Patent Publication Number: US-7903965-B2

Title: Safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/814,205 filed Jul. 18, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,311, which is a continuation of PCT/NO06/0029, filed Jan. 24, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related in general to apparatus for handling items or objects, e.g. for receiving, sorting and storing returnable items or objects, such as empty beverage containers like bottles, cans or the like. The invention is particularly useful in connection with reverse vending machines, although certain aspects of the present invention may also find other fields of use. In particular, the present invention relates to a safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts, said apparatus configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention came about following the recognition of the need to provide a more cost efficient reverse vending machine, yet simple, reliable and space saving. In particular, it was recognized the need to reduce overall cost of manufacturing such new machines by addressing such important issues to as minimizing the number of expensive components, such as e.g. camera, barcode reader, object sorter, object conveyor, object rotator, and token printer, as well as minimizing required space, especially as regards floor area. 
     However, in such recognition, it was revealed that the invention would become related to a plurality of aspects which all in their own respective manner would contribute to a desirable end result. 
     In a decade or so, environmental and economical concerns have spurred significant developments in the field of facilities for collecting cans, bottles, jars and other containers, preferably for recovering the material for recycling purposes. These days, fully automatic systems are available that are capable of receiving and storing many different types of used containers, or even parts of used containers. 
     Arrangements for handling recyclable items like returnable empty beverage containers are inter alia known from the European publications EP 0 384 885 (SIG Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft), EP 1311448, and the International Patent Application publication WO02/12096 (EP 1313656) (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA) and EP 14677328 (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA). 
     Till now, available fully automated systems, so-called reverse vending machines (RVMs) and back-room systems, that are capable of receiving and storing used containers have been quite complex and expensive. They have, therefore, mostly been found in larger stores, shopping centers or supermarkets, or in special facilities put up for collecting recyclable items or objects. 
     Accordingly, for the customer who has recyclable items or objects in smaller quantities, and who may not have at disposal a proper vehicle to facilitate easy transportation of recyclable material to a larger store, shopping center or supermarket that may be located at a distance from the person&#39;s home, it is often easier to throw the recyclable items out with the garbage. 
     The currently available reverse vending machines normally deliver the received objects to a back-room receiving facility or a downstairs facility. The total installation is expensive, requires substantial space, is often complex to install and service, and has operational drawbacks, in particular from a cleaning point of view. Frequent cleaning of soiled operational parts, suitably with water or special cleaning agent, is very important to secure failsafe operation. Returnable beverage containers frequently contain beverage leftovers, which often happen to come into contact with operational parts, thus making such parts sticky and causing operational failure if not properly cleaned. Cleaning is more than often a messy operation, and care has to be made not to harm electrical components. 
     Most RVMs need to have the ability to inspect identifying features on the object, such as e.g. a bar code. If such features are not immediately seen by a dedicated detector, the object will need to be rotated to find if such features are indeed present. An object rotating mechanism is expensive and requires substantial space in the longitudinal or depth direction of the RVM. Further, if such RVMs are also to provide object sorting, an additional sorter has to be provided, adding further to the cost of the installation, and the dimension of the RVM as regards depth dimension is in some cases prohibitive when both a rotator and a sorter are to be included. Also, most owners of stores, shopping centers or supermarkets are concerned over RVMs requiring substantial and expensive space for collecting the containers received by the RVM, such space frequently being occupied by container collection tables. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention therefore has as a principal object to meet a long felt need to provide an improved automated facility for collecting returnable objects or items, such as recyclable items of plastic, metal or glass, and for overcoming the well-known mentioned drawbacks, thus yielding a low cost facility which exhibits optimal use of limited space, in particular floor space, that may be available almost everywhere, enabling their placement even in smaller stores, convenience stores, local gas stations and public areas. Thereby, such facilities may be more conveniently available to customers. These features and other features to appear through reading of the specification are some of the objectives of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     A conveyor means has been described in connection with an inventive facility which allows storage of a large number of returnable items or objects in a mostly vertically oriented storage space without employing a vertical conveyor for filling the storage space. 
     Thus, such conveyor means provides usefulness with an upwardly oriented storage having an interior space for storing height-wise returnable items. 
     The upwardly oriented storage is suitable for storing in a substantially upwards filling direction returnable objects or items, particularly returnable containers like bottles, cans and the like, preferably such that are made from plastic, glass or metallic material. 
     Embodiments of the storage space part of the storage facility will be further disclosed in the detailed part of the description. 
     The conveyor means is disclosed in the detailed description inter alia for use with a facility for receiving returnable items. 
     Such conveyor means is useful for receiving and sorting returnable items, and in the present context preferably for delivering returnable items for storing in a storage facility, and it has been the purpose to provide for a very compact conveyor means for such use. 
     The features of embodiments of the conveyor means appear from the detailed description. 
     Advantageous embodiments of a rotary drum type of conveyor means are in particular described. 
     However, the present disclosure also describes an alternative to the rotary drum type of conveyor means, the alternative being in the form of a plunger type of conveyor means. 
     The conveyor means as defined are particularly suitable for feeding returnable objects or items, particularly returnable containers like bottles, cans and the like, preferably made from plastic, glass or metallic material to a vertically or upwardly oriented storage for storing returnable objects or items in a substantially upwards filling direction. 
     More specifically, the conveyor means is adapted to handle, sort and convey returnable items or objects, and for feeding such items or objects into the substantially vertically or upwardly oriented storage space, without employing a vertical conveyor for filling the storage space. 
     In recognition of the necessity to be able to view and recognize characteristic features of an object, there is described a device for enabling camera viewing of characteristic features of an object in order to subsequently enable processing of signals related to viewed features. 
     Further, such a device is intended to enable camera viewing of two regions of an object, in order to subsequently enable processing of signals related to viewed features. 
     In addition, such camera viewing can be of a location where the object can be placed and thereby cause subsequent recognition of the contour of the object, a lens being arranged between the camera and said location. 
     Further, the device enables use of a single camera. 
     Still further, there is disclosed a device using a camera to view characteristic features of an object against a light providing or bright background area, in order to subsequently enable processing related to viewed features. 
     It is important to note that the recited camera viewing features are closely interrelated. 
     From prior art it is conventional to view an object or article, e.g. empty beverage packaging, such as a can or bottle, against a light reflective background, the viewing being made via a lens in order that light rays which are sent towards the object are parallel rays. DE 19512133 A1 discloses such technique. On the basis of such viewing, analysis for object contour is made. 
     However, simultaneously with viewing of shape of a bottle or can, as disclosed in said DE 195 12 133 A1, there has also been the need to view and recognize or read other characteristic features, such as a bar code on the can or bottle. 
     In a reverse vending machine (RVM), it is conventional to view and recognize shape of the object at one location in the RVM and to recognize other identifiable characteristic features such as indicia, barcode etc. at another location. If e.g. a barcode is not directly visible to a barcode reader, the object must be rotated until the barcode becomes visible and can be read by the reader. 
     It is a well known fact that in order to be able to detect both contour of the object and read indicia or identifying features located on the object, including object rotation to find and read identifying features, multiple and separate operating units need to be provided, thus requiring extra space within the RVM to carry out the operations. If there is in addition the requirement of a sorting function, additional challenges arise as regards available space. Said EP publications EP1311448 and 1313656 disclose, with reference to an RVM for beverage container such as bottles and cans, the provisions of contour detection, barcode reading and beverage container sorting. Contour detection and sorting is made by one operating unit (see EP 1313656), and a further operating unit (EP 1311448) provides for beverage container rotation to find a barcode and barcode reading. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,440 discloses a device with a detection station for reading barcode, rotation of the object such as e.g. a bottle to locate a barcode not immediately visible, as well as a sorting function. However, the possibility of detecting an object contour at such station is not available and needs to be performed by a separate station suitably located upstream, as disclosed in said patent. 
     It has therefore been a long felt need to provide for a technical solution which yields a more compact, yet simple and cost-effective arrangement and with the possibility of both detection of contour and identifying features located on the object, as well as a sorting function and other optional functions. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure also describes a device which makes use of camera aid to provide for major detection functions, and with other benefits resulting from the overall structure. 
     In recognition of the need to avoid operational hazards as far as possible, and above all avoid any accidental injury to a user of the facility, the present invention relates to a safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts. 
     It is a well known technique in a reverse vending machine (RVM) to provide movement detectors or light curtains in the form of transmitter/receiver pairs to detect when an object has reached a particular position in the RVM, to alert if someone tries to move a hand into the RVM, or to view a video image to detect entry into or direction of movement into a detection region as seen by a camera. Upon such detection, action can be taken to inhibit further operation of moving parts and/or trigger an alarm. Further, in the case of transmitter/receiver pairs, expensive hardware has to be installed, aligned and serviced. 
     European Patent EP-0910485 (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA) discloses a camera functionality in order to control movements in a camera field of view in connection with a reverse vending machine. Such movement control is software related. 
     If a particular part of a camera provided image of e.g. an entry region of a device such as a reverse vending machine for empty beverage containers is to be used for monitoring safety hazard, any software update related to camera function must also be documented and certified to ensure that said monitoring capability is still operative. Such process is time consuming and expensive. In case of e.g. camera failure, the image may appear blank as if no activity or events in the camera field of view would be present. In such a situation, an inherent safety hazard may be present. 
     Safety hazards e.g. include the risk of a person getting a hand injured if put into the RVM, or operational failures due to incorrect handling of the RVM by a person. 
     The invention has therefore as an object to avoid the inherent drawbacks of the prior art solutions related to avoiding safety hazards. 
     The present invention accordingly describes useful and novel embodiments of such safety apparatus, and the characteristic features thereof appear from the relevant independent apparatus claim. Further embodiments of the safety apparatus appear from the corresponding sub-claims. 
     This is explained in more detail with reference in particular to drawing  FIGS. 37   a ,  37   b ,  37   c ,  40   a  and  40   b.    
     Reverse vending machines conventionally issue a specially printed token related to the return or redemption value of empty beverage containers received by the reverse vending machine (RVM), and the token is then taken to a rewarding unit or so-called checkout and payment station to get a cash reward or a cash deduction from a bill to be paid for other sales items or objects, e.g. groceries. However, it has also been a long felt desire to simplify dispensing of tokens in a RVM to avoid occasional and inherent printer failures well known to the expert in the art when tokens are to be printed with individual return value related data. 
     The present disclosure therefore also relates to a token system for use with a reverse vending machine suitable for receiving empty packaging in the form of empty beverage containers. 
     Closely linked thereto is a token system related to a reverse vending machine which is configured to detect and identify features of an object, tokens being dispensable one-by-one from a token dispenser and configured to be related to an object being observable and detectable for object identification. 
     Security measures have over the past years been implemented in order to avoid recurring swindle attempt through presentation at the rewarding unit of home-made tokens with a redemption value printed thereon. Thus, the new tokens issued have also included a particular serial number, and both the redemption value and the serial number have been communicated from the RVM to a central computer, suitably located in the store or supermarket, in order to validate the token, and when the token has been presented at the rewarding unit, payment is made to the customer and the central computer then invalidates the token by removing the data from availability at the rewarding unit. 
     The tokens are usually made from thin paper from a roll of paper passing through a printer, suitably a thermal printer, before it is issued to the customer. Experience has, however, shown that use of such printed paper tokens has the drawback that the printer occasionally fails, the printer is expensive and needs maintenance service at regular intervals, and the paper from the paper roll is expensive and needs to be of a particular quality to yield as low failure rate as possible. 
