Automatic sorting of empty bottles etc returned by customers

Empty bottles inserted in the ports (4) are carried away by transporter (5). A detector system recognises the type of bottle and prints out the return deposit due to the customer. A holder (8) is held stationary, despite the transporter belt moving, until a bottle is inserted. Depending on type the bottle is deposited at one of four stations (9-12). Closely stacked bottles are separated by the deflector (23). A second deflector (17) diverts onto a separate band (18) any bottle that is not recognised. Barcode readers at the receiving stations (9-12) match bottles to the appropriate crate (60).