Patent Abstract:
Vending machines and dispensers, devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of providing and using a vending machine that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. Customers purchase items such as products, goods, liquids and gasses in reusable containers having electronic tags from automated vending machines. Customers pay for the items at time of purchase along with an extra money deposit fee for using the reusable container. Electronic activator tags fixably attached reusable containers are detected when the containers are returned which triggers a sensor allowing for the deposits to be returned to the customer.

Full Description:
This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/157,862 filed Jan. 17, 2014, now allowed, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/753,590 filed Jan. 17, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its&#39; entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to vending machines, in particular to devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of providing a vending machine that dispenses goods, products, items in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Vending machines have been around for many years and been used for dispensing many types of goods and items. Generally, a consumer prepays with coins, bills and credit cards and receives their product. These prior art types of vending machines only sell and dispense the product and do not allow for returning the product packaging. Probably the most popular types of vending machines dispense beverages, such as soda and water in the like in aluminum cans and plastic bottles. While the beverage containers such as cans and bottles, may be recyclable. Current reverse vending machines use bar codes to verify the product which requires either exact placement of the article being returned or a mechanism to align the article with a bar code reader. 
     Still furthermore, current vending machines do not have the capability to refund any monies to the consumer. The consumer usually must recycle the used containers on their own, by depositing them in separate refuse holders that are labeled for recycling or placing the containers in separate recyclable bins for trash pickup. 
     Other types of goods have often used packaging material that is generally not easily recyclable. For example, bundles of loose goods, such as firewood, are often sold by wrapping the firewood in plastic wrapping. The plastic wrapping is often thrown away and often becomes loose trash. Many public parks are starting to ban the selling of plastic wrapped firewood as being a trash nuisance. Still furthermore, plastic wrapping material does not quickly decompose and often ends up in landfills, and the like, for many years. 
     Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. 
     A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that allows for consumers to return used containers after the contents of the containers have been depleted. 
     A third objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that refunds deposits back to consumers when a used container has been returned. 
     A fourth objective of the present invention is to eliminate plastic wrapping about bundles of goods, such as firewood being sold retail. 
     A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide recyclable and reusable packaging for selling bundles of goods, such as firewood. 
     The invention can include a product dispensing unit and a container and deposit return unit. The dispensing unit can include a money receiving portion and a vending portion that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. The packaging can have security tags fixably attached so that the consumer can get their deposit bag when the empty packaging is returned. 
     The dispensing unit can include plural stacked support rails and tracks stacked on one another, each having a drive system. Each drive system can include a motor with pickup reel, a belt, a roller and push plate. The belt is attached to the pickup reel and runs to the front of the rack around the roller and is then attached to the push plate. When a customer makes a payment, the motor is engaged, the strap is drawn toward the motor causing the push plate to advance. Any product (in packaging with a security tag) on the rack will be moved forward with the motion of the push plate. Any product at the end of the rack can be dropped into a bin and be retrieved by a consumer opening a retrieval door. 
     Once the consumer is finished with the contents of the packaging, the consumer can return the empty packaging with security tag to a retrieval drawer or door on a returning unit. A sensor can detect the security tag on the returned packaging and then dispense a refund to the consumer. The returning unit can have an access door for servicing the unit when it has become full of returning packaging, 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of the novel dispensing unit and deposit return unit. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1  with the product dispensing door open. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial front view of the dispensing unit of  FIG. 1  with dispensing door closed. 
         FIG. 9  is another view of the dispensing unit of  FIG. 8  with dispensing door open. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective of the dispensing unit of the preceding figures without cabinet and a full load of products. 
         FIG. 11  is a side rear perspective of the dispensing unit of  FIG. 10  with no products. 
         FIG. 12  is a side front perspective view of the dispensing unit of  FIG. 10  with no products. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit interior of  FIG. 12  along arrows  13 X showing push plate details. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective of the dispensing unit of  FIG. 13  showing product delivery to dispensing chamber. 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the push plate drive assembly detail of the dispensing unit of  FIGS. 10-14  with push plate fully retracted. 
         FIG. 16  is another view of the push plate drive assembly of  FIG. 15  with push plate fully extended (all product has been vended). 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly of  FIG. 15  with push plate fully retracted. 
         FIG. 18A  is a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly of  FIG. 16  with push plate fully retracted. 
         FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of the belt/strap with plate and sensor detail of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the deposit return unit of  FIGS. 1-7  with return door closed. 
