EP4315290A1 - Bulk feed module and reverse vending machine with bulk feed module - Google Patents

Abstract

A Bulk feed module (3) comprises a bulk deposit area (10) and an lift section (16). The Bulk deposit area (10) is configured to receive a number of unordered objects. The lift section (16) comprises at least one staircase box (18) with a long side and a short side and a sloping upper surface, and it also comprises a support surface parallel with the long side. The at least one staircase box (18) is configured to move up and down vertically such that an object received from the bulk deposit area (10) will be aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the staircase box and moved from a lower level to a higher level.

Description

BULK FEED MODULE AND REVERSE VENDING MACHINE WITH BULK FEED MODULE

The invention relates to a reverse vending machine (RVM) with a bulk feed module. BACKGROUND

The reverse vending machine (RVM) is a device to receive and process objects for recycling, typically used beverage containers like bottles and cans (objects). The RVM will measure and extract several properties from the objects. These properties are compared to the properties of objects in an object database. The objects are then either accepted or rejected, based on certain criteria. The accepted objects are processed by the RVM. The processing can consist of counting, sorting, compacting, crushing, rendering unusable and storing in a bin or other suitable device. The rejected objects are in a standard RVM configuration returned to the user of the RVM (end user).

In a traditional RVM the end user can return objects one at a time. The objects usually need to be inserted into an opening of the RVM in an orderly manner. The end user needs to take every single object by hand. Some type of RVMs might need the object inserted in a certain orientation. Other RVMs will accept the objects with either the top or bottom first. In general, the object needs to be inserted in an orderly and controlled way so the RVM can properly identify, transport and process it.

An RVM with a Bulk feed module enables the end user to put several objects into the machine at once, without paying attention to the orientation of the objects or how the objects are fed into the RVM. The Bulk feed module will typically align and separate each object so the RVM can identify, transport and process the objects. The Bulk feed module may be an integrated part of the RVM, or a separate unit attached / connected to a standard RVM.

In some configurations, the RVM may process rejected objects and unknown objects even if they do not fulfil the RVM’s acceptance criteria. The processing of rejected or unknown objects can consist of, but not limited to counting, sorting, weighing, compacting, crushing and or storing in a bin or containers. The processing of rejected objects is either done automatically or based on user input either prior start of recycling or during recycling process.

The accepted objects may constitute a certain value that can be redeemed, awarded, or credited to the end user. This is typically done to encourage people to return objects such as bottles and cans. In markets where the recycling of bottles and cans are well regulated the customer / end user will first pay a deposit in addition to the normal price of the product in the normal purchase process. When the end user returns the empty object for recycling this deposit can be paid back or returned to the customer. An RVM is often used to ensure that the deposit is only paid back for objects which is part of the deposit recycling system (DRS). In not regulated markets or for local recycling systems an RVM can still be used to receive, count and process objects for recycling based on certain criteria.

The value of the objects can be redeemed by the customer as a deduction from a normal payment in a store, donated, used to buy lottery tickets, cash payment, electronic payment, credited to an account or a loyalty program. In some systems the value can even be added to an account for public transport or written directly to a card to add to the balance of certain types of electronic cash or public transport cards.

The terms “objects” returned to an RVM is typically referring to used beverage containers like bottles or cans. In some markets RVM’s will also accept crates with or without bottles inside. The RVM could also be used for other objects like but not limited to food containers, general liquid containers, carton packaging, flexible packaging bags or pouches, cups, batteries, lightbulbs, or other items that can be collected, identified and processed.

An RVM with a Bulk feed module, will make the process of recycling objects more efficient because the end user can pour one or more bag or other container of objects into a tray. This enables the end user to recycle objects without even touching any of the objects by hand. The objects will often be sticky and dirty, so a recycling process where the user does not have to touch each object is an advantage to the user experience of the RVM. An RVM with a Bulk feed module lets the end user who wants to claim deposit on his/her containers, or just recycle containers that don’t carry deposit, do that in a fast and effective manner.

In an RVM with a Bulk feed module, the end user still needs to wait until all the objects have been processed by the RVM. After or when the end user has put the objects in the Bulk deposit area, the RVM need to process all the objects before a receipt can be issued. An RVM with bulk feed can typically accept two or more standard sized grocery plastic bags full of objects in the Bulk deposit area, this could be between 25 and 100 objects. It is fast for the end user to empty one or more plastic bags into the tray. That part of the process may only take seconds, typically 5 to 20 seconds. Subsequently, the end user must wait for the RVM to complete processing of the objects to retain the receipt. This can take from 15 seconds to several minutes and can feel like a long time, just waiting for the RVM to finish.

The applicant has found a way to enable the end customer to leave the RVM with bulk feed to process the remaining objects unattended and the user would still be able to redeem the value of the objects. The pay-out process needs to be streamlined to ensure that the end user is credited the total value of the recycled objects in a secure and reliable way. The traditional way to redeem the value of returned objects in an RVM is that it prints a receipt on thermal paper when the return session is finished. The end user will then bring this physical receipt to a location where the value can be redeemed. The pay-out can be provided by a cashier, POS (point of sale), an information desk in a store or other locations.

The total value of the recycled objects could also be electronically transferred directly to the users account, with a bank transfer, PayPal, or other service for transfer of money. Yet another option is to transfer the value into a bonus or loyalty program. Some chain of stores has their own program where returning customers are rewarded for their loyalty. A loyalty program is usually linked to membership card, mobile application, telephone number, credit, or debit card. These cards can be used to identify the customer or at least the account where the value can be transferred.

To enable the electronic transaction of the value to take place the end user needs to provide the account, membership number or other unique way of identification. The RVM need to know where to transfer the value. In some systems the identification information can be entered on the Touchscreen of the RVM. This identification information could be an email address, telephone, account, membership number or other unique way of identification.

The process of entering information on a Touchscreen can be difficult or intimidating to some people. It is also prone to errors, where the identification process might fail and in worst case the value of the returned objects can be lost.

A more convenient solution is to use barcodes that can be read by a barcode reader in the RVM, POS or mobile application. The barcodes can be a conventional ID format like but not limited to UPC8, UPC12, EAN13, EAN128, Code 128 or other standardized formats. Alternately 2D formats or symbologies like but not limited to QR code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417 or Maxi Code can be used. The advantage with 2D codes is that it can contain more data and any alphanumeric characters whereas ID codes is mostly limited to numeric data with just a few, typically less than 25 digits.

In some loyalty programs the customer or end user is issued a membership card, this could be printed with a membership number in a suitable barcode format or just in plain text. In addition, it can also be some other form of electronically readable card. Traditional contact-based cards like but not limited to magnetic stripe or smart cards. Also, technologies with contactless card or devices like but not limited to NFC, RFID, MiFare, FeliCa, Bluetooth, BLE, WIFI, ZigBee, Zwave etc. might be used. It is also possible to use biometrical information to make a positive identification of the user. This could be like but not limited to face recognition, fingerprint, retina, or DNA scanning.