     Given some of the disadvantages of the prior art tokens, it is therefore, according to the present disclosure, an object to provide for a token system that avoids printing of tokens in an RVM, yet provides the required security against swindle attempts and avoids the use of any printer and related printer maintenance. 
     Embodiments of a preferred token system will therefore be disclosed later in the present specification. 
     In addition to the features of the invention previously referred to the present disclosure is also concerned with the inherent problems in a reverse vending machine of disconnecting operational units for cleaning purposes, services etc., and there is accordingly described a novel drive device in a reverse vending machine to forcibly drive at least one handling unit suited to handle empty packaging in the form of empty beverage containers. 
     It is well known in the art that equipment used for handling empty beverage containers in a reverse vending machine (RVM) is frequently soiled by beverage leftovers coming from the interior of such containers, and causing malfunction of the equipment or drive motor overload if not properly washed and cleaned at regular intervals, in many cases with a necessity for cleaning once every day. 
     Such equipment is conventionally made with drive motors firmly attached to the equipment either on the outside or internally, and with sophisticated or expensive plug/socket connection to power supply in the reverse vending machine. 
     When cleaning such equipment, often with hot water and/or pressurized water or other cleaning agent, motors and connectors may be damaged or get moist through intrusion of water, with the inherent risk of malfunction through leakage currents or even short-circuit. Therefore, expensive and sophisticated technical solutions have to be designed to avoid such damages or other operational problems or hazards. Such solutions may therefore include special purpose motors, plug and socket units, wiring etc. 
     The present invention therefore intends to overcome the present every-day problem linked with the operation of reverse vending machines which are in need of frequent cleaning to remove spillage of beverage leftovers which are more than often with a very high sugar content, resulting in sticky functional components and adherence between components, causing unnecessary wear and tear on functional components and drive units, causing reduced life of many components, as well as substantial risk of malfunction. 
     Preferred embodiments of the drive device appear from the detailed description. 
     In the following, the safety apparatus, as well as aspects related to an upwardly oriented storage, a conveyor means, a device for camera aided viewing of characteristic features of an object, a token system and a drive device, will be explained by way of examples and by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, although as regards some elements, different reference numerals have been used for elements having same properties of functioning and for practical reasons. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1   a  shows in a perspective view, an exemplary mode of a reverse vending machine with object storage chamber; object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor means; camera-aided detector device; supplementary item/object collector means; token dispenser; token reader; safety apparatus; and drive means, 
         FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c  show the object rotating, sorting and conveyor means with its longitudinal axis tilted relative to the horizontal, 
         FIG. 2   a  shows an exemplary embodiment of an essentially upwardly oriented storage or storage chamber, 
         FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c  show the embodiments of  FIG. 2   a  in association with a compactor. 
         FIG. 3  is a further a principle drawing of a storage space or chamber for a storage facility, 
         FIG. 4  is a principle drawing showing a first embodiment of an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility, 
         FIG. 5  is a principle drawing showing a second embodiment of an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility, 
         FIG. 6  is a principle drawing showing an exemplary layout of a storage facility having multiple storage chambers, 
         FIG. 7  is a principle drawing showing an exemplary possible layout of a storage facility having multiple storage chambers and a drum type conveyor unit, 
         FIG. 8  is a principle drawing showing a possible layout of a storage facility having multiple storage chambers, a conveying and sorting means, and means for reading information from, or detecting the type of, returnable item or object being positioned in an input receiving area, 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view of a drum type conveyor for a storage facility, being positioned in a first rotational position, 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the drum type conveyor shown in  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 11  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for incorporation in a storage facility, the drum being in a second rotational position with a piston like plunger element in a retracted position, 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the conveyor of  FIG. 11 , 
         FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for incorporation in the storage facility, the drum being rotated in a first direction from the second position to assume a third rotational position in which with the piston-like plunger element is in an advanced position, 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the positional state of the drum type conveyor of  FIG. 13 , 
         FIG. 15  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for incorporation in a storage facility, with the drum rotated in a direction opposite to that starting at  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and ending at  FIGS. 13 ,  14 , i.e. a rotation in clockwise direction—as viewed on FIG.  15 —from the second position to the first position to assume a further rotational position with the piston-like plunger in an advanced, downwardly facing position, 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of positional state of the drum type conveyor of  FIG. 15 , as seen partly from below, 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyor for incorporation in a storage facility, having a roller and a load cell applied to the roller, 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of a drum type conveyor embodiment positioned in a cabinet with a bearing for the roller and load cell on a movable arm, 
         FIG. 19  shows the bearing and load cell arrangement of  FIG. 18  with the movable arm positioned for bearing and load cell engagement with a roller, 
         FIG. 20  is a principle drawing of a first embodiment of a conveyor having a moveable plunger in a stationary housing and useful for a storage facility, 
         FIG. 21  is a principle drawing of the conveyor of  FIG. 20  in a different operational state, 
         FIG. 22  is a principle drawing of a second and modified embodiment of the conveyor of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic side view of the conveyor of  FIG. 22 , 
         FIG. 24  is a principle drawing of the conveyor of  FIGS. 20-23  to illustrate rotation of a returnable item received in the input receiving area of the conveyor, 
         FIG. 25  is a principle sketch of a first embodiment of a camera-aided viewing device for viewing an object with regard to contour of the object and identifying features or indicia on the object, 
         FIG. 26  is a principle, though slightly more detailed sketch of the first embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device showing in more detail a first object supporting, rotation, sorting and conveying means, 
         FIG. 27  is a principle sketch of a second embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 28  is a principle sketch of a third embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 29  is a principle sketch of a fourth embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 30  is a principle sketch of a fifth embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 31  is a principle sketch of a sixth embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 32  is a principle sketch of a second object supporting, rotation, sorting and conveying means, 
         FIG. 33  is a principle sketch of a seventh embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 34  is a principle sketch of an eight embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 35  is a principle sketch of a ninth embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 36  is a principle sketch of a tenth embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device, 
         FIG. 37   a  shows a camera image with two image parts, and  FIG. 37   b  shows a camera surveillance image with a set of dedicated camera image sensor matrix pixels indicated, 
         FIG. 37   c  shows a simplified circuit diagram forming part of the block schematic diagram in  FIG. 46 , 
         FIG. 38  is a principle sketch to illustrate camera reading of bar-code on a token in a token storage device, 
         FIG. 39  is an exemplifying token, 
         FIG. 40   a  is a partial view of a supporting device and a background area or panel, 
         FIG. 40   b  is a variant of the background area or panel shown on  FIG. 40   a,    
         FIG. 41   a  is a sketch of a first embodiment of a token reading means, 
         FIG. 41   b  is a sketch of a second embodiment of a token reading means, 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a part of the view of  FIG. 38 , 
         FIGS. 43-45  are perspective views of a token dispenser seen from below, from the side and above, and substantially from above, respectively, 
         FIG. 46  is a block schematic diagram of electrically or electronically operative elements in a system incorporating the invention, 
         FIG. 47  is a principle sketch to illustrate drive means for rotatably driving a drum in said object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor means, 
         FIGS. 48   a  and  48   b  are principle sketches to illustrate a mechanical drive coupling between drive means ( FIG. 48   a ) and a handling device, e.g. a “soft-drop” storage container ( FIG. 48   b ), 
         FIG. 49   a  shows in principle an alternative mechanical drive coupling, and  FIG. 49   b  is a modification thereof, 
         FIG. 50   a  shows the sketch of  FIG. 47  with a first type of drum rotational position sensors indicated, 
         FIG. 50   b  shows the sketch of  FIG. 47  with a second type of drum rotational position sensors indicated, and 
         FIG. 51  shows in a perspective view a reverse vending machine with object storage chamber; object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor means; item collector means; token dispenser; token reader; and drive means, 
     
    
    
     SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION 
     RVM Overview 
       FIG. 1   a  illustrates in an exemplary embodiment a reverse vending machine (RVM)  1  embodying main inventive aspects of the present invention, i.e. object storage chamber  2 ; object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit  3 ; camera-aided detector device  4 ; supplementary item/object collector means  5 ; token dispenser  6 ; token reader  7 , safety apparatus  8 , and drive means  9 ;  9 ′. The unit  3  (later denoted as  200 ) could have to have its longitudinal axis  3 ′ horizontal or forming an angle α with the horizontal, yielding angle β in the range±0°-30°, as indicated on  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   c . In the more detailed disclosure to follow, the operational means  2 - 9  just mentioned will for practical reasons be denoted by other reference numerals. Direction is also made to  FIG. 51  showing the figure of  FIG. 1   a , however with more reference numerals inserted to identify location of some of the various operational means which are extensively disclosed in the disclosure to follow in connection with  FIGS. 2-50 . 
     Upwardly Oriented Storage 
     With reference to  FIG. 2   a  showing a principle drawing of a storage chamber according to the present invention, certain features relating to the storage chamber and the principles of the invention will now be explained. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storage chamber has an elongated and vertically oriented shape, with bottom and side walls, wherein the side walls are spaced apart, preferably sufficiently to allow for a side-by-side storage of a plurality of returnable items. The storage chamber has an in-feed opening in the lower part of the chamber, preferably arranged in one of the side walls, and feeding of the storage is obtained by driving returnable objects or items to be stored in the chamber into the storage chamber through the in-feed opening. By properly selecting the force by which the objects or items are driven into the storage chamber, and preferably by applying a forced pushing or thrust mode drive, objects/items already positioned in the storage chamber will be driven away from the in-feed opening and into the interior or back of the chamber until the chamber has been filled to the level at which the in-feed opening is located, and thereafter driven upwards by further objects/items being driven into the chamber. 
     In the illustration of  FIG. 2   a , the storage chamber  100  illustrating the invention is provided with a bottom part  120  and a side wall  130 ,  131  or  132 , respectively, and an upper part  150 . An in-feed opening  140  is located in the lower part of one of the side walls. To allow the storage space  110  to be safely emptied into removable transport container (not shown), e.g. a large box, for removal of returnable items  10  collected in the storage space or chamber  110 , the bottom  120  can be made movable or removable, or one of the side walls  130  can be made movable such that items stored in the chamber or space  110  can be removed therefrom. As the chamber is being filled by returnable objects/items  10 , it can be expected that the force applied to drive additional objects/items  10  into the storage through the in-feed opening  140  may give rise to some tension in the items already in the storage, due to other forces such as from friction or the weight of the stored items  10 . Tension or friction may typically result in problems when trying to empty a filled storage space, for which reason a movable interior wall  132  is proposed, such that, in the case where the bottom part  120  is adapted to be opened to empty the storage space, the interior wall  132  may be moved in a direction away from the items  10  already located in the storage room. Thus, the tension is relieved and friction is reduced. This will allow for easy emptying of the storage. As the storage room becomes filled above the input opening, there is a risk that objects/items already positioned in the storage space may flow back through the in-feed or inlet opening. To stop such possible back-flow, a back-flow blocking arrangement  170  is preferably provided in the area of the in-feed opening. 
     The storage space exhibits a width dimension  111  being a multiple of the width dimension  11  of a returnable item for storage in said upwardly oriented storage, whereby a plurality of returnable items can be accommodated substantially or at least in part side by side in the interior space. 
     On  FIG. 2   a , a conveyor  200  for feeding items into the storage  100  is shown. Exemplary embodiments of such conveyor will be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 8-24 . 
