Tomra Systems Asa

Tom Lunde

Ronald Sivertsen

Geir Sæther

Geir Saether

Johnny Njåstad

Roar Abrahamsen

Vidar Kirkerud

A fraud detection system for a reverse vending machine, the system including: a detector adapted to detect at least one container entered into the reverse vending machine; a compactor load sensor adapted to measure load of a compactor of the reverse vending machine during operation, wherein the compactor is adapted to compact entered containers downstream of the detector; and a compactor load sensor monitoring device configured to determine whether the detected at least one container is compacted as expected based on the load measured by the compactor load sensor.

Fraud detection system and method

A fraud detection system for a reverse vending machine, the system including: a detector adapted to detect at least one container entered into the reverse vending machine; a compactor load sensor adapted to measure load of a compactor of the reverse vending machine during operation, wherein the compactor is adapted to compact entered containers downstream of said detector; and a compactor load sensor monitoring device configured to determine whether the detected at least one container is compacted as expected based on the load measured by the compactor load sensor.

A method, an imaging and light source module insertable in a reverse vending machine, and a reverse vending machine including an opening for entering objects into a chamber, a plurality of light sources and a plurality of imaging devices allowing at least one feature of an object in the chamber to be read, wherein the plurality of imaging devices and the plurality of light sources are arranged as a plurality of imaging and light units around the perimeter of the chamber, wherein each imaging and light unit including one 2D imaging device and one light source, the 2D imaging device and the light source is viewing and illuminating the object at a first and a second oblique angle, respectively, wherein the first and second oblique angles are in the range 45-75&#xb0; relative to a center-symmetrical line of the imaging and light units.

System and method for reading features in reverse vending machines

An apparatus and a method for receiving and destructuring collectable items, the apparatus having at least one item destructurer () at an exit of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an item receiving floor (); an item pusher () reciprocally slidable along the floor, means for causing an item when placed on the floor to be engaged by one or the other side of the pusher and pushed towards and into engagement with said destructurer, and pusher drive means () configured to provide gradually increasing pushing force on the item towards the destructurer. Means may be provided for selectively causing an item when placed on the floor either to exit through the floor via a trap door device or to be engaged by one or the other side of the pusher and pushed towards and into engagement with said destructurer.

Apparatus and a method for destructuring of articles

An apparatus for generating and viewing an image of an item () against a reflective surface () with a light source (), a camera () and operational electronics () installed on a single, common circuit board () located with a plane thereof along an exterior upright wall () of a closed optics compartment (). The light source faces a window element () of the closed optics compartment with a first light guide part () and directs light further into the optics compartment by means of a second light guide part () located on the other side of the window element and aligned with the first light guide part (). An optical unit is located in the optics compartment and comprises a light path extender (), a light source input region, a lens unit (), and at least one image detection output region. The light source input region comprises said first tubular light guide part () contacting the outside of the window (), and the second tubular light guide part () contacting the inside face of the window element () and aligned with the first light guide part (), said second light guide part () at a downstream end having a 45&#xb0; inclined, first light redirecting mirror (), and an output aperture with a light diffuser ().

Apparatus, an optical unit and devices for use in detection of objects

The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Means in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects

The safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts is configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. The device is useful in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upwardly oriented storage chamber for such items, the safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

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Blommenholm, Norway

Tom Lunde