Method for emptying beverage containers

Description

1 / 17 “METHOD FOR EMPTYING BEVERAGE CONTAINERS” TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers, as well as to a device for that purpose. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[0002] During the filling of beverage containers, situations may arise, for various reasons, in which a container containing a beverage cannot be distributed for sale. Beverage containers, such as bottles, may be filled improperly, for example, because the quantity of beverage in the container is insufficient to meet the requirements, because the beverage container itself does not meet certain requirements (“not properly fitted or equipped”), or because the beverage container is returned from distribution channels to the manufacturer. Additionally, it is possible that the contents of correctly filled beverage containers may expire before they can be sold.

[0003] In all these circumstances, the container must be opened again and the contents destroyed, or it must be poured into a collection tank before being processed again, such as through ethanol recovery in the case of alcoholic beverages.

[0004] Emptying beverage containers by turning them upside down after opening has the disadvantage of drawing in air, which slows down the emptying process. Additionally, beverages containing CO2 create foam, which also slows down the emptying process and can lead to incomplete emptying of the containers.

[0005] Other known methods use needles, tubes, or straws that are inserted into the containers. Document W02006035290, for example, discloses a method for processing “incorrectly filled containers” containing a beverage, in which pressurized gas is supplied to the container via the supply line and a positive pressure is developed in that container so that the beverage is expelled from the container. This procedure is disadvantageous because the supply of pressurized gas can also cause the formation of Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 59 / 80 2 / 17 foam. Furthermore, there is a high chance of leakage. The same problem occurs with documents US4519427, US4662411, US3913802 and DE4122637, in which pressurized gas is also supplied in the containers.

[0006] Document WO9212925 also describes a method in which a gas is introduced into the containers to expel the contents.

[0007] Document US3870175 describes a system for puncturing closed cans, after which the cans are emptied and crushed.

[0008] Furthermore, known methods and devices generally rely on moving the containers towards needles, tubes, or straws. This is not very efficient (slow) and consumes a lot of energy.

[0009] The present invention aims to find a solution to at least some of the above problems. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a method for emptying beverage containers more efficiently, where large quantities can be processed and where losses are minimized. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers according to claim 1. The beverage present in the beverage containers is extracted from the beverage containers using suction tubes at a maximum pressure of 0.9 bar.

[0011] Preferred forms of the method are defined in claims 2 to 13.

[0012] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for emptying beverage containers according to claim 14. The device is provided with suction tubes suitable for extracting beverages from beverage containers connected to a vacuum line.

[0013] The invention is advantageous because foam formation during extraction is reduced or even avoided. Furthermore, the method and device are advantageous because they allow for a more energy-efficient emptying process. The inventors also observed that the method and the Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 60 / 80 3 / 17 devices of the present invention provide a draining process where the risk of leakage is reduced or even avoided.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and a device that allows the emptying of large quantities of beverage containers in a relatively short period of time.

[0015] Another advantage of the invention is the minimization of losses during the emptying process. This is also advantageous if it is necessary to request a refund of the consumption tax on the recovered beverage, but also for the subsequent processing of the emptied containers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0018] The term “beverage containers,” as used in the text, should be understood as containers used to store and transport beverages such as water, soft drinks, juices, milk, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. These containers can have different shapes and materials, such as plastic bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, glass bottles, and so on.

[0019] The term “pickling,” as used in the text, should be understood as the removal of the cap or closure from a bottle, box, jar, tube, or other similar container. The purpose of pickling may vary depending on the context. Pickling can be done manually, for example, by twisting or pulling, or with the aid of a pickling tool.

[0020] The term “pickler,” as used in the text, should be understood as a means used to remove the cap or closure from a bottle, box, jar, tube, or other similar container. The examples do not Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 61 / 80 4 / 17 limiting factors include a bottle opener, a corkscrew, or a can opener, but also any means capable of loosening a screw cap.

[0021] The term “lid,” as used in the text, should be understood as a closure used to seal the opening of a bottle, jar, tube, or other similar container. Lids come in different shapes and materials, depending on the type of container and the contents stored inside. For example, lids can be made of plastic, metal, or cork and can be screw-on lids, plastic screw-on lids, snap-on lids, or easy-open lids. Most lids are easy to remove to access the contents of the container.

