Ultrasonic sensor for detecting the dispensing of a product
US7480543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F9/026
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.