Apparatus and method for handling returnable beverage container

US4919274A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Nathan J. Hammond · Lansing, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 1988
• Grant date: Apr 24, 1990
• Expiry date: Mar 31, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S100/902
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for separating returnable beverage containers from non-returnable beverage containers includes a V-shaped receptacle (20) for receiving the container (C), an access door (36) and an exit door (38). A downwardly sloping ramp (56) guides the container (C) from the receptacle (20) to a pair of rollers (52, 54) for rotating the container (C). First (60) and second (62) panels extend laterally outwardly and upwardly of the rollers (52, 54) for continuously guiding the container (C) back onto the rollers (52, 54) during rotation. A sweeper arm (70) moves in a path above the rollers (52, 54) to eject the container (C) rearwardly toward a pair of deflection gates (78, 79) for directing the container (C) to either an accept station (64) where the container (C) is crushed or a reject station (66) where the container (C) is returned to the operator.