed door is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: In a novel financial transaction system, a consumer exchanges payment means for goods or services provided by a retailer. The retailer then feeds the payment means, which may be in the form of bills or coinage, into a device which reads the value of the payment means. The value is transmitted to a financial institution for crediting to the account of the retailer. The retailer then destroys the payment means. The monetary value may be sent to the financial institution by electronic transmission, or may be written to a smart card. For security purposes, the information may be encrypted to require at least one code to allow writing and/or reading.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is configured to selectively accept bulk fed containers, the machine including an in-feed station with an in-feed door and a hopper accessible via the in-feed door, the hopper having a first mouth which is open when the in-feed door is in an open orientation and closed when the in-feed door is in a closed orientation. The in-feed door has a second mouth, which is smaller than the first mouth, and which remains open regardless of in-feed door orientation. The in-feed station thus is configured to simultaneously freely receive multiple disarrayed containers through the first mouth when the in-feed door is in the open orientation and is configured to receive containers through the second mouth when the in-feed door is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for verifying, validating and codifying an inductive card having a plurality of individual credit cells, each of which represent a credit value until burned out so that a partially used card has valid and burned-out cells. The apparatus includes a card reader having a plurality of sensors corresponding to the plurality of credit cells on the inductive card, a device for comparing the distribution of burned-out cells on the card with a standardized order of burning out cells in using the card, and an indicating device for showing the quantity of credit values available on the card and whether or not the card is valid. The card reader has a matrix of sensors arranged in columns and rows, a set of column drivers, a set of row drivers, and is capable of detecting the condition of each credit cell on the card. The apparatus has an independent power supply and the comparing device has a microprocessor with a keyboard and a ROM memory.

Abstract: A method of cash card billing with the aid of parking or pay meters when parking a vehicle. A pay meter system is provided which includes a plurality of pay meters, wherein each pay meter constitutes an independent operative unit and is equipped with a cash card reader. A person parking a vehicle finds a meter and with the aid of the cash card reader feeds into the pay meter information from the cash card relating at least to the cash card account number. When the cash card has been read by the first pay meter (BA1) the meter stores the account number (KN) and the parking commencement time (IT) in a memory (BA1 MEM) that is part of the first pay meter. The first pay meter (BA1) issues a parking ticket on which a transaction number (TN) and parking commencement time (IT) are recorded in a machine-readable form. When terminating the parking period, the parking ticket is read in a second pay meter (BA2), which may be any chosen pay meter in the pay meter system.

Abstract: An automated container handling and processing system includes a metal container handling subsystem and a plastic container handling subsystem. Each container subsystem includes a roller conveyor for conveying a plurality of large bins carrying crushed containers derived from reverse vending machines. An automated dumping station receives and inverts the bins sequentially to dump the crushed containers into a central hopper, then sends the bins to a washer which cleans the bins for reuse. A separate belt conveyor receives containers which do not require identification or accounting and conveys them to the central hopper. A second belt conveyor which also leads to the central hopper receives containers from one or more sorting machines which process non-crushed containers from non-RV machine return centers.

Abstract: A papers discriminating device which improves the accuracy in true or false judgment of imitation papers which are made by pasting parts of genuine papers on other papers. To a conventional process, a process is added in which the colors and shades of paper detected by a sensor are taken and analyzed by a CPU, the number of peaks of the entire shades and characteristic parts of the paper is examined for truth or falsehood by the CPU on the basis of the number of peaks of the shades, a ratio of peak level difference, and a combination pattern of the peak position and peak level.

Abstract: A responsive tag and a method, apparatus and system for identifying a type of recyclable material. The tag includes an element attached to the recyclable material. The element responds to a selected interrogation signal of a recycling machine to provide a predetermined detectable signal associated with the type of recyclable material. The detectable signal is detected by a component in the recycling machine which then accepts the material for recycling.

Abstract: A container compaction assembly includes a chamber. First and second parallel counter-rotating shafts are mounted in the chamber. A plurality of interleaved compacting wheels are mounted on the first and second shafts, respectively. A divider is mounted in the chamber perpendicular to the shafts, having first and second arcuate openings through which the respective shafts pass, the divider dividing the chamber into first and second chamber portions. A diverter is provided which, in response to a characteristic of the container sensed by a sensing device, diverts containers into one or the other of the chamber portions.

Abstract: A compact aluminum can separator have a a continuous conveyer belt, means mounting the conveyer belt to have an upper layer and a lower layer and for revolving said belt to cause the upper layer to travel generally horizontally from an input end of the separator to an output end of the separator and means for positioning cans and bottles on the belt proximate the input end of the separator an a forced air-magnet separator for separating aluminum from steel cans is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for recycling cans includes a housing adapted for displaying promotional advertising, a deposit slot for receiving the cans and a discharge system for providing immediate payment for the recyclable cans. The system incorporates a rotating drum for receiving the cans and advancing the cans into a conduit where they are then transported to a crusher for compression and storage. A magnet associated with the drum maintains ferrous cans on the drum until they have passed the conduit opening for separating ferrous cans from non-ferrous, recyclable cans.

