Systems and processes for collecting waste materials

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for collecting waste for recycling, including a container recovery machine (RVM) (100) and a carrier arrangement (300; 350) adapted to receive devalued waste objects (2) at a first location having a first elevation and to transport and deliver the devalued waste objects to a second location having an elevation higher than the first location and an entrance of the RVM (100). The system (1) further includes a buffer arrangement adapted to receive the devalued waste objects (2) from the RVM (100) at a third location and deliver the devalued waste objects (2) to the carrier arrangement (300; 350) at the first location. The carrier arrangement (300; 350) includes at least one carrier adapted to perform repeated movement between the first and second locations. The present disclosure further relates to a process for transporting and collecting waste items (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a system for collecting waste objects for recycling, such as deposit-return objects. The system includes a container return system having an entrance, a recognition means, and an exit for the waste objects. The system also includes a carrier arrangement adapted to receive the waste objects from the container return system at a first location having a first elevation and to transport and deliver the waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transport.

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a process for transporting and collecting waste materials by a system for collecting waste materials for recycling, such as deposit return items, the system including a container return system, a buffer arrangement, and a carrier arrangement. [Background technology]

[0003] background Container return systems, such as reverse vending machines (RVMs), are typically deployed to collect waste containers for recycling. This may include used, especially empty, beverage containers or other waste materials. Today, many countries have mandatory recycling or container bond legislation. For some types of waste containers, and in some countries, returns are made in exchange for cash or vouchers. Some container return systems offer stand-alone solutions, such as integrated means for sorting, compacting, and storing collected containers in a stand-alone unit. However, container return systems may need to collect a large number of waste containers for recycling in a short period of time. In many facilities, the container return system delivers the received containers to a backroom receiving facility. Depending on the required storage capacity of the system, the space required can be considerable. Systems can also be complex, potentially requiring multiple means for sorting, crushing or compacting, transporting, rerouting, and storing the received containers. The space requirements and complexity increase the cost of the system. Additionally, the path of accepted containers must be protected from tampering to prevent fraud. This level of control further increases the complexity and cost of the system.

[0004] In a typical facility, crushed or compressed materials are delivered to a bin or roller cage where they are stored in plastic bags. The plastic bags are only changed when full, and then set aside to await collection, for example, by a garbage truck. This requires space to be available to store the full plastic bags. Operation of the container return system may also need to be suspended while the bags are being changed.

[0005] Waste containers returned for recycling, such as empty beverage bottles and cans, often contain residual liquid that can come into contact with the working parts of the system. Care must be taken to ensure that the sticky residue does not impair the operation of the system, which may require frequent cleaning. The more complex the system and the more parts the waste containers touch, the more delicate such cleaning operations may become. Furthermore, the residue may produce an unpleasant odor that can be annoying to both workers and users / customers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] overview In light of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to alleviate at least some of the drawbacks and to provide a more efficient and versatile system for collecting waste materials for recycling, as well as an improved process for collecting and transporting waste materials through such a system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for collecting waste items for recycling, e.g., deposit return items, comprising: - a container return system for waste items, having an inlet, a recognition means, and an outlet; and - a carrier arrangement adapted to receive waste objects from a container return system at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transfer and deliver the waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transfer; Including, - The system further includes a buffer arrangement adapted to receive waste objects from the container return system and to deliver the waste objects to the carrier arrangement, whereby the buffer arrangement can enable the container return system and the carrier arrangement to operate independently of each other.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for collecting deposit-refundable waste items for recycling, the system comprising: a container recovery machine (RVM) for waste items having an inlet, recognition means, means for reducing value, and an outlet, the RVM adapted to reduce the value of the waste items before they reach the outlet; and a carrier arrangement adapted to receive devalued waste objects from an RVM at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the devalued waste objects to a second location having a second elevation vertically higher than the first elevation and visible above the entrance of the RVM for storage or further transport; Including, The system further includes a buffer arrangement adapted to receive the devalued waste objects from the RVM at a third location, optionally having a third elevation different from the first and second elevations, and to deliver the devalued waste objects to the carrier arrangement at the first location; and A system is provided in which the carrier arrangement includes at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between a first location and a second location.

[0009] In the context of this application, a container return system may be any system adapted to collect, sort, crush, compact, and / or transport waste containers for recycling, including deposit-returnable items such as empty beverage bottles and cans of any size and material, e.g., PET, aluminum, tin, or glass. Such systems may be used by specialized companies that collect used beverage containers from the food service industry, e.g., in recycling processing centers. An example of such a system is the equipment for singulating used beverage containers received in bulk, as described in EP 2953871 A1. A container return system may also be a container return machine (RVM), e.g., found in a supermarket, where end consumers deposit used beverage containers into the RVM. In such cases, only the front of the RVM is publicly visible and accessible to end consumers, while the receiving facility in the back room is accessible only to store employees or other authorized personnel. Furthermore, in the context of this application, recognition means refers to equipment for recognizing an object, e.g. its shape or its material, and / or for determining whether the object should be collected by the system; in other words, for determining whether the object is valid.

[0010] The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that the space in a typical container return system's backroom receiving facility can be used much more efficiently. The combination of the above-described features with a carrier arrangement adapted to receive waste objects from a container return system at a first location having a first elevation and to transport and deliver the waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation allows the system to utilize available vertical space in the backroom facility, especially when the elevation is steep. Therefore, the system's installation space is reduced, allowing installation in spaces that would not otherwise be suitable. Utilizing vertical space can also increase the storage space available in a given installation space. Second, in a material stream having waste objects collected and accepted by a container return system and moving from the container return system to the carrier arrangement via a buffer arrangement, a buffer arrangement disposed between the container return system and the carrier arrangement allows the container return system to remain operational independently of the operation of the carrier arrangement, as containers are temporarily stored in the buffer arrangement while waiting to be transferred by the carrier arrangement. In this way, discontinuous and / or parallel flow of vessels can be managed.

[0011] Generally, waste objects are placed into the container return system at a certain height, and each operation on the waste container, such as inspection and devaluation, sacrifices height and / or floor space. Any loss in elevation places a limit on the space available downstream in the system for further operations and storage, which is why conventional designs have carefully avoided wasting floor space and therefore increased the system's footprint. Providing a carrier arrangement adapted to transport waste objects from a first location to a second location at a steep elevation or in a substantially vertical direction eliminates or reduces the need to minimize elevation loss because the waste objects can be efficiently elevated again within the floor space. This leads to potential cost savings because, for example, a costly compact design compressor can be replaced by another spacious, low-cost compressor, or two sequentially compact, lower-cost compressors with lesser performance. A high degree of compactness can be achieved by compacting waste objects in several stages using multiple vertically successive compressors. Additionally, the system may be designed with a lower entrance to the RVM, for example, for ease of access.

[0012] In some countries, waste items are required to be tracked through a system until their value is deducted to prevent fraud. Therefore, providing a means for deducting value at the beginning of the material stream from the inlet of the container return system or RVM reduces the potential costs associated with tracking over longer distances. The means for deducting value can be located, for example, at most 3 m from the inlet, or at most 2 m from the inlet, or at most 1 m from the inlet.

[0013] Below, several embodiments and further advantages related to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure are described. Unless otherwise specified and where compatible, the embodiments and advantages apply to both the first and second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] According to an embodiment, said transfer of waste objects from a first location to a second location is substantially vertical.

[0015] According to one example, the carrier arrangement of the first aspect includes a carrier for transporting the waste objects between the first location and a second location.

[0016] According to one example, the system according to the first aspect includes the buffer arrangement adapted to receive waste objects from a container return system at a third location and deliver the waste objects to a carrier arrangement at the first location.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, said displacement of the at least one carrier between the first location and the second location is substantially vertical.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the transfer of waste objects and / or the displacement of at least one carrier between the first and second locations deviates from vertical by at most 5°, or at most 10°, or at most 15°, i.e., occurs at an angle in the range of 85° to 90°, or in the range of 80° to 90°, or in the range of 75° to 90° relative to the horizontal.

[0019] Generally, substantially vertical displacement of the carrier and / or within the above-mentioned ranges conserves valuable floor space and provides a more compact system. With substantially vertical displacement, the carrier arrangement can transport waste objects to a second location at any elevation without substantially increasing the system's footprint. The first location can have a low elevation and be close to the floor without increasing the system's footprint.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the third elevation appears vertically higher than the first elevation and lower than the second elevation.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the third elevation appears vertically lower than the exit of the container return system / RVM, and the buffer arrangement is adapted at the third location to receive waste objects that are dropped from the container return system / RVM, preferably from the exit of the container return system / RVM, to the third location.

[0022] This allows for a simple, space and energy efficient transfer of waste objects from the outlet of the Container Return System / RVM to the buffer arrangement.

[0023] For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "container return system / RVM" is used when describing features present in both embodiments of the container return system of the first aspect and the RVM of the second aspect. Thus, the above sentence describes two aspects: "This allows for simple, space- and energy-efficient transfer of waste objects from the outlet of the container return system to the buffer arrangement" and "This allows for simple, space- and energy-efficient transfer of waste objects from the outlet of the RVM to the buffer arrangement."

[0024] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement comprises sliding means adapted to transfer waste objects from the third location to the first location, in other words the buffer arrangement is arranged such that waste objects received by the buffer arrangement at the third location can be transferred to the first location by sliding over a surface of the buffer arrangement, for example due to the action of gravity.

[0025] This provides a simple and energy efficient system in which waste items are transported to a first location by gravity.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the horizontal distance between the entrance of the RVM and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 200 cm, or 80 cm to 170 cm, or 100 cm to 150 cm; and / or the vertical distance between the entrance of the RVM and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 300 cm, or 50 cm to 200 cm, or 75 cm to 150 cm; and / or the vertical distance between the first location and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 400 cm, or 50 cm to 300 cm, or 100 cm to 300 cm, or 100 cm to 250 cm; and / or The vertical distance between the first location and the third location is in the range of 20 cm to 150 cm, or 20 cm to 120 cm, or 30 cm to 100 cm.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the carrier arrangement is one of a closed loop path carrier arrangement or a shuttle path carrier arrangement: - the closed loop path carrier arrangement is adapted for at least one carrier to perform repeated movement along a closed loop path between a first location and a second location, and is configured such that displacement of the at least one carrier from the first location to the second location occurs on a different portion of the path than displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location; and - the shuttle path carrier arrangement is adapted for at least one carrier to perform repeated movement along the shuttle path between a first location and a second location, and is configured such that displacement of the at least one carrier from the first location to the second location occurs in the same portion of the path as displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, the at least one carrier is adapted to transport and deliver at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, or at least 20 waste or devalued waste objects simultaneously while being transitioned between the first and second locations. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one carrier is adapted to transport and deliver at most 50, or at most 25, waste objects simultaneously while being transitioned between the first and second locations.

[0029] According to one embodiment, at least one carrier is a paddle having a generally flat surface adapted to push said waste objects within the tubular structure of the carrier arrangement.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the flat surface configured to push the devalued waste object is shorter than the maximum length of the waste object that the RVM or waste collection system is configured to accept. According to one example, the maximum length of the waste object that the RVM or waste collection system is configured to accept is within the range of 300 mm to 350 mm and is the height of a 1.5 L PET beverage bottle. Other RVMs or waste collection systems may be configured to accept objects of larger or smaller dimensions. When the flat surface configured to push the object is shorter than the maximum length of the waste object, the extent of the flat surface used for pushing is longer in no direction than the maximum length of the object. When the maximum length of the object is 330 mm, the flat surface used for pushing is shorter than 330 mm in all directions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the flat surface configured to push the devalued waste objects is at least 30% shorter than the maximum length of the waste objects that the RVM or system for collecting waste objects is configured to accept, so for example if this maximum length is 330 mm, the flat surface used for pushing is shorter than 231 mm in all directions.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the flat surface configured to push the devalued waste object is at least 40% shorter, or at least 45% shorter, or at least 50% shorter than the maximum length of the waste object that the RVM or system for collecting waste objects is configured to accept.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the flat surface configured to push the devalued waste objects is at least 45% shorter in one direction than the maximum length of the waste objects that the RVM or system for collecting waste objects is configured to accept; and at least 50% shorter in another direction perpendicular to the first direction than the maximum length of the waste objects that the RVM or system for collecting waste objects is configured to accept.

[0034] According to one example, the flat surface is substantially rectangular, optionally with rounded corners.

[0035] According to one example, the flat surface has a width in the range of 150mm to 200mm, e.g., 172mm, and a depth in the range of 130mm to 170mm, e.g., 152mm; optionally, the surface has a width in the range of 160mm to 190mm, and a depth in the range of 140mm to 160mm, optionally, the surface has a width in the range of 165mm to 185mm, and a depth in the range of 145mm to 160mm, optionally, the surface has a width in the range of 168mm to 178mm, and a depth in the range of 147mm to 157mm. These measurements are particularly useful when transporting depreciated beverage cans and PET bottles and similar objects, which have a maximum height in the range of 300mm to 350mm.

[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, a tubular structure refers to a hollow structure that provides sidewalls parallel to the path of at least one carrier. When waste objects fall from at least one carrier, the sidewalls prevent the waste objects from falling outside the tubular structure. The sidewalls may be solid, rigid walls or made of flexible materials such as thin plates or nets. The sidewalls may have openings that are small enough to prevent waste objects from passing through. The tubular structure may have a cross-section of any suitable shape.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the at least one carrier is a container having a bottom surface and at least one support wall extending along an edge of the bottom surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and / or the at least one container is bowl- or bucket-shaped and has a carrying volume in the range of 1 L to 25 L. According to one example, the container can carry more than 25 or more than 50 objects per transfer.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the at least one carrier has a generally flat surface adapted to push the waste objects within the tubular structure of the carrier arrangement, the extent of the generally flat surface substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the tubular structure to prevent the waste objects from falling out of the carrier during displacement of the at least one carrier between the first location and the second location.

[0039] This provides for efficient transport of waste materials.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the carrier arrangement is a closed loop path carrier arrangement and includes a plurality of carriers adapted to perform repeated movement along the closed loop path between a first location and a second location.

