Acceptance assembly for a reverse vending machine

An acceptance assembly for a commodity collection, densification, and storage device comprising:

• a frame;
• an insert tube disposed in the frame defining an inlet for receiving a commodity and an outlet;
• a sensor disposed in the frame proximate the outlet for sensing a feature of the commodity;
• an iris device disposed in the frame between the outlet and the sensor, the iris device being pivotable between a first position covering the outlet and a second position uncovering the outlet;
• and
• a separation mechanism disposed in the frame for separating the commodity according to the sensed feature, the separation mechanism including a main axle, two end plates, and a plurality of dividers disposed between the end plates and extending substantially radially from the main axle, a pair of adjacent dividers defining a cradle therebetween, the end plates and dividers rotatably mounted to the main axle and rotating about the main axle to thereby place one of the cradles in position to receive the commodity after exiting the outlet.

A method of accepting a commodity into a commodity collection, densification, and storage device having a frame, the method comprising:

• inserting the commodity into an inlet of an insert tube disposed in the frame toward an outlet of the insert tube;
• driving a roller supported by the frame and disposed in the insert tube in a direction to contact and draw the commodity through the insert tube from the inlet through the outlet;
• moving an iris device from a first position to a second position to allow the commodity to pass through the outlet, the iris device including a base secured to the frame and defining an opening therethrough adjacent the outlet, and a plurality of plates swingably secured to the base, the plates being pivotable between the first position covering the opening and the outlet, and the second position uncovering the opening and the outlet, the iris device precluding access to the sensor via the inlet of the insert tube when the iris device is in the first position;
• returning the iris to the first position;
• and
• sensing a feature of the commodity with a sensor disposed in the frame proximate the outlet.