Constrained power vending system

US9852573B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CI Data Pty Ltd · AU

Inventors

• Arati CHALISE · Blaxland, AU
• Christopher Newman · Rouyn-Noranda, CA
• Geoffrey Hancock · Simi Valley, US
• Hui KE · Parramatta, AU
• Ike YUAN · Parramatta, AU
• Rajni GARG · Parramatta, AU
• Rusiri KAHATAPITIYA · Chatswood, AU
• Peter Stone · Bradford, GB
• Ivan VERNOT · Toongabbie, AU
• Roger Mathew TRICK · Sydney, AU
• Yang Yun · Parramatta, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 2016
• Grant date: Dec 26, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F17C2270/0745
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed is a vending system for supply of product from a plurality of containers each having a corresponding access door having an electrically activatable lock arrangement 200. The system has an interface module by which a predetermined maximum electrical power is made available for supply to the containers and lock arrangements such that each lock arrangement has a plurality of operational modes. The modes include: an active mode by which the lock arrangement is activatable in response to a vending instruction; a standby mode by which the lock arrangement awaits a vending instruction; and a sleep mode by which the lock arrangement minimises power drawn from the interface module. The interface module operates the lock arrangements in the standby mode and the interface module operates at least one lock arrangement in the sleep mode, and at least one lock arrangement in the active mode.