NO20190188A1 - Devices in a Return Machine (VM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is generally related to devices for handling goods or objects, for example to receive, sort and store returnable objects or objects, such as empty beverage containers, such as bottles, cans or the like. The invention is particularly applicable in connection with return machines, although certain aspects of the present invention may also find other areas of application.

The present invention arose as a result of the recognition of the need to provide a more cost-effective return machine, however simple, reliable and space-saving. In particular, the need to reduce the overall cost of manufacturing such new machines was recognized by focusing on such important topics as minimizing the number of expensive components, such as for example camera, bar code reader, item sorter, item conveyor, item rotator and symbol printer, as well as to minimize the space required, particularly with regard to floor area.

Upon such a realization, however, it was revealed that the invention would be related to a majority of aspects that would all contribute in their own respective way to a desirable end result. For a decade or so, environmental and economic concerns have spurred significant developments in the area of facilities for collecting cans, bottles, jars and other containers, preferably for recovery of the material for recycling purposes. Today, fully automatic systems are available that are capable of receiving and storing many different types of used containers, or even parts of used containers.

Devices for handling recyclable items, such as returnable, empty beverage containers, are known inter alia from the European publications EP 0384 885 (SIG (SIG Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft), EP 1311448 and the international patent application publication WO02/12096 (EP 1313656) (Tomra Systems ASA) and EP 14677328 (Tomra Systems ASA).

Until recently, available fully automated systems, so-called return machines (RVM's) and backroom systems, which are able to receive and store used containers, have been quite complicated and expensive. They have therefore mostly been found in larger shops, shopping centers or supermarkets, or in special facilities set up to collect recyclable goods or objects.

Consequently, for the customer who has recyclable items or items in smaller quantities, and who does not have a suitable vehicle available to enable easy transport of recyclable material to a larger store, shopping center or supermarket which may be located at a distance from the person's home, it is often easier to throw the recyclable goods out with the rubbish.

The currently available return machines normally deliver the received items to a back room reception facility or a facility located below. The total installation is expensive, requires significant space, is often complicated to install and maintain, and has operational disadvantages, particularly from a cleaning point of view. Frequent cleaning of soiled operative parts, appropriately with water or a special cleaning agent, is very important to ensure error-free operation. Returnable beverage containers often contain beverage residues, which can often come into contact with operational parts, whereby these parts become sticky and cause operational failure if not properly cleaned. Cleaning is more than usual a messy operation, and care must be taken not to damage electrical components.

Most RVMs need to have the ability to inspect identifying features on the object, such as, for example, a barcode. If such features are not immediately seen by a dedicated detector, the object will need to be rotated to determine whether such features are actually present. An object-rotating mechanism is expensive and requires significant space in the aforementioned RVM's longitudinal or depth direction. If such RVMs are also to provide object sorting, an additional sorter needs to be provided, which contributes further to the installation cost, and the dimension of said RVM with regard to depth dimension is in certain cases prohibitive when both a rotator and a sorter are to be included. In addition, most owners of shops, shopping centers or supermarkets are concerned that RVMs require significant and expensive space for the collection of containers received by said RVM, as such space is often taken up by container collection tables.

The present invention therefore has as a main object to fulfill a long-felt need to provide an improved, automated facility for the collection of returnable objects or goods, such as recyclable ingots of plastic, metal or glass, and to overcome the well-known disadvantages mentioned, thereby providing a low-cost facility exhibiting optimal use of limited space, particularly floor space, which may be available virtually anywhere, enabling their location even in smaller stores, convenience stores, local fuel stations and public areas. Thereby, such facilities can become more conveniently available to customers. These features and other features that will appear when reading the description are some of the purposes of the present invention.

A first aspect of the invention relates in particular to a facility which allows the storage of a large number of returnable items in a largely vertically oriented storage space without using a vertical conveyor to fill the storage space.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a vertically oriented warehouse that has an internal space for storing returnable items in height, as stated in the preamble of the attached claim 1.

According to the first aspect, the invention also enables an essentially vertically oriented warehouse for storage in an essentially upward filling direction of returnable items, in particular returnable containers such as bottles, cans and the like, preferably those made of plastic, glass or metallic material, and the characteristic features of the first aspect of the invention appear from the characteristic part of the attached claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments of the storage room part of the storage facility according to the present invention are indicated in the attached subordinate patent claims 2 - 47.

The conveyor devices as defined are particularly suitable for feeding returnable items, in particular returnable containers such as bottles, cans and the like, preferably made of plastic, glass or metallic material into a vertically oriented warehouse for storing returnable items in a substantially upward filling direction .

More specifically, the conveyor device is adapted to handle, sort and transport returnable items, and to feed such items into the essentially vertically oriented storage room, without using a vertical conveyor for filling the storage room.

From prior art, it is common to view an object or an object, for example empty beverage packaging, such as a can or bottle, against a light-reflecting background, the viewing being done via a lens so that light rays sent towards the object are parallel rays. DE 19512133 A1 deals with such technique. On the basis of such consideration, analysis is carried out with regard to object outline.

At the same time as considering the shape of a bottle or box, as mentioned in the aforementioned DE 19512133 A1, there has also been a need to look at and recognize or read other characteristic features, such as a bar code on the box or bottle.

In a return machine (RVM) it is common to look at and recognize the shape of the object at one place in said RVM and to recognize other identifiable, characteristic features such as characters, barcodes etc. at another place. If, for example, a barcode is not directly visible to a barcode reader, the object must be rotated until the barcode becomes visible and can be read by the reader.

It is a well-known fact that in order to be able to detect both the outline of the object and to read signs or identifying features placed on the object, including object rotation to find and read identifying features, it is necessary to provide multiple and separate operating units, whereby the additional space is required inside said RVM to carry out the operations. If there is also a requirement for a sorting function, further challenges arise with regard to available space. Said EP publications EP 1311448 and 1313656 deal, with reference to an RVM for beverage containers such as bottles and cans, providing contour detection, bar code reading and beverage container sorting. Contour detection and sorting are performed by one operating unit (see EP 1313656), and a further operating unit (EP 1311448) enables beverage container rotation to find a barcode and barcode reading.

US 5934 440 relates to a device with a detection station for reading a bar code, rotation of the object, such as a bottle, to locate a bar code that is not immediately visible, as well as a sorting function. However, the possibility of detecting the contour of an object at such a station is not available and needs to be performed by a separate station conveniently located upstream, as discussed in the said patent.

There has therefore been a long-felt need to provide a technical solution that provides a more compact, yet simple and cost-effective arrangement and with the possibility of both contour detection and identification of features found on the object, as well as a sorting function and other optional functions .

It is a well-known technique in a return vending machine (RVM) to provide motion detectors or light curtains in the form of transmitter/receiver pairs to detect when an object has reached a certain position in said RVM, to alarm if someone tries to move a hand into said RVM, or viewing a video image to detect entry into or direction of movement into a detection area so that it is seen by a camera. Upon such detection, action can be taken to prevent further operation of moving parts and/or trigger an alarm. Also, in the case of transmitter/receiver pairs, expensive hardware must be installed, configured and maintained.

European patent EP 0910485 (Tomra Systems ASA) deals with a camera functionality for controlling movements in a camera field of view in connection with a return machine. Such motion control is software related.

If a specific part of a camera-provided image of, for example, an entrance area of a device such as a return machine for empty beverage containers is to be used for monitoring security risks, any software update related to camera function must also be documented and certified to ensure that said monitoring capability is still operational . Such a process is time-consuming and expensive. In the case of, for example, camera failure, the image may appear blank as if no activity or events in the camera's field of view will be present. In such a situation, a natural security risk may be present. Safety risks include, for example, the risk of a person getting a hand injured if it is inserted into said RVM, or operational failure due to incorrect handling of said RVM by a person.

Return machines usually issue a specially written or printed symbol that relates to the return or deposit value of empty beverage containers received by the return machine (RVM), and the symbol is then taken to a reward unit or so-called check-out or payment station to receive a cash reward or a cash deduction from a bill to be paid for other sales items or goods, such as food. However, there has also been a long-felt desire to simplify the publication of symbols in an RVM in order to avoid occasionally occurring and natural printer errors that are well known to those skilled in the art when symbols are to be printed with individual return value related data.

Security measures have been implemented in recent years to avoid repeated fraud attempts by presenting home-made symbols at the reward unit with a pledge value printed on it. Thus, the new tokens that are issued have also included a special serial number, and both the pledge value and the serial number have been communicated from said RVM to a central computer, conveniently located in the store or supermarket, to validate the token, and when the token has been presented at the reward unit, payment is made to the customer and the central computer then invalidates the token by removing data from availability in the reward unit.

The symbols are usually made of thin paper from a roll of paper that passes through a printer, ideally a thermal printer, before being issued to the customer. However, experience has shown that the use of such printed paper symbols has the disadvantage that the printer occasionally fails, the printer is expensive and needs maintenance at regular intervals, and the paper from the paper roll is expensive and needs to be of a certain quality to provide such a low failure rate as possible.

It is well known in the art that equipment used for handling empty beverage containers in a return vending machine (RVM) is frequently soiled by beverage residue that comes from the inside of such containers, and which causes malfunction of the equipment or drive motor overload if appropriate washing and cleaning is not carried out at regular intervals intervals, in many cases with a necessity of cleaning once every day.

Such equipment is conventionally made with drive motors that are fixed to the equipment either on the outside or inside, and with a sophisticated or expensive plug/socket connection for power supply in the return machine. During cleaning of such equipment, often with hot water and/or pressurized water or other cleaning agent, motors and couplings can be damaged or get wet by ingress of water, with the inherent risk of malfunctioning due to leakage currents or even short circuits. Therefore, expensive and sophisticated technical solutions must be designed to avoid such damage or other operational problems or risks. Such solutions have therefore included specially built motors, plug and socket units, connections etc.

The present invention is therefore intended to overcome the present everyday problem associated with the operation of return machines which need frequent cleaning to remove spillage of beverage residues which more than often have a very high sugar content, resulting in sticky functional components and adhesion between components, which causes unnecessary wear and tear on functional components and drive units, and causes a reduced lifespan for many components, as well as a significant risk of malfunction.

In the following, various aspects of the present invention will be explained in their respective order by means of examples and with reference to the attached drawings, where the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, although with regard to certain elements, different reference numerals have been used for elements which have the same characteristics with regard to functioning and for practical reasons.