     Although  FIG. 2   a  illustrates a theoretical side-by-side stacking of returned items  10  lowermost inside the storage, practical tests have proved that the items in fact may be lying at least partly in a “criss-cross” manner, as indicated higher in the storage chamber. Thus, in general at least a partly “criss-cross” stacking will be present throughout the stacking in the chamber. 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates the use of an item or object compactor device  290  between the conveyor  200  and the storage  100 . The compactor device  290  could be of any suitable type. In a particular exemplary embodiment it could be in the form of a set of spike-provided chains in a wedge-like arrangement in order to provide gradually flattened and punctured returnable items. The use of a set of flattening rollers acting as a compactor device could also be envisaged, as well as other types of well-known compactors. 
     Although the conveyor  200  is included upstream of the compactor  290  on  FIG. 2   b , it will be appreciated that in a particular embodiment the storage  100  and the compactor  290  could be able to work without the use of the conveyor  200 . In an alternative, as generally indicated on  FIG. 2   c , a conveyor could be included, as indicated on  FIG. 2   b , or the conveyor needs not to be provided, or it could be operationally integrated with the compactor unit, the integrated unit being labeled  291 . 
     The compactor device  290  of  FIG. 2   b  indicates that it receives returnable items with the longitudinal axis of the item  10  in question transverse to the in-feed direction. The compactor device  291  shown on  FIG. 2   c , is suitably of a type capable of receiving the returnable item  10  with its longitudinal axis in the in-feed direction. This implies however that the transverse dimension  111  of the storage should preferably be a dimension  11 ′ related to the compacted item  10 ′ which exceeds at least a maximum longitudinal extent  11 ″ of an item  10  to be compacted. 
     It will be noted that when items are fed into the storage  100 , after compaction, the orientation of the compacted items will be rather arbitrary or highly in a “criss-cross” fashion, irrespective of whether the items where fed into the compactor in a transverse or longitudinal direction. 
     Now, with reference to  FIG. 3 , an alternative storage chamber in-feed arrangement is explained. In the principle shown in  FIG. 3 , when compared with the principle shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , the in-feed opening  140  is no longer positioned in a side wall, but rather in a bottom part  122  of the storage chamber  100 . By this arrangement, items  10  to be stored will be provided with an upwardly directed movement or drive force component as a result of the in part upwardly directed drive component applied to drive items into the storage space. Similarly to what is shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , there may be provided several options for removing items stored in the storage space, such as by a movable or removable bottom part  121 , or by a side wall arrangement as shown by  130 ,  131  or  132  in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c . The storage chamber illustrated is adaptable to handle an overflow of stored items  10  by being provided with an overflow opening  160  through which excess object/items due to an overfilling of the storage space may exit from the storage chamber  110  and thereby relieve the storage chamber  110  from possible additional stress, as may result from further filling of the chamber by additional items  10  when the chamber has reached a point of maximum filling. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates in principle an expandable storage chamber for a storage facility according to the invention. The storage chamber may have any type of in-feed opening in its lower part as illustrated by  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  or  3  and is made expandable by a movable top section  151 . Advantageously, by making the movable top section  151  from a light weight material, the driving force applied to a returnable object/item that enters the storage space through the in-feed opening will be sufficient to move the top section in an upward direction to allow an expansion of the storage chamber. The upward movement of the top section  151  can also be facilitated by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic means, to mention a few, such that the driving force applied to an object or item  10  that enters the storage space can be kept at a level that is independent of the design of or materials selected for the top section. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the principle of another alternative for providing an expandable storage chamber, wherein the upper part  150  comprises flexible members that by an upwards movement of the upper part and the connected flexible members  152  will provide an increase of the storage space as the storage fills with returned items. Advantageously, as explained above with reference to  FIG. 4 , the top section and flexible members preferably are made from light weight material, such that the upward movement required for expanding the storage chamber may be facilitated by the force applied when driving an element into the storage space through the input in-feed opening. A vertical movement of the upper section and the flexible members  152  can be provided by other means, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic, to mention a few. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which provides an illustration of the principles of the present invention in a possible layout having multiple storage chambers. The exemplary storage facility illustrated in  FIG. 6 , comprises as many as three storage chambers  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively, each having a respective in-feed opening positioned for being in communication with a conveyor  200  being capable of receiving an item in an input receiving area  110  and conveying the received item  10  to a selected one of in-feed openings  141 ,  142  and  143  (see also reference numerals  263 ,  264  and  265  with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 20-24  and  32 ) of the storage chambers  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively. The storage chamber  110  is provided with a cooperating supplementary storage space  161  in communication with the first storage chamber  110  by overflow openings  160  in the upper part of adjacent side walls. Storage chambers  110  and  112  have respective in-feed openings  141  and  142  located in respective side walls in their lowermost parts, and are dimensioned appropriately to provide a filling of the respective chamber in an upwardly direction when the appropriate item is driven into the chamber through the respective in-feed opening. In the example of  FIG. 6 , storage chamber  110  has been provided with a deflector  180  located inside the chamber and at an appropriate distance from the in-feed opening  141  to provide an upwardly directed force component to objects/items being driven or forced into the storage space in a specific direction, although the driving force may already have an upwardly directed drive component. Thus, the upwardly directed drive forces exerted on the item  10  as it enters the chamber may become more consistent, and also less dependent on the shape and nature of other items  10  already located in the storage. Advantageously, the deflector can be moveable, such as by being tiltable or even removable, to allow easy and complete removal of all items held in the storage chamber when the storage chamber is to be emptied. 
       FIG. 7  shows a simplified variant of the layout depicted in  FIG. 6 , and with a conveyor of a drum type that provides a highly compact facility for receiving, transporting, sorting and storage of returnable items. The arrangement shown in  FIG. 7  is capable of sorting, conveying and storing large quantities of returnable items while requiring a very small floor space, by employing the compact conveyor and sorter  200  and the vertically oriented storage system of the present invention. Thus, the need for use of a separate lifting arrangement to fill from a low level a tall storage space is being eliminated, such that in a practical implementation and embodiment the storage chamber may extend from any level and up to a ceiling above as desired, which is highly beneficial in a small business environment, like in a convenience store or a gas station, where available floor space typically is quite limited. The  FIG. 7  embodiment provides for the additional storage or item collector  114  below the conveyor and sorter  200 . In the case of receiving returnable items like bottles and cans, glass bottles could e.g. be dropped by gravity into the collector  114  when the conveyor and sorter  200  has brought such a type of item to be just above a receiving opening of the collector  114 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a further exemplary embodiment layout of the present invention that utilizes a highly compact drum based conveyor with as many as three different storage chambers, denoted by  110 ,  112  and  114 , for storing different types of returnable items  10 . The conveyor  200  is adapted to receive items  10  in an input receiving area  210 , and to move and output the item, based on certain criteria and a decision made by a controller that operates a drum drive unit, at either a first output  224  for driving the item into a storage space  110 , or to a second output, which is either the second output  226  for driving a received item  10  into the related storage chamber  112 , or the second output  226 ′ for, in this particular embodiment, allowing also gravity to assist in moving the item  10  from the conveyor to the related storage space  114 . The storage space  114  is particularly useful for items to which a relatively high driving force should not be applied, such as for example fragile glass items or heavy items, such as bottles that carry significant amounts of liquid contents, or for other reasons are found unsuitable for being driven into one of the upright storage spaces  110  or  112  for elevated storing above the level of the input receiving area. 
     Although three storage chambers  110 ,  112  and  114  are shown on  FIG. 8 , in a practical embodiment with a rotary conveyor and sorter as depicted, only two storage chambers will be used e.g.  110 ,  112 ;  110 ,  114 ; or  112 ,  114  with the related outputs  224 ,  226 ;  224 ,  226 ′; or  226 ;  226 ′. 
     In the layout of  FIG. 8 , the storage chamber  110  is provided with an overflow opening that provides communication to a supplementary storage chamber  161 . The facility layout shown provides a highly compact design, augmented by the use of the compact drum type conveyor means. For a person who is to deposit a returnable object/item at the facility, there is conveniently an input receiving area  210  located as shown in the lower half of the facility. The facility includes a returnable object/item recognition unit  20 , which can include, or be connected with a controller for controlling the operation of the conveyor  200 . The recognition unit  20  can be of an optical or acoustic type, or employ other or supplementary technology, such as magnetic, mechanical or electrical sensing to determine the type of returnable object/item  10  that has been placed in the input receiving area  210 , or to read information or identifying features (e.g. bar-code) carried by, or located on, the item  10 . A preferred embodiment of a recognition unit is further disclosed in connection with  FIGS. 25-42 , and  46 . In particular, with regard to the storage chambers  110 ;  112 , by employing a movable side wall  130 ;  132  or a removable storage chamber  114 , the storage chamber  114  can be extended to fill the unused space shown to appear below the first storage chamber  110 . To facilitate easier filling of the upright oriented storage chambers  110  and  112 , a deflector  180 , such as is shown in  FIG. 6 , can also be included. 
     Rotary Drum Type Conveyor Means 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 9 , to explain the drum type conveyor of the present invention. The drum type conveyor includes a drum shaped element that is rotary about a central, longitudinal axis of rotation  221 . A substantially rectangular and elongate recess-like space or cavity, being open at the peripheral area of the drum, is provided in the drum, for holding an elongate movable element which can be retracted and advanced, the movable element having an outer surface that in the advanced position preferably becomes substantially aligned with an outer surface of the drum. In the accompanying drawings, the movable element is denoted by the numeral  223 , and the space or cavity in the drum is denoted by reference numeral  222 . The rotational capability of the drum  220  is obtained through use of bearings positioned in a region at each end of the drum, and positioned on the axis of rotation  221 . A part of the structure as shown in principle for example in  FIG. 8 , such as a cabinet, can be adapted to hold the bearings in place, thereby allowing the drum to rotate with its outer surface  228  in proximity to the input receiving area  210  which is made to coincide with an inlet opening  425  (see  FIG. 51 ) in the cabinet  250  (see  FIG. 18 ),  428  (see  FIG. 51 ). As an alternative, as shown in  FIG. 10  and in other drawing figures, the drum  220  may be positioned in a frame  240  to form a conveyor assembly for easy conveyor assembly removal for convenient conveyor cleaning, test, maintenance and replacement. 
     To ensure proper alignment and good fixation of the conveyor unit when located in a storage facility according to the invention, the frame  240  is suitably adapted to match a receiving frame  251  ( FIG. 18 ) that preferably is part of a cabinet  250  ( FIG. 18 ),  428  ( FIG. 51 ), and which facilitates any of the possible layouts of a storage facility, as exemplified by several of the previous figures. 
     Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 10 ,  14  or  16 , the moveable element  223  is driven by way of a moveable element drive means comprising a tappet or a roller  232 , being attached to the moveable element  223 , that follows a track  231  located proximal to an end of the drum and being stationary in respect of the drum. By providing a tappet or roller  232  on each side of the moveable element, made to engage with respective stationary tracks  231  located proximal to respective ends of the drum, a balanced driving force can be applied to the moveable element by the rotation of the drum. Thus, only the drum will require a drive for the assembly to operate as described here, as the moveable element will be driven by the movement of the drum relative to the stationary track. The shape of the track, i.e. the distance of the track from the axis of rotation of the drum, controls the position of the tappet or roller  232 , and, hence, the position of the moveable element, in a radial direction with respect to the drum center axis. The track is a single, continuous track  231  followed by the tappet or roller means  232 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , the drum  220  is shown in a first rotational position with the movable element in an advanced position and pointing downwards, and with a returnable object/item  10  entered into the input receiving space or area  210  to be placed on an upward facing region of the outer circumferential surface  228  of the drum  220 . In a preferable embodiment, the drum type conveyor includes an elongate roller  243 , or other means to allow rotation of the item while keeping the item in the input receiving area, to facilitate a rotation of a returnable object/item  10  resting on the drum surface  228  as the drum  220  is put into rotation about its axis of rotation  221 . In particular, when the returnable item is provided with a readable code for identification of the item or for providing specific information about the container, rotation of the object/item  10  will often be required to position the part of the object/item  10  carrying the code such that it becomes readable, for example by use of a reader or recognizing device  20  located to observe the input receiving area, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The drum type conveyor has also a guide  241 , e.g. a curved plate member, that extends from the area  210  to the output  224 , as will be further explained in connection with  FIG. 15 . Further guides  241 , e.g. as also shown on  FIG. 15 , could extend from the area  210  down to the output  226 ′. 
       FIG. 10  depicts in a perspective view the drum  220  in the first rotational position as shown in  FIG. 9  and with the returnable item  10  resting on an upwardly facing part of the drum circumference. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the conveyor is provided with a roller driving  244  means for driving the roller  243  in conjunction with driving of the drum, such that the surface velocity of the roller  243  is in a range of a velocity of a rolling surface  228  of the drum when rotated. Preferably, the roller driving means  244  comprises a gear drive arrangement that mechanically provides a rotation of the roller  243  by the rotation of the drum  220 . Movement in an axial direction of a returnable object/item  10  being positioned in the input receiving area and resting on the drum  220  and roller  243  is in part restricted by end walls  229  associated with and located at each end of the drum  220 , and in part by elements  242  that constitute the frame  240 . Depending on the design of the means for driving the movable piston-like element  221  between its retracted position and its advanced position, the conveyor shown in  FIG. 10  can be provided with a single output  224 , corresponding to only one particular angular drum rotary position, or with a second output at a different angular rotary position of the drum. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the drum  220  is shown in a second rotational position with the space or cavity opening in the drum facing the input receiving area, and with the movable element  223  moved to the retracted position. This has thereby allowed the returnable object/item  10 , shown in  FIG. 9  as resting on the circumferential drum surface  228 , to fall into the recess-like space or cavity  222 , as the drum is rotated to arrive at the second position after rotation from the first position, and be contained by the drum  220 . The same situation is also shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 12 , which shows parts of interior side walls of the space  222  and the drum end walls  229 , which contribute to restrict a movement of the returnable object/item  10  such that it may not go beyond the space provided by the cavity  222 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , a partial sectional view of the drum type conveyor shows the drum in a third angular position, where the movable element has been moved in a first and counter-clockwise direction from the retracted position shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  to an advanced position to drive the returnable item to the first output  224 , preferably for the purpose of driving the object/item  10  towards the in-feed opening of a storage chamber  110 . If driven in a second and clockwise direction to a second output, which is either output  226  or output  226 ′, but not both, in-feed to a respective storage chamber  112  or  114  could be envisaged. The drum type conveyor is provided with said guide  241  to restrict the item  10  to its location in the cavity  222  while the drum is being rotated from the second position with the space  222  facing the input receiving area  210  to the third angular position where the opening of the cavity  222  is facing the first output  224 . The same situation is also shown in perspective view  FIG. 14 , with the opening of the cavity  222  aligned with the first output  224  and with the movable element  223  in an advanced position. 
     In  FIG. 15 , a partial cross sectional view of the drum type conveyor shows the situation based on the situation shown in  FIG. 11 , now with the drum rotated in a second and opposite rotational direction (clockwise direction in the example), whereby the returnable object/item  10  that was received in the space or cavity  222  when the drum was in its second rotational position has been carried by the drum through a rotation of the drum through approximately 180° so that the drum assumes its first position as shown on  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The object/item is driven out from the space  222  by the movable element  223  moving from a retracted position to an advanced position, but also by the effect of gravity. A guide  241  is provided to restrict the movement of the object/item  10  when held in the space  222  while the drum is being rotated from the second rotational position with the space facing the input receiving area  210  to the first rotational position with the opening of the space  222  and the curved face  223 ′ of the element  223  being in register with the output  226 ′. The situation of  FIG. 15  is also shown in the perspective view from below of  FIG. 16 , with the item  10  exiting from the conveyor at the alternative output  226 ′. 
     For conveying an item  10  that has entered the recess-like space or cavity to one out of two possible outputs in a specific embodiment of the combined drum conveyor and sorter, different directions of rotation can be used. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9-16  of the accompanying drawings, the drum would be rotated in a first direction (e.g. counter-clockwise, as shown) to deliver the item at the first output  224 , while a rotation in a second direction (e.g. clockwise, as shown) would be applied to the drum for delivering the item  10  at a second output  226  or  226 ′. 
     Thus, in the present context, there are in effect four main rotary positions of the drum  220 :
         a) the first rotary position with the recess  222  and the element  223  facing downwards;   b) the second rotary position with the recess  222  and the element  223  facing upwards, thus facing the input receiving area,   c) the third rotary position with the recess  222  and the element  223  facing the first output  224 , and   d) the fourth rotary position with the recess  222  and the element  223  facing the second output  226  or facing the alternative second output  226 ′. If facing output  226 ′, the fourth rotary position will in effect be the same as the first rotary position.       

     Now, with reference to  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  19 , a load cell arrangement for determining a mass of a returnable item positioned on the drum type conveyor of the invention will be explained. When positioned to rest on the drum  220  or when rotating the drum  220  to spin the item  10 , the item  10  will also in part be resting on or rotating with the roller  243 , if such roller  243  is provided. Reference is also made to  FIG. 9  to see how the object/item  10  will be resting against the roller  243 . For making a decision as to whether or not to accept the object/item  10  for storage in the facility according to the invention or to determine an appropriate storage chamber in an embodiment having multiple storage chambers, the mass of the object/item  10  should be determined. To facilitate a mass determination, the roller  243  is provided with at least one bearing  245  support the roller shaft  247  at one end of the roller, which bearing  245  is connected to and supported by a load cell  246 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the load cell  246  is attached to a frame  240  for the conveyor, while a further bearing  248  is provided at an opposite end of the roller. 
     A second and alternative embodiment of a load cell arrangement of  FIG. 17  for determining a mass of a returnable object/item  10  resting on the roller  243  is depicted on  FIG. 18 . The arrangement includes a bearing  252  to be applied to one end of the roller shaft  247  when the conveyor is positioned in a cabinet  250 . In this particular embodiment, the shaft  247  is partly free to move about in a plane perpendicular, suitably vertically, relative to the roller&#39;s  243  axis of rotation, and with the bearing  252  applied to the end part of the shaft  247  of the roller  243  after positioning the drum type conveyor in the cabinet  250 .  251  denotes an electrical connection to the load cell  253 . Thus, in  FIG. 18 , the removable bearing  252  and its associated load cell  253  is shown in a detached position, while, in  FIG. 19 , the cabinet arm  250 ′ holding the bearing  252  has been relocated to a position where the bearing  252  engages the bearing receiving end of the roller shaft  247  to provide a bearing with a load cell  253  referenced to the cabinet  250  or to the frame  240 . The embodiments of  FIG. 17-19  are particularly advantageous to avoid as far as possible the risk that remaining liquid contents in returnable objects/items  10  that are positioned on top of the conveyor typically can be spilled, as such spillage will likely require more frequent removal of the conveyor assembly from the cabinet than normally for cleaning away spilling of such unwanted liquid. Also, the use of the load cell prevents an RVM user from being successful with a swindle attempt by entering a full, unopened beverage container into the receiving area and place on top of the drum. The detection system  20  (see  FIG. 8 ) will—as to be explained later—according to predetermined data determine that a specific observed and recognized item should have a specific weight or weight range. If the item is a full beverage can or bottle, the RVM will determine that there is a potential swindle situation and may trigger an alarm. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the drive means for operating the conveyor is separable from the drum type conveyor itself (as will be explained later), such that, by removing the conveyor from the storage facility assembly, the load cell will remain at the facility (i.e. located on the cabinet arm  250 ′) and thus be protected from being subject to possibly harmful cleaning agents and water that typically would be used for cleaning the conveyor. If the load cell is located on the frame  240  of the conveyor, as depicted on  FIG. 17 , special measures must be taken to ensure that the load cell is not damaged in any washing or cleaning operation of the conveyor  200 . Thus the embodiment of  FIGS. 18 and 19  would be the preferred embodiment. 
     Plunger-Type Conveyor Means 
     In the following, a piston-like moveable plunger in a stationary housing-type of conveyor part of the present invention will be explained. 
     Reference is first made to  FIG. 20 , which in principle shows a first embodiment of a substantially linearly moveable plunger in a stationary housing type conveyor, as comprising an elongated housing  260  with an input opening  262  on one side adapted to face the input receiving area  210  of the storage facility, an interior space  261 , a substantially linearly movable plunger or slide member  270 , a first output  263  and a second output  264 . Although exemplified here with a housing based on a straightforward design for a rectilinear movement of the plunger, the housing may be designed to be curved in any direction to allow an output in an arbitrarily chosen angle. With a housing having a curved shape, naturally, the plunger would follow a curved path corresponding to the shape of the housing. Also shown in  FIG. 20 , is an elongated slot  272  in one side of the housing, which is provided as an access means for allowing a plunger drive means (not shown) to be attached to the plunger  270  for positioning of the plunger in different parts of the interior space  261 . Such a slot can be provided at any longitudinally extending side of the housing, and also at more than one side to provide a balanced drive force to the plunger. In  FIG. 20  is also shown a returnable object/item  10  which has been positioned in the input receiving area, and which by the aid of gravity and the provision of the input opening  262  will fall into the interior space  261  of the housing, and thereby become located adjacent to the plunger  270  when the plunger initially has been positioned in a first position which is below the opening  262 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the conveyor and sorter of the present invention, as shown on  FIGS. 20 and 21 , embodying the moveable plunger in a stationary housing type conveyor, the conveyor suitably includes an item turning device, preferably using at least one roller  273  or preferably two rollers  273 ,  273 ′ if two outputs  263 ,  264  are two be used. The device is located adjacent the input opening  262 . The upper side face  271  of the plunger, i.e. the side of the plunger that will be facing the input opening  262 , has a surface structure that is specially prepared to provide good friction against a returnable object/item  10  that has been deposited in the input receiving area and brought to rest on the upper side face  271  of the plunger. A rotation of the object/item  10  that rests on the upper side face  271  of the plunger  270  is then obtainable by movement of the plunger  270  while the object/item  10  is resting on top of the plunger  270 , which rotation is further augmented by the rollers  273 ,  273 ′. The rollers  273 ,  273 ′ also cause the object/item  10  to not move away from the opening  262  while rotated or if the longitudinal axis  260 ′(see  FIGS. 21 and 23 ) of the housing forms an angle with the horizontal. The upper side face  271  of the plunger  270  can be extended in any direction of movement of the plunger  270 , to obtain a desired range of turning of the item  10  that rests on the upper side face  271  of the plunger  270 . Although just one roller  273  may suffice, a preferred embodiment of the plunger type conveyor and sorter has two rollers  273 ,  273 ′, one at each side of the input opening  262 , to facilitate rotation of the item  10  in any direction in connection with a movement of the plunger  270  in the longitudinal direction of the housing  260 . The rollers are rotatably supported at each end by mountings  275 . The rollers  273 ;  273 ′ can be freely rotatable, or they can be driven by a driver arrangement  274  by way of a separate drive means or by a linkage to the plunger  270  or the driver for the plunger. Preferably, but not necessarily, the drive means  274 ;  274 ′, e.g. a motor inside the roller, is arranged such that a surface velocity of the roller  273  during its rotation is about the same as the surface velocity of the upper face  271  of the plunger  270 , relative to the housing  260  as the plunger  270  is moved in the housing  260 . In order to obtain a measure for the mass of a returnable object/item  10  resting on the plunger  270 , any roller arrangement  273  can include a load cell  276  suitably supporting the roller at one end thereof in order to measure a reaction force exerted on the roller as a function of an acceleration or turning of the object/item  10  due to movement of the plunger  270 , or a reaction force due to the weight of the item  10 , in particular if longitudinal axis of the housing  260  is made to tilt, e.g. in the range of ±0°-30° relative to the horizontal. 