Abstract: An acceptance assembly for a commodity collection, densification, and storage device includes a frame, an insert tube disposed in the frame defining an inlet for receiving a commodity and an outlet, a sensor disposed in the frame proximate the outlet for sensing a feature of the commodity, and an iris device disposed in the frame between the outlet and the sensor. The iris device includes a base secured to the frame and defining an opening therethrough adjacent the outlet, and further includes three plates swingably secured to the base, the plates being pivotable between a first position covering the opening and the outlet, and a second position uncovering the opening and the outlet. The iris device precludes access to the sensor via the inlet of the insert tube when the iris device is in the first position.

Abstract: Aluminum can recycling and coupon dispenser apparatus includes a housing having a front door and a can receiving slot on the front of the door. Cans fall onto a conveyor belt which transmits or transports the cans to a conduit through which aluminum cans fall to a crusher. Ferrous cans remain on the conveyor held by magnetic elements and are pushed off the conveyor and are discarded. After being crushed for recycling, the cans are transported upwardly by a moving air stream to the upper portion of the housing and the cans fall rearwardly and downwardly to a storage bin where they remain until the bin is transported out of the apparatus. The storage bin may be removed intact and replaced by another storage bin. All of the active elements are secured to the door. The door is pivoted to remove the storage bin containing the crushed cans. Information is displayed while the can crushing is being accomplished and coupons are dispensed in response to user input on a keypad.

Abstract: The machine comprises an identification device for accepting suitable or ejecting unsuitable used cups, which on being accepted are conveyed through an inlet mouth towards a bin, following a journey whereon are situated one or more operative groups, through which the cups pass and are treated such as to render them easier to contain.

Abstract: A multiplicity of charitable collection stations are provided with selectors for choosing the charity to which a contribution is destined, a change maker for issuing change if desired, a display for displaying information with respect to premiums available and contributions made, and a modem or other telecommunicator for two-way communications with a central station. The central station communicates with the individual charitable institutions to provide information as to monies collected and signals the machines as to premiums available like food-service items, travel awards and the like.

Abstract: A central office correlates charitable contributions made at vending stations in food service establishments which issue information carriers in return for charitable contributions which are receipts for the contribution and entitle the donor to a beverage dispensed from a machine responding to the information carrier.

Abstract: A commodity densification and storage assembly has a housing having an insert port for receiving a commodity, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and PET bottles. The assembly further includes a device for densifying the commodity oriented downstream of the insert port; a storage device for storing the densified commodity; and a pneumatic device for conveying the densified commodity to the storage device. The pneumatic device includes an inlet pipe for receiving the densified commodity from the densifying device. The inlet pipe is in communication with the storage device. The pneumatic device further has a blower for creating suction and an outlet pipe in communication with the storage device and the blower. The blower draws the densified commodity to the storage device through the inlet pipe via suction. Additionally, the pneumatic device includes an air filter system for preventing densified commodity from entering the blower.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for densifying and distributing recycled commodities, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and PET bottles. A sensor senses a feature of the commodity, including material of composition and color. Based on the sensed material of composition, the commodity is either shredded (aluminum and PET) or crushed (glass) into densified material. A distribution device receives the densified material and, according to its sensed material of composition and color, distributes it to the proper storage path for storage in one of a plurality of segregated storage bins.

Abstract: Method and device for handling recycling packages, such as bottles and cans in which a recycling package is introduced into a receiving space in the device and is transferred by a conveyor device into an identification position. After the identification of the package, the recycling package is transferred to a crusher device for crushing the package and then the crushed package is transferred to a storage container. The conveyor device includes a conveyor having lifting members fixed thereto and which contact the recycling package in the receiving space. The package is lifted by the lifting members to the identification position.

Abstract: An article which bears information representative of a convertible value thereof is deposited by a consumer for retrieval by the manufacturer of the article. The information is represented by a bar code on the article and read by a bar-code reader. A valuable return, such as a monetary payment, to the consumer is prepared based on the convertible value represented by the information read by the bar code reader. The valuable return is actually made to the consumer based on information borne by a consumer's recording card and updated based on the information read by the bar-code reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for the destruction of used beverage containers while at the same time providing slot machine simulating amusement wherein a slot machine resembling apparatus receives the used beverage container and by activation of slot machine simulating apparatus the beverage container is destroyed and collected for ultimate recycling, and vending a new beverage container containing fresh beverage or a prize.