         FIG. 20  is another view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19  with return door open. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 23  is a right side view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 24  is a rear view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 25  is a left side view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 26  is a top rear perspective view of the deposit unit return unit of  FIG. 19  without cabinet and with a partial return bag chamber cutaway. 
         FIG. 27  is another view inside the deposit return unit of  FIG. 26  with the reusable container in the return container chamber and the return door closed. 
         FIG. 28  is another view inside the deposit return unit of  FIG. 26  showing the return container trap door dropped and the container falling into the storage area. 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view inside the deposit return unit of  FIG. 26  showing the trap door, sensors, and linear actuator with trap door closed. 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom view inside the deposit return unit of  FIG. 29  with trap door open. 
         FIG. 31  is a top perspective of the deposit return unit of  FIGS. 19-30  with container return door open and reusable bag being inserted. 
         FIG. 32  is another view of the deposit return unit of  FIG. 31  with container return door closed, and storage area service door is open exposing returned container. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the firewood bundled in a reusable container with a surveillance tag attached that can be used with the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of the preceding figures. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternate bag style reusable container with a surveillance tag attached that can be used with the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of the preceding figures. 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another alternate box style reusable container with a surveillance tag attached that can be used with the dispensing unit and deposit return unit of the preceding figures. 
         FIG. 36  is a flowchart of the vending steps of the dispensing unit. 
         FIG. 37  is a flowchart of the recycling steps of the return unit. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     A list of the components will now be described.
       10  Product dispensing unit.     20  Container &amp; deposit return unit.     30  Product dispensing door.     40  Product dispensing chamber (bin)     50  Bundled firewood. (bundled package)     60  Returnable, reusable container.     70  Surveillance tag (activator)     80  Dispenser payment and control console.     90  Container return door.     100  Surveillance tag detector/sensor.     110  Deposit and return control console.     120  Deposit and return money dispenser.     130  Service door for reusable container retrieval.     140  Bundle storage rack.     150  Bundle support rail and push plate track.     155 . U shaped channels for bushing  170       160  Bundle push plate.     170  Push plate bushing rides in the support rail.     180  Gear motor drives push plate via drive strap.     190  Drive strap/band wraps around motor shaft and feed around roller at opposite end of storage rack. Clamps to bottom of push plate.     200  Strap clamp on push plate.     210  Strap roller.     220  Strap sensor plate.     230 A/ 230 B Strap plate sensors.     240 A/ 240 B Bundle drop sensors.     250 A/ 250 B Dispense door open/close sensor. A=door. B=frame.     260 A/ 260 B Return bag sensors.     265  Return bag chamber.     270  Linear actuator.     274  extendable and retractable arm     275  pivotal attachment for actuator     280  Return bag trap door drops returned bag into storage chamber for later retrieval.     285 . pivot connection for arm of actuator     290  Returned bag storage chamber.     300 A/ 300 B/ 300 C Container return door open/close sensors. A=top door. B=bottom door. C=frame.     310 A/ 310 B Container return electronic door lock/latch. A=door mount catch with hole. B=frame mount lock with pin.     320 A/ 320 B Trap door closed sensor.     330 A/ 330 B Returned bag drop sensors.     340  Alternate bag type return container.     350  Draw string.     360  Hook and loop (VELCRO®) closures.     370  Alternate box type return container.     380  Pouch holds surveillance tag.     390  Handles.     400  Trap door hinge.     500  Vending steps of dispensing unit     600  Recycling steps of return unit   

       FIG. 1  is a perspective of the novel dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20 .  FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1  with the product dispensing door  30  open.  FIG. 3  is a top view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a right side view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a rear view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is a left side view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7  is a front view of the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the deposit return unit  20  can be a free-standing unit. Alternatively, the deposit return unit  20  can be incorporated into the dispensing unit cabinet. 
     Dispensing Unit 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial front view of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIG. 1  with dispensing door closed.  FIG. 9  is another view of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIG. 8  with dispensing door  30  open. The dispensing unit  10  have a vending machine type function to dispense bundled packages  50 , such as bundled wood, and the like. Each bundled package can include a returnable and reusable container  60 , such as a rigid or flexible bag and/or wrapped sleeve of a durable material, such as but not limited to onion sack, canvas, woven fabric, nylon, combinations thereof, and the like. The recyclable container  60  is designed to be reusable and be refilled multiply times. The container would have an integral or attached activator (security tag)  70 . The activator can be installed/attached to the end panel of the container in order to prevent damage to the activator during the vending process. The container can or cannot contain an integral handle. The container can have a unique color and/or have attached a unique label The unique color or label can be recognizable at distance A flexible recyclable container can have hook and loop (VELCRO®) fasteners to close the container. 