[0022] The term “box” is synonymous with the term “crate” and should be understood as a container in which several bottles or cans are stored and transported. The box is designed to hold a predetermined number of beverage containers, such as six, twelve, or twenty-four. Boxes are frequently used to transport beverage containers from the store to home or to store beer in the refrigerator or other storage location.

[0023] In this document, “a / an” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context suggests otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more segments.

[0024] When the term “about” or “approximately” is used in this document with a measurable quantity, a parameter, a duration or moment and the like, then variations are understood to be of approximately 20% or less, preferably approximately 10% or less, most preferably approximately 5% or less, most preferably approximately 1% or less, and most preferably approximately 0.1% or less of the quoted value, to the extent that such variations are applicable to the invention described. However, this should be understood to mean that the magnitude of the term “approximately” or “about” is used is specifically disclosed. Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 62 / 80 5 / 17

[0025] The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “provided with” are synonymous and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows and that do not exclude or preclude the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, as known or disclosed in the prior art.

[0026] The terms “contain”, “containing”, “consist of”, “consisting of”, “include”, “including” are synonyms and are exclusive or closed terms that indicate the presence of what follows and that exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, known or described in the state of the art.

[0027] Citing numerical intervals by endpoints includes all integers, fractions, and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including those endpoints.

[0028] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers.

[0029] The method preferably comprises supplying a predetermined number of closed beverage containers that are filled with a beverage, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers are simultaneously opened by means of a stripping system, and wherein the beverage is subsequently extracted from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers by means of an extraction system.

[0030] The present method can be applied to a wide variety of beverage containers. Preferably, the beverage containers supplied are of the same type of beverage container. Preferably, the beverage containers supplied are substantially identical in shape and material. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage containers are supplied with a lid as a closure. The lid is preferably made of plastic, metal, or cork, more preferably metal. In another preferred embodiment, the lid is made of plastic. The lid is preferably a screw cap, plastic screw cap, stopper, or crown cap, preferably a crown cork. In another embodiment Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 63 / 80 6 / 17 preferred, the lid is a plastic screw-on lid.

[0031] In a preferred form, beverage containers are selected from the list of: glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans or cardboard boxes, preferably glass bottles or plastic bottles, with even greater preference for glass bottles.

[0032] The contents of the supplied beverage containers may vary between 10 and 200 cl. Such as 25 cl, 33 cl, 50 cl, 75 cl, 100 cl, 200 cl, but also all intermediate values.

[0033] The predetermined number of closed beverage containers supplied may be any number between 1 and 100, preferably between 1 and 50, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50. Preferably, the predetermined number is chosen from the list of 6, 12, 24 or 48.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the beverage containers are supplied in a box. In these embodiments, the supplied beverage containers are positioned in a box. In another preferred embodiment, the box is immobilized during pickling by means of two pneumatic stops on the side surfaces of the box.

[0035] The crate can be made of plastic, metal, cardboard, or wood. In a preferred form, the crate is made of plastic, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, rigidity, and toughness, as well as its recyclability. HDPE is resistant to tearing, breakage, and deformation, making it ideal for making beer crates that can be used repeatedly. HDPE plastic is also resistant to chemicals and can be easily cleaned and disinfected, making it perfect for use in the food industry, such as in transporting beverage containers.

[0036] Wooden crates are frequently used in craft breweries or for special events. They are usually made of Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 64 / 80 7 / 17 solid wood and can have a rustic appearance. Boxes made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, are durable and can be recycled. Sometimes they are used for commercial applications or by breweries wishing to distribute their own beer. Cardboard boxes are disposable and are generally lightweight and easy to transport. Sometimes they are used at events or parties where beer is offered in bulk.

[0037] The dimensions of the box depend on the box's capacity. The capacity of a box depends on the size of the bottles or cans placed inside. The height of the box is preferably between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm. The width of the box is preferably between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm. The length of the box is preferably between 10 and 100 cm, preferably between 20 and 60 cm.