On the drawings:

Figure 1a shows in a perspective view an exemplary mode of a return machine with object storage chamber, object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor means, camera-assisted detector devices, supplementary object collection device, symbol issuer, symbol reader, security device and drive device,

figures 1b and 1c show the object rotation, sorting and conveyor device with its longitudinal axis tilted relative to the horizontal,

figure 2a shows an exemplary embodiment of a substantially upwardly oriented bearing or bearing chamber according to the invention,

figures 2b and 2c show embodiments of figure 2a in connection with a compactor,

figure 3 is a further principle drawing of a storage room or chamber for a storage facility according to the present invention,

figure 4 is a principle drawing showing a first embodiment of an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility according to the present invention,

figure 5 is a principle drawing showing a second embodiment of an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility according to the present invention,

figure 6 is a principle drawing showing an exemplary arrangement of a storage facility according to the present invention with several storage chambers,

figure 7 is a principle drawing showing an exemplary possible set-up of a storage facility according to the present invention which has several storage chambers and a drum-type conveyor unit,

figure 8 is a principle drawing showing a possible arrangement of a storage facility according to the present invention with several storage chambers, a transporting and sorting device, and a device for reading information from, or detecting the type of returnable object that is placed in an input receiving area,

figure 9 is a partial sectional view of a drum-type conveyor for a storage facility according to the present invention, placed in a first rotational position,

figure 10 is a perspective view of the drum type conveyor shown in figure 9,

Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for inclusion in the present invention, the drum being in a second rotational position with a piston-like piston element in a retracted position,

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the conveyor in Figure 11,

figure 13 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for inclusion in the storage facility according to the present invention, the drum being rotated in a first direction from the second position to occupy a third rotational position in which the piston-like piston element is in an advanced position,

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the positional state of the drum type conveyor in Figure 13,

figure 15 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the drum type conveyor for inclusion in a storage facility according to the invention, with the drum rotated in a direction opposite to that starting at figures 11, 12 and ending at figures 13, 14, i.e. a rotation in clockwise, as seen in Figure 15, from the second position to the first position to assume a further rotational position with the piston-like piston in an advanced, downward-facing position,

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a positional state of the drum-type conveyor according to Figure 15, seen partly from the underside,

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for inclusion in a storage facility according to the present invention, which has a roller and a load cell applied to the roller,

Figure 18 is an illustration of a drum type conveyor embodiment housed in an enclosure with a bearing for the roller and load cell on a movable arm;

figure 19 shows the bearing and load cell arrangement of figure 18 with the movable arm positioned for bearing and load cell engagement with a roller,

figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a conveyor which has a movable piston in a stationary housing and which is useful for a storage facility according to the invention,

figure 21 is a principle drawing of the conveyor in figure 20 in a different operating state,

figure 22 is a principle drawing of a second and modified embodiment of the conveyor in figures 20 and 21,

figure 23 is a schematic side view of the conveyor in figure 22,

Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the conveyor in Figures 20-23 to illustrate rotation of a returnable item received in the input receiving area of the conveyor,

Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a camera-assisted viewing device for viewing an object with respect to the outline of the object and identifying features or signs of the object,

figure 26 is a schematic, albeit somewhat more detailed sketch of the first embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device and shows in greater detail a first object-supporting, rotating, sorting and transporting device,

Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a second object-supporting, rotating, sorting and transporting device,

Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of a ninth embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of a tenth embodiment of the camera-assisted viewing device,

Figure 37a shows a camera image with two image parts, and Figure 37b shows a camera surveillance image with a set of dedicated camera image sensor array image elements indicated,

figure 37c shows a simplified circuit diagram which forms part of the block diagram in figure 46,

figure 38 is a schematic diagram for showing camera reading of bar code on a symbol on a symbol storage device,

figure 39 is an exemplifying symbol,

figure 40a is a partial view of a support device and a background area or panel,

figure 40b is a variant of the background area or panel shown in figure 40a,

figure 41a is a sketch of a first embodiment of a symbol reading means, figure 41b is a sketch of a second embodiment of a symbol reading means,

figure 42 is a perspective view of part of the drawing in figure 38,

figures 43 – 45 are a perspective view of a symbol publisher seen respectively from the underside, from the side and from above, and essentially from above,

Figure 46 is a block diagram of electrically or electronically operative elements in a system incorporating the invention,

Figure 47 is a schematic diagram to show drive devices for rotatably driving a drum in said object supporting, rotating, sorting and transporting device,

figures 48a and 48b are schematic diagrams to show a mechanical drive coupling between drive devices (figure 48a) and a handling device, for example a "soft-fall" storage container (figure 48b),

figure 49a shows in principle an alternative mechanical drive coupling, and figure 49b is a modification thereof,

figure 50a shows the sketch in figure 47 with a first type of drum rotation position sensors indicated,

Figure 50b shows the sketch of Figure 47 with a second type of drum rotation position sensors indicated, and

Figure 51 shows a perspective view of a return machine with object storage chamber, object supporting, rotating, sorting and transporting device, object collecting device, symbol issuer, symbol reader and drive devices.

RVM overview

Figure 1a shows in an exemplary embodiment a return vending machine (RVM) 1 which contains the main inventive aspect of the present invention, i.e. object storage chamber 2, object supporting, rotating, sorting and transporting unit 3, camera-assisted detector device 4, supplementary object collection device 5, symbol publisher 6, symbol reader 7, safety device 8, and drive devices 9; 9'. The unit 3 (later designated as 200) could have had its longitudinal axis 3' horizontal or forming an angle α with the horizontal, giving an angle β in the range ± 0º - 30º, as indicated in figures 1b and 1c. In the more detailed description that follows, the operative devices 2 - 9 that have just been mentioned will be designated by other reference numbers for practical reasons. Attention is also directed to figure 51 which shows the figure in figure 1a, however with several reference numbers introduced to identify the location of certain of the various operating devices which are extensively described in the description that follows in connection with figures 2 - 50.

Upward oriented bearing

With reference to figure 2a which shows a principle drawing for a storage chamber according to the present invention, certain features related to the storage chamber and the principles of the present invention will now be explained. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage chamber has an elongated and vertically oriented shape, with bottom and side walls, where the side walls are separated, preferably sufficient to allow a side-by-side storage of a majority of returnable items. The storage chamber has a feed opening in the lower part of the chamber, preferably arranged in one of the side walls, and feeding the warehouse is achieved by driving returnable objects to be stored in the chamber into the storage chamber through the feed opening. By properly selecting the force with which the objects are driven into the storage chamber, and preferably using a forced push or thrust mode operation, the object already placed in the storage chamber will be driven away from the feed opening and into the interior or rear of the chamber until the chamber is be filled to the level where the feed opening is located and then be driven upward by additional objects driven into the chamber.

In the illustration in figure 2a, the storage chamber 100 which illustrates the invention is respectively provided with a bottom part 120 and a side wall 130, 131 or 132, and an upper part 150. A feed opening 140 is placed in the lower part of one of the side walls. To allow the storage space 110 to be emptied safely into the removable transport container (not shown), such as a large box, for the removal of returnable items 10 collected in the storage space or chamber 110, the bottom 120 can be made movable or removable, or one of the side walls 130 can be made movable, so that objects stored in the chamber or room 110 can be removed from there. When the chamber is filled with returnable items 10, it can be expected that the force used to drive additional items 10 into the storage space through the feed opening 140 may give rise to some tension in the items already in the storage, due to other forces such as from friction or the weight of stored items 10. Tension or friction can typically result in problems when attempting to empty a filled storage space, for which reason a movable interior wall 132 is proposed so that in the case where the bottom portion 120 is adapted to be opened to empty the storage space, the internal wall 132 can be moved in a direction away from the objects 10 that are already in the storage space. Thus, the tension will be relieved and the friction reduced. This will enable easy emptying of the warehouse. When the storage space is filled above the feed opening, there is a risk that objects already placed in the storage space can flow back through the feed or inlet opening. In order to stop such possible backflow, a backflow blocking device 170 is preferably provided in the area of the feed opening.

The storage space has a width dimension 111 which is a multiple of the width dimension 11 of a returnable object for storage in said upwardly oriented storage, whereby a majority of returnable objects can be accommodated substantially or at least partially side-by-side in the inner space.

Figure 2a shows a conveyor 200 for feeding objects into the warehouse 100. Exemplary embodiments of such a conveyor will be described with particular reference to Figures 8 - 24.

Although figure 2a shows a theoretical side-by-side stacking of returned items 10 at the bottom, inside the warehouse, practical tests have shown that in reality the items can be left at least partially in a "criss-cross" manner, as indicated above in the storage chamber. Thus, in general, at least a partial "crosswise" stacking will be present everywhere in the stacking in the chamber.

Figure 2b shows the use of an object compactor device 290 between the conveyor 200 and the warehouse 100. The compactor device 290 could be of any suitable type. In a particularly exemplary embodiment, it could be in the form of a set of spiked chains in a wedge-like arrangement to provide progressively flattened and punctured returnable objects. The use of a set of flattening rollers acting as a compactor device could also be envisaged, as well as other types of well-known compactors.

Although the conveyor 200 is included upstream of the compactor 290 in Figure 2b, it will be understood that in a particular embodiment the warehouse 100 and the compactor 290 could be able to operate without the use of the conveyor 200. In an alternative, which is generally indicated on Figure 2c, a conveyor could be included, as indicated in Figure 2b, or the conveyor need not be provided, or it could be operatively integrated with the compactor unit, the integrated unit being labeled 291.

The compactor device 290 in Figure 2b indicates that it receives returnable items with a longitudinal axis for the item in question 10 across the infeed device. The compactor device 291 shown in Figure 2c is suitably of a type capable of receiving the returnable object 10 with its longitudinal axis in the feed device. However, this means that the transverse dimension 111 of the bearing should preferably be a dimension 11' related to the compressed object 10' which exceeds at least one maximum longitudinal extent 11'' of an object 10 to be compressed.

It will be noted that when items are fed into the warehouse 100, after compaction, the orientation of the compacted items will be rather arbitrary or to a large extent in a "criss-cross" manner, regardless of whether the items were fed into the compactor in a cross- or longitudinal direction.

With reference to Figure 3, an alternative input arrangement for storage chambers will now be explained. In the principle shown in Figure 3, compared to the principle shown in Figures 2a - 2c, the feed opening 140 is no longer located in a side wall, but instead in a bottom part 122 of the storage chamber 100. In this arrangement, objects 10 to be stored will be given an upward motion or propulsive component as a result of the partial upward propulsive component applied to propel objects into the storage space. Corresponding to what is shown in Figures 2a - 2c, several possibilities can be provided for removing objects stored in the storage space, such as by means of a movable or removable bottom part 121, or by a side wall arrangement as shown at 130, 131 or 132 on figures 2a – 2c. The storage chamber shown is adaptable to handle an overflow of stored items 10 by being provided with an overflow opening 160 through which too many items due to an overfilling of the storage space can escape from the storage chamber 110 and thereby relieve the storage chamber 110 of any additional stress that may result from further filling the chamber with additional items 10 when the chamber has reached a point of maximum filling.

