Inventors:
Alfred A. Hampson - Portland OR
Blair M. Hampson - Portland OR
Stuart R. Aldrich - Portland OR
Lyndon J. Robie - Portland OR
Assignee:
Can and Bottle Systems, Inc. - Portland OR
International Classification:
G07F 106
Abstract:
A reverse vending machine provides for the separation, counting and crushing of beverage containers of a predetermined size range and composition. The machine includes an in-feed station for receiving multiple, disarrayed containers, an on-load station, and an in-feed conveyor operable to transport multiple, disarrayed containers from the in-feed station to the on-load station. A separator/conveyor is provided for separating, singularly, a container from the disarrayed containers, and for transporting a container so separated from the on-load station to the off-load station. Mechanisms are provided to reject unacceptable containers between the on-load station and the off-load station. A counter is provided for counting the number of acceptable containers. The containers pass into a crusher which reduces the volume of the containers.