Elpatronic Ag

Julian Weinstock

Robert Apter

An apparatus is disclosed for marking refillable containers, more especially plastic bottles, with code symbols for later ascertaining whether a container has to be refilled or separated. The part of the container in which is situated a manufacturer's code present from the outset is photographed at a detection station by a camera. Using code symbols applied previously as a reference marking, the place is determined at which a new code symbol of a round trip code is applied at a marking station with a laser. The number of such code symbols gives the number of fillings of the containers, and the data content of each code symbol contains a statement concerning the filling inserted in the container, the bottler etc., in each case. With the aid of this, a certain filling sequence can be adhered to, for example, prevent a plastic bottle which previously contained a cola drink being filled with mineral water, whereas the reverse sequence would be permissible.

Apparatus for marking refillable containers, more especially plastic

A process and an apparatus for marking refillable containers (112), more especially plastic bottles, with code symbols with the aid of which it can be Later ascertained whether a container has to be refilled or separated, are described. The part of the container (112) in which is situated a manufacturer's code present from the outset is photographed at a detection station (130) by means of a camera (164). Using code symbols applied previously as a reference marking, the place is determined at which a new code symbol of a round trip code is applied at a marking station (140) by means of a laser. The number of such code symbols gives the number of fillings of the containers (112), and the data content of each code symbol contains a statement concerning the filling inserted in the container, the bottler etc., in each case. With the aid of this, a certain filling sequence can be adhered to, and therefore for example, prevent a plastic bottle which previously contained a cola drink being filled with mineral water, whereas the reverse sequence would be permissible.

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Rudolfstetten, Switzerland

Julian Weinstock