EP0558426B1 - Process and system for recycling articles without any specific substantial value, for example a disposable container - Google Patents

Process and system for recycling articles without any specific substantial value, for example a disposable container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0558426B1
EP0558426B1 EP93420062A EP93420062A EP0558426B1 EP 0558426 B1 EP0558426 B1 EP 0558426B1 EP 93420062 A EP93420062 A EP 93420062A EP 93420062 A EP93420062 A EP 93420062A EP 0558426 B1 EP0558426 B1 EP 0558426B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
value
product
article
card
identifying
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP93420062A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0558426A1 (en
Inventor
Alfred Muller
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MULLER AUTOMATISMES
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MULLER AUTOMATISMES
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Publication of EP0558426A1 publication Critical patent/EP0558426A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0042—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/10—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally recovery, for example for recycling, of any object without substantial intrinsic value, associated the delivery of an original consumable or useful product predetermined.
  • the implementation of such a method or system of recovery involves the use of devices or means of recognizing identified cups or distinguished, relatively complicated and relatively little reliable in operation. Indeed, depending on the means of identification retained for the cup, the means of recognition can range from the detection of a geometric parameter, for example the overall height of said cup, until the detection of a profile or a training by video means with image processing. And these means of detection are not in practice sufficient discriminating to exclude any relatively goblet close, but not having the same origin as that of the drink consumed.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a principle recovery, breaking with traditionally solutions implemented, and allowing a realization much simpler from the cup recuperator used.
  • oil of the product delivered we mean the origin of manufacture and / or distribution of said product; for example, within the meaning of the present invention, a product of a given brand, widely distributed surface and the product of the same brand distributed by a vending machine can be products of different origin, within the meaning of the present invention.
  • the unit identification is a simple token, arranged so specific and characteristic of the origin of the product consumable.
  • the means for delivering said unit consists of a slot by which said token is provided to the user, when, or immediately after the product consumable is delivered to him.
  • the means for detecting the identification unit, and so token have a simple opening specifically and only suitable for the introduction said token.
  • the setpoint unit makes part of a card, such as a credit card or card "smart".
  • the latter comprises at least one track, one counter, or a so-called digital memory, supporting minus a digital writing, for example a writing magnetic coded, representing the number of units to the credit of the card holder.
  • the means of issuance of the identification unit include control means incrementing the number of units of identification, and means of writing the new number of identification units on the digital track or in the digital counter of the personal card at the user.
  • the means of identification unit control include a reader digital writing on the card, and means of control include means of calculation decreasing the number of identification units, as well that means of writing the new number of units identification on the digital track or in the digital card counter.
  • a system according to the invention described by reference the distribution of hot or cold drinks in disposable plastic cups, includes one side distributor 3 to deliver a volume to the consumer unit of said drink 2 in a cup 1, and the other side, a recuperator 4 of the empty cup, after absorption or consumption of the drink.
  • the distributor 3 is interposed between the distributor 3 and the recuperator 4, while being part of the system according to the invention, on the one hand a support or card 8, personal to the user, preferably specific and characteristic of the origin of the drink delivered by the distributor 3, as well as a separate supply means 7 of the card 8, through a slot 30 provided for this purpose; this means may or may not be integrated into the distributor 3.
  • the card 8 for example a disposable plastic card, has a track 12 called digital, supporting a writing 13 digital, for example coded magnetic writing, representing a number of credit identification units of the card holder, and a so-called monetary track 15, supporting a writing 16 of monetary value, by example a coded magnetic writing.
  • the card has a material reference sign, for example a magnetic signature 21, supported by the track 20. This card is kept by the user or consumer drinks delivered by the distributor 3.
  • Distributor 3 in the form of a cabinet parallelepiped, is arranged in a traditional way, and has an orifice 31 for receiving and filling of a plastic cup 1, stored in the distributor 3, and brought before and automatically in orifice 31.
  • a nozzle 32 is associated with the part top of port 31, to deliver the drink hot or cold in the cup 1.
  • the consumer controls or triggers the feeding of the cup into the orifice 31, and its filling by the nozzle 32, by introducing a card through slot 33 in the dispenser 3.
  • Means 51 allow you to sequence and trigger the different phases necessary for the dispenser to operate 3.
  • the means 7 of issuance of the identification unit include a 13 digital writing and writing reader 44 monetary 16, as well as possibly the signature magnetic 21.
  • the control means 51 of the distributor include calculation means 59 incrementing the number identification units, with each supply by the dispenser of a unit volume of beverage, and writing means 45 of the new number of units identification on digital track 12 of the card.
  • control means 51 include a reader the writing of monetary value 16, identical or different of reader 44, identical calculation means or different from those 59, used to calculate the credit monetary available, depending on the value entry read, and of a monetary value including the price of the unit quantity of consumable product (drink) delivered by the distributor, plus the set value, as well as writing means, identical or different from those 45, allowing to write the new credit on the track monetary 15.
  • the means 7 for supplying the card 8 allow the consumer to get the latter, for example by exchange of a predetermined sum, introduced under the shape of coins in the slot 34 provided for this effect on the means of supply 7.
  • the card issued includes a monetary entry 16, a digital track 12 blank, and possibly the magnetic signature 21.
  • the control means 11 of the unit identification include reading means 14 of digital writing 13.
  • the means of control 5 include calculation means 19, incrementing the number of identification units, these means of calculation which may consist of traditional into a microprocessor loaded with a appropriate software; writing means 17 allow to write the new number of identification units on digital track 13.
  • Means of delivery 6 of the equivalent value include writing means, identical or different from those 17, allowing to write a new value on track 15 monetary of card 8.
  • the control means 5 include reading means, identical or different from those 18, of the monetary writing 16 on the card 8, and means of calculation, identical or different from those 19, of the new value to write on track 15, depending on the writing 16 previously read on track 15, and the counter value or set value, delivered in exchange the return of a used cup.
  • the distributor 3 and recuperator 4 each include a magnetic signature reader, and comparison means between the signature read and the reference signature, associated with the origin of the consumable product.

