Abstract:
The present application provides an intake mechanism for a product into a merchandiser. The intake mechanism may include an input tray, a reciprocating assembly to maneuver the input tray, an identification module, and an input control system. The input control system permits access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered by the reciprocating assembly if the product is identified by the identification module.
Abstract:
Ein Verfahren zum Sortieren von insbesondere bepfandetem Leergut, wie Flaschen oder dergleichen Gebinde (4), ausgebildet durch folgende Merkmale: - eine Menge an Gebinde (4) wird als Schüttgut gleichzeitig in einen Aufnahmeschacht (3) gegeben, - die Gebinde (4) werden anschließend einzeln mittels einer Fördereinrichtung (8) zu einer Kontrolleinheit (5) geführt - in der Kontrolleinheit (5) wird der Abstand (11) zwischen zwei Gebinden (4) ermittelt und mit einem Sollwert verglichen bei einem festgestellten Abstand (11) größer/gleich dem Sollwert wird das jeweilige Gebinde (4) identifiziert und sortiert.
Abstract:
An apparatus for counting deposit beverage containers that includes a loading basin (20) for holding a plurality of deposit beverage containers, a feed chute (40) for receiving the containers from the loading basin (20) having an inlet end (44) narrowing into at least one outlet end, and at least one feed channel (50) extending from each outlet end. The feed channel (50) includes a choke opening 66 that orders the containers into a single file row, an upward bend (68) following the choke opening 66 that decreases the downward slope of the feed channel (50) to moderate the flow of the containers, and a downward curve following the upward bend (68) that accelerates each container to create separation between containers.
Abstract:
A combination vending/return apparatus includes a series of stacked counter- sloped, gravity fed track assemblies with radiused transition segments to receive and store empty large-volume bottles and to deliver pre-fi!led large-volume fluid- containing botties. The apparatus is configured to accommodate, among other sizes, at least one of three (3) gaiion, (4) four gaiion, or (5) five gallon size bottles. A. dual elevator subassembly permits filled bottle dispensing and empty bottle receiving from a single door. The apparatus includes a processor-controlled transaction panel to make bottle selections for purchases and returns, and to handle electronic payment, promotional and credit transactions. Also disclosed is a method to vend large-volume fluid-containing bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water botties.
Abstract:
Ce système (10) de distribution de bouteilles de gaz, les bouteilles de gaz (11) étant susceptibles de présenter des types différents définis par différentes formes, volumes et couleurs, comprend des moyens (20) d'identification du type de la bouteille de gaz (11), les moyens d'identification (20) comportant un premier capteur (60) de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz. Les moyens d'identification (20) comprennent en outre un capteur (62) de détection de matériau ferromagnétique.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a unit for container returning machines, having an endless conveyor means (2) for driving a container (12) longitudinally in the direction of its longitudinal axis, having two rotational bodies (4, 5) which are arranged on both sides of the conveyor means (2), wherein, when the unit (1) is in a transport function, the container (12) rests, in order to be driven longitudinally, on the conveyor means (2) and, when the unit (1) is in an identification function, rests, in order to be driven rotationally, on the rotational bodies (4, 5). It is a problem of the invention to provide a further unit of this type for container returning machines, which unit is of simple construction with retention of the full functionality. This problem is solved by the fact that, transversely with respect to their longitudinal axis (6, 7), the rotational bodies (4, 5) have the cross section of a polygon, wherein the corners of the polygon which are formed by the longitudinal edges (10) of the rotational bodies (4, 5) lie on a common circumference, and the container (12), when the unit (1) is in a transport function, bears against in each case one of the side surfaces (11) of the rotational bodies (4, 5), which side surfaces (11) connect the longitudinal edges (10).
Abstract:
A vending machine comprising multiple subsystems typically including container receiving, container cleaning, container storage, container filling, container vending, a computer system, and a user interface A vending machine for dispensing, receiving, cleaning and/or filling containers comprising container receiving means for receiving a first container; container cleaning means for cleaning the first container; container dispensing means for dispensing the first container; and container filling means for filling the first container or a second container.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen eines Leergutbehälters mit mindestens einem flächigen Stützelement, an dem der Leergutbehälter mit einer Mantelfläche desselben an eine Anlagefläche des Stützelementes anlegbar ist, mit einem Träger zum Tragen des Leergutbehälters und mit mindestens einem optischen Sensor zur optischen Abtastung des Leergutbehälters, wobei der Träger durch das mindestens eine Stützelement gebildet ist, und dass das mindestens eine Stützelement derart drehbar um eine im Wesentlichen horizontale Antriebsachse gelagert ist, dass der Leergutbehälter von einer Eingabestellung, in der der Leergutbehälter auf das mindestens eine Stützelement auflegbar ist, an eine andere Stelle auf dem Stützelement verbringbar ist, und nach der Abtastung einem nachgelagerten Funktionsmodul (23, 24, 25, 26, 27) übergebbar ist.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding objects, such as used beverage containers, to a recording and/or sorting unit, comprising receiving means (21, 22, 23, 6, 3) and at least one feeding conveyor (2), wherein the objects are supplied on the receiving means (21, 22, 23, 6, 3) and forwarded one by one with a predetermined orientation to the at least one feeding conveyor (2).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for cleaning, sanitizing, and refilling reusable containers in order to reduce the non-biodegradable waste and environment contamination. The apparatus and process allows a person/consumer to refill the container with any fluid dispensed by said apparatus such as a vending machine. Depending on the fluid selection of the consumer the vending machine sanitizes the container before any fluid is dispensed in it. Further, the machine provides the branding of the container depending on the consumer selection allowing people and consumer recognition of the product and enticing manufacturers to participate.