     The activator is recognizable by a sensor. This recognition is unique between the activator and sensor. The activator can either be placed in a pocket that is part of the flexible container or attached to container in a semi permanent attachment. The activator is durable and suitable for multiple cycles of usage, contains no moving parts, is weather resistant and can be transferable to another container of the same type. 
     The sensor can be able to detect the activator&#39;s presence within a defined area. The detection does not require direct contact between the sensor and the activator. The sensor can be capable of generating a signal when the activator is in the presence of the sensor. The signal is such that it can be recognized by a Program Logic Controller (PLC). 
     The security tag (activator) and sensor  100  can use the technology that is used with anti-theft tags that are attached to new merchandise such as clothing, where a sensor  100  detectors the merchandise with tag leaving a store to set off an alarm. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,367 to Prevost; U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,414 to Federman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,958 to Haimovich et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,289,168 to Liu et al., which are all incorporated by reference. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , the front of the dispensing unit  10  can include a vending machine type dispenser payment and control console  80  that can include an display, such as but not limited to a LCD (liquid crystal display) screen with instructions for taking money/currency that can include but is not limited to slots for bills, coins, and swipes for credit cards, debit cards, and the like. Console  80  can be similar to those found on gas station pumps, and the like. Such a control console and related components can be found in at least U.S. Published Patent Application 2003/0132289 to Jacobi et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,668 to Sharrow; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,694 to Holcomb et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,188 to Ramsey et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,167 to Markman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,876 to Couch et al., which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     A product dispensing door  30  can be opened by the user after payment is made to the console  80 . The door  30  can be a rollup door, or slide up door, or a rotating bin door, or a rotating mailbox door, and the like, that is only operable after the correct amount of payment is made. 
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective of the dispensing unit  10  of the preceding figures without cabinet and with a full load of products  50 .  FIG. 11  is a side rear perspective of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIG. 10  with no products.  FIG. 12  is a side front perspective view of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIG. 10  with no products.  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit  10  interior of  FIG. 12  along arrows  13 X showing push plate details.  FIG. 14  is a front perspective of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIG. 13  showing product delivery to dispensing chamber.  FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the push plate drive assembly detail of the dispensing unit  10  of  FIGS. 10-14  with push plate  160  fully retracted.  FIG. 16  is another view of the push plate drive assembly of  FIG. 15  with push plate  160  fully extended (all product has been vended).  FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly of  FIG. 15  with push plate  160  fully retracted.  FIG. 18A  is a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly of FIG.  16  with push plate  160  fully retracted.  FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of the belt/strap  190  with plate  220  and sensor detail of  FIG. 18A . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-18B , the inside of the dispensing unit  10  can include one or more stacked bundle support rail and push plate track(s)  150  in parallel to one another mounted on a bundle storage rack  140 . On each of the support rail and plush plate track(s)  150  can be product bundles  50 , such as bundled firewood. At one end of each of the rail support rail and plush plate track(s)  150 , can be an electric gear motor  180  with rotating motor shaft. When activated the motor  180  rotates a drive strap/band  190  which is wrapped round the motor shaft and feeds around roller(s)  210  at an opposite end of the storage rack  140 . The strap/band  190  can be a flexible belt, formed from pliable material, such as but not limited to cloth, rubber, combinations thereof, and the like. An L-shaped push plate  160  has a bottom leg attached by a strap clamp  200  to a fixed position on the strap/band  190 . On opposite side of the bottom leg of the push plate  10  can be bushings  170 , which are sized to mateably slide within mateable U shaped channels  155  in the support rail and plush plate track(s)  150 . Additionally, a strap sensor plate  220 , such as a metal plate, is fixed by fasteners, such as but not limited to screws, and the like to another fixed location along the strap/band  190 , the purpose of which will be described below. 
     When money is inserted into the dispenser payment and control console  80 , the top motor  180  on the top support rail and plush plate track(s)  150 , is activated causing the strap/band  190  with push plate  160  to move in the direction of arrow A ( FIG. 14 ), and causes a bundle package  50 , such as bundled firewood to drop along arrow D into a product dispensing chamber (bin)  40 . Sensors  240 A,  240 B such as but not limited to an arrangement of an optical transmitter and receiver can detect when the falling bundle package  50  crosses a signal therebetween. When the signal is blocked by falling bundle  50 , the motor  180  can deactivate resulting in only one bundle  50  being in chamber  40 . The user can raise door  30  to then retrieve the bundle  50 . 