[0041] This allows the capacity of the carrier arrangement to be increased in relation to the number of waste objects to be transported by increasing the number of carriers.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the carrier arrangement is a shuttle path carrier arrangement and includes a single carrier adapted to perform repeated movement along the shuttle path between a first location and a second location.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the buffer arrangement is adapted to deliver waste objects to the carrier simultaneously with the carrier arrangement being located at the first location.

[0044] Thus, the buffer arrangement is adapted to operate in close cooperation with the carrier arrangement, which in turn is adapted to lift waste objects from a first location to a second location.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the container return system / RVM is adapted to accept waste objects of different materials and / or different sizes, and the waste objects of different materials and / or different sizes are commingled.

[0046] Therefore, the complexity of the system can be significantly reduced. If local standards for the collection of recyclable objects allow mixing of different materials, such a system can result in cost savings.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the carrier arrangement has at least two compartments for transporting waste objects, each compartment of the at least two compartments preferably adapted to transport waste objects of different materials and / or different sizes.

[0048] This configuration may be advantageous when local standards and regulations regarding collection of recyclables do not allow for the mixing of different materials, as a single carrier arrangement may be used to achieve separate material streams.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the system further includes at least one additional carrier arrangement adapted to transport and deliver waste objects for storage or further transport, and at least one additional buffer arrangement adapted to deliver waste objects to the additional carrier arrangement.

[0050] Depending on the required processing and / or storage capacity of the system and the available space, this configuration may be more convenient if different materials are stored separately, with each carrier arrangement delivering waste items to a separate location.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement is adapted to selectively deliver waste material to the carrier arrangement or to an additional carrier arrangement.

[0052] This may allow a system to include fewer buffer arrangements than carrier arrangements, thereby saving space.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement has a first state in which waste objects received by the buffer arrangement are buffered therein, and a second state in which waste objects received by the buffer arrangement are delivered to the carrier arrangement.

[0054] In the context of this disclosure, the phrase "state of object A" may refer to the orientation of object A. Object a may be, for example, pivotable about an axis between a first orientation / state and a second orientation / state. Additionally and / or alternatively, "state of object A may refer to object A being open or closed."

[0055] The first orientation or state allows the buffer arrangement to buffer the waste objects until the carrier arrangement is ready to accept the waste objects from the buffer arrangement, at which point the buffer arrangement is set to its second state or orientation so that the buffered objects are transferred to the carrier arrangement. There may be several reasons why a carrier arrangement is unavailable to accept waste objects, for example it may be full, it may be being emptied or it may be being cleaned.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the carrier arrangement includes at least one independently operable carrier adapted to move between a first location and a second location.

[0057] An independently operable carrier may take the form of, for example, a bucket, basket, or other receptacle that moves between a first location and a second location. Compared to, for example, a generally continuous conveyor belt, for example, having vanes or other crossbars along its length and adapted to carry waste items from a first location to a second location, an independently operable carrier has the advantage that a much smaller surface area of ​​the carrier arrangement may come into contact with the waste items. Therefore, the surface area at risk of being soiled by any residual liquid present in the waste items is smaller. As such, it may be easier to keep the carrier arrangement clean. Furthermore, with an independently operable carrier, it is easier to avoid splashing residual liquid onto moving parts of the system, making the system less costly and easier to maintain.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the buffer arrangement is adapted to accept waste items from the container return system / RVM regardless of the carrier's location.

[0059] Thus, the buffer arrangement may be adapted to receive waste objects from the container return system when the carrier is in transit from the first location to the second location, or vice versa, or when the carrier is at the second location and delivering previously received waste objects. In particular, the buffer arrangement may be adapted to receive waste objects from the container return system at the same time that the carrier is at the first location, while the buffer arrangement may also deliver waste objects to the carrier arrangement.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the state of the buffer arrangement or the orientation of the buffer surfaces of the buffer arrangement is determined or controlled by the location of the carrier.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement comprises a rotatable buffer surface, the orientation of which is controlled by interaction with the carrier arrangement.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the state or orientation of the rotatable buffer surface of the buffer arrangement is controlled by mechanical and / or sensor means based on the location of at least one carrier, ensuring that the buffer arrangement is in the correct state for each location of the carrier; and / or that the buffer surface of the buffer arrangement is in the correct orientation for each location of the carrier.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement is configured to be in the second state of the buffer arrangement when the carrier is in the first location of the carrier; and / or the buffer surface of the buffer arrangement is configured to be in a delivering orientation when the carrier is in the first location of the carrier.

[0064] This ensures that any waste material placed in the buffer arrangement can be delivered to the carrier each time the carrier is in or present at the first location and provide a faster material stream through the system.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the speed of the carrier may be adapted based on the number, volume and / or weight of waste containers in the buffer area.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement has a buffer receptacle adapted to receive and dispense waste material, the buffer receptacle adapted to tilt, preferably about a substantially horizontal axis, between a first position in which the buffer arrangement is in a first state and a second position in which the buffer arrangement is in a second state.

[0067] The angled buffer receptacle can provide a buffer arrangement that is both simple and compact.

[0068] The buffer receptacle and / or carrier may each have a volumetric capacity that is sufficient to accommodate the maximum number of objects processed by the container return system during at least the time required for the carrier to move from the first location to the second location, deliver the contents of the carrier, and move back to the first location. This may provide security to the system because waste objects that do not fit into the buffer receptacle or carrier may fall into other parts of the system or onto the floor, potentially clogging or otherwise interfering with the operation of the system.

[0069] According to an embodiment, at least one of the carrier and the buffer receptacle are adapted to cooperate such that at least a portion of the displacement of the carrier from the second location to the first location of the carrier tilts the buffer receptacle from the first state of the buffer arrangement to the second state.

[0070] Therefore, the displacement of the carrier and the tilting movement of the buffer receptacle can be coordinated, which can ensure, for example, that there is no risk of waste objects falling out of the buffer receptacle or carrier during the transition from the first state of the buffer receptacle to the second state and from the second location of the carrier to the first location, respectively.

[0071] According to an embodiment, at least one carrier abuts, directly or indirectly, the buffer receptacle during at least a portion of the displacement that tilts the buffer receptacle from the first state to the second state of the buffer arrangement, and optionally the buffer receptacle is tilted about a substantially horizontal axis such that rotational movement of the buffer receptacle occurs in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front surface of the RVM when tilted.

[0072] Therefore, cooperation between the carrier and the buffer receptacle can be achieved mechanically, keeping the system complexity low.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the substantially horizontal axis is located transverse to the buffer receptacle.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the system further includes a guide member adapted to guide the waste objects from the container return system / RVM to the buffer receptacle, the guide member preferably being displaceable such that the guide member is adapted to guide the waste objects from the container return system / RVM to the buffer receptacle regardless of the position of the buffer receptacle.

[0075] The guide members may therefore ensure that waste objects from the container return system / RVM do not fall outside the buffer arrangement and potentially clog or otherwise interfere with the operation of the system.

[0076] According to certain embodiments, the buffer arrangement is coupled or mechanically attached to the container return system and is optionally surrounded by a continuous or discontinuous housing.

[0077] This may provide a safe pathway for waste items from the container return system to the buffer arrangement.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the system further includes a silo arrangement having at least one silo, each silo comprising: - a mouth at the end looking vertically upwards, adapted to receive the waste object; - Waste material room; and - a hatch at the bottom end of the waste chamber adapted to release and deliver waste for storage or further transport Including, The silo configuration has a delivery state in which the hatch is generally open and a buffer state in which the hatch is generally closed to buffer the waste material for delivery at a later time.

[0079] Such a silo arrangement may allow for much more efficient use of the space available in the back room of a typical container return system; may allow for higher storage capacity in a smaller installation space; and may further allow for continuous operation of the container return system. When in a buffer state, the silo arrangement may interrupt the material stream from the container return system to, for example, a storage bin, allowing the bin to be changed or emptied without interfering with the operation of the container return system. In particular, continuous operation may be possible without the need to reroute or divert the waste stream whenever a storage bin becomes full, as is the case in some existing solutions. Such rerouting requires complex systems. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a simpler and more robust solution, which may result in cost savings.

[0080] According to certain embodiments, the hatch may be sized and configured to allow for the release and delivery of waste within the waste chamber for storage or further transport.

[0081] This can ensure that waste objects do not become tangled together and jam in or around the hatch, preventing the release and delivery of waste objects.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the system further includes a storage bin, wherein the silo arrangement includes a stand on which the silo is placed, allowing the storage bin to be positioned vertically beneath the silo.

[0083] With storage bins that can be positioned directly below the silo, the system can utilize available vertical space.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the stand comprises supporting uprights to maintain the silo some distance off the ground on which the silo arrangement is installed.

[0085] The support uprights may provide a flexible approach to positioning the stand.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the stand comprises four support uprights, wherein the silo has a generally rectangular cross-section, whereby each support upright of the four support uprights is located approximately at a corner of the generally rectangular cross-section of the silo.

[0087] A generally rectangular cross section may maximize silo capacity for a given installation space. Placing the support uprights in the corners may allow for easy access to the silo.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the distance between at least one pair of two adjacent support uprights is adapted to accommodate a storage bin therebetween.

[0089] The system can therefore accommodate a silo and a storage bin within the same installation space.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the height of each support upright is adapted to accommodate a storage bin beneath the silo when the silo arrangement is in use.

[0091] This ensures that the storage bins do not interfere with the operation of the silo arrangement by blocking openings or closing hatches.

[0092] The silo arrangement according to the present disclosure can be adapted to suit particular needs. It is particularly advantageous that the silo arrangement can be adapted, for example in terms of its dimensions, such as the width and length of the silo and the height of the stand on which it is located, to accommodate any storage bin or waste container, such as one having a standard size and volume that complies with particular local regulations for waste or recycling collection.

[0093] The use of standard storage bins that can be emptied directly into waste collection trucks, as enabled by the present disclosure, can further avoid the use of plastic bags, thus providing environmental as well as cost benefits.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the system includes at least two stacked silos, wherein the stack of silos is arranged such that the top silo is adapted to receive waste objects from a carrier arrangement and to release and deliver the waste objects to a silo located directly vertically below the top silo, and the bottom silo is adapted to release and deliver the waste objects to a storage bin located directly vertically below the bottom silo.

[0095] This is an efficient way to increase the capacity of a silo arrangement without increasing its installation space. Large buffer or storage volumes can be achieved even when available space is limited, which can have significant cost advantages where floor space is particularly at a premium, such as in supermarkets.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the hatch has a plurality of hatch sections, each of which is rotatable about a respective pivot axis, and the pivot axes are substantially parallel to one another.

[0097] This provides the silo with a large opening and allows switching between the buffer state and the delivery state of the silo with limited space requirements for opening and closing the hatch in the delivery state of the silo.

[0098] According to certain embodiments, the hatch sections may be rotatable about a common axis instead of respective mutually parallel axes of rotation, which may allow for simpler construction and installation of the hatch.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the hatch has three hatch sections, the hatch sections in the open position being generally disposed in similar rotational positions, whereby the hatch sections are generally overlapping one another, and the hatch sections in the closed position being generally disposed adjacent one another.

[0100] This configuration may offer the best compromise between complexity and aperture size achievable within a given space requirement.

[0101] According to one embodiment, at least the hatch sections along the sides of each hatch section that are adjacent to one another in the closed position of the hatch have latching for interconnecting the adjacent hatch sections.

[0102] Therefore, only one of the hatch sections needs to be driven to rotate, with the other section following suit thanks to the interconnection.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the volumetric capacity of each silo of the silo arrangement is less than or equal to the volumetric capacity of the storage bin positioned directly below the silo arrangement.

[0104] By providing a silo and storage bin with the respective volumetric capacities described above, it is ensured that the silo can always be completely emptied into the storage bin, provided that the storage bin is empty, without having to check the volume of waste material carried by the silo or monitor the opening of the silo and close the opening before the bin can overflow. This further automates the handling of the silo arrangement, minimizing the physical labor required, lowering costs and reducing the risk of mishandling.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the system further includes at least one liquid nozzle adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid, such as water, into at least one component of the system selected from the group consisting of a buffer arrangement, a carrier arrangement, and a silo arrangement for cleaning the system and / or waste objects.

[0106] Used beverage containers typically contain a small amount of residual liquid, which tends to splash onto surfaces in the buffer arrangement, carrier arrangement, and silo arrangement, at least to some extent, during operation of the system. This is particularly true if the bottles or cans are crushed or compacted before being delivered to the buffer arrangement, as the residual liquid may come out of the container more easily. Due to the high sugar content, residual liquid, especially in the case of used carbonated beverage bottles and cans, can leave a sticky residue on surfaces in the silo arrangement. If left unattended, this can lead to equipment failure as well as the generation of unpleasant odors. Providing the system with nozzles for spraying or otherwise delivering cleaning liquid can rinse affected surfaces and avoid some of these problems.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the system further includes a controller for automated control or scheduling of cleaning of the system and / or waste items.

[0108] For example, cleaning may be automated in terms of time and / or in terms of the amount of waste material delivered to the buffer arrangement, carrier arrangement and / or silo arrangement by allocating certain intervals between events of delivering cleaning liquid by the liquid nozzles. This may reduce the work required to control the operation of the system and its maintenance, reducing costs.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the buffer arrangement, carrier arrangement and / or silo arrangement are adapted to collect, carry and deliver liquids simultaneously with the waste material.

[0110] A system that can carry liquid, both residual liquid from the waste and cleaning liquid, throughout the system is particularly advantageous. This can provide a cleaner system environment, for example, because liquid is not being spread on the back room floor. The system can be installed even if there are no floor drains. Required system maintenance can be reduced.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the buffer receptacle, at least one carrier, and silo are drip-proof to collect, carry, and deliver liquids simultaneously with the waste material when in the buffer state of the silo configuration.

[0112] In the context of this application, drip-proof means that the respective part is not completely liquid-tight but can withstand and carry at least a small amount of liquid, which may avoid damage to the system if, for example, a liquid nozzle fails.

[0113] The RVM includes a means for reducing the value of the waste material and may include a container return system.

