SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A LOCATION AND NUMBER OF ITEMS RETRIEVED SOLUTION FROM A USER-ACCESSIBLE STORED INVENTORY OF PLURAL ITEMS ON A ONE OR MORE SUPPORTING SURFACES
A system, method, and apparatus for generating an automatic detection solution of location and number of one or more user-selectable items retrieved by a user from at least one support (e.g., shelf or rack or drawer) in a interaction with an inventory of items. In one example, the interaction is a transaction from a micro market during a pre-determined user-interaction session. In some embodiments, at least one support is configured to store one or more user-selectable items along the front-to-back depth at each of a plurality of pre-determined solution detection areas along the side-to-side width of the shelf or rack. A weight sensor is installed at each support and configured to sense and report at least a weight of any user-selectable items on the support via a digital weight signal (and in some cases a total weight of the support and any items on the support). An item interaction detector is installed at or near the front plane of the one or more supports and is configured to sense and report user-interaction with any solution detection area of any support via a digital solution detection area signal. A programmable controller is configured to receive the digital solution detection area signal and any weight difference in comparing the digital weight signal before and after each user-interaction with a solution detection area, and automatically generate or store the automatic position solution of location and number of one or more user-selectable items retrieved from each solution detection area in the user-interaction by correlation of the solution detection area with digital weight signal before and after the user-interaction. The item interaction detector and weight sensor combination can be installed an operated in analogous manners in other contexts. A food pantry is one. A drawer is another.
G07F 9/02 - Dispositifs pour donner l'alarme ou une indication, p. ex. quand l'appareil est videAménagements publicitaires des appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie
G06F 3/042 - Numériseurs, p. ex. pour des écrans ou des pavés tactiles, caractérisés par les moyens de transduction par des moyens opto-électroniques
G06Q 10/087 - Gestion d’inventaires ou de stocks, p. ex. exécution des commandes, approvisionnement ou régularisation par rapport aux commandes
G06V 40/20 - Mouvements ou comportement, p. ex. reconnaissance des gestes
G07F 9/00 - Parties constitutives autres que celles particulières à des genres ou types particuliers d'appareils
2.
SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A LOCATION AND NUMBER OF ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM A USER-ACCESSIBLE MARKET
A system, method, and apparatus for generating an automatic detection solution of location and number of one or more user-selectable items retrieved by a user from at least one support (e.g., shelf or rack or drawer) in a interaction with an inventory of items. In one example, the interaction is a transaction from a micro market during a pre-determined user- interaction session. In some embodiments, at least one support is configured to store one or more user-selectable items along the front-to-back depth at each of a plurality of pre-determined solution detection areas along the side-to-side width of the shelf or rack. A weight sensor is installed at each support and configured to sense and report at least a weight of any user- selectable items on the support via a digital weight signal (and in some cases a total weight of the support and any items on the support).
G06Q 20/20 - Systèmes de réseaux présents sur les points de vente
G07F 11/06 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les articles sont stockés verticalement l'un au-dessus de l'autre et posés séparément sur des tablettes ou des étagères montées sur pivot
3.
Apparatus, system and method of obtaining items from a vending machine with an electronic benefits transfer card
A means and method to utilize government-issued food stamp credit to purchase items from a vending machine. The food stamp credit is to be received through a monetary device and validated through the vending machine control network. The network will validate the transaction and allow or limit the type of purchases based on information collected from the food stamp government program rules and regulations. The invention is applicable to any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) type program or analogous transactions.
G07F 7/08 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par carte d'identité codée ou carte de crédit codée
G07F 7/10 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par carte d'identité codée ou carte de crédit codée utilisée simultanément avec un signal codé
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G06Q 20/20 - Systèmes de réseaux présents sur les points de vente
G06Q 30/06 - Transactions d’achat, de vente ou de crédit-bail
G07F 11/00 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue
4.
Highly adjustable push-type dispensing module for dispensing items
An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing a row of inventory by advancing the row forward. An elongated member has opposite ends, either of which can receive and mount an actuator, e.g. electric motor. A drive member, e.g. a lead screw, extends along the elongated member and is connectable to the actuator. A push member, e.g. plate, linearly moves along the elongated body in response to the drive member. The assembly is highly adjustable. In one aspect, it is self-contained and can be mounted and adjusted in different positions on a support such as a tray, shelf, or frame. In another aspect, it can be selectively configured between different states. One state has the elongated member mounted in the support in one way, with the actuator at the back and the push member extending laterally in a first direction. In another state, the push member extends laterally an opposite direction. An optional gate can be added to the end of the elongated member opposite the actuator and can open and close automatically upon each vend or dispensing of an item from the row.
G07F 11/00 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue
G07F 11/42 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les magasins sont horizontaux les articles étant distribués par des moyens mus par moteur
5.
