Patent ID: 6112904
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G07F,Y10S

Abstract:
A device for handling returnable packages including a feed station at which the packages are placed into the device through an opening in a frame of the device and an identification station at which the packages are identified, comprisinga rotatable magazine for transferring the package from the feed station to the identification station and from the identification station to an acceptance stations said magazine having a generally cylindrical outer wall and defining at least one package space in said outer wall for receiving a package,rotation means for rotating said magazine between a first position in which said package space is in the feed station and receivable of a package and a second position in which said outer wall closes the opening in the frame and said package space is in the identification station,control means coupled to said rotation means for controlling rotation of said magazine by said rotation means, andidentification means structured and arranged to identify a package in said package space when said package space is in the identification station and determine if the package is acceptable or not acceptable, said control means being coupled to said identification means and being structured and arranged to rotate said magazine and thus said package space into said acceptance station if the package is acceptable and back to the feed station if the package is unacceptable where said package is accessible to a user to enable the user to remove the package from said feed station.