One disadvantage with cards, devices or biometrics that must be read by the RVM is that it needs dedicated hardware to read and identify the user in such way. The same goes for reading barcodes off loyalty cards and mobile phone screens. This will add to the cost and complexity of the RVM but might be a reasonable trade-off in an already established system using such cards.

For new applications where mobile applications are used it can be better to reverse the identification process. Instead of the end user, customer or account number being identified by the RVM, the customer can use a mobile application to identify the ongoing session of returning objects. This could be done by scanning a unique barcode off the screen 13 of the RVM. The barcode could contain a key or a token to identify this specific return session. The data about the actual return session could then be stored in a common database on the RVM, in the store, at a centralized location in a data center or in a cloud storage service. The key or token can later be used during the pay-out process to retrieve the information about the return session.

The barcode presented on the screen needs to contain enough information to ensure secure and reliable identification of the return session. To achieve this a barcode format able to encode the necessary information should be used. Both one dimensional (ID) or preferably a two-dimensional (2D) symbology or barcode type could be used. This includes format like but not limited to UPC8, UPC12, EAN13, EAN128, Code 128, QR code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417 or Maxi Code.

The main advantage with this solution is to use an already existing component or device (such as the screen) of the RVM to make a link between the customer and the return session. Other means for a mobile application to identify the return session could be to use a short-range wireless communication like but not limited to NFC, RFID, IRDA, Bluetooth, BLE or WiFi. But this would again need additional hardware in the RVM. The main point is for the mobile device of the end user to get the unique identification of the current return session without the risk that other customers in the vicinity can intercept the information or otherwise prevent the owner of the current return process to receive the value for the returned objects.

Typically, the information stored about each return session can be date and time of transaction, number of objects, total value and a unique identifier for the store, site and RVM. The information stored about the return session can be even more detailed including but not limited to data about each object or group of objects returned, properties of the returned objects and the return session itself. The database can be located inside the RVM, in the store or at a remote location. The remote location could be in a server, a data center, in a cloud service or distributed throughout the internet. The cloud service in this context refers to a remote storage facility located at one or more locations where the data can be distributed over one or more physical servers or storage volumes. This is typically done to get a high level of data security, speed, and availability. In addition this kind of storage solution is easy scalable and able to handle large amount of data and connected clients. This is a common solution for mobile application infrastructures.

To build and maintain a good confidence in the system the RVM with bulk feed module needs to have a high-performance object recognition system. The RVM should correctly and reliably identify the objects inserted into the RVM. But in a real-world error will occur from time to time. Therefore, it is important to document the result of the recognition process. And it could be made available in an electronic form upon request to help solve any disputes that may arise. All the transaction data can be stored in a central server in addition to locally on the RVM. This will make it easy to extract and present data for reporting, disputes and pay out of a refund. The user should also at the beginning of the recycling process make a choice whether the RVM shall process the rejected objects internally or return all the rejected objects back to the end user.

It is important to prevent other users or people from interfering with the process. This can be achieved by a closing device in front of the Bulk deposit area. The end user can first pour all the objects into the Bulk deposit area, close the closing device, identify himself or get a temporary receipt identifying the return/re cycling session, before leaving the RVM. The closing device will remain closed/locked until all the objects have been processed and the complete result of the recognition process is available. The total value of the objects, in addition to other relevant information about the customer and return session, will then be forwarded to the pay-out provider. Only then can the closing device be opened, and the RVM is ready for the next customer. With electronic means of receiving the value or deposit for the returned objects it is essential to link the return session to the end user. Basically, the end user or receiver need to be identified, or at least a link to an account, telephone or membership number must be made.

The closing device can be opened either manually or automatically based on the status of the “return process”.

The Bulk feed module 3 will add to the size and complexity of the RVM. This will inherently increase the overhead time for starting up the return process and most importantly the time from all objects have been put into the RVM and until they are completely processed. Even if the speed per object in an RVM with Bulk feed module 1 is likely to be higher than a traditional RVM, the total time spent including start-up to completion still may feel long. This is especially true if a large number of objects are returned to the user.

The RVM with Bulk feed module 1 may be equipped with a separate opening where the RVM will send unknown and rejected objects. These objects may be taken back by the customer for disposal in other ways. If the end user thinks the object should have been accepted by the RVM, it may still be possible to put it into the Bulk deposit area or in a separate opening for manual feeding, to try recognizing it once more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a reverse vending machine (RVM) with a bulk feed module that solves problems with prior art and that: Provides a fast and reliable device for alignment and singulation of objects returned unordered and in bulk. Provides a lifting device that elevates the objects from a lower level input area to a higher level transport device / conveyor belt. Enables the RVM to process objects unattended and protected from tampering. Ensures pay-out of the total deposit carried by all the recycled objects by the RVM. Provides easy and detailed information about the returned objects in case of a customer dispute. Provides streamlined handling of rejected and unknown objects.

The object of the invention is solved by means of the features in the patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail and by reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1: Perspective view of the front side of RVM with Bulk feed module

Figure 2: Perspective view of the rear side of RVM with Bulk feed module

Figure 3: Perspective view of Bulk feed module and the bottom of the bulk feed module with linear transport device and spacing device Figure 4: Side view of the Bulk feed module, (with one of the side panels hidden, enabling to look inside the module).

Figure 5: Side view of the RVM with Bulk feed module showing leg room for wheelchair users. Figure 6: Shows a variety of objects that can be used in the invention.

Figure 7: Shows Alignment boxes of the Alignment section.

Figure 8: Illustrates the movement direction of the objects in the Alignment section.

Figure 9: Shows features of the top surfaces of the Alignment boxes.

Figure 10: Illustrates the object alignment and horizontal transport. Figure 11: Top view of the Bulk feed module, Linear transport device and Spacer unit.

Figure 12: Perspective view of a Camshaft.

Figure 13: Illustrates alternative cam geometries.

Figure 14: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module. Figure 15: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module. Figure 16: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module.

Figure 17: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module.

Figure 18: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module.

Figure 19: Illustrates an alternative driving mechanism for the Bulk feed module. Figure 20: Shows an example of a Staircase/Lift section

Figure 21: Shows an example of a Spike creating instability for objects.

Figure 22: Detail of object on Stair box/ Lift box Figure 23: Detail of object on Stair box/ Lift box

Figure 24: Shows an example of a Spike creating partial instability for objects. Figure 25: Detail view of Spike.

Figure 26: Side view of a minimalistic embodiment of the Bulk feed module.

Figure 1 and 2 shows an example of a RVM 1 with a Bulk feed module 3. Figure 3 and 4 shows an example of a Bulk feed module. The Bulk feed module 3 comprises a Bulk deposit area 10, an Alignment section 15, a Staircase/Lift section 16 and a Linear transport device 4 and Spacer unit 5.

