Patent ID: 6575290
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: B08B,G07F

Abstract:
An automatic empty container return machine, comprising:(a) a container detection unit operable for identifying whether or not an empty container is of a predetermined category; (b) a container input unit located upstream of said container detection unit and having surfaces for receiving empty containers to supply the empty containers to said container detection unit; (c) a container output unit located downstream of said container detection unit and having surfaces for receiving empty containers that have been identified by said container detection unit as being of the predetermined category; (d) a container transport stage having surfaces and means for conveying empty containers at least from said container input unit to said container detection unit; and (e) a self-cleaning arrangement having components integrated with at least one of said container input unit, container output unit, container detection unit and container transport stage and being operable at selected times to clean said surfaces of said at least one of said container input unit, container output unit and container transport stage that are preselected to be cleaned; (f) said components of said self-cleaning arrangement including a sensor for inspecting said surfaces preselected to be cleaned to determine whether or not said surfaces are clean.