Abstract

Method for recovering an object without substantial intrinsic value, for example packaging, associated with the delivery of a consumable or useful product, of predetermined origin, for example a drink, in exchange for monetary value comprising the price of the said product and a deposit value, a method according to which, after consumption or use of the said product, the return, by the consumer of the associated object, is checked in order to deliver a recompense to him, for example the said deposit value, only if the object restored has the same origin as that of the originally delivered product, characterised in that, in a separate way but associated with the delivery of at least one unit of the consumable or useful product, at least one so-called deposit identification unit is correspondingly delivered to the consumer, and, on return of the associated object by the consumer, for delivery of the recompense medium, the presence of a said returned object is checked, in correlation with the checking of an identification unit presented by the consumer, in order to deliver the said recompense to the latter only for the deposit unit detected in correlation with the presence of the said returned object. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne de manière générale la récupération, par exemple aux fins d'un recyclage, de tout objet sans valeur intrinsèque substantielle, associé à la délivrance d'un produit consommable ou utile, d'origine prédéterminée.The present invention relates generally recovery, for example for recycling, of any object without substantial intrinsic value, associated the delivery of an original consumable or useful product predetermined.

Par "valeur intrinsèque non substantielle", on entend le fait que ledit objet n'a pas en lui-même une valeur commerciale, ou motivant à elle seule l'acte d'achat du produit consommable ou utile. Ceci ne veut pas dire que ledit objet ait une valeur négligeable par rapport à celle dudit produit. Ledit objet peut avoir une certaine valeur, eu égard au coût des matières qu'il incorpore et qui peuvent être recyclées, ou eu égard à la nécessité, légale ou réglementaire par exemple, de le récupérer, en vue de le réutiliser pour délivrer à nouveau au consommateur le même produit consommable ou utile.By "intrinsic value not substantial", we hears the fact that said object does not in itself have a commercial value, or justifying the act alone purchase of consumable or useful product. This is not to say that said object has negligible value by compared to that of said product. Said object can have a certain value, given the cost of the materials it incorporates and which can be recycled, or having regard to the need, legal or regulatory for example, to recover, in order to reuse it to deliver again to the consumer the same consumable or useful product.

De manière particulière mais non exclusive, et afin seulement d'illustrer l'invention, cette dernière sera introduite, définie et discutée par référence au domaine de la distribution de boissons chaudes ou froides, constituant un produit consommable ou utile au sens de l'invention, dans des gobelets plastiques jetables, constituant un objet associé à la délivrance du produit consommable, sans valeur substantielle intrinsèque, toujours au sens de la présente invention.Particularly but not exclusively, and just to illustrate the invention, the latter will be introduced, defined and discussed with reference to distribution of hot and cold drinks, constituting a consumable or useful product within the meaning of the invention, in disposable plastic cups, constituting an object associated with the delivery of the product consumable, with no intrinsic substantial value, still within the meaning of the present invention.

Dans ce domaine particulier, et notamment en se référant aux documents FR-A-2 580 418, FR-A-2 618 239, et EP-A-0 436 446, on connaít déjà un procédé de récupération de tout gobelet plastique jetable, constituant un déchet après l'absorption par le consommateur de la boisson contenue dans ledit gobelet, ce procédé consistant à :

  • identifier ou distinguer ledit gobelet par tout moyen approprié, la forme et/ou toute dimension caractéristique dudit objet pouvant constituer intrinsèquement ce moyen d'identification ; mais il peut s'agir aussi d'un signe matériel, par exemple une étiquette intégrée ou rapportée sur le gobelet
  • reconnaítre le gobelet ainsi identifié, au moment de sa restitution par le consommateur, en contrôlant le gobelet restitué par rapport au moyen d'identification tel que précédemment choisi
  • délivrer une contre-valeur, par exemple une valeur de consigne telle qu'un jeton ou des pièces de monnaie, uniquement si le gobelet restitué est identique au gobelet initialement identifié ou marqué, et ayant donc la même origine que celle de la boisson consommée.
In this particular field, and in particular with reference to documents FR-A-2 580 418, FR-A-2 618 239, and EP-A-0 436 446, there is already known a process for recovering any disposable plastic cup, constituting waste after absorption by the consumer of the drink contained in said cup, this process consisting in:
  • identify or distinguish said cup by any appropriate means, the shape and / or any characteristic dimension of said object which may intrinsically constitute this means of identification; but it can also be a material sign, for example an integrated label or attached to the cup
  • recognize the cup thus identified, at the time of its return by the consumer, by checking the returned cup with respect to the identification means as previously chosen
  • issue a counter-value, for example a set value such as a token or coins, only if the cup returned is identical to the cup initially identified or marked, and therefore having the same origin as that of the drink consumed.

