Container redemption apparatus and process
First Claim
1. A method of accepting the return of selected types of containers, comprising the following steps:
- (a) causing relative movement between a returned container, having a code thereon, and a code scanner;
(b) scanning the code marking on the container;
(c) selectively accepting or rejecting the container depending upon the code markings thereon;
(d) densifying and destroying acceptable returned containers;
(e) storing the destroyed remains of acceptable containers in a storage bin; and
(f) issuing a cash return or redeemable coupon to a consumer; and
recording the number of returned containers, as indicated by the code thereon, to accrue a debit to the distributor of that type of returned container.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A redemption apparatus or system and process for accepting the return of selected types of non-refillable containers, and issuing to the customer a cash return or a coupon redeemable at a store for the face value printed thereon. In one embodiment of the invention the redemption system includes an open round carousel turntable having circumferentially separated compartments thereon in which a customer places a returned bottle or can. The returned container is placed on the carousel with a code thereon, which may be of UPC type, facing radially outwardly therefrom such that rotation of the carousel results in movement of the code past a code reader within the redemption apparatus which scans and detects the code markings. When the code markings indicate the returned container to be one of an acceptable type, the machine sweeps the container from the carousel into a comminuter or a shredder wherein it is comminuted and the remains thereof stored in a bin either within the machine or separate and remote therefrom. A separate register for each distributor of acceptable containers is provided.
86 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A method of accepting the return of selected types of containers, comprising the following steps:
-
(a) causing relative movement between a returned container, having a code thereon, and a code scanner; (b) scanning the code marking on the container; (c) selectively accepting or rejecting the container depending upon the code markings thereon; (d) densifying and destroying acceptable returned containers; (e) storing the destroyed remains of acceptable containers in a storage bin; and (f) issuing a cash return or redeemable coupon to a consumer; and
recording the number of returned containers, as indicated by the code thereon, to accrue a debit to the distributor of that type of returned container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A redemption system for accepting the return of selected types of containers and for compensating the customer for the deposit therein of accepted containers, comprising:
-
(a) an open carousel including a turntable in which a returnable container is adapted to be positioned with a code thereon facing radially outwardly from the carousel; (b) scanning means positioned adjacent said carousel for scanning the code markings on the container as the carousel rotates the radially outwardly directed markings past the scanning means; (c) means responsive to the output of said scanning means for selectively accepting or rejecting the container; and (d) a plurality of counters, one for each distributor of an acceptable type of container, whereby each counter maintains a record of the number of returned acceptable containers of the type monitored by that counter. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification