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US 10,832,511 B2Granted
Systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating module-based vending
AssigneeVengo Inc.
InventorsBrian Shimmerlik, Steven Bofill, Brian Bofill, Jafar Mohammed, Adam Gartenberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.
Claims16
A modular vending machine system comprising:
- a modular vending machine comprising:
- a module holding structure for removably securing a respective product dispensing module to hang vertically within the modular vending machine,
- a drive assembly configured to operatively couple with a respective product dispensing module for dispensing products from the product dispensing module, and
- a vending machine controller configured to control dispensing of products from at least one product dispensing module;
- and
- the at least one product dispensing module comprising:
- a mounting structure configured to be removably engaged with the module holding structure of the modular vending machine,
- a conveyor comprising a plurality of product supporting positions, and
- a coupler connected to the conveyor, the coupler being configured for coupling with the drive assembly of the modular vending machine for operating the conveyor,
- wherein the module holding structure comprises at least one supporting shelf.
7 more elements
A modular vending machine system comprising:
- a modular vending machine comprising:
- a module holding structure for removably securing a product dispensing module to hang vertically within the modular vending machine, and
- a vending machine controller configured to control dispensing of products from the product dispensing module,
- and
- a product dispensing module comprising:
- a conveyor comprising a plurality of product supporting positions in a substantially vertical arrangement,
- a container connected to the conveyor, the container comprising at least one wall configured to retain products in the product supporting positions of the conveyor, and
- a mounting structure connected to the container and removably engaged with the module holding structure of the module vending machine,
- wherein the module holding structure comprises at least one supporting shelf.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.