Un tel procédé peut être mis en oeuvre par un système ou ensemble, associant :

  • d'un côté, un distributeur délivrant au consommateur la boisson dans un gobelet identifié ou distingué comme précédemment
  • et de l'autre côté, un récupérateur, par exemple un appareil appelé dans la pratique "déconsigneur", comportant des moyens de réception du gobelet vide, des moyens de reconnaissance du moyen d'identification du gobelet, choisi par l'homme de métier comme précédemment, pour contrôler le gobelet restitué en fonction de son origine, c'est-à-dire de celle de la boisson absorbée par le consommateur, et des moyens de délivrance de la contre-valeur, par exemple de la valeur de consigne, commandés par les moyens de contrôle, et actionnés par ces derniers en cas d'identité entre l'origine du gobelet et celle de la boisson consommée.
Such a method can be implemented by a system or set, combining:
  • on the one hand, a distributor delivering the drink to the consumer in a cup identified or distinguished as above
  • and on the other side, a recuperator, for example an apparatus called in practice "deconsignor", comprising means for receiving the empty cup, means for recognizing the means of identification of the cup, chosen by the skilled person. as before, to control the returned cup as a function of its origin, that is to say of that of the drink absorbed by the consumer, and means for delivering the counter value, for example the deposit value, controlled by the control means, and activated by the latter in case of identity between the origin of the cup and that of the drink consumed.

La mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé ou système de récupération implique l'utilisation de dispositifs ou moyens de reconnaissance des gobelets identifiés ou distingués, relativement compliqués et relativement peu fiables en exploitation. En effet, selon le moyen d'identification retenu pour le gobelet, les moyens de reconnaissance peuvent aller de la détection d'un paramètre géométrique, par exemple la hauteur hors-tout dudit gobelet, jusqu'à la détection d'un profil ou d'une forme par des moyens vidéo avec traitement d'image. Et ces moyens de détection ne sont pas en pratique suffisamment discriminants pour exclure tout gobelet relativement proche, mais n'ayant pas la même origine que celle de la boisson consommée.The implementation of such a method or system of recovery involves the use of devices or means of recognizing identified cups or distinguished, relatively complicated and relatively little reliable in operation. Indeed, depending on the means of identification retained for the cup, the means of recognition can range from the detection of a geometric parameter, for example the overall height of said cup, until the detection of a profile or a training by video means with image processing. And these means of detection are not in practice sufficient discriminating to exclude any relatively goblet close, but not having the same origin as that of the drink consumed.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un principe de récupération, rompant avec les solutions traditionnellement mises en oeuvre, et permettant une réalisation beaucoup plus simple du récupérateur des gobelets usagés.The present invention therefore relates to a principle recovery, breaking with traditionally solutions implemented, and allowing a realization much simpler from the cup recuperator used.

Selon la présente invention, et dans toute sa généralité, en combinaison :

  • l'objet sans valeur intrinsèque (par exemple gobelet) ne comporte pas de signe matériel d'identification adapté à sa reconnaissance lorsqu'il est restitué,
  • de manière séparée mais associée, à la délivrance d'au moins une unité du produit consommable ou utile (par exemple une boisson), et de l'objet associé (par exemple gobelet), on délivre en correspondance au consommateur ou utilisateur dudit produit, au moins une unité d'identification,
  • et après consommation ou utilisation dudit produit, à la restitution de l'objet associé par le consommateur, on contrôle la présence de l'objet restitué, sans reconnaítre ce dernier, en correspondance avec le contrôle d'une unité d'identification présentée par le consommateur, pour délivrer à ce dernier une contre-valeur, par exemple la valeur de consigne, uniquement lorsque l'unité d'identification est détectée en correspondance avec la présence de l'objet restitué.
According to the present invention, and in all its generality, in combination:
  • the object without intrinsic value (for example cup) does not include any material identification sign suitable for its recognition when it is returned,
  • separately but associated, with the delivery of at least one unit of the consumable or useful product (for example a drink), and of the associated object (for example cup), the consumer or user of said product is delivered in correspondence, at least one identification unit,
  • and after consumption or use of the said product, upon return of the associated object by the consumer, the presence of the returned object is checked, without recognizing the latter, in correspondence with the control of an identification unit presented by the consumer, to deliver to the latter a counter value, for example the set value, only when the identification unit is detected in correspondence with the presence of the returned object.

Pour la mise en oeuvre de ce principe, en combinaison :

  • l'objet sans valeur intrinsèque ne comporte pas de signe matériel d'identification adapté à sa reconnaissance lorsqu'il est restitué,
  • le distributeur est agencé pour délivrer au consommateur ou utilisateur une unité du produit utile ou consommable, et ledit objet associé, et comporte ou est associé à des moyens de délivrance d'au moins une unité d'identification,
  • un récupérateur, par exemple "déconsigneur", de l'objet associé, après consommation ou utilisation du produit, comporte des moyens de contrôle de la présence de l'objet, sans reconnaissance de ce dernier, des moyens de contrôle d'une unité d'identification présentée par le consommateur, et des moyens de contrôle actionnant des moyens de délivrance d'une contre-valeur, par exemple la valeur de consigne, uniquement lorsque l'unité d'identification est détectée en correspondance avec la présence de l'objet restitué.
For the implementation of this principle, in combination:
  • the object without intrinsic value does not include any material identification sign suitable for its recognition when it is returned,
  • the distributor is arranged to deliver to the consumer or user a unit of the useful or consumable product, and said associated object, and comprises or is associated with means for delivering at least one identification unit,
  • a recuperator, for example "deconsignor", of the associated object, after consumption or use of the product, comprises means of controlling the presence of the object, without recognition of the latter, means of controlling a unit of identification presented by the consumer, and control means actuating means for issuing a counter value, for example the set value, only when the identification unit is detected in correspondence with the presence of the object returned.