     In a next step of operation of the linear movement type conveyor, when the upper face  271  of the plunger has moved away from the opening  262  either towards output  263  or  264 , the returnable object/item  10  will enter into the interior space  261 , the plunger  270  will then upon movement in an opposite direction apply a driving force to the object/item  10  to drive it towards and through e.g. the first output  263  if the plunger at first had moved away from the opening  262  towards output  264 , or towards and through e.g. the second output  264  if the plunger had at first moved away from the opening  262  towards output  263 . In either case the plunger  270  would preferably force the item, towards an in-feed opening  140  (see  FIG. 2   a ) or an in-feed opening  141  or  142  (see  FIG. 6 ) of a storage chamber of a storage facility as disclosed herein. 
     Now, with reference to  FIG. 22 , a further variant of the conveyor and sorter of the type having the moveable plunger in a stationary housing will be explained, this embodiment exhibiting three outputs. In this variant, at least three positions for the plunger element in the housing are defined, namely with the plunger positioned immediately under the input opening  262 , with the plunger positioned toward a first output  263  in the first movement direction of the plunger  270 , and a further position where the plunger has been moved near a second output  264 . For the sake of clarity, the rollers  273 ,  273 ′ have not been shown on  FIG. 22 , but the rollers will preferably be present in a practical embodiments. The variant shown in  FIG. 22  includes a third output  265  of the housing, the third output being located opposite to and below the input opening  262  in the bottom of the housing  260 . Preferably, the third output  265  includes a closing means  265 ′ which is shown on  FIG. 23 , but not on  FIG. 22 . The closing means  265  is capable of controllably blocking the output  265  such that an object/item  10  that has entered the interior space  261  of the housing  260  selectively can be kept from exiting the housing through the output  265  if the object/item  10  is instead to be directed towards a different output, e.g. output  263  or  264 . The means  265 ′ for selectively closing the third output  265  can be made operational by way of a separate driver or actuator  265 ″, e.g. a solenoid, or by a linkage to the plunger  270 , for example by placing the output in an open state when the plunger is placed in an extreme position within the housing, such as for example in connection with a movement of the plunger beyond the position of the plunger  270  as shown in e.g. on  FIG. 22 . By the depositing of an object/item  10  in the input receiving area  210  immediately above the input opening  262 , and with the third output  265  in an open state, and by locating the plunger  270  in a position where it does not block a passage provided between the input  262  and the third output  265  by the interior space  261  of the housing, the object/item  10  is allowed to pass through the opening  262 , the interior of the housing  260  and then exit through the opening  265 . The exit of the item  10  after having traveled straight through the housing from the input  262  to the output  265  is shown in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates how the plunger  270  may be used to rotate the object/item  10 , e.g. a bottle, by moving the plunger either way, the rollers  273 ,  273 ′ assisting a safe and efficient rotation of the item  10 . The understanding of  FIG. 24  as regards rotation of the item  10  before it enters into the interior  261  of the housing  260  will be the same, irrespective of the presence of the output  265 . In effect, the three-outputs embodiment could be made instead as a two-outputs embodiment, having e.g. outputs  263  and  264 , outputs  263  and  265  or outputs  264  and  265 . 
     Single Camera Viewing Device 
       FIG. 25  depicts a first light source  300  and a second light source  301 , the light source  301  suitably consisting of a plurality of light sub-sources  302 ,  303 ,  304 ,  305 . The light sources  300  and  301  are separately configured to illuminate a first region  306  and a second region  307  of an object, e.g. a returnable item  10 ;  10 ′;  10 ′,  10 ′″. A single camera  308  is provided to view at least part of the regions  306  and  307 . The first light source  300  is configured to assist the camera  308  in viewing of contour of objects, items or articles  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ′,  10 ′″ of different cross section, e.g. empty beverage packaging such as cans and bottles against a light reflective area or background  313  forming a bright, light emitting background. The light from the first light source  300  is directed towards the object (e.g. one of those labeled  10  through  10 ′″) as parallel light using a lens  314 . The second light source  301  is configured to assist camera viewing by the camera  308  for detection and recognition of any identity features located on the object in viewing sector labeled  315 . 
     Said identity features are suitably at least one of: bar code, graphic symbol and alphanumeric characters. 
     Although it would be feasible to use two cameras instead of a single camera, the use of a single camera yields less technical complexity, a simpler and more maintenance friendly structure, in addition to requiring less space in order to carry out the required functions. Further, from a components cost aspect and installation cost, the invention also offers a substantial advantage over a two-camera solution. 
     When a camera views e.g. an object contour or identifying features thereon, the camera sensor matrix provides a string of matrix pixel signals to be processed in order to identify or recognize such contour or features, including the possibility of letting the camera read and causing identification of e.g. a bar code. 
     As seen from  FIGS. 25-28 , the first light source  300  illuminates the first region  306  via a light path which includes an optical beam splitter (or view splitter)  316  ( FIGS. 25 and 26 ),  318  ( FIG. 27 ) or  319  ( FIG. 28 ), at least one inclined mirror  320  and the lens  314 . However, it is noted that in the most preferred versions, there is suitably used two mirrors  320  and  321 , as shown on  FIGS. 25-27 , in the light path. 
       FIGS. 25 ,  26  and  28  depict a light beam splitter  316 ;  319  located in an inclined posture in the camera field of view  322  and covers at least part of said field of view, suitably approximately half of the camera field of view.  FIG. 27  depicts an optical beam splitter  318  which covers the complete camera field of view. 
     It is seen from  FIGS. 25-28  that camera viewing of the first region  306  via one mirror  320  or two mirrors  320 ,  321  is suitably made with line of sight towards the object shifted by an angle α of 90°±30° relative to camera line of sight towards the object when viewing the second region  307 . In the drawing  FIGS. 25-28  the angle α is shown as 90°. However, by arranging the mirrors  320 ,  321  differently, it is evident that the angle range of 90°±30° is possible. 
     In the case that there is used an optical beam splitter  316  or  319  which is within only half or less of the camera field of view, there is the possibility that when the camera is set to view the second region or part thereof, the splitter is suitably assisted by a vision blocker  323 ;  324  to prevent the camera from viewing both directly in the sector  315  and through the splitter, the splitter providing a less clear viewing. If the vision blocker  323 ;  324  is omitted, then the camera will be able to view the entire region  307 . 
       FIG. 27  shows the camera in a configuration set to view the second region  307  completely via the beam splitter  318 . This implies that the camera  308  views either the first region  306  via the splitter, the mirrors  321 ,  320  and the lens  314 , and secondly the second region  307  through the splitter. In this latter situation, the light source  301  is fully or partly activated, and the light source  300  is deactivated. 
     The light source  301 , suitably comprising a plurality of light sub-sources  302 - 305 , is notably located in a region between the beam splitter  316 ;  318 ;  319  and an object supporting means in the form of said compact conveyor and sorter  200 . In the embodiments shown on  FIGS. 25 ,  28 - 30 , the object supporting means  200  is shown only schematically, but in more detail on  FIG. 26 . A more detailed operation of the object supporting means  200  and a possible, schematically shown alternative on  FIG. 32 , is disclosed in the preceding disclosure of  FIGS. 1-24 . 
     It will now be briefly highlighted some of the earlier disclosed features of the object supporting means  200  in a specific context of camera aided viewing of an object, e.g. the object  10 , located on the object supporting means  200 , said supporting means is in the form of the rotary drum  220  (see  FIG. 26 ) with the auxiliary roller  243 . The drum  220  and the roller  243  will controllably, but forcibly rotate the object  10  on a portion  220 ′ or  220 ″ of the circumference of the drum. The drum  220  has at least one radial inwardly directed, adjustable space or cavity  222  for receiving the object  10  after its rotation on said circumference portion and for transporting the object  10  through rotation of the drum to an output location, e.g. at generally indicated by arrows  224 ,  226  and  226 ′. The camera  308  will be able to view and cause detection of the presence of the object  10  when it has dropped into the adjustable space  222 . This has a safety function aspect and also a security function aspect, i.e. to prevent any swindle attempt. This means that the drum  220  will not start turning until the camera  308  actually observes and causes detection of the object being present in the space  222  and with the movable element  223  operating as a movable bottom in its fully retracted state. 
     The direction which the drum will then turn is determined by set criteria which are compared to recognize characteristic features of the object. This will be more fully explained and considered in connection with the disclosure of  FIG. 38 . Further, in case the contour of the object is to be viewable from above, rather than sideways, it would be advantageous to let at least a part of the rotary drum  220  be provided with a coating which is retro-reflective to light, in particular at the portions labeled  220 ′ and  220 ″ of the drum  220 . Such a situation is in particular suitable in connection with the embodiment shown on  FIG. 29  and will be further explained later. 
     A brief repeated disclosure is now made of the alternative supporting means as shown on  FIGS. 20-24  in the context of camera aided viewing of an object  10 . The single camera is generally denoted by  308 ,  308 ′, the reference  308 ′ symbolizing viewing by the camera  308  via e.g. a beam splitter  318  and mirrors  321 ,  320  (see  FIG. 27 ). Said supporting means is suitably in the form of the housing  260  forming a guide with an object receiving input opening  262  and a reciprocating plunger or  270  therein. There is suitably at one or both of two longitudinal sides of the opening  262  an auxiliary roller  273 ;  273 ′ for roller support upon rotation of the object or item  10 ;  10 ′;  10 ″;  10 ′″ on the plunger  270  when it is set to move with its upper surface  271  past said opening, thus enabling the camera  308  to read an identifying feature on the object or item  10  if not immediately viewable by the camera. The plunger  270  is controllable to move beyond said opening  262 , e.g. to the position shown by dotted lines  270 ″ to allow the object to drop into the interior of the housing  260  through said opening  262  and by return movement of the plunger  270  (towards left as shown on  FIG. 32 ) causing the object to be pushed out of the housing to an output location  263 . From the understanding and concept depicted in connection with the supporting means  200  on  FIG. 26 , it is readily appreciated that the object  10  is camera observable while at a location inside said housing  260  below said opening  262 , provided that such location is in at least part of a field of view of the camera  308 . In a particular embodiment, at least at the upper part  271  of the plunger  270  can be provided with a coating retro-reflective to light, thus enabling the contour of the object, e.g.  10 , to be viewed from above. 