[0038] Supplying in a box is advantageous because the beverage containers are at least partially immobilized during the opening of the beverage containers and the extraction of the beverage. Furthermore, the beverage containers do not need to be removed from the box during the method and can be transported back from the emptying process in the same box.

[0039] The beverages in the containers may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, such as water, soft drinks, juices, milk, beer, wine and spirits. In a preferred form, the beverage in the beverage containers is a carbonated beverage, an alcoholic beverage or a carbonated alcoholic beverage.

[0040] The invention is particularly advantageous for carbonated beverages because foam formation is avoided. The invention is also particularly advantageous for alcoholic beverages because, by minimizing losses, the reimbursement of any product taxes paid can be accurately calculated.

[0041] In a specific preferred embodiment, the method comprises supplying a predetermined number of closed beverage containers that are filled with a beverage, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers are opened simultaneously by means of a system Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 65 / 80 8 / 17 of pickling, and wherein the beverage is subsequently extracted from the predetermined number of open beverage containers by means of an extraction system comprising suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are moved into the beverage containers by means of a downward motion, and wherein the suction tubes extract the beverage from the beverage container under a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

[0042] The low pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure, ensures that the beverage is sucked out of the container instead of being pushed out, as in conventional techniques. As a result, no external pressure or pressurized gas is added to the container and therefore foam will develop less or not at all. This will allow beverage containers to be emptied better and more completely.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, beverage containers are supplied by means of a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt preferably passes through the pickling system and the extraction system.

[0044] The stripping system is suitable for opening the supplied beverage containers. Preferably, the stripping system comprises one or more strippers. Preferably, the stripping system includes a number of strippers equal to the predetermined number of beverage containers supplied.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the supplied beverage containers are opened using the strippers. The strippers preferably move downwards, towards the beverage containers. Preferably, the stripping system comprises a platform that can be moved up and down, on which the strippers are provided.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the stripping system is a cork removal system. In this embodiment, cork removers are cork removers suitable for removing a crown or screw cap from a beverage container. A cork remover can be of different types. Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 66 / 80 9 / 17 types, depending on the type of bottle and cork that needs to be removed. In a preferred form, the cork remover is a cork remover suitable for removing crown caps. In another preferred form, the cork remover is a cork remover suitable for removing corks. In another preferred form, the stripper is a stripper suitable for removing a plastic screw cap. In a preferred form, the removed caps are collected in a container.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, cork removers are provided with electromagnets. This is advantageous because, during stripping, the metal corks are attracted by the electromagnets and therefore remain attached to the cork removal system. In this preferred embodiment, the crown caps can then be collected in a container by disconnecting the electromagnets.

[0048] In a preferred form, beverage containers are immobilized by means of a clamp during pickling.

[0049] The extraction system is equipped with suction tubes suitable for extracting the beverage from the beverage containers. For this purpose, the suction tubes are preferably connected to a vacuum line. In a specific preferred embodiment, the suction tubes extract the beverage from the beverage container under a pressure of no more than 0.9 bar. Preferably, this pressure is no more than 0.8 bar, even more preferably no more than 0.7 bar, even more preferably no more than 0.6 bar, even more preferably no more than 0.5 bar.

[0050] In a preferred form, the pressure is between 0.1 and 0.9 bar. Preferably, this pressure is between 0.2 and 0.8 bar, even more preferably between 0.3 and 0.7 bar, even more preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 bar, even more preferably about 0.5 bar.

[0051] This pressure can be achieved using a vacuum pump, creating a low vacuum by moving the air.

[0052] The term “low vacuum” refers to an environment with low air pressure, where the pressure is below atmospheric pressure. In general, low vacuum is defined as a pressure range between approximately 1 and 0.001 Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 67 / 80 10 / 17 bar.

[0053] The inventors unexpectedly discovered that this low pressure is ideal for extracting beverages from beverage containers. This is especially true in the case of carbonated beverages, as there is no need to add air or extra pressure to the beverage container. The beverage container also does not need to be sealed.

[0054] In a preferred form, open beverage containers are not sealed during beverage extraction. This is a necessity in conventional emptying techniques and requires an additional process step.

