Techniques for mounting a peripheral device in a vending machine

US8240451B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MEI, LLC · US

Inventors

• David C. Deaville · West Chester, US
• Peter Bullard · Schwenksville, US
• Robert Clauser · Columbus, US
• Jeffrey T. Thawley · Claymont, US
• Michael D. Nunn · West Chester, US
• Evan J. Cost · Audubon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 2005
• Grant date: Aug 14, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F19/205
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.