     Metal plate detecting sensors  230 A,  230 B can be mounted inside of the dispensing unit adjacent to the motor  180  end of the strap/band  190 . These sensors  230 A,  230 B can be proximity sensors which detect when each strap/band fixed metal plate  220  passes by the proximity sensors. The proximity sensors  230 A,  230 B can include a sensor which can detect the presence of metal, and when metal is detected a circuit can be opened or closed. Such types of proximity sensors,  230 A,  230 B that can be used, can include but are not limited to those referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,206 to Tigges, which is incorporated by reference. While two sensors  230 A,  230 B are shown, the invention could work with one metal proximity sensor. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18A, 18B , the plate  220  is detected when the push plate  160  has reached the opposite end of the support rail and plush plate track(s)  150 . Once detected, the next support rail and plush plate track(s)  150  underneath the top one becomes activated when money is inserted into dispenser payment and control console  80 . With each purchase, the push plate  160  will move in the direction of arrow A, one time after another until all the bundle(s)  50  have been depleted from the respective support rail and plush plate track(s)  150 . When all the support rail and plush plate track(s)  150  have been emptied, the product dispensing unit can be replenished as needed with new package bundle(s)  50 . Alternatively, the bottom track  150  can be depleted first followed by the next above track  150 , and so forth, until all products are removed. When the last track  150  has been depleted, the entire dispensing unit  10  can be automatically shut down. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-11 , door  30  can have sensor  250 A mounted thereon, and sensor  250 B can be mounted on the door frame adjacent to the door  30 . Sensors  250 A,  250 B can be one or two proximity sensors (such as sensors  230 A,  230 B previously described) or one proximity sensor and one metal plate. For example, a metal plate can be mounted on the edge of the door  30  and a proximity sensor can be mounted on the door frame next to the metal plate, or vice versa. When sensors  250 A,  250 B are aligned together, the dispensing unit  10  is operational. When door  30  is opened and sensors  250 A,  250 B becomes misaligned, dispensing unit  10  is shut off from collecting money and from running. Closing door  30  allows the dispenser unit  10  to operate. 
     Deposit Return Unit 
       FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIGS. 1-7  with return door closed  90 .  FIG. 20  is another view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19  with return door  90  open.  FIG. 21  is a top view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 22  is a front view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 23  is a right side view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 24  is a rear view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 25  is a left side view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 and 19-25 , the deposit return unit  20  can be a stand-alone, or attached to the product dispensing unit  10 . The deposit return unit  20  can include a container return door  90  which can slide up exposing a return bag chamber  265  above a return bag trap door  280 . On the exterior can be a deposit and return control console  110 , that can display information on the deposit being refunded, which is above a deposit and return money dispenser  120 . Console  110  can include a display such as a LCD (liquid crystal display) and light emitting alarm and/or audio indicating alarm, with optional switch, such as a button which can be used by the consumer to start the return cycle after a container with surveillance tag is placed inside chamber  265  and the door becomes locked. A surveillance tag detector/sensor  100  on top of the unit  20  can be used to detect the returning reusable container  60 , which has the built in surveillance tag  70 . A service door  130  on another side of the unit  20  can be used by service providers for the unit, so that the retrieved reusable container(s)  60  can later be removed from the unit  20  as shown later in reference to  FIG. 32 . 
     As previously described, The security tag (activator)  70  on the reusable and recyclable container  60  of the bundled package  50  and sensor  100  on the deposit and return unit  20  can use the technology that is used with anti-theft tags that are attached to new merchandise such as clothing, where a sensor  100  detectors the merchandise with tag leaving a store to set off an alarm. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,367 to Prevost; U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,414 to Federman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,958 to Haimovich et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,289,168 to Liu et al., which are all incorporated by reference. 
     The consumer returns the recyclable and reusable container  70  with surveillance tag (activator)  70 , opens return door  90  and places the container  60  inside of return chamber  265  as shown in  FIG. 31 . Once the return door  90  is closed, the security tag (activator)  70  is detected by detector  100 , the deposit fee can be refunded through the deposit and return money dispenser  120  back to the consumer. 