[0114] Such measures ensure that waste items are not re-introduced into the container return system.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the means for reducing the value of the waste object is located upstream of the buffer arrangement, such that the value of the waste object is reduced before it is received by the buffer arrangement.

[0116] This location reduces the distance that waste items travel, which must be controlled to prevent fraud.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the container return system / RVM and the means for devaluing waste items, and preferably only the container return system / RVM and the means for devaluing waste items, are provided with a fraud-proof housing. In other words, the system downstream of the compressor may be housing-free or may have an easily accessible housing and / or may lack sensors for tracking the location of each single waste item.

[0118] When the means for devaluing is located upstream of the carrier arrangement, the amount of fraud prevention housing can be reduced, leading to cost savings. The rest of the system can also be more easily accessible for maintenance.

[0119] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for transporting and collecting waste objects by a system for collecting waste objects for recycling, e.g., deposit return objects, the system including a container return system, e.g., an RVM, a buffer arrangement, and a carrier arrangement, the process comprising: - receiving waste objects from a container return system by a buffer arrangement; - buffering the waste objects with a buffer arrangement until the carrier arrangement is positioned to receive the waste objects, the carrier arrangement being adapted to be operable independently of the container return system; - delivering waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement at a first location having a first elevation; and - transferring and delivering the waste objects with the carrier arrangement to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation. A process is provided, including:

[0120] The process according to the third aspect may be suitably implemented using a system for collecting waste materials for recycling as described in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure. It should be understood that any features and embodiments of the first aspect of the inventive concept may be implemented in the process according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, provided that they are compatible with the process.

[0121] Thus, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, a process for transporting and collecting waste materials according to the third aspect includes transporting and collecting the waste materials by a system for collecting waste materials for recycling according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0122] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for transporting and collecting waste objects for recycling, which are deposit return items, by a system for collecting waste objects, the system including a container recovery machine (RVM), a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement, the carrier arrangement including at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between a first location having a first elevation and a second location having a second elevation that is vertically higher than the first elevation and appears higher than the exit of the RVM; The process is: - receiving the devalued waste material from the RVM through a buffer arrangement; - buffering the devalued waste objects with a buffer arrangement until the carrier arrangement is positioned to receive the waste objects; - delivering the devalued waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement at the first location; and - transporting and delivering the devalued waste objects to a second location by a carrier arrangement. A process is provided, including:

[0123] The process according to the fourth aspect may be suitably implemented using a system for collecting waste materials for recycling as described in relation to the second aspect of the present disclosure. It should be understood that any features and embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in the process according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, provided that they are compatible with the process.

[0124] Thus, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, a process for transporting and collecting waste materials according to the fourth aspect includes transporting and collecting the waste materials by a system for collecting waste materials for recycling according to any embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0125] Below, we describe some embodiments and further advantages related to the third and fourth aspects of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated and where compatible, the embodiments and advantages apply to both the third and fourth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the step of transporting and delivering the devalued waste objects to the second location by a carrier arrangement includes transporting the devalued waste objects in a substantially vertical displacement between the first location and the second location by at least one carrier.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the step of buffering the waste objects by the buffer arrangement is performed until the carrier arrangement is located at the first location, and the step of delivering the waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement is performed at the same time that the carrier arrangement is located at the first location.

[0128] This may ensure that the buffer arrangement only delivers waste objects to the carrier arrangement when the carrier arrangement is ready to accept the waste objects.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the process further comprises selectively delivering the waste objects to a buffer arrangement or to an additional buffer arrangement adapted to deliver the waste objects to an additional carrier arrangement.

[0130] This allows for flexible configuration of the system for collecting waste items. For example, additional buffer and carrier configurations may allow for a higher capacity of the system. It may also allow the system to accommodate waste items of different materials and / or sizes, for example, where local standards and regulations do not allow for mixing of different materials for recycling collection.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the process further includes delivering the waste objects from the carrier arrangement at the second location to a silo arrangement.

[0132] Waste items are delivered to higher locations to utilize available vertical space.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the process further includes independently operating the carriers of the carrier arrangement to move the carriers between the first location and the second location.

[0134] Therefore, this step can be performed independently of, for example, the operation of the container return system. Operating the carrier can reduce the surface area at risk of being soiled by any residual liquid present in the waste object, making the carrier arrangement, and the rest of the system, easier to keep clean and making the system more robust and easier to maintain.

[0135] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the process further comprises a step of abutting the carrier, directly or indirectly, against a buffer receptacle of the buffer arrangement during at least a portion of the displacement of the carrier from the second location to the first location to move the buffer arrangement from a buffer state of the buffer arrangement to a delivery state.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the process further comprises a step of abutting the at least one carrier, directly or indirectly, against a buffer receptacle of the buffer arrangement during at least a portion of the displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location to move the buffer arrangement from a buffer state of the buffer arrangement to a delivery state of the buffer arrangement.

[0137] This step allows the carrier to determine the state of the buffer arrangement, ensures that the buffer arrangement is in the proper state for each location of the carrier, and may prevent the inadvertent delivery of waste material from the buffer arrangement when the carrier is not ready to accept it.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the process further comprises the step of delivering a cleaning liquid, such as water, by at least one liquid nozzle to at least one component of the system selected from the group consisting of a buffer arrangement, a carrier arrangement, and a silo arrangement.

[0139] If any residual liquid from the waste material splashes onto the surfaces of the system's components, this step can ensure that it is washed away before it forms a sticky residue, avoiding potential breakdowns and unpleasant odors, reducing maintenance needs, and improving the work environment.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the process further comprises: - collecting, conveying and delivering by a component of the system selected from the group consisting of a buffer arrangement, a carrier arrangement and a silo arrangement, liquid originating from the residual liquid contained in the waste object or washing liquid delivered to the buffer arrangement, the carrier arrangement or the silo arrangement; Includes.

[0141] These steps allow for the management of liquids throughout the system. These steps may, for example, ensure that liquids are collected by storage bins where they can be safely disposed of.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the process further includes switching the silo arrangement between a first state and a second state, in which the silo arrangement releases and delivers the waste material for storage or further transport, and in which the silo arrangement buffers the waste material for release and delivery at a later time.

[0143] The silo arrangement can thus be used to either interrupt the material stream or allow material to pass through as needed. Perhaps this step can be performed simultaneously with the step of delivering waste objects from the carrier arrangement at the second location to the silo arrangement. Therefore, operation of the system, particularly the container return system, does not need to be interrupted.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the process further includes delivering the waste material from the silo arrangement to a storage bin located vertically below the silo arrangement.

[0145] The storage bins may preferably be of a standard size and volume that conforms to local regulations regarding waste or recycling collection, so that waste items can be easily handled, for example, for collection by a recycling collection truck.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the process further comprises: - switching the silo deployment configuration from a first state to a second state; - removing the storage bin for emptying or further transport; and - placing the emptied storage bin or another empty storage bin beneath the silo arrangement; Includes:

[0147] This step allows for easy emptying of waste from the system and can be performed while maintaining operation of the container return system. The contents of the storage bin may be transferred to another container or, conveniently, emptied directly into a recycling collection truck for transport to a recycling processing center.

[0148] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, several steps of the process are preceded by a step of devaluing the waste item, which ensures that the waste item cannot be re-injected into the container return system and prevents potential fraud.

[0149] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for collecting waste materials for recycling that are deposit return items, the system including a carrier arrangement positioned to receive the devalued waste materials from an RVM at a first location having a first elevation and adapted to transport and deliver the devalued waste materials to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transport.

[0150] The system further includes a buffer arrangement positioned to accept the devalued waste objects directly from the outlet of the RVM at a third location having a third elevation different from the first and second elevations, and to deliver the devalued waste objects to the carrier arrangement at the first location.

[0151] The carrier arrangement includes at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between a first location and a second location.

[0152] The second elevation is higher than the exit of the RVM.

[0153] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a silo arrangement for a back room of a container return system comprising at least one silo adapted to receive waste objects, such as deposit return objects, directly or indirectly from the container return system and to deliver the waste objects for storage or further transport, the silo comprising: a mouth at the end looking vertically upwards adapted to receive waste objects; waste chamber; and a hatch at the bottom end of the waste chamber adapted to release and deliver waste for storage or further transport; Including, A silo arrangement is provided having a delivery state in which the hatch is generally open and a buffer state in which the hatch is generally closed to buffer the waste material for delivery at a later time.

[0154] The present disclosure is based on the recognition that the space in the back room of a typical container return system can be used much more efficiently. A silo arrangement such as that described above may allow for higher storage capacity in a smaller installation space. The present disclosure is also based on the recognition that the buffering capability of such a silo arrangement may allow for continuous operation of the container return system. When in a buffer state, the silo arrangement can interrupt the material stream from the container return system to, for example, a storage bin, allowing the bin to be changed or emptied without interfering with the operation of the container return system. In particular, continuous operation is possible without the need to reroute or divert the waste stream whenever a storage bin becomes full, as is the case in some existing solutions. Such rerouting requires complex systems. The present disclosure therefore provides a simpler and more robust solution, which may result in cost savings.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the silo arrangement includes a stand on which the silo is placed, allowing the storage bin to be positioned vertically directly below the silo, thus allowing the system to utilize available vertical space.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the stand includes support uprights to maintain the silo some distance from the ground on which the silo arrangement is installed. The support uprights may provide a flexible method of positioning the stand.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the stand comprises four support uprights, wherein the silo has a generally rectangular cross-section, such that each support upright of the four support uprights is located approximately at a corner of the generally rectangular cross-section of the silo.

[0158] A generally rectangular cross section may maximize silo capacity for a given installation space. Support uprights at the corners may allow for easy access to the silo.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the distance between at least one pair of two adjacent support uprights is adapted to accommodate a storage bin between them, so that the system can accommodate a silo and a storage bin within the same installation space.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the height of each support upright is adapted to accommodate a storage bin directly below the silo when the silo arrangement is in use. This may ensure that the storage bin does not prevent operation of the silo arrangement by blocking an opening or closing a hatch.

[0161] The silo arrangement according to the present disclosure can be adapted to suit particular needs. It is particularly advantageous that the silo arrangement can be adapted, for example in terms of its dimensions, e.g. width, length and height of the stand in which it is arranged, to accommodate any storage bin or waste container, such as one having a standard size and volume in accordance with particular local standards for waste or recycling collection.

[0162] Silo configurations that can be used with standard storage bins have the added advantage that waste items do not need to be stored in plastic bags before being collected by, for example, a recycling truck. Typical known container return system installations use non-standard storage bins or roller cages. Such non-standard storage bins are lined with plastic bags because they cannot be directly handled by typical recycling or waste collection trucks. The same applies to roller cages, which require the use of plastic bags to contain waste items. Therefore, using standard storage bins, as enabled by the present disclosure, that can be emptied directly into waste collection trucks can avoid the use of plastic bags, providing environmental and cost benefits. Furthermore, known plastic bags can sometimes cause problems at recycling processing centers, where they can become tangled or otherwise prove difficult to sort.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the silo arrangement includes at least two silos stacked together, wherein the stack of silos is arranged such that the top silo is adapted to receive waste materials and to release and deliver the waste materials to a silo located directly vertically below the top silo, and the bottom silo is adapted to release and deliver the waste materials for storage or further transport.

[0164] This is an efficient way to increase the capacity of a silo arrangement without increasing its installation space. Larger buffer or storage volumes can be achieved even where available space is limited, which can be a significant cost advantage where floor space is particularly at a premium, for example in supermarkets.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the hatch has a plurality of hatch sections, each rotatable about a respective axis of rotation between a closed position in which the silo arrangement is in a buffer state and an open position in which the silo arrangement is in a delivery state, and the axes of rotation are substantially parallel to one another.

[0166] This provides the silo with a large opening to switch between the buffer state and the delivery state of the silo with limited space requirements for opening and closing the hatch in the delivery state.

[0167] In at least some embodiments, the hatch sections may be rotatable about a common axis instead of respective mutually parallel axes of rotation, which may allow for simpler construction and installation of the hatch.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the hatch has three hatch sections, the hatch sections in the open position being generally disposed in similar rotational positions, whereby the hatch sections are generally overlapping one another, and the hatch sections in the closed position being generally disposed adjacent one another.

[0169] This configuration may offer the best compromise between complexity and aperture size achievable within a given space requirement.

[0170] According to one embodiment, at least the laterally adjacent hatch sections of each hatch section that are adjacent to one another in the closed position of the hatch have latching for interconnecting the adjacent hatch sections.

[0171] Therefore, only one of the hatch sections needs to be driven to rotate, with the other sections following suit thanks to the interconnections.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the silo arrangement further comprises at least one liquid nozzle adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid, such as water, to the silo for cleaning the silo arrangement and / or the waste items.

[0173] Used beverage containers typically contain a small amount of residual liquid, which tends to splash, at least to some extent, onto surfaces of the silo arrangement while the containers are being delivered to the silo, moved around the waste room, or delivered through the hatch opening. This is especially true if the bottles or cans are crushed or compacted before being delivered to the silo, as the residual liquid may be released from the container more easily. Furthermore, depending on the system used, residual liquid may be delivered to the silo at the same time as the used beverage containers. Due to the high sugar content of residual liquid, particularly in the case of used carbonated beverage bottles and cans, residual liquid may leave a sticky residue on surfaces of the silo arrangement. If left unattended, this can lead to equipment failure and the generation of unpleasant odors. Providing the silo arrangement with nozzles for spraying or otherwise delivering cleaning liquid to the silo arrangement can rinse affected surfaces and avoid some of these problems.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the hatch is drip-proof in buffer conditions.

[0175] In other words, the hatch is adapted to withstand at least a small amount of liquid so that residual liquid from used beverage containers, as well as cleaning liquid, can be conveyed to the silo arrangement when the silo arrangement is in a buffer state. It is advantageous that the hatch is not completely liquid-tight, for example in order to avoid completely filling the silo with cleaning liquid (which could lead to a failure of the silo arrangement) in the event of a liquid nozzle failure.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the at least one liquid nozzle is controllable by a controller for automated control or scheduling of the silo arrangement and / or cleaning of the waste items.

