Multi-modal distribution systems and methods using vending kiosks and autonomous delivery vehicles
US10654394B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B3/00
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Vehicles, components, and methods are disclosed for distributing hot or cold food items from a vending kiosk, a locker system, or a self-propelled delivery vehicle. The vending kiosk may have multiple doors, at least one of which is unlocked responsive to confirming a purchase transaction or authenticating the presence of a person or device associated with the purchase transaction. The multiple doors provide access to respective compartments that may be selectively heated and refrigerated. Such temperature changes may be based upon a temperature control schedule. The locker system may include one or more configurable compartments that may be accessible via a set of set of doors that can be selectively coupled into larger doors. The self-propelled delivery vehicle may have a plurality of thermally insulated compartments that may be used to carry multiple items at different temperatures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.