A receiving and handling mechanism includes: an insert opening; a supply channel for passing the container to a handling device of the mechanism which is driven by a drive and is configured to handle the container; and an outlet. A rechargeable battery powers at least the drive of the handling device. The battery is powered by an external energy source, e.g. a renewable energy source. The method includes: predicting an availability of the external energy source, e.g. a source of solar energy; and adapting the operation of the device based on the predicted energy availability, so as to decrease the energy use of the device in case of a lower predicted energy availability and to increase the energy use of the device in case of a higher predicted energy availability.
A system for collecting empty returnable beverage containers (100). The system comprises an open topped (4) bin (1) and a collector and crusher device (20). The device comprises a housing (30) with a bin reception space (40) within a lower section the housing. An insertion opening (50) is present at the front in an upper section of the housing. A chute (60) extends within the upper section so that a container inserted via the insertion opening slides along the chute to a lower end thereof. The device comprises a crusher mechanism (70) within the upper section of the housing with lower and upper press plate members (75, 85) that define an elongated crusher chamber (90) between them. An inlet (91) is arranged to receive the container sliding from the chute longitudinally into the crusher chamber. The press plate members are arranged at an incline, so that, after crushing and distancing of the upper press plate member relative to the lower press plate, the crushed container slides out of the crusher chamber via an outlet (92). The outlet of the crusher chamber is arranged such that the crushed container drops into the bin.
G07F 7/06 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, e.g. bottles
3.
REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM, CONTROL UNIT THEREFOR, AND METHOD
The present invention provides a refuse collection system (1) having a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) comprising a DC-DC converter (45). The DC-DC converter is electrically connected at a first output thereof to one or more photovoltaic panels (21) of the system, and at second output thereof to one or more batteries (22) for being charged by the photovoltaic panels. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is configured to increase the power output of the photovoltaic panels towards, e.g. to set this power output to, the maximum power point (MPP) thereof, therein adjusting a current (121) at which the batteries are charged. A control unit (40) of the system, programmed to control electrically powered functional parts of the system, is preferably furthermore programmed to control the DC-DC converter.
A system for waste (2) disposal by users (3) in waste bins includes user identification. Data relating to each of the waste bins (1) is stored on a server (4), and a software application run on mobile communication devices (5) of the users is provided for communicating to the server at least the identification of each respective user and, optionally, data relating to a waste bin for an intended waste disposal. A waste disposal by the user is either permitted or prohibited based on data stored on the server, at least including the user identification. The permission or optionally the prohibition is communicated to a control unit of the waste bin. The control unit controls the operation of the waste bin in accordance with the permission or the prohibition at least including enabling access to an insert opening in case of permission.
Receiving and handling empty returnable beverage containers by means of a battery- powered device. A receiving and handling mechanism comprises: - an insert opening, - a supply channel for passing the container to a handling device of the mechanism which is driven by a drive and is configured to handle the container, and - an outlet. A rechargeable battery powers at least the drive of the handling device. The battery is powered by an external energy source, e.g. a renewable energy source. The method comprises: - predicting an availability of the external energy source, e.g. a source of solar energy, and - adapting the operation of the device based on the predicted energy availability, so as to decrease the energy use of the device in case of a lower predicted energy availability and to increase the energy use of the device in case of a higher predicted energy availability.
A top loading refuse distributing and compacting device for mounting above or in the top of a refuse collection container is operable to receive, compact and distribute refuse collected with the container. The device includes a pivotal handling member, which is pivotal between a leftward and rightward guiding position, in which left and right opposed inclined surfaces of the handling member alternatingly guide refuse into the right and left side of the container such as to distribute it evenly over said sides, while with the other surface compacting refuse already present in the container. The handling member includes a weight sensor. The device may be operated based on the signals of weight sensor and preferably other sensors, for instance to indicate a living organism being received. The handling member may be one single unit, combining the functions of weighing, distributing and compacting.
Top loading refuse distributing and compacting device (10) for mounting above or in the top of a refuse collection container (2) operable to receive, compact and distribute refuse (6) collected with said container. The device comprises a pivotal handling member (21), which is pivotal between a leftward (201) and rightward (20r) guiding position, in which left and right opposed inclined surfaces (221, 22r) of the handling member alternatingly guide refuse into the right and left side of the container such as to distribute it evenly over said sides, while with the other surface compacting refuse already present in the container. The handling member comprises a weight sensor (25, 25c). The device may be operated based on the signals of weight sensor and preferably other sensors, for instance to indicate a living organism being received. The handling member may be one single unit, combining the functions of weighing, distributing and compacting.
A refuse collector and compactor system with a top opening bin (1) and a refuse collector and compactor device (10) that comprises a housing to accommodate the bin and a compactor mechanism (40) arranged within the housing. The mechanism comprises a press element (41) and a motorized actuator adapted to impart to the press element a pressing motion from an upper retracted position to a lower pressing position wherein the press element is introduced into the top opening bin (1) so as to compact refuse that has been deposited in the bin via a refuse insertion opening (7) of the housing. The device is provided with at least one refuse retaining member (30,31). The bin is provided, in a bin side wall (4,5) thereof, with an introduction opening (11) for the at least one refuse retaining member (30,31). The system is embodied so that the refuse retaining member enters into the refuse collection space via the introduction opening (11) in order to arrive at an operable location within the refuse collection. The refuse retaining member (30,31) is configured to counteract an expansion of refuse that has been compacted by the compactor mechanism (41).
B30B 9/30 - Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for baling; Compression boxes therefor
B30B 1/14 - Presses, using a press ram, characterised by the features of the drive therefor, pressure being transmitted directly, or through simple thrust or tension members only, to the press ram or platen by toggle mechanism operated by cams, eccentrics, or cranks
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