Systems and methods of accurate touchless dispensing
US11976869B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/04
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An example of a system for touchlessly dispensing ice into a receptacle includes a dispense chute configured to direct dispensed ice therethrough to a dispense area. A visual feedback device is configured to present a visual indication of an operational status of the system. A sensor is configured to produce a beam within the dispense area and to provide a signal indicative of a proximity of an object within the beam to the sensor. A controller is configured to receive the signal and to determine the proximity of the object to the sensor from the signal. The controller is configured to operate the system to initiate a dispense of ice through the dispense chute based upon the determined proximity of the object. The controller is configured to operate the visual feedback device to present a visual indication of the initiated ice dispense.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.