[0055] Preferably, the extraction system includes a number of suction tubes equal to the predetermined number of beverage containers supplied.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the suction tubes move downwards towards the beverage containers. In another preferred embodiment, the beverage is extracted from the beverage container during the downward movement of the suction tubes. Preferably, the extraction system comprises a platform that moves downwards and upwards, on which the suction tubes are arranged. In a further preferred embodiment, the beverage is extracted when the suction tubes reach the bottom of the beverage containers.

[0057] In a preferred form, the time required to extract the beverage from the beverage containers is a maximum of 5 seconds, preferably a maximum of 4 seconds, even more preferably a maximum of 3 seconds, even more preferably a maximum of 2 seconds, even more preferably a maximum of 1 second. In this context, the time period is calculated from the start of the beverage extraction until the suction tube touches the bottom of the bottles.

[0058] In a preferred form, the suction tubes are provided with a suction valve, preferably a spring-loaded suction valve. The spring-loaded suction valve is advantageous because damage to the suction tubes upon hitting the bottom can be reduced or even avoided. Furthermore, this allows for optimized emptying of the bottles, as it is possible Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 68 / 80 11 / 17 Empty completely.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, at least 90% by volume of the beverage is extracted from the beverage containers, preferably at least 95% by volume, more preferably at least 99% by volume.

[0060] In a preferred form, the beverage is extracted from each beverage container simultaneously. This is advantageous in combination with the short extraction time and ensures a time-saving method.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the extracted beverage is collected in a collection tank. In a further preferred embodiment, the volume and alcohol percentage of the collected beverage are measured. In another preferred embodiment, the refund of product taxes already paid is calculated based on the measured volume and measured alcohol percentage.

[0062] The volume and alcohol percentage are preferably measured when the collected beverage is pumped from the collection tank to a subsequent storage location or means of transport. In this process, the collected beverage will be pumped through a flow meter, by means of which the volume and alcohol percentage of the collected beverage can be measured and recorded. This data can, for example, be passed on to a beer bottle supplier so that taxes on surplus products can be recovered.

[0063] In a specific preferred embodiment, the method comprises supplying a predetermined number of glass beer bottles that are filled with beer and sealed with a crown stopper, wherein the predetermined number of beer bottles supplied are simultaneously opened by means of a stopper removal system, and wherein the beer is then simultaneously extracted from the predetermined number of open beverage containers by means of an extraction system comprising suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are moved into the beverage containers by means of a downward motion, and wherein the suction tubes extract the beverage from the beverage container under a pressure of up to 0.9 bar. Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 69 / 80 12 / 17

[0064] In a specific preferred embodiment, the method comprises supplying a predetermined number of plastic bottles filled with beverage and closed with a plastic screw cap, wherein the predetermined number of supplied plastic bottles is simultaneously opened by means of a stripping system, and wherein the beverage is then simultaneously extracted from the predetermined number of opened plastic bottles by means of an extraction system comprising suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are moved into the plastic bottles by means of a downward motion, and wherein the suction tubes extract the beverage from the plastic bottles under a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

[0065] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for emptying beverage containers.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises:

[0067] - a pickling system;

[0068] - an extraction system;

[0069] - a conveyor belt positioned across the pickling system and extraction system suitable for guiding beverage containers through the pickling system and extraction system.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the pickling system comprises a predetermined number of pickling devices, wherein the pickling devices can be moved up and down. Preferably, the pickling system comprises a platform that can be moved up and down, and on which the pickling devices are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the extraction system comprises a predetermined number of suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are movable up and down. Preferably, the extraction system comprises a platform that can be moved up and down, and on which the suction tubes are provided. In a further preferred embodiment, the number of pickling devices and the number of suction tubes are the same.

[0071] In a specific preferred form, the tubes of Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 70 / 80 13 / 17 suction lines are connected via fluid communication to a vacuum line.

[0072] In a specific preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises:

[0073] - a pickling system, comprising a predetermined number of pickling devices, movable up and down;

[0074] - an extraction system, comprising a predetermined number of suction tubes, movable downwards and upwards, in which the suction tubes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line;

[0075] - a conveyor belt positioned across the pickling system and extraction system suitable for guiding beverage containers through the pickling system and extraction system.