Mechanical lift for delivery bins in vending machines
A mechanical lift for delivery bins and receptacles in vending and analogous machines includes a feature that partial opening of a delivery door allows at least partial access to the delivery bin or receptacle but that further opening of the door would lift the bin or receptacle floor. The assembly can be compact, relatively noncomplex and economical. It can come in basically a preassembled kit that can be retrofitted or original manufacture equipment. It can include additional features such as anti-cheat functions and dispense detect sensors. An additional feature can be a unique dispensing floor geometry.
G07F 11/38 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les magasins sont horizontaux
6.
Mechanical lift for delivery bins in vending machines
A mechanical lift for delivery bins and receptacles in vending and analogous machines includes a feature that partial opening of a delivery door allows at least partial access to the delivery bin or receptacle but that further opening of the door would lift the bin or receptacle floor. The assembly can be compact, relatively noncomplex and economical. It can come in basically a preassembled kit that can be retrofitted or original manufacture equipment. It can include additional features such as anti-cheat functions and dispense detect sensors. An additional feature can be a unique dispensing floor geometry.
G07F 11/38 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les magasins sont horizontaux
7.
Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.
F25D 17/06 - Dispositions pour la circulation des fluides de refroidissementDispositions pour la circulation de gaz, p. ex. d'air, dans les enceintes refroidies pour la circulation de gaz, p. ex. convection naturelle par circulation d'air forcée
F25D 31/00 - Autres appareils de refroidissement ou de congélation
8.
Vending machine with elevator delivery of vended product to customer access
An automated vending or merchandizing machine includes an elevator sub-assembly which moves a dispensing bin or elevator tray vertically along the fronts of plural vertical levels of product dispensers in the vending machine. A controller tracks the vertical position of the elevator tray. This allows the controller to send the elevator tray to the vertical level of the dispenser of the product selected by a customer, at that level receive and confirm dispensing of the selected product into the elevator tray, and return the elevator tray holding the dispensed product down to a customer delivery or access door or opening in the vending machine that can below the vertical levels of dispensers. Features can include coordination of locking and unlocking of a customer access door and actuating an anti-cheat security baffle with the position of the elevator tray.
B65D 83/00 - Réceptacles ou paquets comportant des moyens particuliers pour distribuer leur contenu
G07F 11/04 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les articles sont stockés verticalement l'un au-dessus de l'autre
G07F 9/02 - Dispositifs pour donner l'alarme ou une indication, p. ex. quand l'appareil est videAménagements publicitaires des appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie
G07F 11/36 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les magasins sont en forme d'hélice ou de spirale
9.
VENDING MACHINE WITH ELEVATOR DELIVERY OF VENDED PRODUCT TO CUSTOMER ACCESS
In one aspect of the present invention, an automated vending or merchandizing machine includes an elevator sub-assembly which moves a dispensing bin or elevator tray vertically along the fronts of plural vertical levels of product dispensers in the vending machine. A controller tracks the vertical position of the elevator tray. This allows the controller to send the elevator tray to the vertical level of the dispenser of the product selected by a customer, at that level receive and confirm dispensing of the selected product into the elevator tray, and return the elevator tray holding the dispensed product down to a customer delivery or access door or opening in the vending machine that can below the vertical levels of dispensers. Features can include coordination of locking and unlocking of a customer access door and actuating an anti-cheat security baffle with the position of the elevator tray. The coordination can provide high assurance that the selected product is dispensed, there is convenient access to the product for the customer, and there is good security of the other products in the vending machine.
G07F 11/04 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les articles sont stockés verticalement l'un au-dessus de l'autre
G07F 9/02 - Dispositifs pour donner l'alarme ou une indication, p. ex. quand l'appareil est videAménagements publicitaires des appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie
G07F 11/36 - Appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie pour distribuer ou délivrer d'une façon analogue, des articles d'une façon discontinue sortant de magasins fixes dans lesquels les magasins sont en forme d'hélice ou de spirale
10.
Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.
An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.
An apparatus, system, and method of monitoring performance of a currency detector such as a coin acceptor or bill validator. Status of the currency detector relative to each item introduced to it is tracked. A ratio of rejected items to accepted items is compiled over a given period of time to create a rejection rate. Rejection rate can be displayed or communicated to another device. The rejection rate can be used to indicate poor operation or malfunction of the currency detector. It may indicate attempts at cheating. It also can be used to attempt to improve performance or adjust or train operation of the currency detector. Analogous techniques can be used to monitor performance of a credit card or proximity card reader.
G07F 9/02 - Dispositifs pour donner l'alarme ou une indication, p. ex. quand l'appareil est videAménagements publicitaires des appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie
13.
Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine
An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.
F25D 17/04 - Dispositions pour la circulation des fluides de refroidissementDispositions pour la circulation de gaz, p. ex. d'air, dans les enceintes refroidies pour la circulation de gaz, p. ex. convection naturelle
brevets
