Abstract

A sensing system to process at least one valuable document is described herein. The system includes a light source to generate a light beam. The system also includes at least one light pipe having one or more diverting surfaces to direct the light beam at a predetermined angle of incidence onto the valuable document. At least one reflective surface, to receive a first portion of the light beam transmitted through the valuable document and to reflect off the first portion of the light beam towards the valuable document, is included. A light detector is configured to receive at least a second portion of the light beam re-transmitted through the valuable document.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

Automatic planogram programming for a glass front snack or cold drink vending machine (100) is accomplished using tray, product and price barcodes, each preferably a different type of barcode. Trays 106a-106n within the vending machine are labeled with unique barcodes 109a-109n, and a set (111) of price barcodes for predetermined prices is provided together with a USB-connected scanner (110). The barcode label affixed to any tray is scanned by the route driver. The UPC/EAN barcodes (108) on products are then scanned for each selection progressing across the tray, together with a price barcode for the first selection and each subsequent selection having a different price from the prior selection on the tray. Planogram data for the tray may be reviewed and corrected on a customer interface display for the vending machine before moving on to another tray, with the trays programmed in any order.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
• G07F 9/00 - COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS - Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus

Abstract

A modular infuser 200 includes a back plate assembly 201 containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly 205, an infusing chamber 204, and a mixing chamber 802 The belt 5 assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt 400, an annular seal 401, and a funnel directing liquid to a spout 206 The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow 10 waste removal by rotation of the filter belt The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredients and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for 15 different beverages, such as coffee or tea.

IPC Classes  ?

• A47J 31/06 - Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers
• A47J 31/44 - Parts or details of beverage-making apparatus
• G07F 9/00 - COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS - Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus

Abstract

A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles

Abstract

A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles

Abstract

A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles

Abstract

A vending machine include first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 11/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles