Importance

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Abstract

An unattended apparatus for collecting aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of said aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited, including a microprocessor-based control system which controls the energization of various system components, monitors system data, monitors alarm signals, operates a display, controls the weighing cycle, controls the compensation cycle, and the like. The apparatus includes a heavys detector which measures the weight of an incoming object as a function of the displacement of the platform it strikes. A second metal detector is used to separate non-ferrous metals from non-metals. A trapdoor is provided for dropping out non-metals and heavys and closed to pass aluminum cans to the input of the crusher hopper. The conveyors of the system operate continuously to improve system throughput, and when a transaction is complete or the bucket must be weighed, the crusher is stopped to prevent additional cans from falling into the weighing bucket, but the conveyors continue to operate and store cans at the crusher input hopper. An improved weight bucket door, an improved auto-calibration system, an improved apparatus for suspending the bucket, and an improved universal joint providing a connection between the load cell and a device suspending the bucket, all contribute to improved system accuracy in weighing the aluminum cans. A coin dispensor, monitored by a display, dispenses coins as aluminum cans are added with a final compensation for total weight to the nearest penny. A storage bin is provided for easy removal of contents.

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First Claim