[0076] The connection between the suction tubes and the vacuum line is advantageous because it will provide a low pressure, lower than atmospheric pressure, in the suction tubes. This ensures that the beverage is sucked out of the container instead of being pushed out, as in conventional techniques. As a result, no external pressure or pressurized gas is added to the container and therefore foam will develop less or not at all. This will allow beverage containers to be emptied better and more completely.

[0077] The vacuum line is preferably connected to a vacuum pump, so that a low vacuum can be created by moving the air.

[0078] The inventors unexpectedly discovered that the vacuum line and pump enable low pressure. This low pressure is ideal for extracting beverages from beverage containers. This is especially true in the case of carbonated beverages, as it is not necessary to add air or extra pressure to the beverage container. The beverage container also does not need to be sealed.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the suction tubes are provided with a spring-operated suction valve.

[0080] In a preferred form, the system of Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 71 / 80 14 / 17 stripping is a cork removal system. In this embodiment, cork removers are cork removers suitable for removing a crown or screw cap from a beverage container. A cork remover can be of different types, depending on the type of bottle and cork that needs to be removed. In a preferred embodiment, the cork remover is a cork remover suitable for removing crown caps. In another preferred embodiment, the stripper is a stripper suitable for removing a plastic screw cap. In a preferred embodiment, the removed caps are collected in a container.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, cork removers are provided with electromagnets. This is advantageous because, during stripping, the metal corks are attracted by the electromagnets and therefore remain attached to the cork removal system. In this preferred embodiment, the crown caps can then be collected in a container by disconnecting the electromagnets.

[0082] In a specific preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises:

[0083] - a cork removal system, comprising a predetermined number of cork removers, movable up and down;

[0084] - an extraction system, comprising a predetermined number of suction tubes, movable downwards and upwards, in which the suction tubes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line;

[0085] - a conveyor belt positioned across the pickling system and extraction system suitable for guiding beverage containers through the pickling system and extraction system.

[0086] In a preferred form, the device is suitable for performing a method according to the first aspect.

[0087] The invention is described below by means of non-limiting examples that illustrate the invention and which are not intended to, and should not be construed as, limiting the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 72 / 80 15 / 17 EXAMPLE 1: EMPTYING 25 CL BEER BOTTLES

[0088] Glass beer bottles in the European standard with a capacity of 25 cl, a height of 215 mm and a bottom diameter of 56 mm are supplied in a beer crate with dimensions of 40 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm for a cork removal system using a conveyor belt.

[0089] The bottles are filled with lager beer with an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume and sealed with a crown cap. The cork removal system consists of 24 cork removers positioned on a platform. The platform is moved downwards towards the bottles and positioned at the correct height to remove the corks from the bottles. The cork removers have an electromagnet at their support points, which attracts the crown caps after the bottles are opened. During opening, the box is immobilized by means of two pneumatic stops on two opposite lateral surfaces of the box. The bottles themselves are also held in place before cork removal to immobilize them. After cork removal, the platform moves upwards again.

[0090] The up and down movement of the cork removal system platform is achieved by a double linear guide with two electric cylinders and two servomotors, which are driven synchronously. The height of the box, which is proportional to the height of the bottle, can be entered by an operator via a touch panel. The cork stripping system is also equipped with photocells that can monitor the movement of the box and bottles.

[0091] After the removal of the stoppers, the platform moves upwards. A collection container rotates beneath this platform. The electromagnets holding the crown caps are disconnected, and the crown caps are collected into a collection container. The collection container itself can be emptied by rotating and tilting.

[0092] The conveyor belt then transports the container with open beer bottles to the extraction system. The extraction system consists of 24 suction tubes positioned on a platform. The platform is moved downwards towards the bottles. As the platform Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 73 / 80 16 / 17 drops, the beer is sucked from the bottles. When the suction tubes reach the bottom of the bottle, more than 90% by volume, preferably more than 99% by volume, of the beer has been extracted from the bottle.

[0093] The suction tubes are equipped with a spring-loaded suction valve at the bottom, i.e., the part of the suction tube that faces the bottles and first touches the liquid surface. The spring-loaded suction valve is advantageous because damage to the suction tubes upon hitting the bottom can be reduced or even avoided. Furthermore, this allows for optimized bottle emptying. The suction tubes are all connected to a vacuum line, so the pressure in the suction tubes is approximately 0.5 bar. Emptying the bottle takes about 0.9 seconds. The sucked-up beverage is collected in a collection tank. The platform then rises again so that the suction tubes can be removed from the bottles.