The RVM further comprises a front module 2, recognition module 6 and backroom module 9 where the objects are processed and stored. The front module typically comprises a user interface with a display and input/output openings and/or devices. The recognition module 6 comprises the feature recognition system that can identify the objects, record the value associated with each object and calculate the total value of the returned objects. The recognition module or other part of the RVM can also comprise a processing device that can communicate with the user interface and/or with other devices or units.

The RVM may contain or have a separate Bulk feed module 3 as part of the RVM that enables the end user to put several objects into the machine at a time, without paying attention to the orientation or the manner of feeding each object. This can be implemented by the Bulk feed module 3 comprising a Bulk deposit area 10 with space for numerous objects. The Bulk deposit area or the RVM comprises an opening which have a size that is large enough that objects can be fed by pouring objects from a cardboard box, garbage bag, plastic bag, or grocery bag with enough space to hold 10 to 100 objects. The Bulk deposit area 10 can comprises a surface which is configured to move the objects towards the lift section 16, for example a downward slanting surface leading from the opening to the lift section so that the objects can slide along the surface to the lift section. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be arranged a conveyor belt , or alignment section or other conveyor arrangement.

Internally the Bulk feed module 3 will align and separate the objects to make it easy for a feature recognition system to identify and validate each object reliably with the highest possible speed. The alignment and separation process can be implemented in several ways. The embodiment illustrated in the following figures shows an implementation using oscillating boxes to align the objects and to ensure that the objects are not fed on top of or next to each other. The oscillating boxes transports the objects to a higher-level location where the separation is performed before the objects are fed further into the RVM for processing.

The alignment process is important in order to optimize the flow of objects through the RVM. The Bulk feed module 3 will transform an unordered heap of objects into a single line of objects, properly spaced on a transport device and with the longitudinal axis aligned with the transport direction. The objects should be stable on the transport device, with no spin, wobbling or tilting in any direction. This will enable the feature extraction, identification, transport, and processing of the objects to be done in the fastest, most efficient and reliable way. When all objects are properly processed, a receipt will be issued to the customer or an electronic transaction be generated. This can be used by the end user to redeem the value of the returned objects from the cashier or other means such as money transferred to a bank account, loyalty card or mobile APP.

As an increased convenience the RVM with bulk feed module 1 can be equipped with a single return opening 11 for returning single objects one at a time, like a conventional RVM. This can share some or all of the processing components of other modules such as the feature extraction, recognition module 6 and backroom module 9 to reduce the cost compared to the alternative of having a separate RVM without bulk feed module in addition to the RVM with bulk feed module. To recycle and return just a few objects a conventional RVM with a normal opening for returning objects, one at a time, can be faster. Having such combined features also increases the capacity, creates less que and adds redundancy in case the Bulk feed module 3 should be out of service.

Objects that are not accepted by the RVM with bulk feed can be sent back to the customer in a Rejected objects outlet 12. These objects will normally be removed by the end user and disposed of in other ways. Still there might be objects that was rejected that actually should have been accepted. These can be put into the RVM for a second try and in that case it can be time saving and convenient to have an opening for feeding single objects.

The Bulk feed module 3 need to able to handle foreign objects. If the RVM is used for beverage containers it should also handle all kind of “common household items” that might inadvertently end up together with the empty bottles and cans. This can be other food containers, packing material, containers made of materials that are not part of a recycling system or just garbage. It can be challenging to separate and dispose of objects that the RVM with Bulk feed module 1 was not designed to accept and transport internally. The foreign objects may need human interaction to be removed from the RVM to prevent that they could temporarily block or damage the internal mechanisms of the RVM with bulk feed module 1.

The user interface for the (RVM) is designed in such a way that the end user understands how to use the RVM and is guided into the most efficient recycling process. This includes basic use of the RVM, giving corrections and suggestions during the process and giving enough detail about the accepted and rejected objects. The user interface of the RVM can utilize both visual and acoustic elements. The visual elements can include text, pictures, animations, and videos on a display 13 in addition to steady or blinking lights at the display or on other parts of the RVM.

The RVM can further comprise a speaker or other means for enabling sound or voice instructions to be used to bring attention to certain messages or events. In the return process, the RVM can give interactive feedback from the result of the recognition process. This can be done partly to instruct the end user on the proper use of the RVM and explain the reasons for any rejection of certain objects. The value awarded to different types or groups of objects can also be subject to disputes. For example, a beverage container bought in one country may look very similar to the same brand of beverage bought in another country. Typically, only bottles or cans bought in the same country as they are returned will carry a redeemable deposit. This is a common cause for disputes. In traditional RVM’s without bulk feed the reason why an object is rejected can clearly be connected to the physical object. This is possible when handling one object at a time. If the object is rejected, it can be directly returned to the end user and the actual reason for reject can be shown on the display. In an RVM with bulk feed module any rejected object will either be returned in the Rejected objects outlet 12 or processed further into the RVM. This is a requirement for an RVM that is configured to process all the objects unattended.

The RVM with Bulk feed module 1 may comprise a Door/Hatch 14 or similar closing device to prevent access to the Bulk deposit area 10 at certain times during the return process. The closing device could be in form of a manual or automatic door. The device can be a hinged, sliding, rotating door or other mechanical solutions to physically prevent access to the input opening or tray.

The Door/Hatch 14 can also be part of the machine safety requirement to prevent personal injury to users and operators of the RVM. This could make the design and implementation of the Bulk feed module 3 smaller and less space consuming by allowing moving parts closer to the opening. Taking the size of the opening into account it might well be necessary to close it to ensure safe operation of the RVM and prevent children or other persons from gaining access to potentially dangerous areas of the machine.

The closing device can be a required feature to enable the RVM to process the objects unattended, while the customer can leave the RVM and do other things like grocery shopping etc. When the RVM has completed the processing of the objects the value/deposit can be credited a bank account, loyalty card or transferred as an electronic receipt to the POS system for deduction of a payment of other goods in a store.

If the user can visually see the bulk feed process this enables him to understand the remaining time before the recycling process is completed. Such an interactive monitoring of the process could be a camera filming the inside the Bulk feed module and displaying this on the display 13 or an animation simulating the same.

In one embodiment, the Bulk feed module 3 will not start to process the objects before certain criteria are met. Such criteria are for example one or both of: The Door/Hatch 14 must be closed, and a sensor must be sensing that there are objects present. The sensor may for example be arranged in the Alignment section 15 where the objects are aligned for recognition. The Alignment section will be described in more detail below.

It is also possible to establish other obstacles which prevents the user from getting their limbs into the active mechanical part of the Bulk feed module. This could be bars, grid or just make sure that the distance from the user to the moving parts is far enough to be considered safe.

As described above, there may be some objects among the objects deposited in the Bulk deposit area that are rejected for a reason. The RVM can comprise a Return Sorter unit 7 for this purpose.

Rejected objects are sorted out by the Return Sorter unit 7 and sent back to the customer by means of a Return conveyor 8 to the Rejected objects outlet 12. To avoid and handle disputes over the value and number of objects, the receipt can contain detailed information about the returned objects. The RVM can provide further evidence for the type and value of objects accepted and rejected. This information can be made available for the end user or store personnel via an APP, web page or directly into the POS system at the cashier or information desk.

In some configurations the RVM with Bulk feed module may temporarily store the rejected objects for later retrieval or as evidence in a customer complaint case.

The RVM with Bulk feed module can reject objects for several different reasons. There could be a problem with properly identifying the object. One or more of the criteria’s needed for proper identification could be missing or inconsistent. For example, it could be rejected because of incorrect barcode, height, diameter, shape, color, weight, volume, material type or other features.

There will also occur rejects because of technical problems with the RVM or the recognition process. This can happen because of malfunctions with the internal components of the RVM. Liquid spill, fragments or foreign objects may interfere with the operation of the RVM. But the most common cause for malfunctions is inadequate cleaning, causing the internal feature extraction to fail or give incorrect results.

In a traditional RVM the rejected objects are returned to the end user. Then it is the end user’s choice what to do with the rejected object. It could be to put it into the RVM again, discarded into a garbage bin, used as evidence in a complaint or taken to other suitable facility for returning the object. The end user may decide to take back the objects and bring them to another location where the deposit can be redeemed. In an RVM with Bulk feed module 1 which is running unattended it is not possible to return the rejected objects to the end user. This is part of the concept with running unattended. The end user puts the objects into the RVM and starts the process according to the instructions. To ensure the lowest possible reject rate, one possibility is to do the recognition process one or more extra time(s). This can be done as additional step(s) where the objects are fed through a new set of detectors and feature extraction devices to do additional recognition(s). Alternatively, the objects can be fed back so it can pass through the recognition area one more time.

In order to make the decision final and not waste time repeatedly try to identify objects that are not fulfilling the acceptance criteria, the RVM need to keep track of each object. It is not likely that trying the recognition process more than two times will improve much on the accept rate of the RVM recognition. When the decision is final the rejected objects need to be stored internally and disposed of eventually.

One option is to store rejected objects from each end user for a limited time. This would enable the end customer and the store personnel to investigate the objects together in case of a dispute. This might not be feasible in all high volume RVM with Bulk feed module but might be a necessary feature in some markets where the customers are more demanding.

As an option the RVM can sort the rejected objects based on a best guess of material and other properties and reduce the need for manual sorting by hand and limit the amount of mixed garbage. The most common garbage from an RVM with bulk feed will be bottles and cans that are not part of the deposit system. In most cases these could be sorted as normal bottles and cans that are part of the deposit system but with no deposit paid to the customer. It has a certain risk to process objects that cannot be positively identified. In a worst case scenario, it might damage the compacting and processing devices in the RVM. This risk can be limited by including material sensors in the feature extraction process.

The RVM with bulk feed module 1 when used for beverage containers will also be more exposed to partially filled bottles, cans, and other contaminants because the end user does not need to handle each object separately. When the end user pours a bag of objects into the Bulk deposit area 10, he may not be aware of the exact content of the bag. Either the RVM needs to handle the liquid, or the objects must be rejected and returned to the end customer. One problem with liquids is contamination of the recyclable material which in the end may lead to a lower quality, yield and eventually a lower price for the recycled raw material. In addition, liquid spill and contamination of the internal parts of the RVM will cause problems with feature recognition, transport and processing devices. The RVM with bulk feed module can include an automatic cleaning system that is designed to handle the additional challenges with spill from partially filled bottles, cans and other foreign objects. This can include automatic spraying, swiping, steaming, high pressure washing or other cleaning process of the internal parts of the RVM with bulk feed. All parts that are in contact with the objects and the contaminants are subject to malfunction. Mechanical parts that are responsible for transporting objects will not function optimal if they are wet or sticky. Especially devices for transportation of light aluminum cans are a challenge. Photo sensors and other optical devices will also be affected by contamination.

The RVM with bulk feed module 1 can accept several objects simultaneously. The primary intention is to let the end user pour the objects out of the bags or other containers into the Bulk deposit area 10. This part of the return process can be even more optimized by allowing the end user to drop bags with objects directly into the Bulk deposit area 10. The Bulk feed module 3 will then need a device for opening and emptying the bag. It is also important to remove the bag from the objects to prevent problems with further processing in the RVM. Shreds of plastic bags can easily be entangled in the mechanism and mechanical parts inside the Bulk feed module 3 or RVM. If the bags are made of plastic, it would make sense to recycle the bag material as well.

The bag opener and emptying device could be implemented by lifting the bag in one end and cutting open the opposite end so the objects inside would pour out and end up in the alignment area of the bulk feed. The lifting of the bag can be achieved by use of vacuum or suction to hold on to one end of the plastic bag. The other end could be opened by swiping several knives across it in a pattern to make a suitable opening but at the same time limit the number of fragments of plastic bag material to a minimum.

In figure 5 it is illustrated that the RVM with Bulk feed module 1 can be adapted to wheelchair users. There may be arranged a space/void below the Bulk deposit area 10 and Rejected objects outlet 12 which enables the wheelchair users to get comfortably close to deposit objects and operate the user interface on the display 13. The user interface can also be adapted specially for wheelchair users by comprising a “handicap” button which for example is located at the bottom of the Touchscreen 13, all buttons and information relocate on the Touchscreen 13 to a suitable height. The object entry height of single-feed RVM’s in the market today is usually located out of reach for wheelchair users, so this RVM with bulk feed module is a substantial improvement for this target group.

The Bulk feed module 3 is connected to the RVM Front module 2 through a Docking connector 19, illustrated in figure 3. The Docking connector is an electric connector which can give power to the Bulk feed module 3 and making communication between the RVM and Bulk feed module 3 possible. Together with the four wheels it enables the Bulk feed module 3 to be separated from the RVM. This is useful for gaining access to the module during cleaning and service/repairs. The Bulk feed module 3 is likely to become quite dirty through normal use and it can be beneficial to roll the module to a drain in the floor during cleaning. A hose or a wet vacuum cleaner could be connected to the Drainage fitting 21 so that the excess fluid in the Bulk feed module 3 can be removed. This would also allow the Bulk feed module 3 to stay in place during cleaning.

Figure 6 shows examples of objects that can be handled by an RVM with bulk feed module, but the invention is not limited to these objects. Typical range of length and diameter of the objects depicted on Fig. 7 are listed below.

The above listed ranges for the objects that are typically handled by an RVM with a Bulk feed module defines a space envelope in which the different objects fall into. The objects falling within this space envelope typically has very different shapes/contours, something the different brands use to distinct themselves in the marketplace.