Abstract: An obliterating machine can be operated by means of a card, made of synthetic plastic material, that features longitudinal grooves and a toothing and that can be inserted in a receiving seat delimited by a pair of plates mounted within the machine and forming a profile complementar to the profile of the card. A couple of feeler pins, associated with respective micro-switches, are movable along directions perpendicular and parallel to the seat, and are designed to detect the presence of the card and of the first tooth of the toothing. A cogwheel is rotatably supported in adjacency of the seat so that it can engage the toothing, and a cutting blade is made to move in a direction transverse to the seat by an electromagnet to cut a strip from the head of the card while a rocker, that links the blade to the electromagnet, operates a further micro-switch to activate an electric circuit for controlling a vending machine.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a machine for refunding glass bottle deposits, crushing the bottle and sorting the crushed glass as to color, either clear, brown or green. The bottle has a label provided with an optically read bar code which identifies the bottle's 1) color, 2) whether it must be returned to the manufacturer in one piece, and 3) whether a refund is, in fact, due for the particular bottle. The bottle is inserted in the apparatus and the bar code on the bottle passes beneath an optical scanner. If the bottle is refundable and of a particular color (i.e., clear, green, brown), a microprocessor electrically connected to the scanner activates a door and a deflector causing the bottle to fall into a glass crusher including a bin provided with a rotating plate which smashes the bottle. A chute beneath the glass crusher is positioned by the microprocessor so that the crushed glass is conveyed to one of three collection bins depending on the sensed color.

Abstract: A commodity collection, densification and storage assembly comprises a housing, an insert port in the housing for receiving a commodity, a gate mechanism adjacent the insert port movable between an open and closed position for allowing the commodity to pass therethrough into the housing, an intake device for drawing the commodity from the insert port through the gate mechanism, a first sensor device for sensing the presence of an object in the gate mechanism, a second sensor for verifying whether the inserted commodity is a participating commodity and for determining a composition of the commodity, a densification assembly for densifying the commodity, a storage compartment for storing the densified commodity according to its composition, a removal device for removing the densified commodity from the densifier to the storage compartment, and a timing device for coordinating a sequential operation of the intake device, gate mechanism, second sensor, densification assembly and removal device.

Abstract: Waste collection units include an orifice (4a) for accepting the waste materials. The units are equipped with (a) the orifice (4a), transmitter (25), receiver (26) and color sensors (27 and 28) adapted to ascertain an approximate identification of the waste introduced into the orifice; (b) a conveyor (24) for transporting the waste beyond the orifice; and (c) a distributor (33) for issuing a waste deposit slip, and controlled by the orifice (4a), transmitter (25), receiver (26) and color sensors (27 and 28), in combination with the conveyer (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting articles is housed in a parallelepipedic casing, on the front panel of which is arranged a display part of a playing part. An article-return part with an article-receiving container is also provided in the apparatus. The front panel of the casing is subdivided into a number of fields of which one field forms a door for an access to an article collecting container. A gaming machine is arranged in another field, and the article-return part in the third field. The gaming machine is at least partly visible through a window so that its game can be seen. Increased use of the apparatus results from the visibility and/or audibility of the game.

Abstract: A waste collecting machine comprising a housing having two entrances for waste metal cans and glass bottles, a mechanical arm to collect and deliver waste metal cans or glass bottles into said entrances respectively, a roller ramming mechanism to crush waste metal cans out of shape, a metal detector to detect metal cans from glass bottles, an electromagnet controlled by said metal detector to shift a sub-slide way to the left or right according to detection result, a counting device to count the number of waste cans or glass bottles passing thereby, and a refund device to give coins in return for the waste cans or bottles received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling returnable cans, by means of which device a returnable can is handled mechanically such that it can be formed into a smaller size for transportation and further handling. The device (10) for handling returnable cans includes a press unit (12) arranged below an upper transfer unit (13), which has a conveyor (14) preferably a belt conveyor, on which a returnable can is first placed in an inlet gate (A) on top of an upper run of (14a) the belt, run as a closed loop. The equipment further includes a conveyor passage (F) having at least one diagonal side wall surface (16), by means of which a distance is provided between adjacent returnable cans to facilitate the identification and further handling of the returnable can.

Abstract: A multiple use commodity collection and storage system, comprises a plurality of collection stations remotely located, each for receiving a plurality of different predetermined post-consumer recyclable commodities.

Abstract: A reverse vending apparatus (10) for receiving returnable beverage containers includes a housing (12) having an opening (20) through which an empty beverage container is inserted in exchanger for a redeemable coupon. Inside the housing (12), a V-shaped support trough cradles the container while a conveyor belt (38) rotates the container. An optical scanner (32) inspects the rotating container to identify its origin, and upon recognition that the container is properly returnable electronically signals the apparatus (10) to issue a coupon. The container falls from the support trough and is diverted by a moveable diverter (60) plate to either of two compaction roller sets (56, 58), depending upon the material composition of the container. Wedge-shaped guides (96, 96') funnel the container into the center of the nip between a first (62, 62') and a second (66, 66') compaction roller to flatten the container. A cleated steel band (82, 82') surrounds the first compaction roller (62, 62').