[0177] For example, cleaning may be automated in terms of time and / or in terms of the amount of waste material delivered to the buffer arrangement, carrier arrangement and / or silo arrangement by allocating certain intervals between events of delivering cleaning liquid by the liquid nozzles. This may reduce the work required to control the operation of the system and its maintenance, reducing costs.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the hatch is controllable by a control device for automatic control or scheduling of the opening and closing of the hatch.

[0179] This may allow for customization of the operation of the silo arrangement according to preferences. The hatch may, for example, be automatically opened when an empty storage bin is placed beneath the silo. Conversely, it may be automatically closed when the storage bin is full. The opening and closing of the hatch may be scheduled according to the expected use of the container return system and coordinated with the schedule for picking up waste items for recycling.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the hatch and the at least one liquid nozzle are controllable by the same control device.

[0181] Cleaning of the silo arrangement with the liquid nozzles may conveniently be coordinated with the opening of the hatch, for example by ensuring that the liquid nozzles deliver some cleaning liquid to the silo arrangement each time the hatch is opened and the silo is emptied of its contents.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the volumetric capacity of each silo of the silo arrangement is less than or equal to the volumetric capacity of the storage bin positioned directly below the silo arrangement.

[0183] Providing the silos and storage bins with the respective volumetric capacities described above ensures that the silos can always be emptied completely into the storage bins, provided the storage bins are empty, without having to verify the amount of waste material carried by the silo or monitor the opening of the silo and close it before it overflows. This further automates the handling of the silo arrangement, minimizing the physical labor required, lowering costs and reducing the risk of mishandling.

[0184] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure, some non-limiting embodiments thereof, and further advantages will now be further described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0185] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure, including a container return system, two buffer arrangements, two carrier arrangements, and two silo arrangements. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure in use, showing the material stream from a user depositing waste material into a container return system, through a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement, to the waste material being delivered to a silo arrangement. [Figure 3a] 1 illustrates a side projection view of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement and their interaction at a location on the carrier. [Figure 3b] 1 illustrates a side projection view of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement and their interaction at a location on the carrier. [Figure 3c] 1 illustrates a side projection view of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement and their interaction at a location on the carrier. [Figure 4a] 10A and 10B show perspective views of alternative embodiments of buffer arrangements; [Figure 4b]10A and 10B show perspective views of alternative embodiments of buffer arrangements; [Figure 5] 13A and 13B show side projection views of further alternative embodiments of buffer arrangements. [Figure 6a] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a silo arrangement with the hatch in a closed position. [Figure 6b] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a silo arrangement with the hatch in an open position. [Figure 7a] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a silo arrangement with an alternative embodiment of the hatch in a closed position. [Figure 7b] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a silo arrangement with an alternative embodiment of the hatch in an open position. [Figure 8a] 10 shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a hatch for a silo. [Figure 8b] 10 shows a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a hatch for a silo. [Figure 9a] A side view of the location of the liquid nozzles and how liquid is transported within the system. [Figure 9b] A side view of the location of the liquid nozzles and how liquid is transported within the system. [Figure 9c] A side view of the location of the liquid nozzles and how liquid is transported within the system. [Figure 10a] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the modularity of the system in one embodiment. [Figure 10b] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the modularity of the system in one embodiment. [Figure 10c] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the modularity of the system in one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13a] 1A and 1B show side projection views of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement with a carrier in position. [Figure 13b] 1A and 1B show side projection views of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement with a carrier in position. [Figure 13c] 1A and 1B show side projection views of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement with a carrier in position. [Figure 13d] 1A and 1B show side projection views of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement with a carrier in position. [Figure 13e] 1A and 1B show side projection views of an embodiment of a buffer arrangement and a carrier arrangement with a carrier in position. [Figure 14a] 1 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the carrier arrangement with the carrier in position. [Figure 14b] 1 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the carrier arrangement with the carrier in position. [Figure 14c] 1 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the carrier arrangement with the carrier in position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0186] Detailed Description of the Embodiments FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The system includes two silo arrangements 400 according to an embodiment of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a system 1 for collecting waste 2 (shown in FIG. 2) for recycling, including a container return system in the form of a container recovery machine (RVM) 100, two buffer arrangements 200, two carrier arrangements 300, and two silo arrangements 400. The RVM 100, buffer arrangements 200, and carrier arrangements 300 are shown in FIG. 1 with open sides and portions of their respective housings removed. A side wall of the silo 401 has been removed to better disclose the interior portion of the silo 401, including a waste chamber 405 and a hatch 406.

[0187] Each set of buffer arrangement 200, carrier arrangement 300, and silo arrangement 400 is adapted to transport and deliver waste objects 2 to a respective storage bin 407. This type of RVM 100 is typical of RVM versions that may be used in local shops or markets, where used beverage cans or containers (UBCs) 2 are typically returned for recycling or reuse. The return is typically combined with the payment of a small cash deposit to facilitate the recycling of such used beverage cans 2, or the materials from which they are made. National legislation applies in this regard, and many items, such as batteries, used gas canisters, and the like, may be the focus, rather than just used beverage cans 2. The RVM 100 may be designed differently in such cases, but still apply the general principles of this disclosure. In this type of RVM 100, a private individual inserts the UBC2 into the RVM 100, and a local store or market is responsible for the monetary and dispensing handling, as well as the further handling of the returned UBC2 and the RVM 100 itself. Often, a national system regulates the detailed handling and handling of the cash and dispensing, and the recycling of the returned UBC2 is handled by a third party. Because the returned UBC2 carries monetary value, strict handling and safeguards for the integrated complete process are often crucial.

[0188] The RVM 100 has a housing including a front portion 101 that includes an entrance 102 for introducing waste items 2 into the system, such as deposit return items as described above. The RVM housing also includes a top, a back panel, and two side panels. The RVM housing encloses a recognition, verification, and sorting means 103, a compactor 105 for compacting, for example, empty beverage cans or bottles, and a glass crusher (not visible in FIG. 1 ) next to the compactor 105. To protect the integrity of the system and ensure that it cannot be tampered with, the housing is fraud-proof. Having the housing encase the RVM 100 from the entrance 102 to the glass crusher and / or compactor 105 (although, as will also be shown further below, the system may include only one of these items) provides sufficient fraud protection, since after this point, any waste items 2 are generally devalued to at least the extent of any associated deposit. On the other hand, if the system does not include any crushers or compactors and the waste items 2 are left substantially intact through the container return system, safety measures may be implemented either for the entire system or for the room or space in which it is located.

[0189] Generally, the general public has access only to the front portion 101 of the RVM 100, which is provided with an entrance 102. The front portion 101 may be located, for example, in a suitably designed and constructed hole in the wall of the store. The wall is not shown in FIG. 1. All other parts of the system are preferably located on the other side of the wall, so that only store clerks or other staff with access to the room are allowed in. Such a room or space is commonly referred to as a back room.

[0190] Typical dimensions of this type of RVM 100 are a front portion 101 approximately 60-100 cm wide and up to 180 cm high. The entrance 102 can be positioned within reach of the general public and at a height of 120 cm to approximately 150 cm from the floor for ease of use by wheelchair users. The length of the RVM 100 from the entrance 101 to the outlet from the glass crusher and / or compactor 105 can be as short as approximately 60 cm, but may be longer depending on the design and individual aspects of the specific installation. However, this type of system is very compact and requires little installation space. The dimensions of the other parts of the system are further described below.

[0191] In this embodiment, the system has two sets of buffer arrangements 200, carrier arrangements 300, and silo arrangements 400 together with respective storage bins 407. The system is adapted to receive two entirely different types of waste objects 2: glass bottles on the one hand, and aluminium or plastic bottles on the other hand. Upon entering through the inlet 101, the waste objects 2 are recognised, recognised and sorted by the recognition, identification and sorting means 103. The glass bottles are sorted to be crushed by a glass crusher, and the aluminium or plastic bottles are sorted to be compacted by a compactor 105. This is performed within the RVM 100.

[0192] After being crushed, the crushed waste objects 2 fall into the buffer arrangement 200 arranged for waste glass and are further distributed and transported by the associated carrier assemblies 300 and silos 400 to be stored in the storage bins 407, which therefore contain only crushed glass and any items that may be connected thereto. After being compacted, the compacted waste objects 2 fall into the buffer arrangement 200 arranged for waste aluminum or plastic objects and are further distributed and transported by the associated carrier assemblies 300 and silos 400 to be stored in the storage bins 407, which therefore contain only compacted aluminum or plastic objects and any items that may be connected thereto. Naturally, other material and object combinations for sorting and further handling may be applied depending on specific needs. It is worth noting that in the storage bins 407 arranged for collecting aluminum and plastic objects, these are mixed at this stage. Any further sorting may be performed by other means and at other locations.

[0193] Returning to the RVM 100, the housing of the RVM 100 in Figure 1 also at least partially encloses a buffer arrangement 200. The buffer arrangements 200 are located within the housing of the RVM 100 directly below each of the glass crusher and compactor 105, allowing waste objects 2 that pass through the glass crusher and compactor 105 to fall by gravity into the respective buffer arrangements 200.

[0194] Each buffer arrangement 200 has a buffer receptacle 201 that can tilt between a first position in which the buffer arrangement 200 is in the first state and a second position in which the buffer arrangement 200 is in the second state. The buffer receptacle 201 is shown in Figure 1 in the first position and therefore in the first buffer state when the buffer arrangement 200 is allowed to drop into the buffer receptacle 201 for buffering and therefore for subsequent distribution and transport further through the system.

[0195] The buffer receptacle 201 is tilted about a horizontal axis 202 such that, when tilted, the rotational movement of the buffer receptacle 201 occurs in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front surface 101 of the RVM 100 .

[0196] The buffer receptacle 201 has a plate forming a receiving surface 203 and generally vertically extending side walls. Waste objects 2 delivered to the buffer arrangement 200 from the RVM 100 are further protected from falling or splashing outside the buffer receptacle 200 in this embodiment by an additional housing 204 that partially surrounds the buffer arrangement. However, this may not always be necessary depending on the overall design of the system.

[0197] 1 , when the buffer arrangement 200 is in the first state and the buffer receptacle 201 is in the first position, the receiving surface 203 of the buffer receptacle 201 is inclined or tilted toward the front surface 101 of the RVM 100. In this position, the portion of the buffer receptacle 201 closest to the front surface 101 of the RVM 100 is lower than the portion of the buffer receptacle 201 furthest from the front surface 101 of the RVM 100. In this position, any waste objects 2 remain on the receiving surface 203 of the buffer receptacle 201. Conversely, when the buffer arrangement 200 is in the second state and the buffer receptacle 201 is in the second position, the receiving surface 203 of the buffer receptacle 201 is inclined or tilted toward the rear of the RVM 100. In this position, the portion of the buffer receptacle 201 closest to the front face 101 of the RVM 100 is higher than the portion of the buffer receptacle 201 furthest from the front face 101 of the RVM 100. In this position, any waste objects 2 will slide or slide off the receiving surface 203 of the buffer receptacle 201.

[0198] The buffer arrangement 200 also includes a guide member 205 that guides the waste objects 2 to fall from the RVM 100 into and / or remain in the buffer receptacle 201. The guide member 205 is a substantially rectangular plate that is attached at one of its edges to the buffer receptacle 201 on the edge of the buffer receptacle closest to the front portion 101 of the RVM 100, thereby forming a hinge connection 206 with the buffer receptacle 201. The guide member is also preferably connected to the housing 204 by fittings at two corners of the edge opposite the edge connected to the buffer receptacle 201. The corners are attached to the housing 204 in two lateral angled slots 210 in the housing 204. The guide member 205 is therefore constrained to rotate at the edge connected to the buffer receptacle 201 and to translate and rotate at the opposite edge.

[0199] When the buffer receptacle 201 is in the buffer position, the guide member 205 acts as a wall, preventing waste objects from falling or sliding out of the buffer receptacle 201, for example, between the buffer receptacle 201 and the housing 204. When the buffer receptacle 201 is in the delivery position, the receiving surface 203 of the buffer receptacle 201 is moved back away from the RVM 100 due to the rotational movement of the buffer receptacle 201. In this position, the guide member 205 prevents waste objects 2 from falling directly out of the buffer receptacle 201 from the RVM 100. Alternatively, the buffer receptacle 201 can be made longer so that it extends further towards the front part 101 of the RVM 100, in which case the need for the guide member 205 can be reduced or even eliminated. Other alternative designs can be imagined by those skilled in the art.

[0200] Each carrier arrangement 300 includes a single carrier 301 in the shape of a bucket with a rectangular cross section. The carrier 301 is shown in three different positions along its path in FIG. 1 between a first location at the bottom of the carrier arrangement 300 and a second location at the top of the carrier arrangement 300 in two different positions. A chain drive 302 extends vertically from the bottom to the top of the carrier arrangement 300, and the carrier 301 is attached to the chain of the chain drive 302 by a hook on the rear wall of the carrier. The chain drive 302 can rotate in either direction to move the carrier 301 back and forth between the first and second locations. The carrier 301 moves vertically upward on the chain drive 302 from the bottom of the carrier arrangement 300 toward the top of the carrier arrangement 300. At the top of the carrier arrangement 300, the carriers 301 follow the rotation of the chain of the chain drive 302 around the top sprocket until they reach their end position. At the end position, the carriers 301 are inverted and the waste objects 2 slide or drop off the carriers 301 for further transport and delivery. The chain drive 302 may be replaced with any type of drive that accomplishes movement between the first and second locations of the carrier arrangement 300. One such alternative is a belt drive. The height of the carrier arrangement 300 is determined primarily by the need for the waste objects 2 falling from the carriers 301 when they are in their inverted position for emptying to fall into the silo arrangement 400 to which they are connected.