Figure 4 shows, in principle, an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility according to the invention. The storage chamber can have any type of feed opening in its lower part as shown in Figures 2a - 2c or 3 and is made expandable by means of a movable top section 151. By making the movable top section 151 of a lightweight material, the driving force supplied to a returnable object entering the storage space through the feed opening should advantageously be sufficient to move the top section in an upward direction to allow an expansion of the storage chamber. The upward movement of the top section 151 can also be enabled by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic devices to name a few, so that the driving force applied to an object 10 entering the storage space can be maintained at a level independent of the design or materials selected for the top section.

Figure 5 shows the principle of another alternative for providing an expandable storage chamber, where the upper part 150 comprises flexible elements which by an upward movement of the upper part and the connected flexible elements 152 will provide an increase of the storage space when the warehouse is filled with returned items . Advantageously, as explained with reference to Figure 4, the top section and flexible elements are preferably made of a lightweight material so that the upward movement necessary to expand the storage chamber can be enabled by the force applied when an element is driven into the storage space through the feed opening. . A vertical movement of the upper section and the flexible members 152 can be provided by other means, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic, to name a few.

Reference should now be made to figure 6 which provides an illustration of the principles of the present invention in a possible arrangement which has several storage chambers. The exemplary storage facility shown in Figure 6 comprises as many as three storage chambers, 110, 112 and 114 respectively, each having a respective feed opening positioned to be in communication with a conveyor 200 capable of receiving an item in a input receiving area 110, and transport the received object 10 to a selected one of the input openings 141, 142 and 143 (see also reference numbers 263, 264 and 265 with respect to the embodiments according to Figures 20 - 24 and 32) in the respective storage chambers 110, 112 and 114 The storage chamber 110 is provided with a cooperating supplementary storage room 161 which is in connection with the first storage chamber 110 by means of overflow openings 160 in the upper part of adjacent side walls. The storage chambers 110 and 112 have respective feed openings 141 and 142 located in respective side walls in their lowermost portions, and are dimensioned to suitably provide a filling of the respective chamber in an upward direction when the appropriate object is driven into the chamber through the respective feed opening. In the example in Figure 6, the storage chamber 110 has been provided with a deflector 180 located inside the chamber and at a suitable distance from the feed opening 141 to provide an upward force component to objects that are driven or forced into the storage space in a particular direction, even though the driving force has already may have an upward drive component. Thus, the upward driving forces exerted on the object 10 when it enters the chamber will be more consistent, and also less dependent on the shape and nature of other objects 10 that are already in the warehouse. Advantageously, the deflector may be movable, such as by being tiltable or even removable, to allow easy and complete removal of all items held in the storage chamber when the storage chamber is to be emptied.

Figure 7 shows a simplified variant of the setup shown in Figure 6, and with a conveyor of a drum type which provides a very compact facility for receiving, transporting, sorting and storing returnable items. The device shown in Figure 7 is capable of sorting, transporting and storing large quantities of returnable items, while requiring very little floor space, by utilizing the compact conveyor and sorter 200 and the vertically oriented storage system of the present invention . Thus, the need to use a separate lifting device to fill from a low level a high storage compartment has been eliminated, so that in a practical implementation and embodiment, the storage compartment can extend from any level up to a ceiling above as desired, which is very beneficial in a small business environment, such as in a convenience store or a fuel station, where available floor space is typically quite limited. The embodiment according to Figure 7 enables the additional storage or item collector 114 below the conveyor and sorter 200. In the case of receiving returnable items such as bottles and cans, glass bottles could for example be dropped by gravity into the collector 114 when the conveyor and sorter 200 has brought such an object type to be just above a receiving opening for the collector 114.

Figure 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment arrangement according to the present invention where a very compact drum-based conveyor is used with as many as three different storage chambers, denoted by 110, 112 and 114, for storing different types of returnable items 10. The conveyor 200 is adapted for to receive articles in an input receiving area 210, and to move and discharge the article, based on certain criteria and a decision made by a control unit operating the drum drive unit, at either a first exit 224 to drive the article into a storage room 110, or to a second exit, which is either the second exit 226 to propel a received item 10 into the related storage chamber 112, or the exit 226' to, in the particular embodiment, also allow gravity to assist in moving the item 10 from the conveyor to the related storage room 114. The storage room 114 is particularly useful for items against which a relatively high d tearing force should not be used, such as for example objects of fragile glass or heavy objects, such as bottles containing significant amounts of liquid content, or for other reasons found unsuitable for being driven into one of the raised storage rooms 110 or 112 for high storage above the level of the entrance reception area.

Although three storage chambers 110, 112 and 114 are shown in Figure 8, in a practical embodiment with a rotary conveyor and sorter as shown, only two storage chambers would be used, for example 110, 112; 110, 114; or 112, 114 with the related outputs 224, 226; 224, 226'; or 226; 226'.

In the arrangement according to figure 8, the storage chamber 110 is provided with an overflow opening which provides communication to a supplementary storage chamber 161. The arrangement of the plant as shown provides a very compact design, improved by the use of the conveyor means of the compact drum type. For a person who is to deposit a returnable item at the facility, there is conveniently an entrance receiving area 210 located as shown in the lower half of the facility. The facility includes a recognition unit 20 for returnable items, which unit may include or be connected to a control unit to control the operation of the conveyor 200. The recognition unit 20 may be of an optical or acoustic type, or use other or supplementary technology, such as magnetic, mechanical or electrical sensing to determine the type of returnable item 10 that has been placed in the input receiving area 210, or to read information or identifying features (eg barcode) carried by or placed on the item 10. A preferred embodiment of a recognition unit is further described in connection with figures 25 - 42 and 46. In particular, with reference to the storage chambers 110; 112, using a movable side wall 130; 132 or a movable storage chamber 114, the storage chamber 114 can be expanded to fill the unused space shown to appear below the first storage chamber 110. To enable easier filling of the upright oriented storage chambers 110 and 112, a deflector 180, such as shown in Figure 6 is also included.

The conveyor device of the rotating drum type

Reference will now be made to figure 9 to explain the drum type conveyor according to the present invention. The drum type conveyor includes a drum-shaped member rotating about a central, longitudinal axis of rotation 221. A generally rectangular and elongate recess-like space or cavity, which is open at the circumferential region of the drum, is provided in the drum, to hold an elongate movable member which can be retracted and advanced, the movable element having an outer surface which, in the advanced position, is preferably substantially aligned with an outer surface of the drum. In the accompanying drawings, the movable element is indicated by the reference numeral 223, and the space or cavity in the drum is designated by the reference numeral 222. The rotatability of the drum 220 is achieved by the use of bearings located at an area at each end of the drum, and located on the axis of rotation and 221. A portion of the construction is shown in principle, for example, in Figure 8, such that a housing can be adapted to hold the bearings in place, thereby allowing the drum to rotate with its outer surface 228 in the vicinity of the input receiving area 210 which is effected to coincide with an inlet opening 425 (see figure 51) in the cabinet 250 (see figure 18), 428 (see figure 51). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10 and other drawings, the drum 220 can be placed in a frame 240 to form a conveyor assembly for easy conveyor assembly removal for convenient conveyor cleaning, testing, maintenance and replacement.

In order to ensure proper alignment and good fixing of the conveyor unit when it is placed in a storage facility according to the invention, the frame 240 is suitably adapted to fit a receiving frame 251 (figure 18) which is preferably part of a cabinet (figure 18) , 428 (figure 51), and which enables any of the possible arrangements of a storage facility, as exemplified by means of several of the preceding drawings.

Preferably, as shown in Figures 10, 14 or 16, the movable element 223 is driven by means of a movable element drive device comprising a carrier or roller 232, which is attached to the movable element 223, which senses a track 231 which is located near a end of the drum and which is stationary with respect to the drum. By providing a driver or roller 232 on each side of the movable member, caused to engage respective stationary tracks 231 located near respective ends of the drum, a balanced driving force can be applied to the movable member by rotation of the drum. Thus, only the drum will require a drive for the assembly to operate as described herein, the movable element will be driven by the movement of the drum relative to the stationary track. The shape of the track, i.e. the distance of the track, i.e. the distance of the track from the axis of rotation of the drum, controls the position of the carrier or roller 232, and thus the position of the movable element, in a radial direction with respect to the central axis of the drum. The track is a single, continuous track 231 which is followed by the carrier or rolling device 232.

In Figure 9, the drum 220 is shown in a first rotational position with the movable member in an advanced position and pointing downward, and with a returnable object 10 introduced into the feed receiving space or area 210 to be placed on an upward facing area of the outer circumferential surface 228 of the drum 220. In a preferred embodiment, the drum type conveyor includes an elongated roller 243, or other means to allow rotation of the article while holding the article in the feed receiving area, to enable a rotation of a returnable article 10 resting on the drum surface 228 when the drum 220 is set in rotation about its axis of rotation 221. In particular, when the returnable object is provided with a readable code for identification of the object or to provide a certain information about the object, rotation of the object 10 will often be necessary to position the part of the object 10 which carries the code so that they n becomes readable, for example using a reader or recognition device 20 positioned to observe the input receiving area, as shown in Figure 8. The drum type conveyor also has a guide 241, such as an arcuate plate member, extending from the area 210 to the exit 224 , as will be further explained in connection with figure 15. Additional guides 241. for example, as also shown in figure 15, could extend from the area 210 down to the exit 226'.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view with the drum 220 in the first rotational position as shown in Figure 9 and with the returnable object 10 resting on an upwardly facing part of the drum's circumference. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the conveyor is provided with a roller drive means 244 to drive the roller 243 in connection with driving the drum, such that the surface speed of the roller 243 is in a range of a speed of a rolling surface 228 of the drum when this is rotated. Preferably, the roller drive means 244 comprises a gear drive arrangement which mechanically provides for a rotation of the roller 243 upon rotation of the drum 220. Movement in an axial direction of returnable article 10 which is placed in the input receiving area and rests on the drum 220 and the roller 243 is partially limited by end walls 229 associated with and located at each end of the drum 220, and partly of elements 242 forming the frame 240. Depending on the design of the means for driving the movable piston-like element 221 between its retracted position and its advanced position, the conveyor shown in Figure 10 may be provided with a single output 224, corresponding to only one specific angular drum rotation position, or with a second output at a different angular drum rotation position.