Par "origine" du produit délivré, on entend l'origine de fabrication et/ou de distribution dudit produit ; par exemple, au sens de la présente invention, un produit d'une marque donnée, distribué en grande surface et le produit de la même marque distribué par un distributeur automatique peuvent être des produits d'origine différente, au sens de la présente invention.By "origin" of the product delivered, we mean the origin of manufacture and / or distribution of said product; for example, within the meaning of the present invention, a product of a given brand, widely distributed surface and the product of the same brand distributed by a vending machine can be products of different origin, within the meaning of the present invention.

La présente invention ainsi définie apporte les avantages déterminants suivants :

  • on supprime toute reconnaissance des objets associés au produit consommable, le seul contrôle exercé consistant à détecter la présence ou l'absence d'un dit objet restitué, en correspondance avec la détection d'une unité d'identification, notamment un contrôle d'identité de cette dernière,
  • n'importe quel objet peut être utilisé pour mettre en oeuvre le principe de récupération défini précédemment, y compris des objets standard ; et en particulier plusieurs objets différents, par exemple des gobelets de capacités respectivement différentes, peuvent être associés à une seule et même unité d'identification.
The present invention thus defined provides the following determining advantages:
  • all recognition of the objects associated with the consumable product is eliminated, the only control exercised consisting in detecting the presence or absence of said restored object, in correspondence with the detection of an identification unit, in particular an identity check of the latter,
  • any object can be used to implement the recovery principle defined above, including standard objects; and in particular several different objects, for example cups of different capacities, can be associated with a single identification unit.

De manière simplifiée, selon l'invention, l'unité d'identification est un simple jeton, agencé de manière spécifique et caractéristique de l'origine du produit consommable.In a simplified manner, according to the invention, the unit identification is a simple token, arranged so specific and characteristic of the origin of the product consumable.

En correspondance, du côté du distributeur, le moyen de délivrance de ladite unité consiste en une fente par laquelle ledit jeton est fourni à l'utilisateur, au moment où, ou immédiatement après que le produit consommable lui est délivré. Et, du côté du récupérateur, les moyens de détection de l'unité d'identification, et donc du jeton comportent une simple ouverture spécifiquement et uniquement adaptée à l'introduction dudit jeton.In correspondence, on the distributor side, the means for delivering said unit consists of a slot by which said token is provided to the user, when, or immediately after the product consumable is delivered to him. And, on the side of the recuperator, the means for detecting the identification unit, and so token have a simple opening specifically and only suitable for the introduction said token.

De manière plus évoluée, l'unité de consigne fait partie d'une carte, du type carte de crédit ou carte "à puce". Cette dernière comporte au moins une piste, un compteur, ou une mémoire dite numérique, supportant au moins une écriture numérique, par exemple une écriture magnétique codée, représentant le nombre d'unités d'identification au crédit du porteur de la carte. En correspondance, du côté du distributeur, les moyens de délivrance de l'unité d'identification comportent des moyens de contrôle incrémentant le nombre d'unités d'identification, et des moyens d'écriture du nouveau nombre d'unités d'identification sur la piste numérique ou dans le compteur numérique de la carte personnelle à l'utilisateur. Et du côté du récupérateur, les moyens de contrôle de l'unité d'identification comportent un lecteur de l'écriture numérique présente sur la carte, et les moyens de contrôle comportent des moyens de calcul désincrémentant le nombre d'unités d'identification, ainsi que des moyens d'écriture du nouveau nombre d'unités d'identification sur la piste numérique ou dans le compteur numérique de la carte.In a more advanced way, the setpoint unit makes part of a card, such as a credit card or card "smart". The latter comprises at least one track, one counter, or a so-called digital memory, supporting minus a digital writing, for example a writing magnetic coded, representing the number of units to the credit of the card holder. In correspondence, on the distributor side, the means of issuance of the identification unit include control means incrementing the number of units of identification, and means of writing the new number of identification units on the digital track or in the digital counter of the personal card at the user. And on the side of the recuperator, the means of identification unit control include a reader digital writing on the card, and means of control include means of calculation decreasing the number of identification units, as well that means of writing the new number of units identification on the digital track or in the digital card counter.

La présente invention est maintenant décrite par référence au dessin annexé, comportant une seule figure représentant de manière schématique un système de récupération ou recyclage selon la présente invention, dans sa version mettant en oeuvre une carte magnétique personnelle à l'utilisateur.The present invention is now described by reference to the accompanying drawing, comprising a single figure schematically representing a system of recovery or recycling according to the present invention, in its version using a magnetic card personal to the user.