[0201] The size of the buffer receptacle 201 and carrier 301 in terms of volumetric capacity, or the number of UBCs 2 it can hold, is determined primarily by two factors: the time required for the carrier 301 to complete a full cycle from a first location to a second location and back to the first location; and the number n of UBCs 2 that the RVM 100 can process and deliver to the buffer arrangement 200 within that time. The time required for the carrier 201 to complete a full cycle is in turn dependent on the height of the carrier arrangement 300 and the speed at which the carrier 201 moves. To ensure that the buffer receptacle 201 and carrier 301 are not overflowing with UBCs, they are each large enough to accommodate at least n UBCs 2, preferably with some margin.

[0202] In this embodiment, the buffer arrangement 200 has a lever 207 that is rotatably attached at one end to the bottom portion of the housing 204 and mechanically coupled to the buffer receptacle 201 by an arm 208. The lever 207 has a free end opposite the end that is rotatably attached to the housing 204. The arm 208 is rotatably attached at one end to the underside of the buffer receptacle 201 and at the opposite end to the lever 207. The lever 207 and arm 208 are arranged such that operation of the lever 207 by pushing down or pulling up its free end controls the tilt of the buffer receptacle 201. Furthermore, the lever 207 is arranged to be operated by upward or downward movement of the carrier 301. The cooperation of the carrier 301 and the buffer arrangement 200 is further described below in connection with FIG. 3 .

[0203] Each silo arrangement 400 has a silo 401, which in this embodiment is supported by a separable stand 402, which may be of different designs. The silo 401 has a rectangular cross-section in the horizontal plane. The stand 402 has four support uprights 403, one at each of the four corners of the rectangular silo 401. The stand 402 holds the silo 401 in place a short distance off the floor, allowing a storage bin 407 to be positioned directly below. The silo 401 has a spout 404 at its upper end, providing an opening for receiving UBC2 into the waste compartment 405. The silo 401 has a hatch 406 at the bottom end of the waste compartment 405, which is shown in its closed position in FIG. 1 . A storage bin 407 is positioned directly below each silo arrangement 400. The storage bin 407 may be of a standard type as in FIG. 1, but may also be specially designed for use in the system.

[0204] Different embodiments of silo arrangement 400 and silos 401 are described in further detail below in connection with FIGS.

[0205] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system for collecting waste objects for recycling in use. Features of generally similar type and purpose have been given similar reference numerals compared to those disclosed in FIG. 1 . The system shown in FIG. 2 includes an RVM 100, a single buffer arrangement with a buffer receptacle 201, a single carrier arrangement 300 with a carrier 301, and a silo arrangement 400 with a silo 401. The system according to this embodiment is therefore adapted to separate different objects and to treat different types of objects differently, but to recombine them in a single object stream through a single set of buffer arrangement 200, carrier arrangement 300, silo arrangement 400, and storage bin 407. Of course, the system may also be adapted to accept only a single type of waste object 2. For a more detailed description of the RVM 100, reference may be made to the disclosure relating to FIG. 1 .

[0206] The buffer receptacle 201 is shown in a delivery position tilted toward the carrier 301, and the compacted UBC 2 can be seen sliding from the buffer receptacle 201 into the carrier 301. Simultaneously, a used beverage container 2 is inserted into the RVM 100 through the entrance 102 in the front part 101 of the RVM 100. Several UBCs 2 are visible in the storage bin 407; the UBCs have already been handled by the system and have been delivered and transported from the entrance 102 of the RVM 100, via the buffer receptacle 201, the carrier 301, and by the silo 401 to the storage bin 407. Here, the hatch 406 of the silo 401 is in an open or partially open position. However, the silo 401 is shown in FIG. 2 with the sidewall and hatch section removed for clarity of the present disclosure.

[0207] Buffer receptacle 201 is also shown in dashed lines at different times, where buffer receptacle 201 is shown in the buffer position and accepting UBC2 from RVM 100.

[0208] The carrier 301 is also shown in dashed lines in different positions: at the top of the carrier arrangement before following the rotation of the chain drive 302, and at its end position where it delivers the UBC2 and drops into the silo 401.

[0209] The cooperation of the carrier 301 and the buffer receptacle 201 is shown schematically in Figures 3a-c. Figure 3a shows the carrier 301 in a second location, in position to deliver waste objects 2 to the silo arrangement 400. The buffer receptacle 201 is in a first position tilted toward the front 101 of the system 1, and the buffer arrangement 200 is in a buffer state. In Figure 3b, the carrier 301 has been driven by the chain drive 302 to move downward through the carrier arrangement 300 toward the first location at the bottom of the carrier arrangement 300. In the position shown in Figure 3b, the underside of the carrier 301 contacts the free end of the lever 207. The carrier 301 has a groove 303 in its underside that receives part of the lever 207 during part of the displacement of the carrier 301. The surface of the groove acts as a cam surface, pushing the lever 207 down or up depending on the direction of displacement of the carrier 301. The free end of the lever 207 is provided with a wheel 209 to facilitate movement of the lever 207 within the groove 303. In Figure 3c, the carrier 301 has reached a first location at the bottom of the carrier arrangement 300. The lever 207 is pushed down, causing a pulling action of the arm 208 on the buffer receptacle 201, tilting the buffer receptacle 201 and placing the buffer arrangement 200 in a second delivery state. This allows the buffer arrangement 200 to operate the container return system and the carrier arrangement 300 independently of each other, and the buffer arrangement 200 is adapted to deliver waste objects 2 to the carrier arrangement 300 at the same time that the carrier arrangement 300 is located in the first location.

[0210] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3a-c, the carrier assembly 300 includes a housing 304, although this is not required.

[0211] An alternative embodiment of the buffer arrangement 220 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, where Figure 4a shows the buffer arrangement 220 in the buffer state and Figure 4b shows the buffer arrangement 220 in the delivery state. The carrier 301 is from a previously disclosed embodiment, but parts of the buffer arrangement 220 that do not add to this disclosure have been removed for clarity. Waste objects 2 are received in a chute 221, which opens at the upper end of the buffer arrangement 220 and faces the outlet of the RVM 100. When the buffer arrangement 220 is in the buffer state, the chute 221 guides the waste objects into a buffer zone 222 located at the bottom of the chute 221. The buffer arrangement 220 has a pushing mechanism 223 comprising a push paddle 224 and a linear guide 225 that causes displacement of the push paddle 224. When the pushing mechanism 223 is retracted, the push paddle 224 forms the rear wall of the buffer zone 222 extending across the width of the buffer zone 222 .

[0212] 4b, when the buffer arrangement 220 is in the delivery state, the push paddle 224 moves forward. Thus, the push paddle 224 pushes any waste objects 2 located within the buffer zone 222 forward toward the front opening 226, where the waste objects 2 are delivered to the carrier 301 of the carrier arrangement 300. In its most extended position, the push paddle 224 of the pushing mechanism 223 covers the front opening 226, and the buffer zone 222 is entirely occupied by the pushing mechanism 223. The linear guide 225 of the pushing mechanism 223 is covered such that the pushing mechanism 223 provides a receiving surface 227 for the waste objects 2 when the pushing mechanism 223 is in any position other than its retracted position.

[0213] When the pushing mechanism 223 returns from its extended position to its retracted position, any waste objects 2 on the receiving surface 227 are scraped off the receiving surface 227 by the rear wall 228 of the chute 221. The waste objects 2 therefore fall into the buffer zone 222. The buffer arrangement 220 is therefore ready to accept waste objects 2 from the container return system.

[0214] A further alternative embodiment of the buffer arrangement 200 is shown in side view in FIG. 5. This buffer arrangement 240 is a horizontal belt conveyor 241 having a frame 242, rollers 243, 244 at either end of the frame, and a conveyor belt 245 looped around the rollers 243, 244. The belt conveyor 241 is positioned to receive waste objects (not shown in FIG. 5) at one end of the belt conveyor 241. The other end of the belt conveyor 241 is positioned so that waste objects buffered or transported on the belt conveyor 241 fall into the carrier 301 of the carrier arrangement 300 when the carrier 301 is in the first position. In this embodiment, the rotation of the conveyor belt 245 around the rollers 243, 244 is controlled to only allow the waste objects to reach the end of the belt conveyor 241 when the carrier 301 is ready to receive the waste objects and is therefore in the first position. At all other times, the belt conveyor 241 prevents waste objects from reaching the first position of the carrier 301, and therefore the belt conveyor is in a buffer state buffering waste objects for later delivery.

[0215] 6a and 6b show an embodiment of the silo arrangement 400 with the hatch 406 in a closed and open position, respectively.

[0216] The waste chamber 405 is defined by four vertical walls 408, 409, 410, 411, each extending horizontally between two of the support uprights 403 and vertically along those same two support uprights 403. The two side walls 408, 409 extend vertically the height of the silo 401 and have generally rounded bottom edges. The front wall 410 and rear wall 411 extend vertically from the top of the silo 401 to approximately halfway up the height of the silo 401, where the rounding of the side walls 408, 409 begins. The front wall 410 and rear wall 411 then extend further at an angle toward the center of the silo 401, following the rounding of the side walls 408, 409 and leaving an opening 416 between the front wall 410 and rear wall 411 at the extreme bottom of the silo 401. In the open position of the hatch 406, any and all waste objects 2 within the silo 401 can fall out of the silo 401 with the intention of dropping into storage bins 407 which would be located directly below the silo 401 between the four support uprights 403. Therefore, the hatch 406 is preferably designed so as not to interfere with any such storage bin space directly below the silo 401.

[0217] At least two adjacent support uprights 403, and preferably all of the support uprights 403, are positioned a short distance from each other to allow the storage bins 407 to be driven into and out of the space directly beneath the silo 401.

[0218] A horizontal axle (not shown in Figures 6a and 6b) extends between the two side walls 408, 409 along axis 424. The axle is connected to each side wall 408, 409 equidistant from the two supporting uprights 403, and the vertical distance between the axle and the bottom of the side wall 408, 409 corresponds to the radius of the rounding of the bottom edge of the side wall 408, 409.

[0219] The hatch 406 of the silo 401 is formed by three hatch sections 412, 413, and 414. Each hatch section 412, 413, and 414 is rotatably connected to an axle on the outside of the two side walls 408 and 409. In the closed position of the hatch 406, shown in FIG. 6a, the hatch sections 412 are positioned adjacent to each other to cover the opening 416. In the open position of the hatch 406, shown in FIG. 6b, the hatch sections 412, 413, and 414 are positioned adjacent to the front wall 410 and overlap each other, leaving the opening 416 accessible. Each hatch section 412, 413, and 414 is interconnected along its adjacent side edges. Each interconnection is achieved by a bent portion of the side edge of the hatch sections 412, 413, and 414 to create a 90-degree protrusion or rim. Thereby, adjacently located projections abut and effect such interconnection.

[0220] Movement of hatch sections 412, 413, and 414 between the closed and open positions of hatch 406 is driven by a belt drive mechanism, which may also be a chain drive or other means, as desired. Belt 417 loops between two sprockets 418, each mounted on a support upright 403 beside sidewall 408. Belt 417 is attached to outermost hatch section 412 by attachment 419, so that as belt 417 rotates, it drives hatch section 412 to rotate about axis 424. Hatch sections 412, 413, and 414 have latching mechanisms to interconnect adjacent hatch sections. Thus, outermost hatch section 412, driven by belt 417, in turn drives middle hatch section 413, which in turn drives third hatch section 414. To only partially empty the waste objects 2 from the silo 401, the hatch 406 can also be partially opened by a belt drive mechanism.

[0221] Alternatively, hatch sections 412, 413, 414 can be mounted closer to the bottom of side walls 408, 409 instead of being connected to axles. With proper mounting, hatch sections 412, 413, 414 can still have substantially the same rotational movement about axis 424 using the same belt 417 drive mechanism. Hatch 406 can also have more or fewer of both hatch sections as desired.

[0222] An alternative embodiment of the hatch 406 of the silo 401 is shown in Figures 7a and 7b with the hatch 406 in a closed and open position, respectively.

[0223] The waste chamber 405 is defined by four vertical walls 408, 409, 410, 411, each extending horizontally between two of the support uprights 403 and vertically along those same two support uprights 403. The two side walls 408, 409 extend vertically the height of the silo 401, with the lower halves of the side walls 408, 409 being chamfered at their lower corners. The front wall 410 and rear wall 411 extend vertically from the top of the silo 401 to approximately half the height of the silo 401. The front wall 410 then extends further along the chamfers of the respective side walls 408, 409 toward the center of the silo 401 at an angle of approximately 45° from the horizontal. The angled portion of the front wall 410 extends horizontally a distance that may be approximately one-third of the distance from the front wall 410 to the rear wall 411 of the waste chamber 405 .

[0224] Similar to the embodiment described in connection with Figures 6a and 6b, the silo 401 shown in Figures 7a and 7b has an axle (not shown in Figures 7a and 7b) extending along an axis 424 between the two side walls 408 and 409. The hatch 406 has two hatch sections 419 and 420. When the hatch sections 419 and 420 are in their closed positions, the lateral hatch section 420 is formed by a wall section symmetrical to the angled portion of the front wall 410. The lateral hatch section 420 is rotatably connected to the rear wall 411, and the upper edge of the lateral hatch section is hinged to the bottom edge of the rear wall 411. The lower hatch section 419 is rotatably connected to the axle on the outside of the side walls 408 and 409 and provides a rounded floor for the waste chamber 405. The lower hatch section 419 includes a gear 421 in the form of a toothed circular section on one side adjacent the side wall 408. The gear 421 is driven to rotate the hatch section 419 about an axis 424 by means of a pinion 422 mounted on the side wall 408. The pinion 422 is driven by a motor located inside the waste chamber 405. The lateral hatch section 420 has a transverse extension 423 that extends along the side walls 408, 409 and connects to the lower hatch section 419.

[0225] The fully open position of the hatch sections 419, 420 is shown in Figure 7b. Pinion 422 drives the lower hatch section 419 to rotate about axis 423, moving the floor portion of the lower hatch 419 adjacent to and overlapping the angled portion of the front wall 410. The movement of the lower hatch section 419 pushes against the extensions 423 of the lateral hatch sections 420, causing them to rotate about their hinged connections to the rear wall 411. In their open position, the lateral hatch sections 420 extend substantially along the supporting uprights 403.

