US 7,126,474 B2Granted

Vending machine with remote control alarm

AssigneeFragramatics Manufacturing Co., Inc.

InventorsJames Larry Ingram, Yefim Y. Fundyler, Tony M. Goodwin

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Abstract

An electronic alarm and a vending machine equipped with the alarm monitors a plurality of zones by suitable circuitry to detect vandalism and theft. Each zone has a mechanically-triggered sensor that provides an electrical output. The zones comprise a pair of door sensors and a separate, shock sensor. A solid-state logic circuit includes a red and green indicator light, and a loud warning buzzer ultimately triggered by the sensors. A circuit time delay and logic scheme analyzes sensor status, and separate false-alarm prevention circuits insure proper triggering after a predetermined delay. Alarm status is indicated by highly visible green and red status lights mounted on the door. A buzzer sounds in response to sensor activation and circuit logic. A back-up battery that is coupled to the logic circuitry for fail-safe operation includes an automatic recharge system, and dual red and green LED's monitor battery condition.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A vending machine comprising:

an upright cabinet adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, the cabinet comprising an interior for housing vending machine components and items to be vended;
power supply means for supplying power;
a door coupled to the cabinet that may be opened or closed by a proprietor to expose or close the interior;
and,
an alarm mounted within said cabinet interior for detecting attempted theft and vandalism, the alarm comprising:
door sensor means for providing a signal in response to door opening;
vibration sensor means for providing a signal in response to vibration or shock;
audio transducer means for generating a loud audible sound;
visual transducer means for providing a highly visible indication of the state of the alarm, said visual transducer means comprising at least two status lights of different colors;
alarm circuit means for establishing an idle mode for machine servicing, an armed mode in which the alarm is set during normal operation, and a detected mode occurring when an act of vandalism or theft is properly detected, said circuit means comprising:
means for receiving and analyzing the signals from said door sensor means and said vibration sensor means;
and,
means for activating said audio transducer means;
and,
means for activating said visual transducer means in response to a proper detection of intrusions comprising means for differently activating said lights of different colors according to the mode of the alarm.

12 more elements

A vending machine comprising:

an upright cabinet adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, the cabinet comprising an interior for housing vending machine components and items to be vended;
power supply means for supplying power;
a door coupled to the cabinet that may be opened or closed by a proprietor to expose or close the interior;
an alarm mounted within said cabinet interior for detecting intrusions, said alarm establishing an idle mode for machine servicing, an armed mode for normal operation, and a detected mode occurring when an intrusion is detected, said alarm comprising:
door sensor means for providing a signal in response to door opening;
vibration sensor means for providing a signal in response to vibration or shock;
audio transducer means for generating a loud audible sound;
visual transducer means for providing a highly visible indication of the state of the alarm, said visual transducer means comprising a first status light and a second status light mounted on the cabinet and externally visible to customers;
door sensor means for providing a signal in response to door opening;
vibration sensor means for providing a signal in response to vibration or shock;
audio transducer means for generating a loud audible sound;
visual transducer means for providing a highly visible indication of the state of the alarm, said visual transducer means comprising a first status light and a second status light mounted on the cabinet and externally visible to customers;
first alarm circuit means for activating said audio transducer means;
second alarm circuit means for activating said visual transducer means by
a) in the idle mode, turning said first status light “on” while said second status light is “off”;
(b) in the armed mode, turning on and blinking said second status light while said first status light is “off;” and,
(c) in the detected mode, blinking both said first and second status lights to indicate detected intrusions.

14 more elements

A vending machine comprising:

an upright cabinet adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, the cabinet comprising an interior for housing vending machine components and items to be vended;
power supply means for supplying power;
a door coupled to the cabinet that may be opened or closed by a proprietor to expose or close the interior;
an alarm mounted within said cabinet interior for detecting intrusions, said alarm establishing an idle mode for machine servicing, an armed mode for normal operation, and a detected mode occurring when an intrusion is detected, said alarm comprising:
door sensor means for providing a signal in response to door opening;
vibration sensor means for providing a signal in response to vibration or shock;
audio transducer means for generating a loud audible sound;
visual transducer means for providing a highly visible indication of the state of the alarm, said visual transducer means comprising a first status light and a second status light mounted on the cabinet and externally visible to customers;
first alarm circuit means for activating said audio transducer means;
second alarm circuit means for activating said visual transducer means, said second alarm circuit means comprising:
an armed mode timer for controlling the second status light;
first gate means for activating the armed mode timer;
a detected mode timer for delaying said second alarm circuit means;
second gate means for activating the detected mode timer;
and,
third gate means responsive to said armed mode timer and said detected mode timer for flashing said status lights when an intrusion is detected.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/974,994Filed 28 Oct 2004
Published: US 2006/0097868 A111 May 2006
Granted: 24 Oct 2006
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G07F 9/02
Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus: devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising…
G08B 7/06
Signalling systems according to two or more of groups G08B3/00 - G08B6/00: using electric transmission , e.g. involving audible and visible…
G08B 13/08
Mechanical actuation: by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
G08B 13/1436
By lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles: with motion detection