       FIG. 29  shows the use of a single camera  340  and with an optical beam splitter  341  inclined relative to a lens  343 . A light source  342  provides for illumination of the object, e.g.  10 , through lens  343  to provide parallel light rays towards the supporting means  200 , which has its drum parts  220 ′ and  220 ″ (see  FIG. 26 ) provided with retro-reflective material or property enabling light not hit by the object to be retro-reflected back to camera  340  via the lens  343  and the splitter  341  to provide an image of the contour of the object. When it is desirable to view and read identifying features on the object, such as e.g. bar-code, a light source  344  is activated, the light source suitably being of the same type as the light source  301 . At the same time, light source  342  may be deactivated, if required. 
       FIG. 30  shows an embodiment which in operation is similar to that of  FIG. 29 . A single camera  345  is used with an optical beam splitter  346  inclined relative to a lens  347 . A light source  348  provides for illumination of the object, e.g.  10 , through lens  347  to provide parallel light rays towards a light reflective background or area  313  enabling light not hit by the object to be retro-reflected back to camera  345  via the lens  347  and the splitter  346  to provide an image of the contour of the object. When it is desirable to view and read (or detect) identifying features on the object, such as e.g. bar code, a light source  349  is activated, the light source suitably being of the same type as the light source  344 , i.e. comprising a plurality of light sub-sources. At the same time the light source  349  is activated, light source  348  may be deactivated, if required.  FIG. 31  is a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the major difference being the non-existence of the lens  347 , thus yielding that the object contour is not viewed by means parallel light rays. 
       FIGS. 25-28  clearly demonstrate that the first and second regions  306 ,  307  are partly overlapping, and  FIGS. 29-31  indicate full overlapping. 
       FIG. 33  is identical to the embodiment shown on  FIG. 25 , apart from the light source  300  and the retro-reflective background  313  having been deleted and replaced by a light emitting, illuminated or backlit panel  350 , the panel  350  thus forming a bright background. Ambient light may in some applications be sufficient in order that the camera views a bright background. 
     The panel  350  will provide the bright background against which e.g. the object  10  is to be viewed by the single camera  308 . 
     A similar situation is present with the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , which is identical to the embodiment shown on  FIG. 27 , apart from the light source  300  and the retro-reflective background area  313  having been deleted and replaced by a light emitting area, suitably in the form of the panel  350  to form a bright background against which e.g. the object  10  is to be viewed by the single camera  308  to provide for e.g. detection of object contour. 
     The further embodiments depicted on  FIGS. 35 and 36  are also related to the use of a light emitting panel  350  to form said bright background and against which camera viewing of an object can be made, as will be further explained. 
       FIG. 35  is a modification of the embodiments of  FIG. 30 . It is noted that the lens  353 , which is suitably of same type as lens  347  in  FIG. 30  or lens  314  in other drawing figures, is present in order to let a single camera  356  view and detect object contour, e.g. contour of object  309  against the panel  350  which in this embodiment constitutes the first light source. The second light source is that labeled  349 , which could be constituted by two or more light sub-sources. The camera  356  uses the lens  347  to enable viewing through use of parallel rays, in order to get as accurate contour image of the object as possible. The light source  349  is activated when the camera is to view and read identity features, like e.g. bar code  309 ′, located on the object. Suitably, panel  350  is then not exhibiting a light emitting surface or background area, or its light emitting intensity could suitably be reduced. Other structural details shown on  FIG. 35  will be further explained later with reference to  FIG. 39 . 
       FIG. 36  is an embodiment with a single camera  358  which is capable of viewing an object, e.g. an empty beverage bottle or can  10 ;  10 ′;  10 ″ or  10 ′″ against a light emitting background area, such as the panel  350  as described earlier. In order for the camera  358  to view and read identifying features located on the object, e.g. a bar-code  10 ″″ on object  10 , it is preferable to use a second light source  359 . When the light source  359  is activated, it would be preferable, though not essential, to reduce light intensity from the panel  350  or even turn off emission of light from the panel  350 . The light source  359 , which is similar or identical to the light source  349 , could be constituted by two or more sub-sources. 
     From a viewing of  FIGS. 33-36  it will be appreciated that turning of the object to be inspected, e.g. to suitably find an identifying feature to be detected, is made by means of the object supporting means  220 ,  220 ,  243  or  260 ,  262 ,  270 ,  271 ,  273 ,  273 ′ as shown on in more detail on  FIGS. 26 and 32 , respectively. 
     Further, it could be of advantage to let the first and second light sources, e.g.  300 ,  301 ;  300 ′,  301 ;  342 ,  344 ;  348 ,  349 ;  350 ,  301 ;  350 ,  354 ;  350 ,  349 ;  350 ,  359  have different spectral range or composition. Also, it would be possible to have the second light sources  301 ;  344 ;  349 ;  359  composed of two or more sub-sources. Further, the sub-sources could have different spectra range or composition, either all different, different in pairs or in groups. Such features of the light sources and possible sub-sources are of importance to be able to detect e.g. identifying features on the objects appearing e.g. with different colours, different reflective properties etc. 
     Further aspects of the invention are now to be explained with reference to  FIG. 37 . In the particular case of the embodiments of  FIGS. 25 ,  26  and  28 , as well as  FIG. 33 , it would be suitable to split the camera video image in two with a part  360  related to the first region  306  and another part  361  related to the second region  307 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 27 and 34  it may be visualized the possibility of dedicating half of the camera video image to region  306  and the other half to region  307 , or alternatively have alternating full video images of regions  306  and  307 . For the embodiments of  FIGS. 29 ,  30  and  36  the choice is alternating full video images only. 
     Camera viewing of the first region of the object  362  related to its contour  363  can in addition include observation or rather recognition of mere presence or absence of said identifying features  364 , e.g. bar code located on the object. 
     The focus of the camera will not be exactly on the features  364 , but the camera will at least sense or detect with relation to the partial image  360  whether the features  364 , here labeled  364 ′ are indeed present or not, although on the partial image  360  appearing “blurred” or a bit out of focus. If the features  364  are not visible on the image part  361 , but visible on part  360 , this will indicate necessity to rotate the object one way or the other through a maximum angle of 180°. The comparison between the two images  360  and  361  in this respect has some impact on the required amount of rotation of the object in order to be able to view and read the feature  364  properly in region  307 , and consequently has also importance with regard to processing time in order to find the feature  364 , read and record it. 
     When using in this manner a single camera for camera viewing of both said first and second regions, the camera has preferably, but not necessarily its image field subdivided into said at least two partial images  360 ,  361 , the first partial image  360  being dedicated to object contour detection and/or detection of presence or absence of said identifying features, and the second partial image  361  being dedicated to observation and reading of said identifying features. 
     It is readily understood that the principle of detecting presence or absence of identifying features in region  306  and the need for rotation of the object is equally well useful when the camera switches between viewing regions  306  and  307 . 
     Operational Safety Means 
     As indicated in the introductory part of the specification it is important also to focus on safety aspects when using an apparatus as extensively disclosed in the present specification and on the drawings, in particular to avoid injury to persons operating the apparatus or to avoid functional breakdown or jamming of the apparatus. 
     Therefore, the invention is in this aspect focused on implementation of safety measures which are provided from actions obtained by operating a hardware circuit which is adapted to read predefined or dedicated pixels on the sensor matrix of the camera, i.e. reading hardware assigned physical pixels of the camera sensor matrix when a camera image is made. 
     This will yield a reliable safety measure related to possible operational hazards, thus e.g. preventing a motor from operating through halting its rotation or removing current supply thereto to thereby remove its torque. 
     This aspect of the invention is therefore through use of camera functionality able to provide an efficient hardware implemented light curtain functionality, as will be more closely explained in the following description with reference to  FIGS. 37   a ,  37   b ,  37   c ,  40   a ,  40   b  and  46 . 
     In the present embodiment there is used a camera image, such as e.g. image  360  or  385  for detection of so-called “border crossing”, i.e. an event in a field of view of the camera. 
     As indicated above, it is important to provide for personnel or an operator (e.g. a supermarket customer) operational safety of an apparatus, e.g. a reverse vending machine, and also protect in such apparatus machinery, having movable parts, against externally created interference that could cause operational damages or personal injuries, or operational or personal hazard. With a light curtain functionality it is possible to disable operation or stop the machinery altogether immediately and inhibit further operation until the cause of such operational disruption has been attended to. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 40   a  and  40   b , as well as  FIGS. 37   a  and  37   b  there is on the bright or light emitting background  313 ;  350  located at least one array or column  385  of repeatedly occurring dark markings  385 ′, e.g. black squares at an in-feed region receiving objects in direction  388  at which objects are fed into the apparatus for viewing, detection, turning and sorting, as previously disclosed. Further, there may on the background  313 ;  350  be located at least one array or row  385 ″ of repeatedly occurring dark markings  385 ′″. At least one such row may be useful if the entry or in-feed region causes objects to be fed in a direction  388 ′. However, if the insertion opening  425  is so configured that it may be possible for a human hand to be inserted there-through and into the viewing chamber, so as to move into the viewing chamber essentially from above and thereby avoid obscuring viewing of the array  385 , the array  385 ″ is present to assist in providing additional light curtain functionality. 
     It has also been indicated by dotted lines on  FIG. 40   a  that e.g. two columns of markings and two rows of markings could be possible, although the number of rows and/or columns could be more than two. 
     Alternative or supplementary to the interspaced markings  385 ′,  385 ′″ indicated on  FIG. 40   a , there could be located markings  395 ,  396  and  397  in the form of solid lines, as indicated on  FIG. 40   b.    
     It is possible to have a column or row configuration of markings or a joint column and row configuration. 
       FIG. 37   a  exhibits two half-images  360  and  361 , as previous discussed, whereas  FIG. 37   b  exhibits a generalized full image  386  as provided by the available pixels on a camera image sensor matrix  401 ′ (see  FIG. 37   c ). The dotted line  387  and/or  387 ′ on  FIG. 37   b  (not shown on  FIG. 37   a  for clarity reason) denotes, relative to the camera image, a fraction or fractions of matrix pixels being a selected part of the available sensor matrix pixels. Said fraction  387  of sensor matrix pixels is dedicated to detection of the array or column of markings, as well as any events observable by said fraction of pixels and which could trigger an action, such as stopping operation of a motor, e.g. motor  404  or  422  with reference to  FIGS. 46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  49  and  51 . Similarly, said fraction  387 ′ of sensor matrix pixels is dedicated to detection of the array  385 ″ or row of markings, as well as any events observable by said fraction of pixels and which could trigger an action, such as stopping operation of a motor, e.g. motor  404  or  422  with reference to  FIGS. 46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  49  and  51 . As indicated above, the arrays  385  and  385 ″ of markings  385 ′ and  385 ′″ could both be present, yielding that both fractions  387  and  387 ′ will be active for detection of markings and observable events. 
     A background area  314 ;  350  is located in the camera field of view, and as shown on e.g.  FIG. 40   a , said background area in a part thereof exhibits the array  385  of distinguished markings  385 ′. 
