Lean vending machine
US11928910B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/42
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vending machine includes two horizontal lead screws, a vertical lead screw, first and second motors, a shelf, a delivery cup, and a delivery area. The first and second motors drive the horizontal lead screws and the vertical lead screw, respectively. The vertical lead screw moves horizontally along the horizontal lead screws. The shelf contains a product and has a movable gate to hold the product on the shelf. The delivery cup moves vertically along the vertical lead screw and has a solenoid and a plunger. The solenoid activates the plunger, which opens the gate to dispense the product onto the delivery cup. An outer door of the delivery area isolates the delivery area from outside the vending machine when closed and provides access to the product from outside the vending machine when open. A mechanical interaction between the delivery cup and the delivery area opens the outer door.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.