Un système selon l'invention, décrit par référence à la distribution de boissons chaudes ou froides dans des gobelets plastiques jetables, comprend, d'un côté un distributeur 3 pour délivrer au consommateur un volume unitaire de ladite boisson 2 dans undit gobelet 1, et de l'autre côté, un récupérateur 4 du gobelet vide, après absorption ou consommation de la boisson. Selon l'invention, sont interposés entre le distributeur 3 et le récupérateur 4, tout en faisant partie du système selon l'invention, d'une part un support ou carte 8, personnelle à l'utilisateur, de préférence spécifique et caractéristique de l'origine de la boisson délivrée par le distributeur 3, ainsi qu'un moyen séparé 7 de fourniture de la carte 8, par une fente 30 prévue à cet effet ; ce moyen peut être ou non intégré au distributeur 3.A system according to the invention, described by reference the distribution of hot or cold drinks in disposable plastic cups, includes one side distributor 3 to deliver a volume to the consumer unit of said drink 2 in a cup 1, and the other side, a recuperator 4 of the empty cup, after absorption or consumption of the drink. According to the invention, are interposed between the distributor 3 and the recuperator 4, while being part of the system according to the invention, on the one hand a support or card 8, personal to the user, preferably specific and characteristic of the origin of the drink delivered by the distributor 3, as well as a separate supply means 7 of the card 8, through a slot 30 provided for this purpose; this means may or may not be integrated into the distributor 3.

A titre d'exemple et de manière non limitative, la carte 8, par exemple une carte plastique jetable, comporte une piste 12 dite numérique, supportant une écriture 13 numérique, par exemple une écriture magnétique codée, représentant un nombre d'unités d'identifcation au crédit du porteur de la carte, et une piste 15 dite, monétaire, supportant une écriture 16 de valeur monétaire, par exemple une écriture magnétique codée. Eventuellement, la carte comporte un signe matériel de référence, par exemple une signature magnétique 21, supportée par la piste 20. Cette carte est conservée par l'utilisateur ou consommateur des boissons délivrées par le distributeur 3. By way of example and without limitation, the card 8, for example a disposable plastic card, has a track 12 called digital, supporting a writing 13 digital, for example coded magnetic writing, representing a number of credit identification units of the card holder, and a so-called monetary track 15, supporting a writing 16 of monetary value, by example a coded magnetic writing. Possibly, the card has a material reference sign, for example a magnetic signature 21, supported by the track 20. This card is kept by the user or consumer drinks delivered by the distributor 3.

Le distributeur 3, sous la forme d'une armoire parallèlépipédique, est agencé de manière traditionnelle, et comporte un orifice 31 pour la réception et le remplissage d'un gobelet plastique 1, stocké dans le distributeur 3, et amené préalablement et automatiquement dans l'orifice 31. Une buse 32 est associée à la partie supérieure de l'orifice 31, pour délivrer la boisson chaude ou froide dans le gobelet 1. Le consommateur commande ou déclenche l'amenée du gobelet dans l'orifice 31, et son remplissage par la buse 32, en introduisant une carte par la fente 33 dans le distributeur 3. Des moyens de contrôle 51 permettent de séquencer et déclencher les différentes phases nécessaires au fonctionnement du distributeur 3.Distributor 3, in the form of a cabinet parallelepiped, is arranged in a traditional way, and has an orifice 31 for receiving and filling of a plastic cup 1, stored in the distributor 3, and brought before and automatically in orifice 31. A nozzle 32 is associated with the part top of port 31, to deliver the drink hot or cold in the cup 1. The consumer controls or triggers the feeding of the cup into the orifice 31, and its filling by the nozzle 32, by introducing a card through slot 33 in the dispenser 3. Means 51 allow you to sequence and trigger the different phases necessary for the dispenser to operate 3.

Pour le traitement de la carte magnétique selon l'invention, du côté du distributeur 3, les moyens 7 de délivrance de l'unité d'identification comportent un lecteur 44 de l'écriture numérique 13 et de l'écriture monétaire 16, ainsi qu'éventuellement de la signature magnétique 21. Les moyens de contrôle 51 du distributeur comportent des moyens de calcul 59 incrémentant le nombre d'unités d'identification, à chaque fourniture par le distributeur d'un volume unitaire de boisson, et des moyens d'écriture 45 du nouveau nombre d'unités d'identification sur la piste numérique 12 de la carte. Ces mêmes moyens de contrôle 51 comportent un lecteur de l'écriture de valeur monétaire 16, identique ou différent du lecteur 44, des moyens de calcul identiques ou différents de ceux 59, permettant de calculer le crédit monétaire disponible, en fonction de l'écriture de valeur lue, et d'une valeur monétaire comprenant le prix de la quantité unitaire du produit consommable (boisson) délivré par le distributeur, plus la valeur de consigne, ainsi que des moyens d'écriture, identiques ou différents de ceux 45, permettant d'écrire le nouveau crédit sur la piste monétaire 15. For processing the magnetic card according to the invention, on the distributor side 3, the means 7 of issuance of the identification unit include a 13 digital writing and writing reader 44 monetary 16, as well as possibly the signature magnetic 21. The control means 51 of the distributor include calculation means 59 incrementing the number identification units, with each supply by the dispenser of a unit volume of beverage, and writing means 45 of the new number of units identification on digital track 12 of the card. These same control means 51 include a reader the writing of monetary value 16, identical or different of reader 44, identical calculation means or different from those 59, used to calculate the credit monetary available, depending on the value entry read, and of a monetary value including the price of the unit quantity of consumable product (drink) delivered by the distributor, plus the set value, as well as writing means, identical or different from those 45, allowing to write the new credit on the track monetary 15.

