US 12,496,476 B2 · Battery collection systems and methods of using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for collecting batteries and other devices for disposal or recycling. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems provide a battery collection bin comprising a transport drum within an enclosure and a removable cartridge or internal basin filled with fire suppressant. Also, in some embodiments, the disclosed systems detect deposit of a battery through a feed chute into the transport drum and determine, based on signals from one or more sensors, a fill level, volume, or weight of the transport drum. In response, embodiments of the disclosed systems utilize a dispensing system to dispense a measure of fire suppressant from the removable cartridge or internal basin into the transport drum to prevent unwanted thermal events. Additional mechanisms and related methods for streamlined and safe collection of batteries and other devices are disclosed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A battery collection bin comprising:

a transport drum for storing and transporting deposited batteries and devices;
an enclosure configured to receive and secure the transport drum for storing and transporting deposited batteries and devices;
a chute operable to direct deposited batteries into the transport drum within the enclosure;
and
a fire suppressant dispensing mechanism configured to selectively dispense fire suppressant into the transport drum within the enclosure when a battery is deposited therein based on one or more of:
an indication that a deposit occurred, a resultant fill level of the transport drum, or a detected weight of a deposited object.

3 more elements

A battery collection system comprising:

one or more memory devices;
and
one or more processors configured to cause the battery collection system to perform operations comprising:
receiving, from one or more sensors, signals indicating an object deposited within a battery collection bin and a fill level of the battery collection bin;
determining a measure of fire suppressant based at least on one or more of:
an indication that the object was deposited within the battery collection bin, the fill level of the battery collection bin after receiving the deposited object, or a detected weight of the deposited object;
and
dispensing, into the battery collection bin, the measure of fire suppressant.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Battery collection systems and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Battery collection systems and methods of using the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20