Apparatus for dispensing items from a vending machine
US6564964B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/42
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coordinate selectable vending machine assembly for dispensing articles from a plurality of article storage compartments, including horizontally arranged helical coils, comprises a single dispenser, movable between the plurality of storage compartments for vending a selected article. The single dispenser is movable between the plurality storage compartments in response to an electronic signal sent by a micro control panel after a user has inserted money into the machine and used the coordinate section to identify the type of article to be dispensed. The dispenser moves, utilizing a pair of stepping motors, until aligned with the selected storage compartment. Once in position, the dispenser is urged from a normal position out of engagement with the storage compartment to a second position in engagement with the storage compartment for actuation of the vending selected article, which it then actuates resulting in dispensing of the article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.