       FIG. 26  is a top rear perspective view of the deposit unit return unit  20  of  FIG. 19  without cabinet and with a partial return bag chamber  265  cutaway. The container return door  90  is open and a reusable container  60  with security tag (activator  70 ) is being inserted inside along the direction of arrow I. 
       FIG. 27  is another view inside the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 26  with the reusable container  60  in the return container chamber  265  and the return door  90  closed. The container  60  is breaking the path between the return bag sensors  260 A,  260 B letting the unit  20  know there is a returned container  60  in the chamber  265 . Sensors  260 A,  260 B can be similar to the optical transmitter(s) and receiver(s) previously described. Here, the signal (or beam) between sensors  260 A,  260 B is continuous and becomes broken by the placing of the return container  60  in its&#39; path. 
     When both the surveillance tag sensor  100  detects the security tag  70  on the returned container  60 , and the sensors  260 A,  260 B detect in their path a product that is the size and shape of the container  60  on the trap door  280 , is when the extendable arm  274  on the shelf mounted linear actuator  270  starts to retract. The door pivot connector  285  underneath the trap door  280  and pivot connector mount  275  of the linear actuator allow for the trap door  280  to rotate along hinge  400 . Alternatively, the consumer puts the returned container  60  into chamber  265  and closes door  90 . Then the consumer can activate a switch (such as push a button) to start the authorization cycle, which detects whether the surveillance tag  70  which allows the trap door  280  to drop and allow container  60  to fall into storage chamber  290 . If a surveillance tag  70  is not detected and the size and shape of a returned container  60  is not sensed, than an alarm such as but not limited to a light or audio sound can be generated by console  110 . This alarm would notify the consumer that deposit money cannot be returned. Alternatively, or additionally, a display can indicate that a deposit cannot be returned. The door  90  can opened and the non returnable package can then be retrieved. 
       FIG. 28  is another view inside the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 26  showing the return container trap door  280  dropped and the container  60  falling into the return container storage chamber  290  in the direction of arrow Y. Here, the returned container  60  falls through the path of the bag drop sensors  330 A,  330 B attached to the chute located beneath the trap door  280 , as it drops letting the unit  20  know that a returned container  60  has been deposited. When drop sensors  330  A/B detects a dropped container  60  between a beam type signal, this reverses the linear actuator  270  to close trap door  280 , authorizing the return of the deposited money amount to the deposit money from dispenser  120 . The drop sensors  330 A,  330 B can be an optical transmitter and sensor similar to those previously described. 
       FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view inside the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 26  showing the trap door  280 , sensors  320 A,  320 B,  330 A,  330 B, and linear actuator  270  with trap door  280  closed. 
       FIG. 30  is a bottom view inside the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 29  with trap door  280  open. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26-30 , container return door open/close sensors,  300 A,  300 B and  300 C can include sensor  300 A mounted on the bottom of door  90 , sensor  300 B on the top of the door  90  and sensor  300 C on the frame about the door  90 , The sensors  300 A,  300 B,  300 C can confirm when door  90  is closed in order for the activation switch (push button) on console  110  to be activated to begin the container return cycle. The door  90  becomes locked to prevent removal of the container  60  during the return cycle. Sensors  300 A,  300 B,  300 C can include but are not limited to proximity sensors (such as those previously described), limit switches, photocell detecting switches, and the like. When door  90  is closed at least sensors  300 B,  300 C are aligned and door becomes locked and cannot be opened by the consumer. Whenever sensors  300 A,  300 B,  300 C are not aligned, door  90  can be opened by the consumer. Sensor  300 A is an optional extra sensor for additional alignment. 
     Door  90  can be locked by lock mechanism  310 A,  310 B, which is only engaged when sensor  300 B,  300 C are aligned. Lock mechanism  310 A,  310 B can include a door mount catch with hole  310 A, and frame mount lock with pin,  310 B. The lock mechanism  310 A,  310 B can be an electronic door lock, such as those used on security doors, apartment front doors, bank entry doors, jewelry front doors, pawn shop front doors, and the like, such as but not limited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,930 to Geller and U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,324 to Lewis et al., which are incorporated by reference. The door lock mechanism  310 A,  310 B has an electronic release, which automatically locks the door  90  when closed, and is released electronically when the return cycle has been completed and the deposit money has been refunded. 
     After sensors  330 A,  330 B detects dropping container  60 , linear actuator  270  reverses to close the trap door  280 . Sensors  320 A,  320 B sense when the trap door  280  is closed, which stops the linear actuator  270  from closing trap door  280  any further. The sensors  320 A,  320 B can be proximity sensors (such as those previously described), photocells, limit switches, or optical transmitters and receivers, such as those previously described. 
