Vending machine system
US6772048B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F9/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for controlling one or more vending machines each of which has an associated module which can send and receive radio frequency signals, the system including a central data collection device which includes a device for sending radio frequency signals which can be intercepted by and used to control the operation of a selected one or more of the vending machines, each vending machine having elements for using the radio frequency signals it receives from the central data collection device to vend products selected by a customer, the central collection device includes a mechanism for determining the amount of deposits or credit entry in excess of the selected vends for returning this excess deposits or credit entry to the customer based on the amount of credit or deposits entered and the cost of the products selected to be vended by the vending machines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.