Container return apparatus

摘要

Apparatus for receiving used metallic containers and for dispensing a token or the like for the value of used containers received and comprising: a free fall passage structure for receiving the containers and for enabling free fall of a container therethrough; sensor apparatus associated with said free fall passage structure for determining the presence of an acceptable container in the said passage structure and for differentiating between an acceptable container and other unacceptable articles during free fall therethrough; separator gate controlled by said sensor apparatus during free fall for separating an acceptable container from other unacceptable articles; and dispensing apparatus operative in response to the presence and separation of an acceptable container for dispensing a token or the like for the value of the acceptable containers.