     As indicated on e.g.  FIGS. 26 and 40   a , and derivable from  FIG. 46 , the background area  313 ;  350  is located in a camera viewing chamber of a reverse vending machine. The chamber or input receiving area  210  ( FIGS. 6-9 ) has entry opening (see  425  on  FIG. 46 ) into which an object  10  in the form of an empty beverage container to be viewed by the camera, is insertable. From  FIG. 40   a  is noted that the array  387  of markings is located at an entry opening or region  425  of said viewing chamber  210 . The in-feed direction for objects is indicated by reference numeral  388  on  FIG. 37   b . As indicated on  FIGS. 37   a ,  37   b  and  40   a  the array of markings is in a predefined pattern, suitably a column  385  of mutually spaced markings  385 ′. However, as disclosed above there could be as an alternative or in combination with the pattern  385  an additional predefined pattern  385 ″ of mutually spaced markings  385 ′″ extending as e.g. an upper row, to provide an addition light curtain and to safeguard against any safety hazards caused by someone trying to put e.g. a hand into the viewing chamber from above, as e.g. indicated by reference numeral  388 ′. 
     As indicated above, the fraction  387  and/or fraction  387 ′ of sensor matrix pixels  401 ′ in the camera  400  will be dedicated to providing an image of said markings  385 ′ and/or  385 ′″ against said background area. The fraction  387  and/or fraction  387 ′ of pixels will be readable by an operating unit  408 , the response of which is dictated by its hardware functions and inputs to the unit  408 . The operating unit  408  is operatively linked with the camera  401  to read said fraction of sensor matrix pixels. Further, the operating unit  408  is linked to a digital processing and control unit  400 , said unit  400  controlling operation of the camera, i.e. when a camera image is to be taken. 
     The operating unit has a set of stored reference pixel signal values which are respectively related to pixels in said fraction of sensor matrix pixels, and which are related to said background area  313 ;  350  and said array  387  of distinguished markings thereon. 
     The operating unit  408  is capable of comparing a read pixel signal value from a respective pixel in said fraction of pixels with corresponding reference signal value assigned to such respective pixel, and to output respective comparison signal, however said operating unit  408  having an output  408 ′;  408 ″ capable of changing signal state of delivered signal  393 , suitably into a disabling or deactivating signal when said comparison signal or for that matter a set of such comparison signals departs from a predefined condition. 
     The signal  393 , when in a disabling or deactivating state, is effective to cause disablement or halted operation of functional equipment  404 ;  422  having movable parts, e.g. a motor and its motor controlled parts. In a preferred mode of the invention, the operating unit  408  will, when the comparison satisfies the predefined condition, provide a signal  393  which enables the equipment to remain in operation. Such equipment could e.g. be found in a reverse vending machine as disclosed in the description and shown on the drawings. 
     As indicated above, the operating unit  408  is made to execute hardware functions, and the operating unit can be of a logic network of a type well known to any skilled person in the art and connected to execute the required functions. The operating unit can made from a plurality of discrete functional building blocks or a single integrated circuit (IC) as an application specified integrated circuit (ASIC), e.g. as a so-called Gate Array, or as an implementation in a programmable circuit, so-called Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). 
     The operating unit  408  may include a watchdog timer  403  which is designed to check that reading of pixel signals from said fraction of pixels and comparison with reference pixel signal values are made at a minimum rate of iteration. The reading of pixels is initiated from the processing and control unit  400 . If said minimum rate of iteration is below a set value, the operating unit  408  may output said signal  393  in a state thereof causing disablement or shut-down of operation of equipment controlled by the unit  408 . 
     The signal  393  in a deactivating state will normally be present until such a point of time when a new surveillance image taken meets all preset criteria for not issuing such deactivation type of signal. 
     In order to provide proper operation, it is considered that there should be a synchronization of the camera and a light source providing a bright or illuminated background area. Preferably there is used a light reflective material  313  at the camera field of view onto which said dark squares  385 ′ have been applied. However, if the background  350  is a back-lit or illuminated panel, it could be visualized synchronized operation thereof with the operation of the camera. 
     In order to provide a proper safety function, it is appreciated that surveillance images of the chamber or area  210  will have to be generated frequently. Using the camera  401 , it will by means of the operating unit  408  and with aid of the unit  400  be checked first if a complete bright line exists, i.e. all matrix pixel values above a predefined dark level threshold. If this is the case, there will be a search for alternating dark and bright areas along a predefined column, such as column  385 . In a preferred embodiment, the detected image of dark areas  385 ′ should be within minimum and maximum length requirements to pass acceptance. Further, the bright areas must be of a minimum length before accepted. Also, the image must end with an accepted bright area. Finally, an accumulated number of accepted dark areas must equal a predefined number. 
       FIG. 37   c  is a system block diagram specifically related to the light curtain functionality, and should be considered essentially as part of the block schematic shown on  FIG. 46 . The camera  401  is controlled by a digital processor  400  associated with the operating unit. This processor is in  FIG. 46  denoted as a processing and control unit  400 . Line  389  denotes camera control, and the camera delivers image data signals on line  390  to the operating device  408 . The operating device  408  has a watchdog timer  403  connected thereto. The unit  400  suitably controls triggering of camera imaging, as well as synchronization of the camera and any background illumination. Image data are conveyed from the operating unit  408  to the processor  400  via line  392 , and the processor  400  provides the operating unit  408  with certain control signals via line  392 . The processor  400  is suitably the main processor of the overall system, although this is not necessarily so. 
     Most importantly, to avoid the drawbacks known from prior art and as mentioned in the introduction, the dedicated set of sensor matrix pixels forming a fractional part of the total number of sensor matrix pixels is not selected through use of software, but is instead related to a limited number of physical pixels or elements on the camera image sensor matrix. As the light curtain function is important from an operational safety point of view, it is therefore absolutely essential that the light curtain function is not at all software based. 
     From  FIG. 38  it is noted that the bright background  313 ;  350  has an aperture  365  therein in order to let the camera read via said aperture illuminated marking  366  on a token  367  to be dispensed in a controlled manner. Such token  367  is configured to be related to observed objects, e.g.  10 ;  10 ′;  10 ″;  10 ′″ which are supported and to be removed by an object supporting means, e.g. of a type shown on  FIG. 26  or  FIG. 32 . 
     Suitably, said camera is configured to alternately, selectively or repeatedly a) cause detection of object contour, said light curtain related markings  385 ′ and  385 ′″ and events related thereto, and said token marking  366 , and b) cause reading of identifying features, e.g.  10 ″″ or  364  located on the object  10 ; denoted on  FIG. 37   a  by reference  362 . 
     All embodiments of  FIG. 25-36  can be used with the light curtain function, but the light curtain functionality according to the invention is not limited to the configuration shown on these drawing figures. 
     A Token System 
     As noted from  FIGS. 26 ,  35 ,  38 ,  40   a ,  40   b ,  41  and  42  the background area, e.g.  313  or  350  may have an aperture  365  therein in order to allow the camera which views the first region  306  to detect illuminated, pre-printed or pre-provided marking  366  on a token  367  which is arranged to be dispensed in a controlled manner from stack of tokens. Such a token could be related to information such as both a token serial number and a return or redemption value of an object or objects which have been viewed and considered by an RVM. On image part  360  it is indicated how the camera may view such marking, denoted by  366 ′ through the viewable aperture  365 ′. 
     In order to obtain an efficient reading of such marking  366  without using an additional light source, the markings on the tokens are suitably made from a retro-reflective material. Alternatively, the token itself could be made from a retro-reflective material and the markings in such a case from non-retro-reflective material. 
     As shown on  FIGS. 38 ,  41   a  and  42  said markings are camera readable via a mirror  368  located adjacent the aperture  365  in background area  313 ;  350 . This may be a practical solution if tokens, e.g. in the form of cards, are dispensable from a dispenser unit  369 . If cards are merely to be inserted into a guide  370  in the front of a RVM (see  FIGS. 26 and 41   b ) to be read by the camera and then withdrawn, the card guide may be located at the back of the light reflective area  313  or the panel  350 , so as to place the card with its face having markings  366  parallel to the back of the area  313  or panel  350 . 
     In case a light emitting background panel  350  is used, the panel  350  constitutes the first light source which is primarily dedicated to assist camera viewing of object contour. However, light from the second light source will not necessarily impinge upon the marking  366  of a token  367  viewable through the aperture  365 , but if such light in fact impinges upon the marking, it may either be non-parallel light rays or insufficient light in order for the camera to clearly see and cause detection of the markings. In such a case, it is suitable to use an optical beam splitter  371 , as depicted on  FIG. 35  and a separate light source  372 . 
     In the case of using an optical beam splitter covering part of the camera field of view, as shown in  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ,  28  and  33 , the camera  308  is suitably configured to take an image of both of said first and second regions simultaneously. However, image taking may just as well be based on taking an image of said first and second regions alternately, or selectively taking a partial image of said first region or said second region. 
     In the case where an optical beam splitter covers completely the camera field of view, as seen from  FIGS. 27 and 34 , the camera  308  is configured to take an image of both of said first and second regions simultaneously to form a two part image, as e.g. shown on  FIG. 37   a . However, it would also be feasible to consider taking a full image of said first and second regions alternately, or selectively taking a partial image of said first region or said second region. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 29-31 , as well as  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the camera  340 ;  345 ;  351 ;  356 ;  358  could suitably take images alternately or selectively, although it could be visualized taking two partial images of the viewing region simultaneously, one dedicated to contour recognition and the other to identifying features on the object. The embodiments of  FIGS. 30 ,  35  and  36  in addition provides for reading of marking on a token, as disclosed e.g. in relationship to  FIG. 38-42 . 
     It has been disclosed above that the second light source  301 , or for that matter also the light sources  344 ,  349  and  359  can be constituted by a plurality of light sub-sources, and the light source  301  has been indicated to have e.g. four such sub-sources  302 - 305 , although there could be fewer sub-sources or more. For the other sources  344 ,  349  and  359  three or four sub-sources have been indicated, without labeling each. The reason for more than one light sub-source is that light reflexes from the object or position of the light sub-source relative to the identifying feature on the object may cause the reading of the feature to be difficult or even impossible. In view thereof the light sub-sources are suitably selectively activated, although activation would be possible individually, in pairs or in groups, or in a cycle. 
       FIGS. 43-45  illustrate a preferred card dispenser  369  to be used for dispensing tokens, e.g. cards  367 . The dispenser  369  has a dispensing outlet  373  for dispensing cards  367  one-by-one from a stack of cards contained in a storage compartment  374 . The markings  366  on the cards  367  are viewable through an opening  375  in the bottom of the dispenser. A pusher member  376  is provided to push out cards one-by one by a reciprocal motion of the pusher member or slide  376 , the reciprocal motion being provided by a controllable motor  377  having control wires  378  for controlling power to the motor. Suitably, the motor  377  has a pinion (not shown) in engagement with a rack  379  on the pusher or slide to enable the reciprocal movement thereof. 
     RVM Operational System Overview 
       FIG. 46  depicts an overall system in which the various aspects of the present invention are implemented. 
     The reverse vending machine (RVM) has said processing and control unit  400  which receives video data from the camera  401  via a video analyzer  402 . The camera  401  is also linked to the operation unit  408 , and the operation unit includes the watchdog timer  403  and a motor control. The motor # 1  and its control, denoted  404 , are related to the drive of the supporting means  325 ,  327 , or the unit  333  as disclosed earlier. A motor overload sensor  405  is also provided to inhibit operation of motor # 1  in case of jam not detected by the operational unit  408  or a jam detector  406 . The sensor  405  could be in the form of a pressure sensitive bar, or the roller  243  could have its weight sensor  253  (in  FIG. 46  denoted by  419 ) modified in order to also indicate pressure against the roller caused by a jam due to an object not fully located in the recess or space  222 . 
