Unit for use in automatic container return systems

US7467705B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Bernhard Lutz · Delbrück, DE
• Ullrich Marahrens · Lippstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 23, 2008
• Expiry date: Sep 23, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2201/0244
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Unit for automated container recovery machines, such as for receiving returnable bottles and cans, includes a conveyor device for transporting the returnable containers horizontally in the direction of their longitudinal axes and for rotating the containers about their longitudinal axes. The aim is to provide an additional unit of this type. To achieve this, the conveyor device includes one or more continuous conveyer chains which are adjacent to one another and include support elements and conveyor members which are situated on the support elements. The conveyor members can be rotated about an axis that extends in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor device.