In Figure 11, the drum is shown in a second rotational position with said space or cavity opening in the drum facing the input receiving area, and with the movable element 223 moved to the retracted position. This has thereby allowed the returnable object 10, shown in Figure 5 resting on the circumferential drum surface 228, to fall into the recess-like space or cavity 222, when the drum is rotated to arrive at the second position after rotation from the first position, and be retained by the drum 220. The same situation is also shown in the perspective view of figure 12, which shows parts of the internal side walls of the room 222 and the drum end walls 229 which help to limit movement of the returnable object 10 so that it cannot pass the room which is provided by cavity 222.

In Figure 13, a partial sectional view of the drum type conveyor shows the drum in a third angular position, where the movable member is moved in a first direction counterclockwise from the retracted position shown in Figures 11 and 12 to an advanced position to drive the returnable object to the first exit 224, preferably for the purpose of driving the object 10 towards the feed opening in a storage chamber 110. If operation takes place in a second direction with the clockwise direction of a second exit, which is either exit 226 or exit 226', but not both, feed to a respective storage chamber 112 or 114 is imagined. The drum type conveyor is provided with said guide 241 to limit the object to its position in the cavity 222 while the drum is rotated from the second position with the cavity 222 facing the input receiving area 210 to the third angular position where the opening of the cavity faces the first exit 224. The same situation is also shown in perspective view in Figure 14, with the opening of the cavity 222 aligned with the first exit 224 and with the movable element 223 in an advanced position.

In Figure 15, a partial cross-sectional view of the drum type conveyor shows the situation based on the situation shown in Figure 11, now with the drum rotated in a second and opposite direction of rotation (clockwise in the example), whereby the returnable object 10 received in the space or cavity 222 when the drum was in its second rotational position has been guided by the drum through a rotation of the drum through approx. 180º, so that the drum takes its first position as shown in figures 9 and 10. The object is driven out of the space 222 by means of the movable element 223 which moves from a retracted position to an advanced position, but also by the action of gravity. A guide 241 is provided to limit the movement of the article 10 when held in the space 222 while the drum is rotated from the second rotational position with the space facing the input receiving area 210 to the first rotational position with the opening of the space 222 and the curved surface 223' of the member 223 adapted the exit 226'. The situation in Figure 15 is also shown in the perspective drawing from below in Figure 16, with the object 10 coming out of the conveyor at the alternative exit 226'.

For transpot of an object 10 that has entered the recess-like space or cavity to one of two possible exits in a particular embodiment of the combined drum conveyor and sorter, different directions of rotation can be used. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 - 16 of the attached drawings, for example, the drum could be rotated in a first direction (for example counter-clockwise, as shown) to deliver an object at the first exit 224, while a rotation in a second direction (for example clockwise, as shown) would be applied to the drum for delivery of the article 10 at the second exit 226 or 226'.

Thus in the present context, there are in effect four main rotational positions for the drum 220,

a) the first rotational position with the recess 222 and the element 223 facing downwards,

b) the second rotational position with the recess 222 and the element 223 facing upwards, thereby facing the input receiving area,

c) the third rotational position with the recess 222 and the element 223 facing the first exit 224, and

d) the fourth rotational position with the recesses 222 and 223 facing the second exit 226 or facing the alternative second exit 226'. If facing the exit 226', the fourth rotational position will in effect be the same as the first rotational position.

Now, with reference to Figures 17, 18 and 19, a load cell arrangement for determining a mass of a returnable object placed on the drum type conveyor of the invention will be explained. When positioned to rest on the drum 220 or when the drum 220 is rotated to rotate the object 10, the object 10 will also partially rest on or rotate with the roller 243, if such roller 243 is provided. Reference is also now made to figure 9 to see how the object 10 will rest against the roller 243. In order to make a decision as to whether or not the object 10 is to be accepted for storage in the facility according to the invention, or to determine the storage chamber in a embodiment that has multiple storage chambers, the mass of the object 10 should be determined. To enable a mass determination, the roller 243 is provided with at least one bearing 245 which supports the roller shaft 243 at one end of the roller, which bearing 243 is connected to and supported by a load cell 246. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 17, the load cell 246 attached to a frame 240 for the conveyor, while a further bearing 248 is provided at an opposite end of the roller.

A second and alternative embodiment of a load cell arrangement according to Figure 17 for determining a mass of a returnable object 10 resting on the roller 243 is shown in Figure 18. The arrangement includes a bearing 252 to be applied to one end of the roller shaft 247 when the conveyor is positioned in a cabinet 250. In this particular embodiment, the shaft 247 is partially free to move about in a plane perpendicular, respectively vertical to the axis of rotation of the roller 243, and with the bearing 252 applied to the end part of the shaft 247 of the roller 243 after placing the drum type conveyor in the housing 250,251 denotes an electrical connection to the load cell 253. Thus, in Figure 18 the removable bearing 252 and its associated load cell 252 are shown in a detached position, while, in Figure 19, the housing arm 250' which holds the bearing 252 has been relocated to a position wherein the bearing 252 engages the bearing receiving end of the roller shaft 247 to provide provide a bearing with a load cell 253 which is referenced to the cabinet 250 or to the frame 240. The embodiments according to figures 17 - 19 are particularly advantageous to avoid, as far as possible, the risk of residual liquid content in returnable items 10 being placed on top of the conveyor and typically can be spilled, such spills or spills likely to require more frequent removal of the conveyor unit from the enclosure than normal to clean up spills of such unwanted liquid. Also, the use of the load cell prevents an RVM user from getting lucky with an attempted fraud by introducing a full, unopened beverage container into the receiving area and placing it on top of the drum. The detection system 20 (see Figure 8) will – as will be explained later – determine according to predetermined data that a certain observed and recognized object should have a certain weight or a certain weight range. If the object is a full beverage can or bottle, the aforementioned RVM will decide that there is a potential fraud situation and trigger an alarm. Also, in the embodiment shown, the drive means for driving the conveyor is separable from the drum-type conveyor itself (as will be explained later), so that by removing the conveyor from the storage facility unit, the load cell will remain on the facility (ie located on the cabinet arm 250' ) and thus be protected from being subject to any harmful cleaning agents and water that will typically be used to clean the conveyor. If the load cell is placed on the frame 240 for the conveyor, as shown in figure 17, special measures must be taken to ensure that the load cell is not damaged by possible washing and cleaning operations on the conveyor 200. Thus, the embodiments in figures 18 and 19 are considered to be the preferred embodiment.

Conveyor device of piston type

In the following, a piston-like piston in a stationary housing type of the conveyor part of the present invention will be explained.

Reference should first be made to figure 20, which in principle shows a first embodiment of a substantially linear movable plunger in a conveyor of the type with a stationary housing, such as comprising an elongated housing 260 with an entrance opening 262 on one side adapted to face the input receiving area 210 of the storage facility, an interior space 261, a substantially linear plunger or sliding member 270, a first exit 263 and a second exit 264. Although exemplified here with a housing based on a straight-forward construction for a straight-line movement of the plunger, the the housing is designed to be arcuate in any direction to allow a discharge at an arbitrarily chosen angle. With a housing that has a curved shape, the plunger piston will naturally follow a curved path corresponding to the shape of the housing. Also, as shown in Figure 20, there is an elongated slot 272 in one side of the housing, which is provided as an access means to allow a piston driver (not shown) to be attached to the piston 270 for positioning the piston in various parts thereof. internal spaces 261. Such a slot may be provided at any longitudinally extending side of the housing, and also at more than one side to provide a balanced driving force to the piston. Figure 20 also shows a returnable object 10 which has been placed in the input receiving area, and which, by means of gravity and the provision of the input opening 262, will fall into the internal space 261 of the housing, thereby being placed adjacent to the piston 270 when the piston initially has been placed in a first position which is below the opening 262.

In a preferred embodiment of the conveyor and sorter according to the present invention, as shown in figures 20 and 21, which includes the movable piston in a conveyor of the type with a stationary housing, the conveyor conveniently includes an object turning device, preferably by using at least one roller 273 or preferably two rollers 273, 273' if two outputs 263, 264 are to be used. The device is placed adjacent to the entrance opening 262. The upper side surface 271 of the piston, i.e. the side of the piston that will be facing the entrance opening 262, of a surface structure that is particularly prepared to provide good friction against a returnable object 10 that has been deposited in the entrance receiving area and brought to rest on the upper side surface 271 of the piston. A rotation of the object 10 resting on the upper side surface 271 of the piston 270 is thereby achieved by movement of the piston 270 while the object rests on top of the piston 270, which rotation is further improved by means of the rollers 273, 273'. The rollers 273, 273' can also cause the object 10 not to move away from the opening 262 during rotation or if the longitudinal axis 260' (see figures 21 and 23) of the housing forms an angle with the horizontal. The upper side surface 271 of the piston 270 can be expanded in any direction of movement of the piston 270 to achieve a desired range of rotation for the object 10 resting on the upper side surface 271 of the piston 270. Although only one roller 273 may be sufficient, a preferred embodiment of the piston type conveyor and sorter two rollers 273, 273', one on each side of the entrance opening 262, to enable rotation of the article 10 in any direction in connection with a movement of the piston 270 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 260. The rollers are rotatably supported at each end by means of fittings 275. The rollers 273; 273' can be freely rotatable, or they can be driven by a drive device 274 by means of a separate drive means or by a connection to the piston 270 or the drive device for the piston. Preferably, but not necessarily, the drive devices are 274; 274', for example a motor inside the roller, arranged so that a surface speed of the roller 273 during its rotation is approximately the same as the surface speed of the upper surface 271 of the piston 270 relative to the housing 260 when the piston 270 is moved in the housing 260. For to obtain a measure of the mass of a returnable object 10 resting on the piston 270, any roller assembly 273 may include a load cell 276 suitably supporting the roller at one end thereof to measure a reaction force exerted on the roller as a function of acceleration or rotation of the object 10 due to movement of the piston 270, or a reaction force due to the weight of the object 10, in particular if the longitudinal axis of the housing 260 is made to tilt for example in the range ± 0º - 30º in relation to the horizontal.

In a next step of operation for the linear motion type conveyor, when the upper face 271 of the piston has moved away from the opening 262 towards either exit 263 or 264, the returnable object 10 will enter the inner space 261, and the piston 270 will then by movement in an opposite direction apply a driving force to the object to drive it towards and through, for example, the first exit 263 if the piston had first moved away from the opening 262 towards exit 264, or towards and through, for example, the second exit 264 if the piston had first moved away from the opening 262 towards the exit 263. In each case, the piston 270 would preferably force the object towards a feed opening 140 (see Figure 2a) or a feed opening 141 or 142 (see Figure 6) in a storage chamber in a storage facility as here described.