[0226] An alternative embodiment of a silo hatch is shown in Figures 8a and 8b. Here, a silo 450 includes two hatch sections 451, 452. In the closed hatch position shown in Figure 8a, the rectangular hatch sections 451, 452 form a V-shaped floor of the waste compartment of the silo 450. Each hatch section 451, 452 is positioned with its edge adjacent to the silo's side wall, with the corners of the hatch section's edge slidable along the vertical edges of the side wall. Opposite edge corners of each hatch section 451, 452 are slidable in the transverse direction along the bottom edges of the front and rear walls of the silo 450.

[0227] A belt drive 453 is disposed on the top edge of each side wall of the silo 450 and is looped between the two top corners of each side wall. A flexible link 454 is attached at two points on the belt drive 453 so that rotation of the belt drive moves the two attachment points of the link 454 closer together or farther apart depending on the direction of rotation of the belt drive 453. The flexible link 454 is further attached at its midpoint to the edges of the hatch sections 451, 452.

[0228] As the rotation of belt drive 453 moves the attachment points of links 454 apart, hatch sections 451, 452 are pulled up along the side wall of the silo. As shown in Figure 8b, hatch sections 451, 452 are substantially parallel to the side wall of silo 450 in their open position. As belt drive 453 moves the attachment points of links 454 back closer together, hatch sections 451, 452 slide back down to their closed position.

[0229] The size of the silo 401, 450 is preferably equal to or less than the volume of the storage bin 407 so that the storage bin 407 can accommodate the amount of waste material 2 that can be buffered in the silo 401, 450 when the hatch 406 is closed.

[0230] There are further possible alternative embodiments of the silo hatch. For example, instead of along the side wall as described above, the hatch section can slide upwards in the center of the silo to its open position. In that case, only one drive mechanism is needed to move the hatch section.

[0231] A silo in the form of a rotatable cylinder (the axis of the cylinder is horizontal) is another alternative. With an opening suitably positioned in the mantle of the cylinder, the silo can rotate about its axis to change between a buffer state and a delivery state, always allowing the silo to receive waste objects from the carrier arrangement.

[0232] 9a-c show different possible locations and orientations of the liquid nozzles 3 for cleaning the system 1 and / or the silo arrangement 400. The liquid nozzles are preferably positioned to efficiently rinse surfaces most likely soiled by residual liquid from the UBC. The liquid nozzles 3 can be oriented to spray cleaning liquid onto the guide member 205, as in FIG. 9a, and the liquid nozzles 3 can be oriented to spray the buffer receptacle 201, as in FIG. 9b. The liquid nozzles 3 directing cleaning liquid towards the buffer receptacle 201 and the liquid nozzles 3 directing cleaning liquid towards the guide member 205 may be the same liquid nozzle or two different liquid nozzles. Depending on the position of the buffer receptacle 201, there may be an orientation of the liquid nozzles 3 where the liquid nozzles 3 direct cleaning liquid towards the guide member 205 or towards the buffer receptacle 201. Alternatively, the liquid nozzles 3 may be controlled to change direction. The cleaning liquid may conveniently be any suitable mixture of water and soap.

[0233] The liquid nozzles 3 may be located within the carrier 301. Alternatively, the liquid nozzles 3 that direct cleaning liquid into the carrier 301 may be external to the carrier 301, but still oriented to direct liquid into the interior of the carrier 301. For example, such liquid nozzles may be mounted to the housing of the carrier arrangement 300, or to the stand of the silo arrangement 400, as shown in FIG. 9c. FIG. 9c also shows two liquid nozzles 3 within the silo 401. The liquid nozzles 3 in FIG. 9c are shown at each top corner of the silo 401. Alternatively, the liquid nozzles 3 may be mounted in any suitable location within the silo 401. Alternatively, the silo 401 may have a single liquid nozzle or three or more liquid nozzles.

[0234] 9a-c also show how the buffer arrangement 200, carrier arrangement 300 and silo arrangement 400 are adapted to collect, convey and transfer liquid 4. The collected, conveyed and transferred liquid 4 can be both cleaning liquid from the liquid nozzles 3 and residual liquid from the UBC 2. FIG. 9a shows how cleaning liquid 4 directed by the guide members 205 falls into the buffer receptacle. The buffer arrangement 200 is shown in a first buffer state, with the buffer receptacle 201 tilted towards the RVM. The tilt of the buffer receptacle 201 prevents the liquid 4 from spilling out of the buffer receptacle 201.

[0235] 9b, when the buffer arrangement 200 is in the delivery state and the buffer receptacle 201 is tilted towards the carrier 301, the liquid 4 contained in the buffer receptacle 201 flows into the carrier 301. The liquid nozzle 3 can deliver cleaning liquid to the buffer receptacle 201 at the same time that the buffer receptacle 201 delivers its contents to the carrier 301.

[0236] 9c, the liquid contained within the carrier 301 is then delivered to the silo arrangement 400. The liquid nozzles 3 of the carrier 301 may deliver cleaning liquid to the carrier 301 simultaneously with delivery to the silo arrangement 400, or at any suitable time.

[0237] When the silo 401 is in a buffer state, liquid 4 is at least partially contained in the silo 401. When the silo 401 is in a delivery state, liquid 4 is delivered to a storage bin 407 positioned directly below the silo arrangement 400. The storage bin 407 may be adapted to collect liquid from the system as described above and to deliver the collected liquid together with any waste objects 2 to a transport means, for example in a truck, for further handling and possible recycling. Alternatively, the storage bin 407 may be provided with a liquid outlet and possibly a nipple for connection to a drain or sewer in a back room.

[0238] The buffer receptacle 201, silo 301 and carrier 401 are each preferably constructed to be at least drip-proof so as to be able to collect, carry and transport the liquid 4 of interest.

[0239] 10a-c show, in perspective views, how silo arrangements 400 can be arranged in different combinations to provide modularity to the system and allow for full utilization of available space in the back room. As shown in FIG. 10a, system 1 can include one RVM 100, one carrier arrangement 300, and two silo arrangements 400. In this case, carrier 301 of the carrier arrangement is divided into two sections 310, 311, with each section delivering its contents to a respective silo arrangement.

[0240] 10b shows how the silo arrangement 400 can include two silos 401, 401′ stacked on top of each other. The storage capacity of the silo arrangement 400 is doubled without adding to the installation space of the system 1.

[0241] As shown in Figure 10c, the storage capacity of the system 1 can also be increased by aligning several silo arrangements 400. To that end, the carrier arrangement 300 delivers waste objects (not shown in Figure 10c) to a conveyor 460 that is adapted to direct the waste objects to the appropriate silo arrangement 400 as needed.

[0242] It should be noted that the container return system of the present disclosure may be used in combination with other types of UBC receiving systems. One such system is a professional bulk receiving system, as described earlier in this description. Therefore, the system is independent of whether waste items 2 are delivered to the system one at a time or in large quantities at once. The system may also be used without a deposit return system and may be limited to simply recognizing that legitimate waste items have been deposited. In such cases, at least no verification means are necessary; verification implies that the recognized waste items are given a specific value depending on their type. Finally, the container return system does not necessarily apply to waste items that need to be crushed or compacted, but may also be used with waste items that are recycled or reused intact. The storage bins used in the system may also be equipped with plastic bags for handling the waste items; if so, the storage bins need not be splash-proof or even enclosed, but could be roller cages or similar known systems.

[0243] Although the silo arrangement embodiments described above have separable stands, the silo arrangement may have an integral stand with either fixed or extendable supporting uprights or legs.

[0244] 11 illustrates a process for transporting and collecting waste materials by a system for collecting waste materials for recycling, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the system includes a container return system, a buffer arrangement having a buffer receptacle, a carrier arrangement having a carrier, a silo arrangement having a silo, and a storage bin located vertically below the silo.

[0245] Step S1 consists of recognizing the waste object and preferably reducing its value, for example by crushing glass bottles or compacting aluminum cans or PET bottles, as described above.

[0246] In step S2, a choice is made to deliver the devalued waste material to either the first buffer arrangement (step S3) or an additional buffer arrangement (step S4). If there is only one buffer arrangement, this step is skipped.

[0247] If the waste material is delivered to the additional buffer arrangement in step S4, the process continues in the additional buffer arrangement in the same manner as if the waste material had been delivered to the first buffer arrangement, as indicated by the dashed line connecting step S4 to the process following step S3.

[0248] In step S5, the waste objects are delivered to the buffer arrangement (steps S3, S4) and the process proceeds to a delivery state (step S9) or a buffer state (step S6) depending on whether the carrier arrangement is positioned to receive the waste objects from the buffer arrangement.

[0249] If the carrier arrangement is not positioned to receive waste objects from the buffer arrangement, the waste objects are buffered in the buffer arrangement (step S6). At a later point in time, the carrier of the carrier arrangement is moved downward to a first location having a first elevation (step S7). During part of the carrier's displacement toward the first location, the carrier directly or indirectly abuts a buffer receptacle of the buffer arrangement, moving the buffer arrangement to its delivery state (step S8). Because the carrier is in the first location positioned to receive waste objects from the buffer arrangement and the buffer arrangement is in its delivery state, the waste objects are delivered to the carrier (step S9).

[0250] If step S5 finds that a carrier is positioned to receive waste from the buffer arrangement, the waste is delivered to the carrier according to step S9.

[0251] The waste objects are delivered to a carrier, and the carrier is moved upwardly toward a second location having a second elevation, the second elevation being higher than the first elevation (step S10). At the second location, the waste objects are delivered to a silo arrangement (step S11).

[0252] In step S12, the process proceeds to a delivery state when the silo arrangement is in the first delivery state. The waste material is then delivered to a storage bin below the silo (step S13). At a later point in time, the silo arrangement is switched from the first delivery state to a second buffer state (step S14).

[0253] If the silo arrangement is in the second buffer state in step S12, the waste material is buffered in a silo of the silo arrangement (step S15). The silo arrangement may then be switched from the second buffer state to the first delivery state at some point (step S18). The waste material is then delivered to a storage bin below the silo according to step S13.

[0254] If necessary, once waste materials have been buffered in the silos of the silo arrangement according to step S15, the storage bin below the silo can be removed for emptying or further transport (step S16). The emptied storage bin, or another empty storage bin, is then placed below the silo arrangement (step S17). The process then continues by switching the silo arrangement to the first delivery state according to step S17.

[0255] The process may further optionally include the step of delivering a cleaning liquid, e.g., water, by at least one liquid nozzle to the buffer arrangement (step S19), to the carrier arrangement (step S20), and / or to the silo arrangement (step S21). The delivered liquid is then placed in the buffer arrangement, carrier arrangement, or silo arrangement and is later conveyed and delivered to the next component of the system together with any waste objects present and any residual liquid from the waste objects. Thus, the liquid delivered to the buffer arrangement in step S19 enters the process in step S5. The liquid delivered to the carrier arrangement enters the process in step S9. The liquid delivered to the silo arrangement enters the process in step S12.

[0256] A new process may start at step S1 at any point during the original process, using different waste materials.

[0257] FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system according to one aspect of the present disclosure in use. Features of generally similar type and purpose are given similar reference numerals compared to those disclosed in the previous figures. The system shown in FIG. 12 includes an RVM 100, a buffer arrangement 260, a carrier arrangement 350 including carriers 351, and a silo arrangement 400 including silos 401. The system according to this embodiment may be configured to accept different types of waste materials and mix them in a single material stream through the buffer arrangement 260, carrier arrangement 350, silo arrangement 400, and storage bin 407. Alternatively, the system may be configured to accept only one type of waste material. Alternative embodiments may include multiple buffer arrangements and carrier arrangements, in which case sorting means are provided. For a more detailed description of the RVM 100, reference may be made to the disclosure associated with FIG. 1.

[0258] In this embodiment, the buffer arrangement 260 and the carrier arrangement 350 are arranged with a common housing. The housing includes two side walls, but only one side wall 361 is visible in FIG. 12. The other side wall has been removed to better disclose the features of the system. Similarly, the side wall and a section of the silo arrangement with a hatch have been removed in FIG. 12.

[0259] The buffer arrangement 260 has an opening 261 that is vertically aligned with the outlet of the RVM 100 (not shown in FIG. 12 ), so that waste objects 2 that are expelled or dropped from the RVM 100 through the outlet fall into the opening 261 and into a receiving area 262 of the buffer arrangement 260. The receiving area 262 has sliding means 264 in the form of an inclined surface, on which the waste objects 2 slide towards a first location 263 at the bottom of the buffer arrangement 260.

[0260] Once the waste has passed through the opening in the buffer arrangement 260 and reached the receiving area 262, the waste 2 is prevented from falling out of the buffer arrangement 260 by the side walls 361 of the housing.

[0261] Carrier arrangement 350 has a carrier 351 mounted and arranged to be driven by a chain drive 352 extending between two vertically aligned sprockets 355 and 356. The chain drive defines a closed-loop path along which carrier 351 is arranged to move. The chain drive is itself driven by a motor (not shown in FIG. 12 ) that drives the bottom sprocket to rotate. As an alternative to a chain drive, a belt drive could be used to achieve the same effect.

[0262] Carrier arrangement 350 includes an outer front wall 358 and an outer rear wall 360, both of which extend vertically and at right angles to housing side wall 361. Outer front wall 358 faces the RVM, while outer rear wall 360 faces the silo arrangement. Inner front wall 357 and inner rear wall 359 are disposed along the respective vertical extensions of chain drive 352. Outer front wall 358, inner front wall 357, inner rear wall 359, and outer rear wall 360 are substantially the same width and are parallel to one another.

[0263] The housing's sidewall 361, outer front wall 358, inner front wall 357, inner rear wall 359, and outer rear wall 360 form a tubular structure within which carrier 351 is disposed for driven movement by chain drive 352. In particular, the tubular structure's front portion 353 is defined by the sidewall 361, outer front wall 358, and inner front wall 357. The tubular structure's rear portion 354 is defined by the sidewalls, inner rear wall 359, and outer rear wall 360.

[0264] The carrier 351 is shown in Figure 12 within the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure and moves vertically upward while transporting waste objects 2. The carrier moves vertically downward in the front portion 353 of the tubular structure, following a closed loop path defined by a chain drive 352.