     The invention sensors, and controls and components can be controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller), such as but not limited to a “Click” controller, manufactured by Automation Direct, of Atlanta, Ga. 
       FIG. 31  is a top perspective of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIGS. 19-30  with container return door  90  open and reusable containers  60  being inserted therein. 
       FIG. 32  is another view of the deposit return unit  20  of  FIG. 31  with container return door  90  closed, and storage area service door  130  is open exposing returned container(s)  60  with security tag(s) in returned bag storage chamber  290 . 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the firewood package  50  bundled in a reusable container  60  with a surveillance tag  70  attached that can be used with the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of the preceding figures. 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternate bag style reusable container bag  340  with a surveillance tag  70  attached that can be used with the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of the preceding figures. A drawstring  350  can be used to close the opening to the container bag  340 . 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another alternate box style reusable container  370  with a surveillance tag  380  placed in a pouch on the box container  370  that can be used with the dispensing unit  10  and deposit return unit  20  of the preceding figures. Handles  390  can be used to lift the container  370 . Upper flaps  372 ,  374  on the container can be closed with fasteners, such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), and the like. 
       FIG. 36  is a flowchart of the vending steps of the dispensing unit.  FIG. 37  is a flowchart of the recycling steps of the return unit. 
     The vending type system can include a system for vending firewood or other bulky items in non rigid containers or liquids or gases in rigid containers. The system allows for the collection of a deposit on the container and the automated refund of the deposit. 
     In the preferred embodiment, individual bundles of wood are placed inside of recyclable containers. The recyclable containers are placed on conveyor belt racks inside of a vending dispenser. 
     The customer can purchase a bundle of firewood (or other items such as bottled water, propane). As part of purchase a deposit it collected on the container. After the product is used the empty container can be returned and the deposit refunded back to the customer. The system can verify that the correct recyclable container is being returned by detecting the activator tag on the container with a sensor and confirming the container with security sensors, and then the vending machine automatically refunds the deposit at a deposit return dispenser. 
     The novel system components can include a vending machine, recyclable container, activator, sensor, PLC, receptacle, push button and coin changer. 
     The vending dispenser is capable of dispensing large items and has a storage and transfer system that is adaptable to different types of containers For payments of the goods and the deposit, the vending machine can collect coins, paper money as well as be capable of accepting credit cards and debit cards. The vending dispenser can vend multiple items at multiple prices. The vending dispenser can vend products that require a deposit on the container and also those that do not require any deposits. 
     The vending dispenser can refund money that has been previously collected as a deposit The refund can be made at any time that a recyclable container is returned to the vending return unit and is not a function of a purchase that is made at the same time. The vending return unit can have a return drawer or door for the acceptance of returnable containers on which a deposit has been collected and the ability to automatically refund the deposit back to the customer. 
     The PLC (programmable logic controller) can receive signals from the sensor(s) on the returning containers, and c, controls door operations (to open and accept the returned container), and instructs a coin changer to dispense funds. 
     The instruction to dispense funds (returning the deposit) is contingent on the sensor verifying that the activator was in presence of the sensor. That the article containing the activator was moved to a new location and that the article was generally the size and shape of the article that contained the activator. 
     The receptacle return chute can be an enclosure with several attributes. The interior size should be sufficient to accept the article that contains the activator. The receptacle can have two doors, one of which is exposed to the exterior of the enclosure. 
     The second door provides access to the interior of the unit from the receptacle. Both doors have locking mechanisms that are controlled by the PLC. The sensor can be mounted on the inside of the receptacle in such a manner that activation will occur if an activator is placed in any location within the receptacle. 
     The receptacle and the doors attached to it can be shielded to prevent false activation from false activation signals. This shield protection can prevent an activator that is outside of the receptacle from triggering the sensor. 
     A control outside the unit, such as a push button can be attached to the outside of the vending machine and when pushed instructs the PLC to begin the process of verification of the activator. 
     The coin changer (coin box) can contain a bank of funds and returns the amount of the deposit when instructed to do so by the PLC. The funds can be returned to the coin box or to a deposit return adjacent to the container return. 
     Although the sensors described above reference optical transmitters and receivers, the sensors, can include other types of technology such as but not limited to ultrasonic transducers, sound detectors, and the like, and combinations, thereof. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6