Now, with reference to Figure 22, a further variant of the conveyor and sorter of the type having the movable piston in a stationary housing will be explained, this embodiment having three outputs. In this variant, at least three positions for the piston element in the housing are defined, namely the piston positioned immediately below the inlet opening 262, with the piston positioned towards a first outlet 263 in the first direction of movement of the piston 270, and a further position where the piston has been moved close to a second outlet 264. For the sake of clarity, the rollers 273, 273' have not been shown in Figure 22, but the rollers will preferably be present in a practical embodiment. The variant shown in Figure 22 includes a third exit 265 of the housing, the third exit being located opposite and below the entrance opening 262 in the bottom of the housing 260. Preferably, the third exit 265 includes a closing means 265' which is shown in Figure 23, but not on figure 22. The closing means 265 is able to controllably block the exit 265, so that an object 10 that has been introduced into the inner space 261 of the housing 260 can be selectively kept from exiting the housing through the exit 265 if the object 10 is instead to directed towards a different output, for example output 263 or 264. The device 265' for selectively closing the third output 265 can be made operative by means of a separate drive device or actuator 265'', for example a solenoid, or by a connection to the piston 270, for example by placing the outlet in an open state when the piston is placed in an outer position within the housing, such as for example in connection with a movement of the piston for bi the position of the piston 270, as shown for example in Figure 22. By placing an object 10 in the input receiving area 210 immediately above the input opening 262 and with the third exit 265 in an open state, and by placing the piston 270 in a position where it does not blocking a passageway provided between the entrance 262 and the third exit 265 at the inner space 261 of the housing, the object 10 is allowed to pass through the opening 262, the interior of the housing 261 and then exit through the opening 265. The exit of the object 10 after traveling straight through the house from exit 262 to exit 265 is shown in figure 22.

Figure 24 shows how the piston 270 can be used to rotate the object 10, for example a bottle, by moving the piston one way or the other, as the rollers 273, 273' help with a safe and efficient rotation of the object 10. Understanding Figure 24 with respect to the rotation of the article 10 before entering the interior 261 of the housing 260 will be the same, regardless of the presence of the exit 265. In effect, the three-exit embodiment could be made instead of a two-exit embodiment, having, for example, exits 263 and 264, outputs 263 and 265 or outputs 264 and 265.

Single camera viewing device

Figure 25 shows a first light source 300 and a second light source 301, with the light source 301 suitably consisting of a plurality of partial light sources 302, 303, 304, 305. The light sources 300 and 301 are separately configured to illuminate a first area 306 and a second area 307 of an object, for example a returnable object 10; 10'; 10''; 10'''. A single camera 308 is provided to view at least part of the areas 306 and 307. The first light source 300 is configured to assist the camera 308 in viewing the outline of objects, items or articles 10, 10', 10'', 10''' which have different cross-sections, for example empty beverage packaging, such as cans and bottles against a light-reflecting area or background 313 which forms a light, light-emitting background. The light from the first light source 300 is directed at the object (for example, one of those marked 10 through 10''') as parallel light using a lens 314. The second light source 301 is configured to assist camera viewing by means of camera 308 for detection and recognition of any identity features that are placed on the object in the viewing sector indicated by 315.

Such identity features are suitably at least one of: barcode, graphic symbol and alphanumeric characters.

Although it would be possible to use two cameras instead of a single camera, the use of a single camera provides less technical complexity, a simpler and more maintainable construction, as well as requiring less space to perform the desired functions. Moreover, from a component cost aspect and installation cost, the invention also provides a significant advantage compared to a two-camera solution.

When a camera views, for example, an object outline or identifying feature thereon, the camera sensor array provides a string of array image element signals to be processed to identify or recognize such outline or feature, including the ability to allow the camera to read and effect identification of, for example, a bar code.

As can be seen from Figures 25 - 28, the first light source 300 illuminates the first area 306 via a light path that includes an optical beam splitter (or viewing splitter) 316 (Figures 25 and 26), 318 (Figure 27) or 319 (Figure 28), at least one inclined mirror 320 and the lens 314. However, it is noted that in most preferred versions two mirrors 320 and 321, as shown in Figures 25 - 27, are suitably used in the light path.

Figures 25, 26 and 28 show a light beam splitter 316; 319 which is placed in an inclined position in the camera field of view 322 and covers at least part of said field of view, suitably approx. half of the camera's field of view. Figure 27 shows an optical beam splitter 318 that covers the entire camera field of view.

It will be seen from figures 25 - 28 that camera viewing of the first area 306 via a mirror 320 or two mirrors 320, 321 is suitably carried out with the line of sight towards the object shifted by an angle α = 90º ± 30º in relation to the camera line of sight towards the object when the second area 307 is considered. In the drawings, in figures 25 – 28, the angle α is shown to be 90º. However, by arranging the mirrors 320, 321 differently, it is obvious that the angular range 90º ± 30º is possible.

In the event that an optical beam splitter 316 or 319 is used which is within only half or less of the camera field of view, there is the possibility that, when the camera is set to view the other area or part thereof, the splitter is suitably assisted by a vision blocker 323; 324 to prevent the camera from viewing both directly in the sector 315 and through the splitter, the splitter providing a less clear view. If the vision blocker 323; 324 is omitted, the camera will then be able to view the entire area 307.

Figure 27 shows the camera in a configuration set to view the area 307 completely via the beam splitter 318. This means that the camera 308 views either the first area 306 via the splitter, the mirrors 321, 320 and the lens 314, or secondarily the second area 307 via the splitter. In the latter situation, the light source 301 is fully or partially activated and the light source 300 is deactivated.

The light source 301, suitably comprising a plurality of partial light sources 302 - 305 is noticeably located in an area between the beam splitter 316; 318; 319 and an object-supporting device in the form of said compact conveyor and sorter 200. In the embodiments shown in figures 25, 26 and 28 - 30, the object-supporting device 200 is shown only schematically, but in more detail in figure 26. A more detailed operation of the object supporting means 200 and a possible, schematically shown alternative on figure 32, are discussed in the previous description of figures 1 - 24.

Some of the previously mentioned features of the object supporting device 200 will now be briefly highlighted in a specific context with camera-assisted viewing of an object, for example the object 10, placed on the object supporting device 200, said supporting device being in the form of the rotating drum 220 (see figure 26) with the auxiliary roller 243. The drum 220 and the roller 243 will controllably but forcibly rotate the object 10 on a part 220' or 220'' of the drum's circumference. The drum 220 has at least one radially inwardly adjustable space or cavity 222 for receiving the article 10 after its rotation on said circumferential portion and for transporting the article 10 upon rotation of the drum to an exit location, for example as generally indicated by arrows 224, 226 and 226 '. The camera 308 will be able to view and cause detection of the presence of the object 10 when it has fallen into the adjustable space 222. This has a safety function aspect and also a security function aspect, that is to prevent a possible fraud attempt. This means that the drum 220 will not begin to rotate until the camera 308 actually observes and causes detection of the object to be present in the space 222 and with the movable element 223 acting as a movable bottom in its fully retracted state. The direction in which the drum will then turn is determined by set criteria that are compared to recognize characteristic features of the object. This will be further explained and considered in connection with the description of Figure 38. Moreover, in the case that the contour of the object is to be viewed from above, instead of laterally, it will be advantageous to leave at least a part of the rotatable drum 220 visible with a coating that is retro-reflective with regard to light, in particular at the parts indicated by 220' and 220'' on the drum 220. Such a situation is particularly suitable in connection with the embodiment shown in figure 29 and will be further explained later .

A brief, repetitive description will now be given of the alternative supporting device shown in figures 20 - 24 in connection with camera-assisted viewing of an object 10. The single camera is generally denoted by 308, 308', the reference number 308' symbolizing viewing with the aid of of the camera 308 via, for example, a beam splitter 318 and mirrors 321, 320 (see figure 27). Said supporting device is suitably in the form of the housing 260 which forms a guide with an object-receiving entrance opening 262 and a reciprocating piston 270 therein. There are suitably two longitudinal sides of the opening 262 and an auxiliary roller 273; 273' for roller support during rotation of the object 10; 10'; 10''; 10''' on the stamp 270 when it is set to move with its upper surface 271 past said opening, thereby enabling the camera 308 to read an identifying feature on the object 10 if it is not immediately visible to the camera. The piston 270 is controllable to move past said opening 262, for example to the position shown by the dashed lines 270'' to allow the object to fall into the interior of the housing 260 through said opening 262 and upon return movement of the piston 270 (toward the left as shown in Figure 32) and cause the object to be pushed out of the housing to an exit point 263. From the understanding and concept shown in connection with the support device 200 in Figure 26, it is easily understood that the object 10 is camera observable while it is located in a place within said housing 260 below said opening 262, provided that such a place is in at least part of a field of view for the camera 380. In a particular embodiment, at least on the upper part 271 of the piston 270 can be placed a coating which is retro-reflective to light, thereby enabling the outline of the object, for example 10, to be viewed from above.

Figure 29 shows the use of a single camera 340 and with an optical beam splitter 341 inclined relative to a lens 343. A light source 342 enables illumination of the object, for example 10, through lens 343 to provide parallel light beams towards the support device 200, which has its drum parts 220' and 220'' (see Figure 26) provided with retro-reflective material or property that enables light not hitting the object to be retro-reflected back to the camera 340 via the lens 343 and the splitter 341 to provide an image of the object's outline . When it is desired to view and read identifying features on the object, such as for example a barcode, a light source 344 is activated, the light source being suitably of the same type as the light source 301. At the same time, the light source 340 can be deactivated, if this is necessary.

Figure 30 shows an embodiment which during operation is similar to that of Figure 29. A single camera 345 is used with the optical beam splitter 346 which is inclined in relation to a lens 347. A light source 348 enables illumination of the object, for example 10, via the lens 347 for providing parallel beams of light against a light-reflecting background or area 313 which enables light not hitting the object to be retro-reflected back to the camera 345 via the lens 347 and the splitter 346 to provide an image of the object's outline. When it is desired to view and read (or detect) identifying features of the object, such as for example a barcode, a light source 349 is activated, the light source being suitably of the same type as the light source 344, that is, comprising a majority of light- partial sources. At the same time as the light source 349 is activated, the light source 348 can be deactivated, if this is desired. Figure 31 is a modification of the embodiment of Figure 30, the main difference being the non-existence of the lens 347, which thus means that the contour of the object is not viewed by means of parallel light rays.