De manière séparée ou intégrée au distributeur 3, les moyens 7 de fourniture de la carte 8 permettent au consommateur d'obtenir cette dernière, par exemple en échange d'une somme prédéterminée, introduite sous la forme de pièces de monnaie dans la fente 34 prévue à cet effet sur le moyen de fourniture 7. La carte délivrée comporte une écriture 16 monétaire, une piste numérique 12 vierge, et éventuellement la signature magnétique 21.Separately or integrated into the distributor 3, the means 7 for supplying the card 8 allow the consumer to get the latter, for example by exchange of a predetermined sum, introduced under the shape of coins in the slot 34 provided for this effect on the means of supply 7. The card issued includes a monetary entry 16, a digital track 12 blank, and possibly the magnetic signature 21.

Le récupérateur 4, sous la forme d'une armoire parallèlépipédique, comporte :

  • une cavité 10 formant moyen de réception du gobelet vide restitué par le consommateur, associée à des moyens de détection 9 de la présence dudit gobelet dans la cavité 10
  • des moyens de contrôle 11 de l'unité d'identification présente sur la carte introduite par le consommateur dans le récupérateur 4 par la fente 35,
  • des moyens de délivrance 6 d'un support d'une contre-valeur, détaillés ci-après
  • et des moyens de contrôle 5, actionnant notamment les moyens de délivrance 6 de la contre-valeur, uniquement pour un gobelet 1 présent dans la cavité 10, en correspondance avec un crédit numérique ou une unité d'identification détectée ou lue sur la carte.
The recuperator 4, in the form of a parallelepiped cabinet, comprises:
  • a cavity 10 forming means for receiving the empty cup returned by the consumer, associated with means 9 for detecting the presence of said cup in the cavity 10
  • control means 11 for the identification unit present on the card inserted by the consumer in the recuperator 4 through the slot 35,
  • means 6 for delivering a support of a counter value, detailed below
  • and control means 5, actuating in particular the means for delivering the equivalent value, only for a cup 1 present in the cavity 10, in correspondence with a digital credit or an identification unit detected or read on the card.

Les moyens de contrôle 11 de l'unité d'identification comportent des moyens de lecture 14 de l'écriture numérique 13. En correspondance, les moyens de contrôle 5 comportent des moyens de calcul 19, désincrémentant le nombre d'unités d'identification, ces moyens de calcul pouvant consister de manière traditionnelle en un micro-processeur chargé avec un logiciel approprié ; des moyens d'écriture 17 permettent d'écrire le nouveau nombre d'unités d'identification sur la piste numérique 13.The control means 11 of the unit identification include reading means 14 of digital writing 13. In correspondence, the means of control 5 include calculation means 19, incrementing the number of identification units, these means of calculation which may consist of traditional into a microprocessor loaded with a appropriate software; writing means 17 allow to write the new number of identification units on digital track 13.

Les moyens de délivrance 6 de la contre-valeur comprennent des moyens d'écriture, identiques ou différents de ceux 17, permettant d'écrire une nouvelle valeur sur la piste 15 monétaire de la carte 8. Et en correspondance, les moyens de contrôle 5 comportent des moyens de lecture, identiques ou différents de ceux 18, de l'écriture monétaire 16 sur la carte 8, et des moyens de calcul, identiques ou différents de ceux 19, de la nouvelle valeur à écrire sur la piste 15, en fonction de l'écriture 16 préalablement lue sur la piste 15, et de la contre-valeur ou valeur de consigne, délivrée en échange de la restitution d'un gobelet usagé.Means of delivery 6 of the equivalent value include writing means, identical or different from those 17, allowing to write a new value on track 15 monetary of card 8. And in correspondence, the control means 5 include reading means, identical or different from those 18, of the monetary writing 16 on the card 8, and means of calculation, identical or different from those 19, of the new value to write on track 15, depending on the writing 16 previously read on track 15, and the counter value or set value, delivered in exchange the return of a used cup.

En correspondance avec la signature magnétique 21 présente sur la carte 8, de manière non représentée, le distributeur 3 et le récupérateur 4 comprennent chacun un lecteur de la signature magnétique, et des moyens de comparaison entre la signature lue et la signature de référence, associée à l'origine du produit consommable.In correspondence with the magnetic signature 21 present on the card 8, not shown, the distributor 3 and recuperator 4 each include a magnetic signature reader, and comparison means between the signature read and the reference signature, associated with the origin of the consumable product.

