Assembly for product support and deployment for a vending machine
US12154406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/165
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An assembly for product support and deployment for a vending machine includes a product chute, a pusher, a pusher drive assembly, and a controller. The product chute is configured to receive a plurality of products stacked on one another. The product chute includes an exit opening through which a respective product of the plurality of products is dispensed. The pusher drive assembly is operatively connected with the pusher and is configured so as to move the pusher in at least two mutually perpendicular axes. The controller is in communication with the pusher drive assembly. The controller is configured to control operation of the pusher drive assembly such that the pusher pushes the respective product being dispensed towards the exit opening and supports or lifts the remaining products in the chute against the force of gravity prior to the respective product fully exiting the product chute through the exit opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.