[0265] A rectangular flap 363 is rotatably mounted to the outer rear wall 360 with a rotation axis 364 extending horizontally along the top edge of the outer rear wall 360. The flap has substantially the same width as the walls 357, 358, 359, and 360. In the closed position, the flap 363 extends from its rotation axis 364 toward the inner rear wall 359 so that the edge of the flap 363 parallel to the rotation axis 364 rests on the inner rear wall 359. Thus, in this position, the flap 363 functions as a lid, preventing any objects from falling into the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure. As explained further below, the flap 363 can be pushed by the carrier 351 and / or waste objects 2 being transported thereon to rotate to the open position. The flap 363 includes a counterweight 365. The speed at which the flap 363 returns to its closed position after being opened, for example to allow the carrier 351 to pass, can be adjusted by appropriate selection of the counterweight.

[0266] 12, the carrier arrangement 350 is shown with a single carrier 351, however, it should be noted that the carrier arrangement 350 may include multiple carriers 351 distributed around a chain drive 352. For a given carrier arrangement 350, increasing the number of carriers 351 increases the capacity of the carrier arrangement 350 to transfer waste objects 2 received from the buffer arrangement 2 and deliver the waste objects 2 to the silo arrangement 400. However, the capacity of the system is also limited by the rate at which the RVM 100 can process waste objects.

[0267] Figures 13a-e show side projection views of the buffer arrangement and carrier arrangement of Figure 12 with the carrier 351 in different positions. The following sequence is shown: FIG. 13a: the carrier 351 moves vertically downwards in the front part 353 of the tubular structure; FIG. 13b: The carrier 351 reaches the bottom 263 of the buffer arrangement and moves around the bottom sprocket 355 to scoop up the buffered waste objects 2. FIG. 13c: The carrier 351 carries the waste objects 2 vertically upwards in the rear part 354 of the tubular structure, FIG. 13d: The carrier 351 reaches the top of the rear part 354 of the tubular structure and the waste object 2 carried pushes the flap 363 so that it is rotated towards the open position, allowing the waste object 2 and the carrier 351 to pass through. - Figure 13e: The carrier 351 and waste objects 2 have passed the flap 363 and the carrier 351 is tilted downwards so that the waste objects 2 fall towards the silo arrangement (not shown).

[0268] More specifically, in Figure 13a, waste objects 2 are buffered at the bottom 263 of the buffer arrangement. They are received from an RVM (not shown in Figure 13a), enter the buffer arrangement through opening 261, and reach receiving area 262. The waste objects 2 are then transferred to the bottom 262 of the buffer arrangement by sliding down inclined surface 264. Carrier 351 is driven by chain drive 352 to move vertically downward at the front portion 353 of the carrier arrangement's tubular structure. Flap 363 is in its closed position.

[0269] As can be seen in Figure 13a, the front portion 353 of the tubular structure is narrower than the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure. Because the carrier 351 does not transport any waste objects 2 while traveling downward in the front portion 353 of the tubular structure, it travels there in an inclined position, fitting between the outer front wall 358 and the inner front wall 357. This arrangement provides a more compact system and minimizes the distance between the front of the system, which faces the RVM (not shown in Figure 13), and the rear of the system, which faces the silo arrangement (not shown in Figure 13).

[0270] In Figure 13b, carrier 351 moves along its path around bottom sprocket 355. While moving around sprocket 355, carrier 351 extends radially from sprocket 355. The bottom 263 of the buffer arrangement has an arcuate surface such that the distal end of carrier 351 follows the arc of bottom surface 263 while carrier 351 moves around sprocket 255. Carrier 351 extends transversely between housing side walls 361. Therefore, any waste object 2 present at the bottom of the buffer arrangement, as shown in Figure 13b, is picked up and pushed by carrier 351.

[0271] 13c shows the carrier 351 moving vertically upward in the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure and transporting waste objects 2. Here, the carrier 351 is in a horizontal position extending between the side walls 361 and between the inner rear wall 359 and the outer rear wall 360. The waste objects 2 are therefore prevented from falling out of the carrier arrangement and falling back into the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure below the carrier 351.

[0272] In Figure 13d, the carrier 351 has reached the top of the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure, and the waste 2 has pushed against the flap 363, causing it to rotate toward the open position. The waste 2 is now above the top edge of the outer rear wall 360. However, the waste is still restrained by the carrier 351, the side wall 361, the inner rear wall 359, and the flap 363 itself.

[0273] Once the waste objects 2 and carrier 359 reach an elevation higher than the edge of the flap 363, the flap 363 tilts back under its own weight toward its closed position. As the carrier 351 moves further over the top edge of the inner rear wall 359, the carrier 351 is released and tilts downward, thereby dropping the waste objects 2 to fall into the silo arrangement (not shown in FIG. 13e). The flap 363 in the closed position prevents the waste objects from falling backward and downward into the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure.

[0274] If the flap 363 fails and the waste object falls backward into the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure, the waste object 2 will be transported back up from the bottom 263 of the buffer arrangement on the next pass of the carrier 351.

[0275] The carrier 351 then moves vertically downward on the front portion 353 of the tubular structure around the top sprocket 356, as shown in Figure 13a. The carrier 359 moves continuously along its path in the sequence shown in Figures 13a-e. At any time during this sequence, new waste objects 2 can be received by the buffer arrangement.

[0276] The front portion 353 and rear portion 354 of the tubular structure are shown with rectangular cross-sections in Figures 12 and 13. Alternative shapes of cross-section are contemplated.

[0277] The carrier 359 is shown in detail in FIGS. 14a-c. In this embodiment, the carrier 359 takes the form of a paddle with a generally flat surface for pushing the waste objects 2. The paddle includes a primary surface portion 351a. The width of the primary surface portion 351a corresponds to the interior width of the tubular structure, i.e., the primary surface portion 351a extends substantially from one side wall 361 to the other while allowing free movement of the paddle relative to the side walls 361. A flexible secondary surface portion 351d is attached to the primary surface portion 351a such that the combined depth of the primary surface portion 351a and the secondary surface portion 351d corresponds to the distance between the inner rear wall 359 and the outer rear wall 360. While the paddle 351 is displaced within the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure, when the paddle 351 is in a horizontal position, the tip of the secondary surface portion 351d contacts and slides against the outer rear wall 360. The back side portion 351d may consist of a single piece of flexible material or may be divided into several fingers or strings.

[0278] The combined surfaces of the paddles 351 therefore extend across substantially the entire inner cross section of the rear portion 254 of the tubular structure when in a horizontal position as in Figure 14a.

[0279] Generally, systems for collecting RVM or waste objects for recycling are configured to only accept a certain range of objects, and there is a predetermined maximum length of object that can be accepted.

[0280] The dimensions of paddle 351 and tubular structure 354 are preferably selected so that devalued waste objects 2, such as PET bottles, cannot lie flat on paddle 351. This forces the container to assume a more upright orientation during transport. These dimensions help minimize the risk of entanglement and friction with walls 359, 360, and 361 of tubular structure 354. For example, for a PET bottle, which is approximately 70-90 mm wide and 330 mm high when in use and increases slightly in height when devalued, paddle 351 may have dimensions of 172 mm wide and 152 mm deep. Such compact dimensions also allow paddle 351 to be driven by a single chain drive 352, keeping costs low. Even with these dimensions, a compact paddle 351 can transport up to 15 objects simultaneously.

[0281] The mechanism by which the paddle 351 is tilted to release the waste object 2 is also more clearly shown in Figures 14a-c. The positions of the paddle in Figures 14a and 14c correspond to the positions shown in Figures 13d and 13e, respectively. The paddle 351 is attached to a chain drive 352 at a pivot point 351e. During its displacement in the rear portion 354 of the tubular structure, the paddle 351 remains horizontal thanks to a support portion 351c that slides against the inner rear wall 359 and prevents the paddle 351 from rotating about the pivot point 351e.

[0282] Figure 14b shows the paddle 351 reaching the top of the inner rear wall 359. The support portion 351c is still in partial contact with the inner rear wall 359, preventing the paddle 351 from rotating about the axis of rotation 351e. Shortly thereafter, as shown in Figure 14c, having passed the top of the inner rear wall 359, the support portion 351c completely loses contact with the inner rear wall 359, and the paddle is released to rotate freely about the axis of rotation 351e, thereby releasing the waste object 2 to fall towards the silo arrangement (not shown in Figure 14c).

[0283] Alternative solutions for releasing the waste objects 2 can be envisaged, such as a mechanism that scrapes the waste objects off the paddles 351 that remain horizontal.

[0284] 12-14, tilting of paddle 351 and opening / closing of flap 363 are achieved by purely mechanical means, using only the weight of the components. This is a simple and reliable solution, and also keeps costs low. Alternative systems may use actuators to tilt paddle 351 and flap 363, allowing precise timing of the different actions.

[0285] Furthermore, the chain drive 352 may suitably rotate at a constant speed, with the carrier(s) 351 moving continuously about their path regardless of the fill rate of the buffer arrangement. Alternatively, the system may include control and processing means to adjust the speed of the carrier(s) 351 depending on the fill rate of the buffer arrangement.

[0286] List of embodiments by item Item 1. A system (1) for collecting waste items (2) for recycling, such as deposit return items, comprising: - a container return system (100) for waste objects, having an inlet (102), a recognition means (103) and an outlet; and a carrier arrangement (300) adapted to receive waste objects (2) from a container return system (100) at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transport; Including, - The system (1) further includes a buffer arrangement (200) adapted to receive waste items (2) from the container return system (100) and to deliver the waste items (2) to the carrier arrangement (300), whereby the buffer arrangement (200) enables the container return system (100) and the carrier arrangement (300) to operate independently of each other.

[0287] Item 2. The system (1) described in Item 1, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is adapted to deliver waste objects (2) to the carrier arrangement (300) simultaneously while the carrier arrangement (300) is located at the first location.

[0288] Item 3. The system (1) of any of the preceding items, wherein the container return system (100) is adapted to accept waste objects (2) of different materials and / or different sizes, and the waste objects (2) of different materials and / or different sizes are commingled.

[0289] Item 4. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the carrier arrangement (300) has at least two compartments (310, 311) for transporting waste objects (2), each compartment of the at least two compartments (310, 311) preferably adapted to transport waste objects (2) of different materials and / or different sizes.

[0290] Item 5. The system (1) of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one additional carrier arrangement (300) adapted to transport and deliver waste objects (2) for storage or further transport, and at least one additional buffer arrangement (200) adapted to deliver waste objects (2) to the additional carrier arrangement (300).

[0291] Item 6. The system (1) according to Item 5, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is adapted to selectively deliver the waste material (2) to the carrier arrangement (300) or the additional carrier arrangement (300').

[0292] Item 7. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) has a first state in which waste objects (2) received by the buffer arrangement (200) are buffered therein, and a second state in which waste objects (2) received by the buffer arrangement (200) are delivered to the carrier arrangement (300).

[0293] Item 8. The system (1) of any one of the preceding items, wherein the carrier arrangement (300) includes at least one independently operable carrier (301) adapted to move between a first location and a second location.

[0294] Item 9. The system (1) of any one of the preceding items, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is adapted to accept waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) regardless of the location of the carrier (301).

[0295] Item 10. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the state of the buffer arrangement (200) is determined by the location of the carrier (301).

[0296] Item 11. The system (1) described in Item 10, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is configured to be in a second state of the buffer arrangement (200) when the carrier (301) is in a first location of the carrier (301).

[0297] Item 12. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) has a buffer receptacle (201) adapted to receive and dispense waste material (2), the buffer receptacle (201) being adapted to tilt, preferably about a substantially horizontal axis (202), between a first position in which the buffer arrangement (200) is in a first state and a second position in which the buffer arrangement (200) is in a second state.

[0298] Item 13. The system (1) described in Item 12, wherein the carrier (301) and the buffer receptacle (201) cooperate such that at least a portion of the displacement of the carrier (301) from the second location of the carrier (301) to the first location of the carrier (301) is adapted to tilt the buffer receptacle (201) from the first state of the buffer arrangement configuration (200) to the second state.

[0299] Item 14. The system (1) described in Item 13, wherein the carrier (301) directly or indirectly abuts the buffer receptacle (201) during at least a portion of the displacement for tilting the buffer receptacle (201) from the first state to the second state of the buffer arrangement configuration (200).

[0300] Item 15. The system (1) according to Item 14, wherein the substantially horizontal axis (202) is positioned transversely to the buffer receptacle (201).

[0301] Item 16. The system (1) according to any one of Items 13 to 15, further comprising a guide member (205) adapted to guide the waste object (2) from the container return system (100) to the buffer receptacle (201), wherein the guide member (205) is preferably displaceable such that the guide member (205) is adapted to guide the waste object (2) from the container return system (100) to the buffer receptacle (201) regardless of the position of the buffer receptacle (201).

[0302] Item 17. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is coupled to the container return system (100).

[0303] Item 18. Further includes a silo arrangement (400) having at least one silo (401), each silo (401): - at the end looking vertically upwards, a mouth (404) adapted to receive the waste object (2); - Waste material room (405); and - a hatch (406) at the bottom end of the waste chamber (405) adapted to release and deliver the waste (2) for storage or further transport; Including, - The system (1) of any one of the preceding items, wherein the silo arrangement (400) has a delivery state in which the hatch (406) is generally open and a buffer state in which the hatch (406) is generally closed, buffering the waste objects (2) for delivery at a later time.

[0304] Item 19. The system (1) according to Item 18, further comprising a storage bin (407), wherein the silo arrangement configuration (400) comprises a stand (402) on which the silo (401) is placed so as to enable the storage bin (407) to be positioned so as to be visible directly below the silo (401) in a vertical direction.

[0305] Item 20. The system (1) according to Item 19, comprising at least two stacked silos (401, 401'), wherein the stack of silos is arranged such that the top silo (401) is adapted to receive waste objects (2) from the carrier arrangement (300) and to release and deliver the waste objects (2) to a silo (401') located directly vertically below the top silo (401), and the bottom silo (401') is adapted to release and deliver the waste objects (2) to a storage bin (407) located directly vertically below the bottom silo (401').