     The operation unit  408  is, as disclosed earlier linked with the camera  401  and the processing and control unit (processor)  400 , and in the present example the unit  408  controls the motor controls  404  and  422  directly, although such control could be via the processor  400 . 
     As indicated earlier, optically readable cards will normally be read by e.g. camera  401 . However, if a card is a magnetic readable/writable card or an r.f. readable/writable card, there will be the need of a card reader/card encoder unit  411 . The card dispenser  361  as disclosed earlier is on  FIG. 38  denoted by  412 . 
     Suitably, the tokens are ready made, pre-coded cards, like the cards  367  which are dispensable one by one from the dispenser means  369 ;  412  ( FIG. 46 ) and which upon the feed-out from the dispenser  412  via output  412 ′ is code-read by a code reader/encoder  411 , in particular if the card is a magnetic stripe or r.f. card. Alternatively, if the card is an optically readable card, the card is read by the camera  401  via aperture  424  and inclined mirror  424 ′ as more closely disclosed in connection with  FIGS. 38 ,  41   a  and  42  (see references  365  and  368 ). 
     If the card is a magnetic stripe card or an r.f. card and with no information on the card when it is located in the dispenser, the code reader/encoder  411  will be able to encode the card with a card code, such as e.g. a serial number or other identity, or the combination of a card code or serial number or other identity and a redemption value to be rewarded or paid, as the cards are fed out from the dispenser one-by-one. 
     If the cards to be used for reward of empty beverage containers deposited in the RVM are not to be delivered from a card dispenser, such token could be a personal token which the customer brings with him to the RVM and uses to transfer card identity data from the card to the RVM. If the card is an optically readable card, it can be read by the camera  401  and as indicated further by reference  411 ′ when inserted into a slot (see reference  370 ;  FIG. 26 ) and viewable through an aperture (see reference  370 ′;  FIG. 26 ) in the light retro-reflective area (see reference  313 ;  FIG. 26 ). If the card is an r.f readable card, the card could be readable by an r.f. reader  411 ″, and if the card is a magnetic stripe readable card, the card could be readable by a magnetic stripe reader  411 ′″. 
     The cards, irrespective of being optically readable, r.f. readable or encodable, or magnetic stripe readable or encodable, could be in the form of a reusable token, in particular because the cards are in any case validated and after reward has been paid, invalidated. The token could be retrieved from a stack or a band of cards. If a band of cards or a zig-zag arranged band of cards is used, the dispenser  369  ( 412  on  FIG. 46 ) should suitably be replaced by a conventional type of dispenser for such card arrangement. Also, different type of encoder  411  may be required. In any case, the card should have at least an alphanumerical, machine readable code. 
     If the token is a card which is optically readable, the card should have a pre-made code thereon, suitably consisting of a bar code or other optically readable code readable by an optical reader such as the camera  401 . As indicated earlier, the bar code or other optically readable code is preferably retro-reflective to light. Such configuration of the card makes an additional light source for viewing the code on the card superfluous. Conversely, the card could be made of a retro-reflective material and the bar code be made of a non-reflective material. 
     The processor  400  will either directly, or via a central computer installation  413  transfer to a rewarding or check-out and payment station  414  information related to a readable token code and information related to said return value. Transfer of information to and from the processor to the computer  413  and the station  414  is suitably via a local area network (LAN)  415 . The station  414  has a card reader  416  to read the card before reward or redemption value is paid. The card is then invalidated through use of a token invalidation means  407  associated with the station  414  or through internal operation in the unit  400  and/or the computer  413 . In an alternative embodiment the processor  400  communicates with a “tick-off” unit  417 , which could be in the form of a mini-computer, such as so-called PDA. This could be a solution useful for a small store, through which there is conveyed to the unit  417  from the processor displayable information such as visible card identity and sum to be paid. Upon payment of the required money, the operator ticks off the particular item displayed, which is then made void or invalid, cancelled in the unit  400  and/or computer  413 , and suitably removed from the display on the unit  417 . 
     The RVM has suitably a display  418  to properly guide or inform an RVM user how to operate. If the display is a touch screen, the customer may communicate with the processor  400 . The container weight sensor  419  indicated on  FIG. 46 , which has been described earlier in the context of  FIG. 18  as sensor  253 , is provided to engage an end  247  of an axle  243 ′ (see  FIG. 26 ) of the roller  243 , so as to spot whenever a too heavy beverage container is fed into the RVM through an opening  425  on the RVM. The term “too heavy” in this context is meant to imply that the unit  400 , upon receiving information related to shape and identity features, will compare these data with library data in the unit  400 , and thereby determine whether the object in fact should weigh less or not. This has been disclosed in more detail earlier. Also as indicated, the weight sensor could suitably form or supplement the jam sensor  405 . 
     An interlock-mechanism  420  is provided for safety reasons. The mechanism is suitably a set of sensors and switches to ensure that the RVM cannot be operated unless all units are in proper place and all cabinet panels are in proper mounted position and cabinet doors are locked. 
     A power supply  421  is provided, suitably linked to power consuming units via the unit  400 . 
     A motor and control unit  422  is provided to cause the volume of a collection container  426  to be adjusted by winding or unwinding a flexible side and bottom  426 ′. However, although  FIG. 51  shows a collection container  426 , it would be understood by the average expert in the art that other operational equipment could be installed and operated instead of the collection container. Such equipment could include one or more from the group of: conveyor; pusher unit; rotation means; compactor; disintegrator; sorter means. The positioning and evidently the configuration of such equipment in cooperation with the motor  422  could be substantially different from that of the collection container  426 . The collection container is particularly suitable for heavier objects, e.g. bottles of glass. 
     Reference numeral  423  in  FIG. 46  denotes a position sensor which is used to detect rotary positions of the drum  220 , or the plunger  270 , and will be described in slightly more detail in connection with  FIGS. 50   a  and  50   b.    
     The reference numeral  100  denotes generally a storage compartment for receiving objects delivered from the supporting, sorting, conveying and push-out unit  200 . The storage chamber or compartment  100 , as shown also in  FIG. 51  has been extensively disclosed earlier in the present disclosure, see disclosure related to  FIGS. 1-24 , and  FIGS. 2-8  in particular. 
     Electro-Mechanical Drive Device 
       FIGS. 47 ,  50   a ,  50   b  and  51  show that the unit  200  is powered by a motor  404  via a gear  500  which engages a gear  501  on the unit  200  to turn the drum  220  and in so doing also moving the element  223 . The roller  243  is forcibly moveable through interaction between a small gear  502  and the substantially larger gear  501 . Motor  404  is fixedly attached to the framework  503  of the RVM via brackets  504 , whereas the unit can be pulled out entirely from the RVM cabinet  428  (see reference  250  on  FIGS. 18 and 19 ) for cleaning, as indicated by arrow  505 , and be pushed into the cabinet again after cleaning for gear engagement between gears  500  and  501 . No electrical parts are present on the unit  200 , just mechanical parts which stand wet cleaning, and even high pressure wet cleaning without any problem. 
     Thus, it is clearly seen that the advantages offered by the present invention reside in that the unit  200  is connected via a mechanically separable power transfer coupling formed by gears  500  and  501 , the gear  500  being operated by the motor  404  which is stationary fixed in the cabinet  428 . Thus the electrically powered drive  404 ,  500  is located separable from the unit  200  and its gears  501 ,  502 . 
       FIGS. 48   a  and  48   b  show a collection container  426  powered by a motor  422 . The motor  422  has in a non-limiting example a winged male, spindle-like member  506  which is configured to fit in a releasable manner into a winged, female member  507  on a drive shaft  508 , the drive shaft  508  in this non-limitative example to be use for winding or unwinding the flexible side and bottom  426 ′. The container  426  can be pulled out of the RVM cabinet  428  for emptying and cleaning, and pushed into the cabinet again for engagement between the members  506  and  507 . The motor  422 , like motor  404  is suitably fixedly attached to the framework  503  of the RVM cabinet or to the cabinet wall or any suitable stay in the cabinet. When the unit  200  or the container  426  are in position in the cabinet and with a cabinet front door closed, there will be full engagement between the power gear  500  and the gear  501  (see element  244  on  FIG. 10 ), and similarly between members  506  and  507 . The wing configuration on members  506  and  507  ensures that full rotational locking engagement is provided. 
     Instead of the male/female coupling  506 / 507  on  FIGS. 48   a  and  48   b , a male/female coupling as shown on  FIG. 49   a  or  49   b  could be used. Suitably, the female part of the coupling would be on the handling unit side, and with the male part at the drive-motor side, although the arrangement could be vice versa. 
     In the example of  FIG. 49   a , the male part has a spring-loaded plug  509 , loaded by a spring  510  in a housing  511  and powered by a motor  512  via a drive shaft  513 . The female part has a housing  514  with a drive shaft  515  connecting to a drive mechanism (not shown) located on a handling unit, such as e.g. a handling unit like the unit  200  or  426 . The housing has a recess or socket  516  configured to fit the plug  509 . It is appreciated that when the handling unit is pushed into the cabinet, the end face  514 ′ of the housing  514  will more than likely abut the end face  509 ′ of the plug  509 , as in most cases the plug  509  is not aligned with the socket  516 . However, when the motor  512  (fixedly attached to the cabinet or the cabinet framework or stays) starts to operate, the housing  511  with the plug  509  pushed into the housing  511  starts to rotate until the plug is aligned with the socket  516 , at which moment the plug  509  will pop out from the housing  511  and into the socket  516 , whereby mechanical coupling is established between the motor  512  and the handling unit. 
     In the example of  FIG. 49   b , the male part  524  has a four-winged plug  525  with a spike  526 , powered by a motor  512  via a drive shaft  513 . The female part has a housing  527  with a drive shaft  528  connecting to a drive mechanism (not shown) located on a handling unit, such as e.g. a handling unit like the unit  200  or  426 . The housing has a socket  529  configured to fit the plug  525 . The spike  526 , which is for aligning the male and female parts  524 ;  527  fits into a recess  530  in the female part  527 . When the handling unit is pushed into the cabinet, the end face  527 ′ of the female part  527  will more than likely abut the end face  525 ′ of the plug  525 , as in most cases the plug  525  is not aligned with the socket  529 . The female part  527  will thus be pushed backwards about and along the shaft  528  against action from a spring  531 . However, when the motor  512  (fixedly attached to the cabinet or the cabinet framework or stays) starts to operate, the part  524  with the plug  525  starts to rotate until the plug is aligned with the socket  529 , at which moment the female part  527  will move by spring force towards the male part  524  and allow the socket  529  to be mechanically engaged with the plug  525 , whereby mechanical coupling is established between the motor  512  and the handling unit. 
     If required, releasable locking means, suitably easily reachable by maintenance staff, could be provided to fully lock units like those labeled  200  and  426  in position relative to the RVM cabinet. 
     As indicated on  FIG. 46 , sorter or drum rotary position detectors  423  may be provided.  FIG. 50   a  shows position detectors  517  and  518  interacting with markings  517 ′,  518 ′ on the drum cog-wheel  519 . The detectors may be of a magnetic type detecting metal elements constituting said markings. The markings may be of an optical type if the detectors are of optical type. In  FIG. 50   b  optical detectors  520 ,  521  interact with a code-disk attached to the rotation-shaft  523  of the drum. 
     Modification of the various elements, means and devices related to the numerous aspects of the present invention would be conceivable within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.