Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus

US7921979B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Primo Water Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael Kreitz · Haimhausen, DE
• Christopher Holden · Harrow, CA
• Michael S. Gunter · Winston-Salem, US
• Brent C. Boydston · Winston-Salem, US
• Douglas A. Fullerton · Winston-Salem, US
• Billy D. Prim · Winston-Salem, US
• Robert C. Wiles · Winston-Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 30, 2007
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 22, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F7/0609
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Drinking water bottle return apparatus having a bin, a door or receiving tray movable between an open position and a closed position, a first sensor detecting when the door or receiving tray in the open position, a second sensor detecting a drinking water bottle entering the bin, and a receipt dispenser that dispenses a receipt in response to detection by the second sensor of a drinking water bottle entering the bin within a predetermined time period after detection by the first sensor of the door or receiving tray in the open position.