[0094] The empty bottles in the box are then transported by the conveyor belt, where they can be stacked and loaded again for transport.

[0095] The volume and alcohol percentage are measured in the collection tank containing the extracted beer. This data is passed on to the supplier of the beer bottles so that any taxes on surplus products can be recovered.

[0096] Using the method described, 595 boxes of 24 25cl bottles can be emptied per hour.

[0097] The present invention should not be interpreted as limited to the embodiments described above, and certain modifications or alterations may be added to the examples described without the need to reassess the appended claims. For example, the present invention has been described with reference to 25 cl beer bottles, but it is clear that the invention can be applied, for example, to beer and soft drink bottles of any size or boxes with a number of bottles ranging from 1 to 50. EXAMPLE 2-8: BEVERAGE CONTAINERS Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 74 / 80 17 / 17

[0098] Tables 1 and 2 below show some beverage containers that can be emptied using the current method and device: TABLE 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Beer bottle Sekt bottle Beer bottle Neck type Crown cap Crown cap Crown cap Neck size 22 mm 29 mm 26 mm Volume measurement 250 ml 750 ml 750 ml Diameter 56.30 mm 82.90 mm 79.50 mm Height 212 mm 290 mm 291 mm TABLE 2 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Magnum Bottle Bordeaux Bottle Soft Drink Bottle Neck Type Crown Cap Stopper Plastic Screw Cap Neck Size 29 mm 18 mm 28 mm Volume Measurement 1,500 ml 375 ml 500 ml Diameter 110 mm 61.50 mm 67 mm Height 360 mm 237.50 mm 190 mm Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 75 / 80

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method for emptying beverage containers, wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises supplying a predetermined number of closed beverage containers filled with a beverage, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers is simultaneously opened by means of a stripping system, and wherein the beverage is then simultaneously extracted from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers by means of an extraction system comprising suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are moved into the beverage containers by means of a downward motion, and wherein the suction tubes extract the beverage from the beverage container under a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the beverage containers are bottles, preferably glass bottles, with even greater preference for glass beer bottles.

3. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supplied beverage containers are positioned in a box.

4. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the open beverage containers are not closed during the extraction of the beverage.

5. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction tubes are provided with a spring-operated suction valve.

6. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time required to extract the beverage from the beverage containers is at most 1 second.

7. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least 90% by volume of the beverage is extracted from the beverage containers, preferably at least 99% by volume.

8. Method, according to any of the preceding claims Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, p. 76 / 80 2 / 3, characterized in that the suction tubes extract the beverage under a pressure of no more than 0.7 bar, preferably no more than 0.5 bar.

9. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage is extracted from each beverage container simultaneously.

10. A method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beverage containers are opened using a cork removal system, wherein the cork removal system comprises a number of cork removers equal to the number of beverage containers supplied.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the cork removers comprise electromagnets.

12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the extracted beverage is collected in a collection tank, and in that the volume and alcohol percentage of the collected beverage are measured by pumping the liquid out of this collection tank through a flow meter to a storage location or subsequent means of transport.

13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized in that the reimbursement of taxes on products already paid is calculated based on the measured volume and the measured percentage of alcohol.

14. Device for emptying beverage containers, characterized in that it comprises: - a stripping system, comprising a predetermined number of strippers, movable downwards and upwards; - an extraction system, comprising a predetermined number of suction tubes, movable downwards and upwards, wherein the suction tubes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line; - a conveyor belt positioned through the stripping system and the extraction system suitable for guiding beverage containers through the stripping system and the extraction system. Petition 870250084742, dated 19 / 09 / 2025, pp. 77 / 80 3 / 3 15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the suction tubes are provided with a spring-loaded suction valve.

16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the stripping system is a cork removal system, and in that the strippers are cork removers.

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the cork removers comprise electromagnets. Petition 870250084742, dated 09 / 19 / 2025, pp. 78 / 80