Vending machine dispensing system
US7401710B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/16
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.