The objects do not have to be axis-symmetric, they can be triangle shaped, square in shape etc., this fact just adds to the complexity of handling all these different sizes and shapes of objects, by the RVM with a bulk feed. All these odd shapes and very different contours has not been depicted in Fig. 7, the space envelope method, that all objects falling within this space envelope, is a more general and more efficient way to categorize object types etc.

For the objects to be properly transported, identified and processed internally in the RVM it is necessary to align the longitudinal axis of the objects to the transport direction of the conveyor belts 4,5 in the RVM. Figure 7 illustrates one example of an alignment mechanism for use in the alignment section 15 in figure 1-4. In figure 3 and 4 the interior of the Bulk feed module is visible. The alignment mechanism comprises in this embodiment Alignment boxes 17 that comprises of six or less surfaces, such as four side walls, a top surface and optionally a bottom surface, providing boxes with a long side and a short side, such as having a mainly rectangular cross-section in the horizontal plane. The top surface is essentially flat and tilted at two angles to the horizontal plane as shown in detail in Fig 10. The bottom of the box can be open or closed and the main function of the bottom is to receive force from a lifting device to control the movement of the box in the z-axis. The box can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, ceramic or other suitable material. It can be manufactured and assembled from several separate parts or from one single part. The manufacturing process can include but is not limited to stamping, bending, casting, molding, extruding and or machining.

The boxes are fixed in such a way that they can be moved up and down in the z-axis direction. At the same time, they are kept essentially steady in the x and y axis. This can be achieved with guiding surfaces. The guiding surfaces can be in form of an external enclosing box or at least the short ends can have suitable guides. To reduce friction and to achieve a smoother, precise, and stable movement in the z-axis direction the Alignment boxes 17 can be attached and guided with linear rails, rods, tracks or similar.

The Alignment section 15 of the Bulk feed module 3 as shown in Fig. 4, is in the present embodiment made up of four Alignment boxes 17. More or fewer Alignment boxes 17 can be used. The Alignment boxes 17 also serve the purpose to transport the objects in the horizontal sideways direction (Y-axis). Depending on the required speed and distance for the horizontal movement the properties and number of Alignment boxes 17 can be varied. Typically, the depth (Y dimension) of the boxes and the slope of the top surface of the boxes can be optimized for the type of objects to be transported. Also, the depth (Y dimension) and the slope will decide the speed of horizontal movement. The Y dimension of the Alignment boxes 17 can be in the range from 10mm to 600mm or even more. Typically, the depth needs to be more than the diameter of the largest diameter object. The objects returned in the Bulk feed module 3 will be put in the Bulk deposit area 10 and will slide down or otherwise be moved to the Alignment section 15. A higher number of or wider (X dimension) Alignment boxes 17 will increase the storage capacity of the Bulk feed module 3. In some applications a Door/Hatch 14 is used to prevent access to the internal parts of the Bulk feed module 3. It is important to consider the available space for objects the end user should be able to return in one session.

Both the Alignment section 15 and the Staircase/Lift section 16 in the Bulk feed module use the principle of alternately moving the Alignment and Staircase boxes 17, 18 up and down in the Z-axis. The Staircase boxes (18) can have similar design as the Alignment boxes (17) and the Lift section may also work as Alignment section. In the following, the Alignment boxes are described in detail, but it should be noted that the same boxes can be used as Staircase boxes and. When box 1 and 3 moves up, box 2 and 4 moves down. The top of each box has a sloping surface that will cause objects to rotate and slide in the direction of the falling slope and hit the long side wall of the neighboring box when the neighboring box have been moved to a higher position. The higher positioned side wall will work as a support surface which will encourage the objects to turn to a position parallel to the support surface and thus aligning the objects with their longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the box. Objects placed on top of box 1 will eventually slide/roll down to box 2.

This will happen when box 1 is close to the top position and box 2 close to the bottom position. When the boxes have reached the most extreme top or bottom position the movements of the boxes will reverse so that box 1 and 3 move down and box 2 and 4 moves up. Eventually when box 2 is higher than box 3 the sloping top surface of the boxes together with gravity will make the object rotate and roll/slide down to box 3. In this way an alternating vertical movement of the boxes produces a horizontal movement of the objects on top of the boxes. This principle is shown in more detail in Fig. 10.

In Figure 8 the movement direction of the objects in the Alignment section is illustrated. An important aspect of the Alignment section 15 of the Bulk feed module 3 is not only to rotate and align objects but also to move the objects from the Alignment section 15 to the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3. For this translational movement of the objects from the Alignment section 15 to the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 to work properly, there are certain geometric properties of the Alignment boxes 17 that need to be considered.

As illustrated in Fig. 8a, all the angles (cpl, cp2, cp3, cp4) of the Alignment boxes 17 have a slope in the same direction. The angles cpl, cp2, cp3, cp4 in Fig. 9 part (1) are equal. The angles cpl, cp2, cp3, cp4 can be in the range from 1° to 70° depending on the type, size and shape of the objects that are handled by the Bulk feed module 3. To achieve certain features to optimize and control the alignment process the each of the angles cpl, cp2, cp3, cp4 can be different to a certain extent. The invention is not limited to cpl, cp2, cp3, cp4 having identical numerical values.

The objects will move in the direction of the falling slope of the Alignment boxes 17. Fig. 9 shows side views of the alignment boxes 17. In Fig. 8a the objects are moving towards the left (along Y Axis) and in Figure 8b the objects are moving towards the right (along Y Axis).

Figure 9 shows features of the top surfaces 25 of the Alignment boxes. In the figure we see two Alignment boxes 17 that make up a pair, the Alignment section 15 of the present embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is made up of two such pairs, in total 4 boxes. Fig. 9 shows that the alpha angle of the top surface 25 of the boxes are sloping in the opposite direction so that al = -a2 relative to the horizontal plane. The al, a2 can be in the range from 0° to 70°. This alternating alpha angle cause objects to align their longitudinal axis with the long side, ie. the wide part of the Alignment boxes 17 also referred to as the x-axis or x direction in Fig. 11. Objects where the longitudinal axis is out of alignment with the wide part of the Alignment boxes 17 will typically make contact with the Alignment box 17 with one end of the object first. When the Alignment box 17 moves up the object will be rotated in the direction of better alignment because it will mainly touch the object in one end. The sloping beta (b) angle of the top surface is perpendicular to the alpha angle, such that the top surface slopes both in the x-axis/x direction and in the y-axis, or y direction of figure 11.

This alignment process is important so that a heap of initially unordered objects will arrive at the Staircase/Lift section 16 in a partially ordered fashion. The transition from totally unordered to fully aligned in the longitudinal axis take some steps. It is not absolutely necessary to align the objects before entering the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3. But in order to optimize the speed and capacity of the unit it can be advantageous with several Alignment boxes 17. In the simplest form just one fixed sloping surface would perform both a mainly horizontal translational movement and a limited alignment of the objects. This is shown in the minimalistic embodiment in Fig. 26.

