Multiple drawer and compartment vending
US8140187B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5097
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A multi-drawer and doored vending system in which each drawer has one or a plurality of compartments each holding an items to be vended, and each doored compartment contains at least one item for vending. Drawer control is provided by a drawer opening and position control system comprising an array of spaced apart control tabs on each drawer, a drawer lock and release assembly, and a progressively movable drawer position control bar to control drawer opening in conjunction with the control tabs. Each doored compartment also employs a lock and release assembly. A control system is provided to control user interface, to maintain product inventory counts and to control the vending process. This involves verifying the identity of a user seeking to obtain a vended item, verifying any other system or pre-vend requirements, and permits limited access to a drawer and compartment corresponding to an approved vend selection. An item return compartment is also included.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.