Back to results
US 6,786,355 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for article contact detection
OwnerMunroe Chirnomasinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
Loading patent…
OwnerMunroe Chirnomasinventor
Estimating the term…
An article dispensing apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, including a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser for retrieving articles from a storage area. In one embodiment, a sensor having an output responsive to changes in partial pressure inside the air hose, such as an airflow sensor coupled to the suction-hose, can initially act to sense the timing of contact of the suction hose with an article to be dispensed. As long as suction is provided to the gripping end of the suction hose prior to the hose contacting the article to be retrieved, the airflow (and partial pressure) inside the hose will change dramatically as the gripping end of the suction hose makes contact with the article. Furthermore, at the moment when the gripping end of the suction hose is no longer in substantial contact with the article, the airflow sensor again provides an indication signal, due to the sudden change in airflow (and partial pressure) that occurs at the time within the hose. The signals generated by the airflow sensor can be used in place of the prior art mechanically operated proximity sensor, to stop the approach of the gripping end of the hose towards the article, and serve as an indication to initiate removal of the article from the storage area.
An article dispensing apparatus, comprising:
An article dispensing apparatus for the handling of delicate articles, comprising:
An article dispensing apparatus for the handling of delicate articles, comprising:
An article dispensing apparatus for the handling of delicate articles, comprising:
An article dispensing apparatus, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
In which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other: with means for raising the stack of articles to permit delivery of the…
Using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements: the picking arrangements using suction
Coin-freed or like apparatus
Term ended 23 Nov 2022 (estimated)
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improvements in the design and operation of article handling apparatus and is particularly useful in the environment of article handling devices that use a suction-type article handling mechanism.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vending machine constructed and operating in accordance with the principles of the invention.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are front perspective views of the vending machine of FIG. 1, with the front door opened, so as to illustrate the main mechanical and electrical components therein.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the cooperation of the main mechanical and electrical components in the vending machine of FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 illustrates an environment for the invention described herein, in the form of an article dispenser, such as a point-of-sale (POS) dispenser. Although throughout the following description, reference is made to implementation of the invention in a vending machine environment, it is intended that the term “vending machine”, and in fact the environment for the present invention, include more general purpose article handling, retrieval and/or dispensing apparatus, as well as POS equipment. Such equipment, if embodied as a portable device may comprise and be about the size of a traditional vending machine or as large as a tractor-pulled trailer, and if embodied as a non-portable device may comprise and be embodied as an automated dispensing room or an area located in a permanent structure, such as in a building (aboveground or underground, and with or without interior walls or an enclosing cabinet). Furthermore, it is intended that the term “articles” or “products” include in at least some of the embodiments of the invention described herein, not only goods, but also services and/or information, in either a permanent or temporal form.
Accordingly, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vending machine 10, comprising one embodiment for an apparatus which is constructed and operates according to the present invention. Vending machine 10 includes a main cabinet 12 and a front door 14 mounted on a hinge 16 for providing access to the interior of the vending machine for servicing (refilling it with articles, maintenance, etc.). Note, in a further vending machine embodiment, a service door or port could be positioned anywhere on or as a part of cabinet 12. In FIG. 1, front door 14 in shown in a closed position, forming an enclosure with main cabinet 12, within which various components of vending machine 10 are housed, as explained in more detail below.
Front door 14 includes a convex-shaped section 18 adjacent a flat section 20; however, these particular shapes are not necessary to the invention. The convex-shaped section 18 comprises a translucent plastic display panel 18, which typically has brand name and/or logo graphics displayed thereon, and may even include graphics which illustrate the individual articles that are vendible by vending machine 10, as well as the price and/or selection information for the articles. Panel 18 is typically back-light using fluorescent bulbs, not shown.