In Fig. 9 the angels |al|=|a2| and angels |b1|=|b2| angles are set to be identical absolute values, but it is not a prerequisite for making the object Alignment section 15 of the Bulk feed module 3 to work. The alpha and beta angles can be different in order to achieve certain features in the transport and alignment procedure. The alignment concept will work even if there exist large deviations between al and a2 as well as bΐ and b2. The only prerequisite is that the bΐ and b2 angle must have slope in the same direction. If not, the objects will not move across the Alignment section 15 and deliver the object to the Staircase/Lift section 16 as described in Fig. 2

Figure 10 further illustrates the object alignment and horizontal transport. In the present solution both the Alignment section 15 and the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 is driven by a Camshaft 20. The invention is not limited to be driven by a camshaft. The chosen camshaft solution as well as some of the alternatives to a camshaft solution have been illustrated in Fig. 12 to Fig. 19.

The illustration in figure 10 shows how bottles move from right towards left by means of the Alignment section 15 depending on the Camshaft 20 position. When the Camshaft 20 is in 0 degree position as shown in Fig.lOA, objects can be put into the Bulk deposit area 10 and on top of the Alignment section 15 of the Bulk feed module 3, this is the preferred start position as the Alignment section 15 will be mainly horizontal and flat.

After the end user have finished putting objects into the RVM via the Bulk deposit area 10, the alignment and movement of objects towards the left side where the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 will be located (not shown in figure 10, but for example as in figure 4) can commence. It should be noted that the perspective of Fig. 10A and Fig. 4 are mirrored.

The Camshaft 20 in Fig. 10 is rotated in the clockwise direction (the Alignment section 15 and Staircase/Lift section 16 also have the same functionality if the Camshaft 20 rotates counter-clockwise). The corresponding movement of the Alignment boxes 17 and objects are shown in Fig. 10 for the rotation angles 0, 90, 180, 270 and 380 degrees (A, B, C, D, E). 380 degrees is chosen to show that in this position the objects have definitely slid off the left most Alignment box 17. The objects will then continue their movement onto the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 as further described below by the example illustrated in figure 11 and figure 20.

In figure 11, the working principle of the Bulk feed module 3 and the cooperation between the Alignment section 15, the Staircase/Lift section 16, the Linear transport device 4 and Spacer unit 5 is illustrated.

The objectives of the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 is both to serve as a vertical transport device for the objects and make sure that the objects are delivered to a conveyor with “one string” of objects at a time.

The Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 primarily lifts the objects vertically (Z-direction) but it also can move the objects in both X and Y-direction as shown in Fig. 11. The movement in the Y-direction is a secondary effect of the lift principle and depends on the y dimension of each step and the number of steps. Because of the working method of the lift section, “roll over principle”, it also moves the objects in the Y-direction. The details of the working principle of the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3 is described below with reference to figures 20-25.

As a consequence, the Staircase/Lift section 16 will deliver the objects onto the Linear transport device 4 in essentially same x-position as the x-position the objects were delivered onto the first step of the Staircase/Lift section 16 by the Alignment section 15. This property of the Bulk feed module can be used when planning for a feeding strategy. In the present configuration, the objects are delivered onto the Linear transport device 4 farthest away from the Recognition unit 6 (correspond to x = L in the Fig. 11) in the RVM. When delivered farthest from the Recognition unit 6, objects which by some reasons are not yet properly positioned/aligned, will have more time on the Linear transport device 4 to roll or slide into alignment. In this embodiment the conveyor is V-shaped, and the V-shape contributes to this positioning/alignment. Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 1 lb that the last Alignment box 17 before the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module, has a slope towards the right. The before mentioned slope was designated al and a2 in Fig. 9. It is this slope that decides whether the objects will tend to be delivered in a position left or right onto the first staircase of the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module 3.

The Staircase/Lift section 16 delivers the objects on to the Linear Transport device 4. The primary objective of the Bulk feed module 3 is to deliver as many objects as possible that can fit on the full length (x-axis) of a Staircase box 18, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the objects parallel to the X-axis in Fig. 10 on the Linear transport device 4 with minimal spacing between the objects. The X-axis corresponds with the transport direction of the Linear transport device 4. The Linear transport device 4 in this embodiment comprises two flat endless belts placed in a V shape seen from the end of the conveyor (and in cross section) where the belts are guided and driven by pulleys. Other conveyor configurations are possible for example single belt either flat or with integrated side support. Various types of module belts, chain belts, round belt or rolls could be used to make a conveyor. Even a surface tilted down in the X-axis direction with side guides could be used as a conveyor to deliver the longitudinal aligned objects further into the RVM.

To achieve high throughput, each Staircase box 18 can transport as many aligned objects as possible. This depends on the dimension along the x-axis (width) of the Staircase box 18 and the longitudinal dimension of the objects. For smaller objects, the Staircase box 18 can transport several objects at a time. The objects on the Staircase box 18 will ideally be aligned with a minimum spacing down to 0 mm. Depending on how many objects are available in the Alignment section 15 and the chaotic nature of some objects like bottles, there will sometimes be vacant positions on the Staircase boxes 18. This is not a problem in other ways than the throughput will be less than optimal.

The objects will be delivered from the Staircase/Lift section 16 onto the Linear transport device 4. This device will transport the objects in the X direction with a speed of vl and deliver the objects, one at a time onto the Spacer unit 5. The Spacer unit 5 transports the objects further in the X direction with a speed of v2 where v2 > vl. This will inherently increase the spacing between the objects. When half of the object rests on the Spacer unit 5 it will be accelerated to v2. This increase in speed from vl to v2 will, depending on the length of the object and the speed difference v2-vl give an additional spacing in the X direction relative to the next object. This spacing in the X-axis direction is important for the feature extraction, transportation, sorting and processing further inside the RVM.

Figure 12 illustrates an example of a Camshaft that can be used to drive the Alignment section 15 and the Staircase/Lift section 16.

The chosen geometry of Camshaft 20 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a driving shaft 26 and a cylindrical disc 27. The cylindrical disc 27 is arranged with its center offset from the driving shaft’s center by a distance “s”, (see figure 12b). This configuration has been selected to optimize the manufacturing process. The value “s” represents the eccentricity and also the size of the amplitude the Alignment boxes 17 and Staircase boxes 18 will be moved up and down when the rotation axis of the Camshaft 20 is parallel with rotation axis of the cam follower rotation axis. The chosen cam solution is not limited to the use of equal sizes cams, a solution with different cam geometries and cam sizes on same cam shaft is possible.

The “s” value for the cam shaft depends on the size of the objects that will be processed by the bulk feed. For processing large objects, the value of “s” needs to be larger. If only smaller objects will be processed, the “s” value can be smaller. Both in the Alignment section 15 and the Staircase/Lift section 16, smaller objects need smaller movement in the z-direction in order to be transferred from one (alignment-/lift-) box to the next.

For an application where both large and small objects will be processed at the same time the value of “s” has to be adapted to the largest objects. The concept can easily be adapted to make a Bulk feed module that only process smaller objects.