Figures 25 - 28 clearly show that said first and second areas 306, 307 are partially overlapping, and Figures 29 - 31 indicate complete overlap.

Figure 33 is identical to the embodiment shown in Figure 25, except for the light source 300 and the retro-reflective background 313 which have been omitted and replaced by a light-emitting, illuminated or back-lit panel 350, the panel 350 thus forming a bright background. In certain applications, ambient light may be sufficient for the camera to view a light background.

The panel 350 will provide the light background against which, for example, the object 10 is to be viewed by the single camera 308.

A similar situation is present with the embodiment of Figure 34, which is identical to the embodiment shown in Figure 27, except that the light source 300 and the retro-reflective background area 313 have been omitted and replaced by a light-emitting area, conveniently in the form of the panel 315 for to form a light background against which, for example, the object 10 is to be viewed by the single camera 308 in order to enable, for example, detection of the object outline.

The further embodiments shown in Figures 35 and 36 also relate to the use of a light emitting panel 350 to form a light background and against which camera viewing of an object can be made, as will be further explained.

Figure 35 is a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 30. It is noted that lens 353, which is conveniently of the same type as lens 347 in Figure 30 or lens 314 in other drawings, is present to allow a single camera 356 to view and detect object outline, for example contour of the object 309 against the panel 350 which in this embodiment forms the first light source. The second light source is the one indicated by 349, which could be formed by two or more light sub-sources. The camera 356 uses the lens 347 to enable viewing through the use of parallel rays, to obtain as accurate a contour image of the object as possible. The light source 349 is activated when the camera is to view and read identity features, such as for example barcode 309', placed on the object. Appropriately, the panel 350 then does not exhibit a light-emitting surface or background area, or its light-emitting intensity could appropriately be reduced. Other constructional details shown in Figure 35 will be further explained with reference to Figure 39.

Figure 36 is an embodiment with a single camera 358 capable of viewing an object, such as an empty beverage container or box 10; 10'; 10'' or 10'' against a light-emitting background area, such as the panel 350 as described earlier. For the camera 358 to view and read identifying features placed on the object, for example a bar code 10'''' on the object 10, it is preferred to use a second light source 359. When the light source 359 is activated, it would be preferred, although not essential , to reduce the light intensity from the panel 350 or even switch off the emission of light from the panel 350. The light source 359, which is similar or identical to the light source 349, could be formed by two or more partial sources.

From a consideration of figures 33 - 36, it will be understood that rotation of the object to be inspected, for example to conveniently find an identifying feature to be detected, is carried out by means of the object supporting device 200, 220, 243 or 260, 262, 270 , 271, 273, 273' as shown in greater detail in figures 26 and 32 respectively.

Moreover, it could be advantageous to let said first and second light sources, for example 300, 301; 300', 301; 342, 344; 348, 349; 350, 301; 350, 354; 350, 349; 350, 359 have different spectral range or composition. It will also be possible to add said other light sources 301; 344; 349; 359 be consisting of two or more partial sources. Moreover, the sub-sources could have a different spectral range or composition, either all different, different pairs or groups. Such features of the light sources and any partial sources are important for being able to detect, for example, identifying features of the objects that appear, for example, with different colors, different reflective properties, etc.

Further aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to Figure 37. In the particular case of the embodiments according to Figures 25, 26 and 28, as well as Figure 33, it will be appropriate to split the camera video image in two with a part 360 related to the first area 306 and another part 361 related to the second area 307. In the embodiments shown in Figures 27 and 34, it is conceivable to allocate half of the camera video image to the area 306 and the other half to the area 307, or alternatively to have alternating full video images of the areas 306 and 307. In the embodiments according to Figures 29, 30 and 36, the selection is only alternating full video images.

Camera viewing of the first area of the object 362 related to its contour 363 may additionally include observation or rather recognition of only the presence or absence of said identifying feature 364, for example barcode placed on the object.

The camera's focus will not be precisely on the features 364, but the camera will at least sense or detect with respect to the partial image 360 whether or not the features 364, here indicated by 364', are actually present, even if the partial image 360 appears blurred or something out of focus. If the features 364 are not visible on the image part 361, but visible on the part 360, this will indicate the necessity to rotate the object one way or the other through a maximum angle equal to 180º. The comparison between the two images 360 and 361 in this respect has some significance for the necessary degree of rotation of the object to be able to view and read the feature 364 appropriately in the area 307, and consequently also has significance with respect to the processing time to find move 364, read this and register it.

When a single camera is used in this way for camera consideration of both said first and second areas, the camera preferably, but not necessarily, has its image field divided into at least two sub-images 360, 361, the first sub-image 360 being dedicated to object contour detection and/or detection of presence or absence of said identifying feature, and the second part image 361 is dedicated to observation and reading of said identifying feature.

It is easily understood that the principle of detecting the presence or absence of identifying features in the area 306 and the need for rotation of the object is equally applicable when the camera switches between viewing the areas 306 and 307.

Operational safety/security facility

As stated in the introductory part of the description, it is also important to focus on safety/security aspects when using a device such as is extensively described in the present description and indicated in the drawings, in particular to avoid injury to persons operating the device or to avoid functional breakdown or blocking in the device.

The invention has therefore in this aspect focused on the implementation of safety/security measures provided from actions obtained by operating a hardware circuit adapted to read predefined or assigned image elements on the camera's sensor matrix, for example reading hardware assigned physical image elements in the camera sensor matrix when a camera image is made. A reliable safety/security measure related to possible operational risks, thus, for example, preventing a motor from operating by stopping its rotation or removing power to it to remove its torque.

This aspect of the invention is therefore able, through the use of camera functionality, to provide an efficient hardware-implemented light curtain functionality, as will be further explained in the following description with reference to figures 37a, 37b, 37c, 40a, 40b and 46.

In the present embodiment, a camera image is used, such as, for example, image 360 or 385 for detection of so-called "border crossing", i.e. an event in a field of view for the camera.

As indicated above, it is important to provide the staff or an operator (for example, a supermarket customer) with operational reliability of the device, for example a return machine, and also to protect in such device machinery, which has moving parts, against externally created interference that could cause operational damage or personal injury , or operational or personal risk. With a light curtain functionality, it is possible to put the operation out of order or stop the machinery completely immediately and prevent further operation until the cause of such interruption of operation has been dealt with.

With reference to figures 40a and 40b, as well as figures 37a and 37b, there is on the bright or the light-emitting background 313; 350 placed at least one array or column 385 of repeatedly appearing dark markings 385', for example black squares at an input area that receives objects in the direction 388 at which objects are fed into the device for viewing, detection, turning and sorting, as previously described. Furthermore, it can on the background 313; 350 be placed at least one arrangement or row 385'' of repeatedly appearing dark markings 385'''. At least one such row may be useful if the insertion or feeding area causes objects to be fed in a 388' direction. If, however, the insertion opening 425 is designed in such a way that it may be possible for a human hand to be introduced through it and into the viewing chamber, thereby moving into the viewing chamber mainly from above and thereby preventing viewing of the array 385, the array 385'' is present for to help provide additional light curtain functionality.

It has also been indicated by dashed lines on Figure 40a that, for example, two columns of markings and two rows of markings could be possible, although the number of rows and/or columns could be more than two.

Alternatively or in addition to the mutually separated markings 385', 385''' indicated in Figure 40a, markings 395, 396 and 397 could also be placed there in the form of solid lines, as indicated in Figure 40b.

It is also possible to have a column or row configuration of markings or a joint column and row configuration.

Figure 37a shows two half-images 360 and 361, as previously discussed, while Figure 37b shows a generalized full image 386 as provided by the available picture elements on a camera image sensor matrix 401' (see Figure 37c). The dashed line 387 and/or 387' in Figure 37b (not shown in Figure 37a for clarity) denotes, in relation to the camera image, a proportion or proportions of matrix image elements which are a selected part of the available sensor matrix image elements. Said portion 387 of the sensor array pixels is dedicated to detecting the array or column of markings, as well as any events observable by the portion of pixels that could trigger an action, such as stopping the operation of a motor, for example motor 404 or 422 during reference to figures 46, 47, 48, 49 and 51. Correspondingly, said proportion 387' of the sensor matrix image elements is dedicated to detection of the arrangement 385'' or the row of markings, as well as any events which are observable with the help of said proportion of image elements and which could trigger an action, such as stopping operation of a motor, for example, motor 404 or 422 with reference to Figures 46, 47, 48, 49 and 51. As indicated above, the arrangements 385 and 385'' for the markings 385' and 385'' could ' both be present, which means that both shares 387 and 387' will be active for the detection of markings and observable events.

A background area 314; 350 is placed in the camera's field of view, and as shown in, for example, Figure 40a, said background area exhibits in a part of it the arrangement 385 of prominent markings 385'.

As indicated in, for example, Figures 26 and 40a, and inferred from Figure 46, the background area is 313; 350 placed in a camera viewing chamber in a return machine. The chamber or entrance receiving area 210 (Figures 6 - 9) has entrance openings (see 425 in Figure 46) into which an object in the form of an empty beverage container to be viewed by the camera can be inserted. From Figure 40a it is noted that the arrangement 387 of markings is located at an entrance opening or area 425 of said viewing chamber 210. The direction of input for objects is indicated by the reference number 388 in Figure 37b. As indicated in Figures 37a, 37b and 40a, the arrangement of markings is in a predefined pattern, conveniently a column 385 of mutually spaced markings 385'. However, as discussed above, there could alternatively or in combination with the pattern 385 be a further predefined pattern 385'' of mutually spaced markings 385'' extending such as an upper row to provide a further light curtain and to safeguard against any safety/security risks caused by someone trying to put, for example, a hand into the viewing chamber from above, as for example indicated by the reference number 388'.

As stated above, the portion 387 and/or the portion 387' of sensor matrix image elements 401'' in the camera 400 will be appropriated to provide an image of said markings 385' and/or 385'' against said background area. The proportion 387 and/or the proportion 387' of picture elements will be readable by means of an operating unit 408, whose response is dictated by its hardware functions and inputs to the unit 408. The operating unit 408 is operatively connected to the camera 401 to read said proportion of sensor matrix picture elements. In addition, the operating unit 408 is connected to a digital processing and control unit 400, as said unit 400 controls the operation of the camera, for example when a camera image is to be taken.

The operating unit has a set of stored reference picture element signal values which are respectively related to picture elements in said proportion of sensor matrix picture elements, and which are related to said background area 313; 350 and said arrangement 387 of prominent markings thereon.