L'utilisation ou exploitation du système précédemment décrit est la suivante:

  • grâce aux moyens de fourniture 7, éventuellement en échange d'une somme introduite dans la fente 34, le consommateur obtient une carte 8, comportant un crédit monétaire sur la piste 15, par exemple pour une valeur de 50 francs français, une piste 13 vierge, servant à incrémenter et désincrémenter le crédit numérique des unités d'identification, correspondant au nombre de gobelets usagés pouvant être déconsignés par le consommateur, ainsi que la signature matérielle 21 de la carte, spécifique à l'origine du produit consommable distribué dans le distributeur 3,
  • en introduisant la carte dans la fente 33 sur le distributeur 3, d'une part l'utilisateur déclenche et obtient un gobelet 1 rempli de boisson chaude ou froide, à consommer, et d'autre part la valeur monétaire présente sur la piste 15 est diminuée de la valeur ou prix de la quantité unitaire de boisson consommée, par exemple d'une valeur de 3 francs français ; de manière simultanée, la valeur numérique présente sur la piste 12 se trouve incrémentée d'une unité d'identification,
  • en présentant un gobelet usagé et vide 1 dans la cavité 10 du récupérateur 4, tout en introduisant sa carte personnelle 8 dans la fente 35 du même appareil, grâce aux moyens de contrôle 5, d'une part le gobelet usagé est admis et introduit dans le récupérateur 4, éventuellement avec destruction, et d'autre part, la valeur numérique présente sur la piste 12 de la carte personnelle 8 du consommateur est désincrémentée d'une unité d'identification, par exemple pour obtenir un nombre final d'unités d'identification égal à zéro, ce qui interdit à l'utilisateur ou consommateur de déconsigner plus de gobelets que de consommations prises auprès du distributeur.
The use or operation of the system described above is as follows:
  • thanks to the supply means 7, possibly in exchange for a sum introduced into the slot 34, the consumer obtains a card 8, comprising a monetary credit on track 15, for example for a value of 50 French francs, a blank track 13 , used to increment and de-increment the digital credit of the identification units, corresponding to the number of used cups that can be disconnected by the consumer, as well as the physical signature 21 of the card, specific to the origin of the consumable product distributed in the distributor. 3,
  • by inserting the card into the slot 33 on the dispenser 3, on the one hand the user triggers and obtains a cup 1 filled with hot or cold drink, to be consumed, and on the other hand the monetary value present on track 15 is reduced by the value or price of the unit quantity of drink consumed, for example by a value of 3 French francs; simultaneously, the digital value present on track 12 is incremented by an identification unit,
  • by presenting a used empty cup 1 in the cavity 10 of the recuperator 4, while inserting his personal card 8 into the slot 35 of the same device, thanks to the control means 5, on the one hand the used cup is admitted and introduced into the recuperator 4, possibly with destruction, and on the other hand, the digital value present on track 12 of the consumer's personal card 8 is uncremented by an identification unit, for example to obtain a final number of units d 'identification equal to zero, which prohibits the user or consumer from disconsigning more cups than consumed from the distributor.

Deux modes différents de fonctionnement peuvent être envisagés en ce qui concerne la contre-valeur ou valeur de consigne, délivrée au consommateur en échange de la restitution d'un gobelet usagé, avec présentation simultanée de sa carte personnelle 8 :

  • dans le premier cas, la valeur monétaire présente sur la piste 15 peut être augmentée d'une valeur représentant la valeur de consigne attribuée au gobelet usagé, par exemple de 0,50 francs français, ce qui porte le crédit monétaire sur la piste 15 à une valeur de 47,50 francs français, après que le consommateur ait consommé une boisson et déconsigné le gobelet correspondant, et ce qui procure une boisson gratuite pour six consommations suivies chacune par une déconsigne du gobelet
  • dans le second cas, en comptant le nombre de gobelets usagés restitués, par exemple sur une autre piste magnétique présente sur la carte 8, lorsque le nombre total de déconsignes atteint une valeur prédéterminée, par exemple 6, des pièces de monnaie, représentant une valeur totale de consigne, par exemple 3 francs français, sont délivrées à l'utilisateur par tout orifice approprié présent sur le récupérateur 4.
Two different modes of operation can be envisaged with regard to the counter value or deposit value, delivered to the consumer in exchange for the return of a used cup, with simultaneous presentation of his personal card 8:
  • in the first case, the monetary value present on track 15 can be increased by a value representing the set value assigned to the used cup, for example 0.50 French francs, which brings the monetary credit on track 15 to a value of 47.50 French francs, after the consumer has consumed a drink and disconnected the corresponding cup, and which provides a free drink for six drinks each followed by a disconsign of the cup
  • in the second case, by counting the number of used cups returned, for example on another magnetic strip present on the card 8, when the total number of discards reaches a predetermined value, for example 6, coins, representing a value total deposit, for example 3 French francs, are delivered to the user through any appropriate orifice present on the recuperator 4.

Claims (6)