[0306] Item 21. A system (1) described in any one of Items 18 to 20, wherein the hatch (406) has a plurality of hatch sections (412, 413, 414), each of which is rotatable about a respective rotation axis (424) between a closed position in which the silo arrangement configuration (400) is in a buffer state and an open position in which the silo arrangement configuration (400) is in a delivery state, and wherein each rotation axis (424) is substantially parallel to one another.

[0307] Item 22. A system (1) according to any one of Items 18 to 21, wherein the volumetric capacity of each silo (401) of the silo arrangement configuration (400) is equal to or less than the volumetric capacity of a storage bin (407) positioned directly below the silo arrangement configuration (400).

[0308] Item 23. The system (1) of any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one liquid nozzle (3) adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid (4), such as water, to at least one component of the system (1) selected from the group consisting of the buffer arrangement (200), the carrier arrangement (300), and the silo arrangement (400) to clean the system (1) and / or the waste object (2).

[0309] Item 24. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the buffer arrangement (200), the carrier arrangement (300), and / or the silo arrangement (400) are adapted to collect, convey, and deliver the liquid (4) simultaneously with the waste object (2).

[0310] Item 25. The system (1) described in Item 24, wherein the buffer receptacle (201), carrier (301), and silo (401) are drip-proof for collecting, carrying, and delivering liquid (4) simultaneously with waste material (2) when in the buffer state of the silo arrangement configuration (400).

[0311] Item 26. A process for transporting and collecting waste materials by a system for collecting waste materials for recycling, e.g., deposit return materials, the system including a container return system, a buffer arrangement, and a carrier arrangement, the process comprising: - receiving waste objects from the container return system by means of a buffer arrangement (step S3); - buffering the waste objects by a buffer arrangement (step S6) until the carrier arrangement is positioned to receive the waste objects, the carrier arrangement being adapted to be operable independently of the container return system; - delivering waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement at a first location having a first altitude (step S9); and - transferring and delivering the waste objects by the carrier arrangement to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation (steps S10, S11); The process includes:

[0312] Item 27. The process of Item 26, wherein the step of buffering the waste objects by the buffer arrangement (step S6) is performed until the carrier arrangement is positioned at the first location, and the step of delivering the waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement (step S9) is performed at the same time that the carrier arrangement is positioned at the first location.

[0313] Item 28. The process of item 26 or 27, further comprising the step of selectively delivering the waste material to a buffer arrangement or to an additional buffer arrangement adapted to deliver the waste material to an additional carrier arrangement (steps S2, S3, S4).

[0314] Item 29. The process of any one of Items 26 to 28, further comprising a step (step S11) of delivering the waste object from the carrier arrangement at the second location to the silo arrangement.

[0315] Item 30. The process of any one of Items 26 to 29, further comprising the step of independently operating the carriers of the carrier arrangement to move the carriers between the first location and the second location (steps S7, S10).

[0316] Item 31. The process of any one of Items 26 to 30, further comprising a step (step S8) of abutting the carrier, directly or indirectly, against a buffer receptacle of the buffer arrangement during at least a portion of the displacement of the carrier from the second location to the first location, to move the buffer arrangement from the buffer state of the buffer arrangement to the delivery state.

[0317] Item 32. The process of any one of Items 29 to 31, further comprising a step (steps S19, S20, S21) of delivering a cleaning liquid, such as water, by at least one liquid nozzle to at least one component of the system selected from the group consisting of a buffer arrangement, a carrier arrangement, and a silo arrangement.

[0318] Item 33. Additionally: - collecting, conveying and delivering by a component of the system selected from the group consisting of a buffer arrangement, a carrier arrangement and a silo arrangement, liquid originating from the residual liquid contained in the waste object or washing liquid delivered to the buffer arrangement, the carrier arrangement or the silo arrangement; The process according to any one of items 29 to 32, comprising:

[0319] Item 34. The process of any one of Items 29 to 33, further comprising the step of switching the silo arrangement between a first state and a second state, in which the silo arrangement releases and delivers waste objects for storage or further transport, and in which the silo arrangement buffers waste objects therein for release and delivery at a later time (steps S14, S18).

[0320] Item 35. The process of any one of Items 29 to 34, further comprising a step (step S13) of delivering the waste material from the silo arrangement to a storage bin located vertically below the silo arrangement.

[0321] Item 36. Additionally: - switching the silo arrangement configuration from the first state to the second state (step S14); - Removing the storage bin for emptying or further transport (step S16); and - placing the emptied storage bin or another empty storage bin directly below the silo arrangement (step S17); Item 36. The process according to item 35, comprising:

[0322] Item 37. The process according to any one of Items 26 to 36, wherein the steps of the process are preceded by a step of reducing the value of the waste object (Step S1).

[0323] Item 101. A silo arrangement (400) for a backroom of a container return system (100) adapted to directly or indirectly receive waste objects (2), such as deposit return objects, from the container return system (100) and deliver the waste objects for storage or further transport, the silo (401) comprising: at the end looking vertically upwards, a mouth (404) adapted to receive the waste object (2); Waste material room (405); and a hatch (406) at the bottom end of the waste chamber (405) adapted to release and deliver waste (2) for storage or further transport; Including, The silo arrangement (400) has a delivery state in which the hatch (406) is generally open, and a buffer state in which the hatch (406) is generally closed, buffering the waste object (2) for delivery at a later time.

[0324] Item 102. The silo arrangement (400) according to Item 101, comprising a stand (402) on which the silo (401) is placed, allowing the storage bin (407) to be positioned so as to be visible directly below the vertical direction of the silo (401).

[0325] Item 103. A silo arrangement (400) according to item 102, wherein the stand (402) comprises supporting uprights (403) for maintaining the silo (401) a short distance above the ground on which the silo arrangement (400) is installed.

[0326] Item 104. The silo arrangement (400) according to item 103, wherein the distance between at least one pair of two adjacent support uprights (403) is adapted to accommodate a storage bin (407) therebetween.

[0327] Item 105. A silo arrangement (400) according to any one of items 101 to 104, comprising at least two stacked silos (401, 401'), the stack of silos being arranged such that the top silo (401) is adapted to receive waste material (2) and release and deliver the waste material (2) to a silo (401') located vertically directly below the top silo (401), and the bottom silo (401') is adapted to release and deliver the waste material (2) for storage or further transport.

[0328] Item 106. A silo arrangement (400) according to any one of items 101 to 105, wherein the hatch (406) has a plurality of hatch sections (419, 420), each of which is rotatable about a respective rotation axis (424, 425) between a closed position in which the silo arrangement (400) is in a buffer state and an open position in which the silo arrangement (400) is in a delivery state, and wherein each rotation axis (424, 425) is substantially parallel to one another.

[0329] Item 107. The silo arrangement (400) according to Item 106, wherein the hatch (406) has three hatch sections (412, 413, 414), the hatch sections in the open position being generally disposed in similar rotational positions, whereby the hatch sections (412, 413, 414) generally overlap one another, and the hatch sections (412, 413, 414) in the closed position being generally disposed adjacent one another.

[0330] Item 108. The silo arrangement (400) according to Item 107, wherein the hatch sections (412, 413, 414) located adjacent to each other in the closed position of the hatch (406) and at least partially along the side of each hatch section (412, 413, 414) have latching for interconnecting the adjacent hatch sections (412, 413, 414).

[0331] Item 109. A silo arrangement (400) according to any one of items 101 to 108, further comprising at least one liquid nozzle (3) adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid (4), such as water, to the silo (401) for cleaning the silo arrangement (400) and / or the waste object (2).

[0332] Item 110. The silo arrangement (400) according to item 109, wherein the hatch (406) is drip-proof in buffer conditions.

[0333] Item 111. The silo arrangement (400) according to Item 110, wherein at least one liquid nozzle (3) is controllable by a control device for automatic control or scheduling of cleaning of the silo arrangement (400) and / or waste objects (2).

[0334] Item 112. The silo arrangement (400) according to any one of Items 101 to 111, wherein the hatch (406) is controllable by a control device for automatic control or scheduling of opening and closing of the hatch (406).

[0335] Item 113. The silo arrangement (400) according to items 111 and 112, wherein the hatch (406) and the at least one liquid nozzle (3) are controllable by the same control device.

[0336] Item 114. A silo arrangement (400) according to any one of Items 101 to 113, wherein the volumetric capacity of each silo (401) of the silo arrangement (400) is less than or equal to the volumetric capacity of a storage bin (407) positioned directly below the silo arrangement (400).

Claims

1. A system (1) for collecting waste objects (2) for recycling, which are deposit return objects, comprising: a container return system (100) for waste items, having an inlet (102), a recognition means (103), and an outlet; a carrier arrangement (300; 350) adapted to receive waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transport; Including, the system (1) further comprises a buffer arrangement adapted to receive the waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) and deliver the waste objects (2) to the carrier arrangement (300; 350) at the first location; the carrier arrangement includes at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between the first location and the second location; the carrier arrangement is a closed-loop path carrier arrangement, wherein the at least one carrier is adapted to perform repeated movement along a closed-loop path between the first location and the second location, and wherein displacement of the at least one carrier from the first location to the second location occurs on a different portion of the closed-loop path than displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location; the displacement between the first location and the second location of the at least one carrier is substantially vertical; The system wherein the at least one carrier is a paddle having a generally flat surface adapted to push the waste objects within the tubular structure of the carrier arrangement.

2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the container return system (100) is adapted to accept waste objects (2) of different materials and / or different sizes, and the waste objects (2) of different materials and / or different sizes are mixed.

3. 3. The system (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the system is configured to accept only a range of objects, and the flat surface of the paddle is at least 30% shorter than the maximum length of the waste object that the system for collecting waste objects is adapted to accept.

4. the buffer arrangement is adapted to receive the waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) at a third location; The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the buffer arrangement comprises sliding means adapted to transfer the waste objects from the third location to the first location.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vertical distance between the first location and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 400 cm.

6. The system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the buffer arrangement (200) is adapted to receive the waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) regardless of the location of the at least one carrier (301).

7. 7. The system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one liquid nozzle (3) adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid (4), such as water, to at least one component of the system (1) selected from the group consisting of the buffer arrangement (200) and the carrier arrangement (300) for cleaning the system (1) and / or the waste objects (2), and at least one of the buffer arrangement (200) and the carrier arrangement (300) is adapted to collect, convey and deliver the liquid (4) simultaneously with the waste objects (2).

8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the carrier arrangement comprises a plurality of carriers adapted to perform repeated movement along the closed loop path between the first location and the second location.

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one carrier is adapted to transport and deliver at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, or at least 20 waste objects simultaneously while being displaced between the first location and the second location.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container return system is a container recovery machine (100) (RVM).

11. the horizontal distance between the entrance of the RVM and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 200 cm, or 80 cm to 170 cm, or 100 cm to 150 cm; and / or the vertical distance between the entrance of the RVM and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 300 cm, or 50 cm to 200 cm, or 75 cm to 150 cm; and / or the vertical distance between the first location and the second location is in the range of 50 cm to 300 cm, or 100 cm to 300 cm, or 100 cm to 250 cm; and / or 11. The system (1) of claim 10, wherein the vertical distance between the first location and a third location where the buffer arrangement receives the waste objects (2) from the container return system (100) is in the range of 20 cm to 150 cm, or 20 cm to 120 cm, or 30 cm to 100 cm.

12. A process for transporting and collecting waste objects (2) by a system (1) for collecting waste objects for recycling, which are deposit return objects, said system comprising a container return system (100), a buffer arrangement (200) and a carrier arrangement (300; 350), said carrier arrangement comprising at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between a first location having a first elevation and a second location having a second elevation that is vertically higher than said first elevation and appears higher than an outlet of said container return system; The process comprises: receiving waste items from the container return system by the buffer arrangement (step S3); buffering the waste objects by the buffer arrangement until the carrier arrangement is positioned to receive the waste objects (step S6); delivering the waste objects from the buffer arrangement to the carrier arrangement at the first location (step S9); and Transporting and delivering the waste objects to the second location by the carrier arrangement (steps S10, S11). Including, the carrier arrangement is a closed-loop path carrier arrangement, wherein the at least one carrier is adapted to perform repeated movement along a closed-loop path between the first location and the second location, and wherein displacement of the at least one carrier from the first location to the second location occurs on a different portion of the closed-loop path than displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location; the displacement between the first location and the second location of the at least one carrier is substantially vertical; The process wherein the at least one carrier is a paddle having a generally flat surface adapted to push the waste objects within the tubular structure of the carrier arrangement.

13. 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the step of transporting and delivering the devalued waste objects to the second location by the carrier arrangement includes transporting the devalued waste objects by the at least one carrier in a substantially vertical displacement between the first location and the second location.

14. A system (1) for collecting waste objects (2) for recycling, which are deposit return objects, comprising: a carrier arrangement (300; 350) positioned to receive devalued waste objects (2) from an RVM (100) at a first location having a first elevation, and adapted to transport and deliver the devalued waste objects to a second location having a second elevation that appears vertically higher than the first elevation for storage or further transport; Including, the system (1) further includes a buffer arrangement positioned at a third location having a third elevation different from the first and second elevations to receive the devalued waste objects (2) directly from an outlet of the RVM (100) and to deliver the devalued waste objects (2) to the carrier arrangement (300) at the first location; the carrier arrangement includes at least one carrier adapted for repeated movement between the first location and the second location; the second altitude is greater than the exit of the RVM; the carrier arrangement is a closed-loop path carrier arrangement, wherein the at least one carrier is adapted to perform repeated movement along a closed-loop path between the first location and the second location, and wherein displacement of the at least one carrier from the first location to the second location occurs on a different portion of the closed-loop path than displacement of the at least one carrier from the second location to the first location; the displacement between the first location and the second location of the at least one carrier is substantially vertical; The system wherein the at least one carrier is a paddle having a generally flat surface adapted to push the waste objects within the tubular structure of the carrier arrangement.

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