The invention would work with many different types of cam geometries, if the amplitude achieved with the alternative cam solution correspond to the amplitudes achieved with the above described values for “s”. Figure 13 illustrates some alternative cam geometries.

The invention is not limited to be driven by a Camshaft 20 as in the example of figure 12 or 13. Any actuator system that can create a similar movement could work, that could be purely mechanical, purely electrical, electromechanical, pneumatics, hydraulic, magnetic, or linear motor etc. but is not limited to these.

Because all the above alternative cam geometries have a symmetry plane going through their respective rotational center(s) and typically two adjacent cams are positioned with a rotation of 180deg in relation to adjacent cam(s), the chosen cam rotation direction have no influence on the workings of the bulk feed.

The Bulk feed module, (either Alignment section 15 and/or the Staircase/Lift section 16), could be used with asymmetric cam geometry and/or having an angle between two adjacent cams is different from 180deg. Then the rotational direction may be of importance and can therefore not be randomly chosen. One benefit of an asymmetric cam is that one Alignment and Staircase box 17, 18 will transfer the objects over to the next box unsynchronized, which causes less acoustic noise.

The invention is neither limited to the described method to actuate the Alignment boxes 17 and Staircase boxes 18, as any actuation method that is or could be cost competitive in the future, could serve as actuation mechanism for both the Alignment and Staircase boxes 17, 18.

Alternative methods for actuating the Alignment and Staircase boxes 17, 18, has been illustrated in Fig. 14 to Fig. 19.

In the example in figure 14, the up and down movement of the Alignment and/or the Staircase boxes 17, 18 is archived by moving cams horizontally back and forth. In order to reduce the horizontal part of the contact force, a cam “plate” that have a wave form that is stretched out could be used. In order to reduce the horizontal part of the contact force several cam plates are stacked on top of each other, or one plate machined with all the wave forms in different depth could be used.

In the example in figure 15 a crank shaft with a piston rod is used to turn a rotary motion into a reciprocal horizontal motion. The link mechanism then drives two of the Alignment and / or the Staircase boxes 17,18 up and down and the adjacent boxes will then have a reverse reciprocal movement due to the rack and pinion system mounted on the boxes. In Fig. 15b there is used one pinion and two racks more and load introduction is then done only at one of the Alignment boxes 17.

In the example in figure 16, there are two pinions that drives the Alignment and/or the Staircase boxes 17,18 up and down. This could be reduced to only one input shaft if the two pinions are linked together with a belt or chain. Then all four boxes will move up and down by only applying torque to one shaft.

Figure 16a show a mechanism by which the wanted movement of all four boxes is achieved by only one input torque at one of the pinions, and the crankshaft rod mechanism ensures constant revolution can be applied to archive the wanted up and down movement of all the four boxes.

In figure 16b the input torque must reverse at least when the pinion is reaching one of the ends of the rack. In other words, in this solution, as it is depicted below it is not possible to apply continuous rotation in the same direction to both the pinions to archive the required up and down movement of the boxes. The applied rotation direction must change in order to make the mechanism work.

The example in figure 17 is similar to Fig. 15 but is linked together via a slot device so only one torque input is needed to drive all four boxes. The idea could easily be expanded to 6, 8 or 10 boxes with one input shaft.

In the example in figure 18 each box 17, 18 is individually controlled by one or more actuators. From a design point of view, it could be advantageous/beneficial to use more than one actuator pr. Alignment or Staircase box 17,18. The advantage of this solution is a more flexible control strategy (give more options), where each box can be controlled individually, by adjusting software in a computer, PLC, relay device or servo valve etc.

The solution with individual control of each Alignment or Staircase box 17,18, is not limited to use pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. Any kind of linear actuator could be used. That could be mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, linear motor or a combination of these.

Figure 19 has a lot in common with Fig. 18, but each actuator is connected to the adjacent “box”, the total amount of actuators can then be reduced by half.

The disadvantage is that other means are needed to prevent the boxes from drifting upwards or downwards. These other means could be special linear bearings that prevent this drifting or rack pinion system as shown in Fig. 15, could be used but not limited to the mentioned solutions.

The illustration Fig. 20 shows the path a single object will undergo if the Alignment section 15 delivers an object to the right side of first step of the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module.

All the objects shown in figure 20 represent the same object and the figure illustrates how a single object is vertically lifted upward (z-direction) but stay in the same x - position (see also Fig. 11a).

Figures 21-24 illustrates more detailed the process of the working principle of the Staircase/Lift section 16.

In average 1 to 5% of the objects delivered onto the first step 28 of the Staircase/Lift section 16 of the Bulk feed module are lying in a wrong direction with a portion of its body outside the Staircase box 18, (see Fig. 22) or are lying completely or partially on top of each other or are in an upright position (see Fig. 21 and 24). All these circumstances are collectively gathered under the term unaligned object(s). In order to create instability for objects that are not oriented in the longitudinal direction of the Staircase box 18 when placed onto a Staircase box (see Fig. 22), the outer part of the Staircase box 18 can be produced with an outward slope, illustrated in Fig. 22 by the angle d (delta). This feature of the Staircase box 18 is made in order to ensure that objects that are not aligned correctly on the Staircase box 18, will fall one or more levels down or all the way down to the Alignment section 15 of the bulk feed again, so the object(s) can start the vertical lifting process all over.

The beforementioned outward slope of the top surface of each Staircase box(es) 18, comes with a drawback; It reduces the size of the object(s) the lift section of the bulk feed can handle. In order to compensate for this reduction in object size the lift section of the bulk feed can handle, without compromising the function of the before mentioned outward slope of the Staircase box(es) 18, some triangular parts (subsequently called Spikes 22) have been mounted on the outer part of each Staircase boxes 18, (see Fig. 21 to 25).

These Spikes 22 compensate to a large extend for the shelf surface area that is sloping outward and therefore no longer can be used by the objects to lean against, in order to make the unaligned object unstable so they can fall down. This outward slope is shown in Fig. 22 and illustrated with a d (delta). The increase in object diameter the Staircase boxes 18 can handle when the Spikes 22 are mounted on the outer part of each Staircase boxes 18 is illustrated in Fig. 23. The diameter of the large circle (d_l) is drawn with twice the diameter of the smaller circle d_2 in fig. 24, according to the equation d_l = 2 x d_2.

In addition to the before mentioned function of the Spikes 22, they can also serve other purposes.

In order to minimize the chance that unaligned object(s) will be in their unaligned position through the whole vertical lifting process, several spikes 22 have been mounted on the outer part of each Staircase boxes 18, (see Fig. 21 to 24, as well as Fig. 25). These spikes create a disturbance/unbalance, so the unaligned objects are more likely to fall from its Staircase boxes 18 to a box at a lower level or all the way down to the Alignment section 15 of the Bulk feed module again. The object(s) which have fallen own can then start the vertical lifting process all over.

