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US 5,257,577 AGranted
Apparatus for assist in recycling of refuse
OwnerMelvin D. Clarkinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus which collects recyclable refuse in sorted compartments. Through either automatic sensors or through an operator panel, the apparatus determines the contents of the refuse and directs it to the proper compartment or container. In this manner, recyclable material such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastics, etc. are easily sorted to encourage the recycling of this material. Further, periodically, the refuse within the compartments are compacted and disinfected to reduce handling requirements and odors.
Claims7
An apparatus for the disposal of refuse comprising:
- a) a refuse chute for receipt of refuse having at least two categories;
- b) means for determining the category of refuse within said refuse chute using a sensor means for automatically identifying the category of said refuse;
- c) at least two compartments;
- d) direction means responsive to said means for determining, for directing said refuse from said refuse chute to a selected one of said compartments;
- and,
- e) means for compacting refuse within one of said at least two compartments;
- and,
- f) means for restraining refuse within said refuse chute until said means for determining has determined the category of refuse within said refuse chute.
5 more elements
An apparatus to assist recycling of refuse comprising:
- a) an operator control panel for receiving operator input indicative of the type of refuse being disposed;
- b) a refuse chute for receipt of refuse;
- c) a housing having therein,
- 1) at least two containers,
- 2) holder means, being responsive to said operator control panel, for holding said at least two containers and for positioning a selected one of said containers to receive refuse from said refuse chute based upon said operator input,
- 3) means for compacting refuse within one of said at least two containers, and
- 4) means for restraining refuse within said refuse chute until said holder means has positioned the selected one of said containers.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.