The operating unit 408 is able to compare a read image element signal value from a respective image element in said proportion of image elements with a corresponding reference signal value assigned to such respective image element, and to output the respective comparison signal, where, however, said operating unit has an output 408'; 408'' which is able to change the signal state in delivered signal 393, appropriately to a cut-down or deactivation signal when said comparison signal or for that matter a set of such comparison signals deviates from a predefined state.

The signal 393, when in the disconnected or deactivating state, is operative to effect disconnection or stopped operation of functional equipment 404; 422 that have moving parts, such as a motor and its motor-driven parts. In a preferred mode of the invention, the operating unit 408, when the comparison satisfies a predefined condition, will provide a signal 393 which enables the equipment to remain in operation. Such equipment could, for example, be found in a return machine as described in the description and shown in the drawings.

As indicated above, the operating unit 408 is designed to perform hardware functions, and the operating unit may be of a logical network of a type well known to any person skilled in the art and connected to perform the necessary functions. The operating unit can be made from a plurality of discrete functional building blocks or a single integrated circuit (IC) such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a so-called Gate Array, or as an implementation in a programmable circuit, a so-called Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

The operating unit 408 may include a watchdog timing circuit 403 which is designed to check that the reading of picture element signals from said proportion of picture elements and comparison with reference picture element signal values is carried out with a minimum rate of repetition. Reading of picture elements is initiated from the processing and control circuit 400. If said minimum repetition rate is below a set value, the operating unit 408 can output said signal 393 in a state thereof which has the effect of disabling or shutting down operation of equipment controlled by the unit 408.

The signal 393 in a deactivating state will normally be present until such a time when a new surveillance image taken satisfies all set criteria for not emitting such a deactivating type signal.

In order to provide proper operation, it is considered that there should be a synchronization of the camera and a light source that provides a bright or illuminated background area. Preferably, a light-reflecting material 313 is used in the camera's field of view, on which said dark squares 385' have been applied. As the background 350 is a panel that is illuminated from behind or illuminated, synchronized operation thereof with the operation of the camera could be imagined.

In order to provide a proper safety/security function, it will be understood that surveillance images of the chamber or area 210 must be generated frequently. By using the camera 401, it will be checked with the help of the operating unit 408 and with the help of the unit 400 first whether a completely bright line exists, i.e. all matrix element values above a previously defined dark level threshold. If this is the case, a search will be made for alternating dark and light areas along a predefined column, such as column 385. In a preferred embodiment, the detected image of dark areas 385' should be within the minimum and maximum length requirements to be accepted . In addition, the bright areas must have a minimum length before acceptance. Furthermore, the image must end with an accepted bright area. Finally, an accumulated number of accepted dark areas must equal a predetermined number.

Figure 37c is a system block diagram which is particularly related to the light curtain functionality, and should be considered essentially as part of the block diagram shown in Figure 46. The camera 401 is controlled by a digital processor 400 which belongs to the operating unit. This processor is designated in Figure 46 as a processing and control unit 40. Line 389 denotes camera control, and the camera delivers image data signals on line 390 to the operating unit 408. The operating unit 408 has a watchdog timing circuit 403 connected to it. The unit 400 will appropriately control the triggering of camera image capture, as well as synchronization of the camera and any background lighting. Image data is transferred from the operating unit 408 to the processor 400 via line 392, and the processor 400 supplies the operating unit 408 with certain control signals via line 392. The processor 400 is conveniently the main processor in the entire system, although this is not necessarily so.

Most importantly, in order to avoid the drawbacks known from the prior art and as mentioned at the outset, the set of sensor array image elements that form a fractional part of the total number of sensor array image elements is not selected using software, but instead related to a limited number of physical image elements or elements on the camera's image sensor matrix. As the light curtain function is important from an operational safety point of view, it is therefore absolutely essential that the light curtain function is not software-based at all.

From Figure 38 it is noted that the light background 313; 350 has an opening 365 in it to allow the camera to read via said opening illuminated marking 366 on a symbol 367 which is to be emitted in a controlled manner. Such symbol 367 is configured to be related to observed objects, for example 10; 10'; 10''; 10''', which is supported and which must be removed using an object-supporting device, for example of a type as shown in figure 26 or figure 32.

Appropriately, said camera is configured to alternately, selectively or repeatedly a) cause detection of object contours, said light curtain-related markings 385' and 385''' and events related thereto, and said symbol marking 366, and by causing reading of identifying features, for example 10'''' or 364 placed on the object 10, denoted in figure 37a with reference number 362.

All embodiments in Figures 25 - 36 can be used with a light curtain function, but the light curtain functionality according to the invention is not limited to the configuration shown in these drawings.

A symbol system

As noted from Figures 26, 35, 38, 40a, 40b, 41 and 42, the background area, for example 313 or 350 may have an opening 365 therein to allow the camera viewing the first area 306 to detect illuminated, pre-expressed or pre-provided marking 366 on a symbol 367 arranged to be distributed in a controlled manner from a stack of symbols. Such a symbol could be related to information such as both a symbol serial number and a return or pledge value of an item or items that have been considered and assessed by an RVM. Image part 360 shows how the camera can view such a marking, indicated by 366' through the viewable opening 365'.

In order to achieve an efficient reading of such a marking 366 without an additional light source, the markings on the symbols are conveniently made of a retro-reflective material. Alternatively, the symbol itself could be made of a retro-reflective material and the markings in such a case of non-retro-reflective material.

As shown in Figures 38, 41a and 42, said markings are camera-readable via a mirror 368 placed adjacent to the opening 365 in the background area 313; 350. This can be a practical solution if symbols, for example in the form of cards, can be distributed from a dispensing unit 369. If the cards are only to be inserted into a guide 370 in the front of an RVM (see figures 26 and 41b) to be read of the camera and then pulled out, the card reader can be placed on the back of the light reflective area 313 or panel 350, thereby placing the card with its side having markings 366 parallel to the back of the area 313 or panel 350.

In the case that a light-emitting background panel 350 is used, the panel 350 forms the first light source which is primarily intended to assist with camera viewing of object contours. However, light from the second light source will not necessarily hit the marking 366 of a symbol 367 which can be viewed through the opening 365, but if such light does in fact hit the marking, it may be either non-parallel light rays or insufficient light for the camera to clearly see and effecting detection of the markings. In such a case, it is appropriate to use an optical beam splitter 371, as shown in figure 35 and a separate light source 372.

In the case of using an optical beam splitter that covers part of the camera's field of view, as shown in figures 25, 26, 28 and 33, the camera 308 is suitably configured to take an image of both said first and second areas simultaneously. However, image taking can just as well be based on taking a picture of said first and second areas alternately, or selectively taking a partial picture of said first area or said second area.

In the case where an optical beam splitter completely covers the field of view of the camera, as seen from Figures 27 and 34, the camera 308 is configured to take an image of both said first and second regions simultaneously, to form a two-part image, for example as shown in figure 37a. However, it would also be possible to consider taking a complete image of said first and second areas alternately, or selectively taking a partial image of said first area or said second area.

In the embodiments of figures 29 - 31, as well as figures 35 and 36, the camera 340 could; 345; 351; 356; 358 appropriate to take pictures alternately or selectively, although it could be imagined to take two partial pictures of the viewing area at the same time, one dedicated to contour recognition and the other to identify features of the object. The embodiment in Figures 30, 35 and 36 also enables the reading of markings on a symbol as described, for example, in relation to Figures 38 – 42.

It has been discussed above that the second light source 301, or for that matter also the light sources 344, 349 and 359 can be formed by a plurality of partial light sources, and the light source 301 has been indicated to have, for example, four such partial sources 302 - 305, although it could be fewer partial sources or more. For the other sources 344, 349 and 359, three or four sub-sources have been indicated, without labeling each. The reason for more than one light source is that light reflections from the object or the position of the light source in relation to the identifying features on the object can make reading the feature difficult or even impossible. Accordingly, the light sources are conveniently selectively activated, although activation would be possible individually, in pairs or groups, or in a cycle.

Figures 43 - 45 show a preferred card dispenser 369 which is to be used to distribute symbols, for example cards 367. The dispenser 369 has a dispensing outlet 373 for dispensing cards 367 one-by-one from a stack of cards located in a storage compartment 374 The markings 366 on the cards 367 are visible through an opening 375 in the bottom of the dispenser. A pusher element 376 is provided to push out cards one at a time by means of a reciprocating movement of the pusher element or slider 376, the reciprocating movement being provided by means of a controllable motor 377 having control lines 378 for to control power to the engine. The motor 377 conveniently has a pinion (not shown) in engagement with a rack 379 on the pusher or slider to enable the reverse movement thereof.

RVM Operating system overview

Figure 46 shows a total system in which the various aspects of the present invention are implemented.

The return vending machine (RVM) has said processing and control unit 400 which receives video data from the camera 401 via a video analyzer 402. The camera 401 is also connected to the operating unit 408, and the operating unit includes the watchdog timing circuit 403 and a motor controller. Motor #1 and its controller, designated 404, are related to the operation of the support device 325, 327, or unit 333 as discussed earlier. A motor overload sensor 405 is also provided to prevent operation of motor #1 in the event of a jam that is not detected by the operating unit 408 or a jam detector 406. The sensor 405 could be in the form of a pressure sensitive rod, or the roller 243 could have its weight sensor 253 (in Figure 46 denoted by 419) modified to also indicate pressure against the roller caused by a blockage due to an object not fully located in the recess or space 222.

The operating unit 408 is, as discussed earlier, connected to the camera 401 and the processing and control unit (processor) 400, and in the present example the unit 408 controls the motor controls 404 and 422 directly, although such control could be via the processor 400.

As indicated earlier, optically readable cards will normally be read by, for example, camera 401. However, if a card is a magnetically readable/writable card or an r.f. readable/controllable card, there will be a need for a card reader/card coder unit 411. The card dispenser 361 which mentioned earlier is denoted by 412 in figure 38.

Conveniently, the symbols are pre-made, pre-coded cards such as the cards 367 which are dealable one-by-one from the dispenser 369; 412 (figure 46) and which at the output from the distributor 412 via output 412' is code read by a code reader/coder 411, especially if the card is a magnetic stripe or r.f. card. Alternatively, if the card is an optically readable card, the card is read by the camera 401 via opening 424 and inclined mirror 424' as discussed in more detail in connection with figures 38, 41a and 42 (see references 365 and 368).

If the card is a magnetic stripe card or an r.f. card and with no information on the card when placed in the dispenser, the code reader/encoder 411 will be able to encode the card with a card code, such as a serial number or other identity, or the combination of a card code or serial number or other identity and a pledge value to be rewarded or paid, when the cards are fed out from the dispenser one-by-one.