  1. Method for the retrieval of an article having no substantial intrinsic value, for example a packaging, associated with the issuing of a consumable or useful product of predetermined origin, for example a beverage, in consideration of a monetary value comprising the price of the product and a deposit value, characterized in that,
    the article having no intrinsic value does not possess a physical identifying sign enabling it to be recognized when it is returned,
    separately but in association with the issuing of at least one unit of the consumable or useful product, and of the said associated article, at least one identifying unit is at the same time issued to the consumer,
    after consumption or use of the said product, on the return of the associated article by the consumer, the presence of the returned article is checked, without recognition of the latter, at the same time as the checking of an identifying unit presented by the consumer, in order to issue to the latter an exchange value, for example the said deposit value, only when the identifying unit is detected at the same time as the presence of the returned article.
  2. System for recycling an article (1) having no substantial intrinsic value, for example a packaging, associated with the issuing of a consumable or useful product (2), of predetermined origin, for example a beverage, in consideration of a monetary value comprising the price of the product and a deposit value, characterized in that
    the article (1) having no intrinsic value bears no physical identifying sign enabling it to be recognized when it is returned,
    a distributor (3) is provided in order to issue to the consumer a unit of consumable or useful product (2), and the said associated article (1), and comprises or is associated with means (7) for issuing at least one identification unit (8),
    a retrieval device (4) for the said article, after consumption or use of the said product, possesses checking means (9) for the presence of a said article (1), without recognition of the latter, checking means (11) for an identifying unit and checking means (5) actuating issuing means (6) for an exchange value, for example the said deposit value, only when the identifying unit is detected at the same time as the presence of the returned article (1).
  3. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the identifying unit is a token designed in a manner that is specific and characteristic of the origin of the consumable product, and the checking means (11) for the identifying unit comprise an aperture specifically and exclusively adapted to the introduction of the said token.
  4. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the identifying unit (8) forms part of a card, which comprises at least one strip (12) or counter referred to as digital, bearing at least one digital inscription (13), for example a coded magnetic inscription, representing the number of identifying units credited to the bearer of the said card, and on the distributor side the means (7) for issuing the identifying unit comprise checking means (51) incrementing the number of identifying units and writing means (45) for writing the new number of identifying units on the digital strip or into the digital counter of the card, and on the retrieval device side the checking means (11) for the identifying unit comprise a reader (14) of the digital inscription, and the checking means (5) comprise calculating means, decrementing the number of identifying units, and means for writing the new number of identifying units on the digital strip or into the digital counter (12) of the card.
  5. System according to Claim 4, characterized in that the card comprises a physical reference sign (21) which is specific to and characteristic of the origin of the consumable product, and the checking means (5) of the retrieval device (4) comprise a reader of a physical sign and means for comparing the physical sign read with the physical reference sign.
  6. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the card (8) comprises a strip (15) or counter referred to as monetary, bearing an inscription (16) of monetary value, for example a coded magnetic inscription, the checking means (51) of the distributor (3) comprise a reader of the value inscription, means for calculating the monetary credit available as a function of the value inscription read, and a value comprising the unit price of the consumable product issued by the distributor and the deposit value, and means for writing the said credit on the monetary strip (15) or into the monetary counter.
EP93420062A 1992-02-11 1993-02-10 Process and system for recycling articles without any specific substantial value, for example a disposable container Expired - Lifetime EP0558426B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9201725 1992-02-11
FR9201725A FR2687239A1 (en) 1992-02-11 1992-02-11 Process and system for recovering an object of no substantial intrinsic value, for example non-returnable packaging

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0558426A1 EP0558426A1 (en) 1993-09-01
EP0558426B1 true EP0558426B1 (en) 1998-05-20

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93420062A Expired - Lifetime EP0558426B1 (en) 1992-02-11 1993-02-10 Process and system for recycling articles without any specific substantial value, for example a disposable container

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EP (1) EP0558426B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE166476T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69318596T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2119878T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2687239A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2725922B1 (en) * 1994-10-19 1996-12-27 Gemplus Electronics METHOD AND DEVICE FOR COLLECTING AND SORTING PACKAGING WASTE
ES2107968B1 (en) * 1995-11-17 1998-06-16 Automatic S A NEW PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR USED PACKAGES WITH RETURN OF THEIR AMOUNT, APPLICABLE TO PACKAGE RECOVERERS FOR AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES.
IT1282937B1 (en) * 1995-11-20 1998-04-01 Zanussi Vending Spa APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLASSES, CUPS AND SIMILAR
FR2744272B1 (en) * 1996-01-25 1998-04-10 Distributoor Sa IMPROVEMENT BY REDUNDANCY TO OPTICAL RECOGNITION SYSTEMS IN DISCLOSURE DEVICES
DE10259663A1 (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-07-01 Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh Process and data carrier for performing a deposit settlement when buying and returning one-way containers

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4458802A (en) * 1981-03-03 1984-07-10 K.J.A. Maciver & Sons (Proprietary) Limited Renting of articles and machine thereof
FR2559599B1 (en) * 1984-02-13 1988-07-08 Gauer Bernard AUTOMATIC RECOVERY DISTRIBUTOR OF VIDEO CASSETTES, AUDIO CASSETTES, COMPUTER CASSETTES, COMPUTER SOFT DISCS
DE8431917U1 (en) * 1984-10-31 1985-04-25 Bui-Dang, Khoa, 6906 St Ilgen Car video library
US4884212A (en) * 1987-03-23 1989-11-28 Vertx Corporation Apparatus and method for using unique charge cards dispensed from a vending machine
GB8709234D0 (en) * 1987-04-16 1987-05-20 Sankey Vending Ltd Card operated vending machine
WO1991010216A1 (en) * 1990-01-05 1991-07-11 Es-Tech International, Inc. A computerized merchandising system

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FR2687239B1 (en) 1997-02-14
DE69318596T2 (en) 1998-09-10
ATE166476T1 (en) 1998-06-15
ES2119878T3 (en) 1998-10-16
FR2687239A1 (en) 1993-08-13
EP0558426A1 (en) 1993-09-01
DE69318596D1 (en) 1998-06-25

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