Modular vending machine with a dispensing detection device
US5927539A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A modular vending machine for dispensing a variety of different sized products with at least one array received within a cabinet, wherein the array is made up of a plurality of storage chambers with a dispensing mechanism disposed at the bottom of each chamber. The cabinet can receive any number of arrays which in turn can receive any number of storage chambers. The modular vending machine further includes a sensing device received within a receiving trough for confirming that a product has actually been dispensed. The dispensing mechanism includes a solenoid actuated plunger wherein the plunger controls the movement of a toggle member which is movable between a blocking position and a dispensing position so that only a single product is dispensed. The vending machine may also provide a two-point locking mechanism for positively securing a door to the cabinet of the vending machine while allowing maximum utilization of the space within the cabinet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.