If the cards that are to be used for rewarding empty beverage containers that are delivered to said RVM are not to be delivered from a card dispenser, such a symbol could be a personal symbol that the customer brings with them to said RVM and uses to transfer card identity data from the card to said RVM. If the card is an optically readable card, it can be read by the camera 401 and, as indicated further by reference 411', when inserted into a slot (see reference 370; Figure 26), and visible through an opening (see reference 370'; Figure 26) in the light retro-reflective area (see reference 313; Figure 26). If the card is an r.f. readable card, the card could be read using an r.f. reader 411'', and if the card is a magnetic stripe readable card, the card could be read using a magnetic stripe reader 411''.

The cards, regardless of whether they are optically readable, r.f. readable or codeable, or magnetic stripe readable or codeable, could be in the form of a reusable token, in particular because the cards are validated anyway and after the reward has been paid are made invalid. The symbol could be drawn from a stack or a ribbon of cards. If a band of cards or a zig-zag arranged band of cards is used, the dispenser 369 (412 in figure 46) could be suitably replaced by a normal type of dispenser for such a card solution. Also, different types of codes 411 may be required. In any case, the card should have at least one alphanumeric, machine-readable code.

If the symbol is a card that is optically readable, the card should have a pre-printed code on it, suitably consisting of a bar code or other optically readable code that can be read using an optical reader, such as the camera 401. As indicated earlier, the bar code or other optically readable code preferably retro-reflective to light. This design of the card makes an additional light source for viewing the code on the card superfluous. Conversely, the card could be made of a retro-reflective material and the barcode made of a non-reflective material.

The processor 400 will either directly, or via a central computer installation 413 transfer to a reward or check-out and payment station 414 information related to a readable symbol code and information related to said return value. Transfer of information to and from the processor of the computer 413 and the station 414 conveniently takes place via a local area network (LAN) 415. The station 414 has a card reader 416 to read the card before reward or pledge value is paid. The card is then invalidated through the use of a symbol invalidation means 407 belonging to the station 414 or by internal operation in the unit 400 and/or the computer 413. In an alternative embodiment, the processor 400 communicates with a "check" unit 417, which could be in the form of a minicomputer, a so-called PDA. This could be a useful solution for a small shop, through which presentable information such as visible card identity and amount to be paid is communicated to the unit 417 from the processor. Upon payment of the desired money, the operator crosses off the particular item displayed, which is then made valid or invalid, canceled in device 400 and/or computer 413, and appropriately removed from display on device 417.

Said RVM appropriately has a display 418 to appropriately guide or inform an RVM user how to operate. If the display is a touch screen, the customer can communicate with the processor 400. The container weight sensor 419 indicated in Figure 46, which has been described earlier in connection with Figure 18 as sensor 253, is provided to engage with an end 247 of a shaft 243' (see figure 26) on the roller 243, thereby detecting when a too heavy beverage container is fed into said RVM through an opening 425 on said RVM. The expression "too heavy" in this context is meant to imply that the unit 400, upon receiving information related to shape and identity features, will compare this data with library data in the unit 400 and thereby decide whether the object should in reality weigh less or not. This has been described in more detail previously. Also as indicated, the weight sensor could conveniently form or supplement the blocking sensor 405.

A locking mechanism 420 is provided for safety/security reasons. The mechanism is appropriately a set of sensors and switches to ensure that said RVM cannot be operated unless all units are in the correct place and all cabinet panels are in the correct mounted position and cabinet doors are locked.

A power supply 421 is provided, suitably connected to power-consuming units via the unit 400.

A motor and control unit 422 is provided to cause the volume of a collection container 426 to be adjusted by winding up or unwound a flexible side and bottom 426'. Although Figure 21 shows a collection container 426, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other operating equipment could be installed and operated in place of the collection container. Such equipment could include one or more from the group of: carrier; pusher unit; rotary device; compactor; disintegrator; sorting device. The positioning and obviously the design of such equipment in cooperation with the motor 422 could be significantly different from that of the collection container 426. The collection container is particularly suitable for heavier objects, for example glass bottles.

The reference number 423 in Figure 46 denotes a position sensor which is used to detect rotational positions for the drum 220, or the plunger piston 270, and will be described in some greater detail in connection with Figures 50a and 50b.

The reference numeral 100 generally denotes a storage department for receiving items delivered from the supporting, sorting, transporting and pushing out unit 200. The storage chamber or section 100, also shown in figure 51, has been extensively described earlier in the preceding description, see the description related to the figures 1 – 24, and figures 2 – 8 in particular.

Electromechanical drive device

Figures 47, 50a, 50b and 51 show that the unit 200 is driven by a motor 404 via a gear 50 which meshes with a gear 501 on the unit 200 to turn the drum 220 and by doing this also moves the element 223. The roller 243 becomes forced movable by the interaction between a small gear 502 and the substantially larger gear 501. The motor 404 is firmly fixed to the framework 503 of said RVM via brackets 504, while the unit can be pulled out completely from the RVM cabinet 428 (see reference 250 in figures 18 and 19 ) for cleaning, as indicated by arrow 505, and be pushed back into the housing after cleaning for gear engagement between gears 500 and 501. No electrical parts are present on unit 200, only mechanical parts that resist wet cleaning, and even high pressure wet cleaning without any problems.

Thus, it is clearly understood that the advantages offered by the present invention are due to the fact that the unit 200 is connected via a mechanically separable power transmission coupling formed by the gears 500 and 501, the gear 500 being operated by the motor 404 which is stationary mounted in the cabinet 428. Thus, the electric powered drive device 404, 500 located separately from the unit 200 and its gears 501, 502.

Figures 48a and 48b show a collection container 426 driven by a motor 422. The motor 422 has, in a non-limiting example, a winged spindle-like male member 506 designed to releasably fit into a winged female member 507 on a drive shaft 508 , with the drive shaft 508 in this non-limiting example to be used for winding or unwinding the flexible side and bottom 426'. The container 426 can be withdrawn from the RVM enclosure 428 for emptying and cleaning, and pushed back into the enclosure for engagement between members 506 and 507. The motor 422, like the motor 404, is suitably fixed to the framework 503 of the RVM enclosure or to the cabinet wall or to any suitable bracing in the cabinet. When the unit 200 or container 426 is in position in the cabinet and with a cabinet front door closed, there will be full engagement between the power gear 500 and the gear 501 (see element 244 in Figure 10), and correspondingly between the elements 506 and 507. The vane configuration of the elements 506 and 507 ensures that full rotational, locking engagement is provided.

Instead of the male/female connector 506/507 in Figures 48a and 48b, a male/female connector as shown in Figures 49a and 49b could be used. Ideally, the female part of the coupling would be on the handling unit side, with the male part on the drive motor side, although the arrangement could be reversed.

In the example of Figure 49a, the male part has a spring-loaded plug 509, loaded by means of a spring 510 in a housing 511 and driven by a motor 512 via a drive shaft 513. The female part has a housing 514 with a drive shaft 515 connected to a drive mechanism (not shown ) placed on a handling unit, such as, for example, a handling unit similar to unit 200 or 426. The housing has a recess or socket 516 which is designed to fit the plug 509. It will be understood that when the handling unit is pushed into the housing, the end face 514' of the housing 514 will more than likely impinge on the end face 509' of the plug 509, since in most cases the plug 509 is not aligned with the socket 516. However, when the motor 512 (fixed to the cabinet or to the cabinet framework or braces) begins to operate, the housing 511 with the plug 509 pushed into the housing 511 start to rotate until the plug is aligned with the socket 516, at which point the plug 509 will pop out of the housing 511 and into the socket 516, wh orved mechanical connection established between the motor 512 and the handling unit.

In the example of Figure 49b, the male part 524 has a four-winged plug 525 with a spike 526, driven by a motor 512 via a drive shaft 513. The female part has a housing 524 with a drive shaft 528 connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) located on the handling unit, such as, for example, a handling unit such as unit 200 or 426. The housing has a socket 529 which is designed to fit the plug 525. The stud 526, which is for alignment of the male and female parts 524; 527 fits into a recess 530 in the female part 527. When the handling unit is pushed into the housing, the end face 527' of the female part 527 will more than likely abut the end face 525' of the plug 525, since in most cases the plug 525 is not aligned with the socket 529 .The female part 527 will thus be pushed rearwards about and along the shaft 528 against the action of a spring 531. However, when the motor 512 (fixed to the cabinet or cabinet framework or braces) begins to operate, the part 524 with the plug 525 starts to rotate until the plug is aligned with the base 529, at which point the female part 527 will move by spring force against the male part 524 and allow the base 529 to mechanically engage with the plug 525, thereby establishing mechanical coupling between the motor 512 and the handling unit.

If desired, a releasable locking means, conveniently accessible by maintenance personnel, could be provided to fully read the unit such as those marked 200 and 426 in position relative to the RVM cabinet.

As indicated in Figure 46, sorter or drum rotation position detector 423 may be provided. Figure 50a shows position detectors 517 and 518 which interact with markings 517', 518' on the drum's gear wheel 519. The detector can be of a magnetic type which detects metal elements that form said markings. The markings can be of an optical type if the detector is of an optical type. In Figure 50b, optical detectors 520, 521 cooperate with a code disc attached to the drum's rotation shaft 523.

Modification of the various elements, devices and devices related to the numerous aspects of the present invention would be conceivable within the scope of the invention as stated in the attached patent claims.

Claims (8)

PATENT TRAV 1. Symbol system for installation in a return machine (1) configured to detect and identify characteristic features of empty beverage containers (10, 10 ', 10' ', 10''') and any return value related thereto, the symbol system comprising : a symbol reader (7, 308, 356, 411, 411 ', 411' ', 411' '') capable of reading a symbol when presented to the reader (7) from outside the return machine by a user , characterized by the fact that the symbol is a personal sign that a customer brings to the return machine and from which identity data can be transferred to the return machine. 2. Symbol system according to claim 1, comprising a processor for relating the return value with the personal symbol, and for transmitting directly or via a central computer installation to a reward unit or a check-out unit information related to the personal symbol and said return value to validate the personal symbol . 3. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-2, where the symbol is a reusable sysbol. 4. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the symbol is an optically readable symbol, an r.f. readable symbol or a magnetic stripe readable symbol. 5. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the symbol has an alphanumeric machine-readable code. 6. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-5, where the symbol code is stored in an rf chip and is readable by an rf circuit detector. 7. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-5, for use with an optically readable symbol, where the symbol has a code consisting of a bar code or other optically readable code readable by an optical reader such as a camera. 8. Symbol system according to any one of claims 1-5, where the symbol code is stored in a magnetic strip which can be read by a magnetic operative reader.