Furthermore, it has proven beneficial to put the Spikes 22 in a varying pattern, to facilitate (if two or more objects are lying on top of each other or partially on top of each other, see Fig. 24) that the overlaying objects will fall from this overlaying position. Tests has shown that these Spikes 22 in a varying pattern create enough disturbance in case the objects are overlapping, by which to a large extend they will fall off the Staircase Box 18, due to these Spikes 22 and the pattern they have been arranged in. The invention is not limited to one spike geometry. Any object having the same function and that can be mounted on the outer part of one Staircase box 18 and serve to enhance the diameter of the object the Staircase box 18 can handle as well as create the required instability for the processed object(s) in an unaligned condition can be used.

Figure 26 illustrates a simple embodiment of a Bulk feed module with only one fixed sloping surface 29 on one single box 30.

In the simplest form just one fixed sloping surface would perform both a horizontal translational movement and a limited alignment of the objects. This is shown in the minimalistic embodiment in Fig. 26a-26c. The objects are put on top of the sloping bottom surface and will slide in the Y-axis direction toward the lifting section. The lifting section in this embodiment consist of one Staircase/Lift box 30. This box is fixed in such a way that it can move vertically up and down in the z-axis direction only. When the box is in the lower position (Fig. 26a), one or more objects can slide/roll onto sloping surface 29 at the top of the Staircase box 30 where they abut the support surface 32. As the box moves upward only one object can fit sideways on top of the box so any excess objects will slide or roll off. The remaining object will slide against the support surface 32 during the upward movement. Fig. 26b shows the Staircase box 30 in the middle position. When the Staircase box 30 reaches the top position (Fig. 26c) in flush with or above the top of the support surface 32, any objects that are on top of it will slide or roll down on to the Linear transport device 4. The Staircase box 30 will then start to move down again, and at the lower position more objects can slide or roll onto the top surface. The process is then repeated as the Staircase/Lift box 30 starts to move up and will lift more objects to the Linear transport device 4.

The top surface of the Staircase/Lift box 30 is adapted to the objects that will be transported and aligned by the invention. The Staircase/Lift box 30 can hold the object with the largest diameter stable on the top surface, while two or more objects with the smallest diameter cannot lie stable side by side in the Y direction at the same X-axis position. This will ensure that only one object will be delivered to the Linear transport device 4 for a certain X-axis position. Depending on the width (X- axis dimension) of the lifting box and the height (X-dimension) of the objects, one or more objects can be delivered to conveyor belt simultaneously but in different X- axis positions. The Linear transport device 4 in this embodiment consist of two flat endless conveyor belts 31 placed in a V shape seen from the end of the conveyor where the belts are guided and driven by pulleys. Other conveyor configurations are possible for example single belt either flat or with integrated side support. Various types of module belts, chain belts, round belt or rolls could be used to make a conveyor.

Claims

1. A Bulk feed module (3) comprising a bulk deposit area (10) and an lift section (16), wherein the Bulk deposit area (10) is configured to receive a number of unordered objects, and the lift section (16) comprises at least one staircase box (18) having a long side and a short side and a sloping upper surface, and comprises a support surface parallel with the long side, where the at least one staircase box (18) is configured to move up and down vertically such that an object received from the bulk deposit area (10) will be aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the staircase box and moved from a lower level to a higher level.

2. A Bulk feed module (3) according to claim 1, comprising an alignment section (15) for aligning the objects, where the alignment section (15) comprises at least one Alignment box (17) having a long side and a short side and a sloping upper surface and where the Alignment boxes are configured to move up and down vertically such that an object will be rotated, aligned and moved while maintaining the objects aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the staircase box .

3. A Bulk feed module (3) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a linear transport device (4) and where the lift section (16) and possibly the alignment section (15) is configured to transport the objects from the Bulk deposit area (10) to the Linear transport device (4) while maintaining the objects aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the staircase box.

4. A Bulk feed module (3) according to claim 1 wherein the Bulk deposit area (10) comprises a surface which is configured to move the objects towards the lift section (16).

5. A Bulk feed module (3) according to one of the previous claims, where the long side of the alignment boxes and/or the staircase boxes is parallel with the x- axis and the short side is parallel with the y-axis and the top surfaces slopes both in the direction of the x-axis and in the direction of the y-axis.

6. A Bulk feed module (3) according to one of the previous claims comprising at least two Staircase box(es) (18) arranged adjacent to each other in parallel with their long sides facing each other, and where each Staircase box has a top section with two angled surfaces angling away from each other, such that one surface causes objects located on the top section to move towards the next box and the second surface causing unaligned objects to fall off the box.

7. A Bulk feed module (3) according to one of the previous claims wherein the Staircase box(es) (18) have one or more Spikes (22) protruding out from the top section, where the spikes (22) help larger objects to be lifted steadily, while allowing unaligned objects to fall down between the Spikes (22).

8. A reverse vending machine (1) comprising a Bulk feed module (3) according to one of the previous claims wherein the reverse vending machine has an opening for access to the Bulk deposit area (10), so the end user can insert / deposit a number of unordered objects.

9. A reverse vending machine (1) according to claim 8, comprising a Door (14) for closing the opening to the Bulk deposit area (10) such that the reverse vending machine can process the objects unattended.

10. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9 wherein the reverse vending machine comprises a processing device adapted to calculate the value of the returned objects in the session and send information about the value of objects received to a point of sale system for pay-out or deduction from a payment in a store.

11. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-10 wherein the reverse vending machine comprises a processing device adapted to calculate the value of the returned objects in the session and the total deposit of the objects received by the reverse vending machine can be paid out as an electronic transaction.

12. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-11 wherein the reverse vending machine comprises a processing device adapted to calculate the value of the returned objects in the session and wherein the information about the objects received by the reverse vending machine can be paid out by a Mobile Application..

13. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein the result of the processing of the objects can be monitored on a remote location.

14. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the reverse vending machine also comprises a conventional input opening for manual depositing of single objects.

15. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-14, comprising a return sorter unit (7) wherein rejected objects can be sorted out and processed.

16. A reverse vending machine (1) according to claim 15, comprising a storage module wherein rejected objects can be stored.

17. A reverse vending machine (1) according to claim 15, comprising a rejected objects outlet (12) where rejected objects are returned to the user.

18. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 9-18, comprising bag opening and emptying device such that bags filled with objects can be processed by the Bulk feed module (3).

19. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-18, comprising a cleaning system configured to periodically wash the Bulk feed module

(3)·

20. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-19, comprising a docking connector for connecting and disconnecting the Bulk feed module (3) to/from the reverse vending machine.

21. A reverse vending machine (1) according to any one of claims 8-20, comprising a space below the bulk deposit area (10) which is adapted to accommodate a wheelchair with a user, both allowing comfortable access to the Bulk deposit area (10) and Rejected objects outlet (12) and also to the graphic user interface on the screen (13).