Article dispensing system and method for same
AssigneeRedbox Automated Retail, LLC
InventorsMichael DeLazzer, Franz Kuehnrich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.
Claims16
A method of transporting and installing articles slated for inventory to an article dispensing machine, comprising the steps of:
- loading a plurality of articles of inventory into an article transport storage unit;
- assigning the article transport storage unit to an article dispensing machine, wherein the article dispensing machine comprises an article transport storage unit receiving station and at least one article storage rack;
- causing the article transport storage unit to be in a locked condition wherein the plurality of articles of inventory cannot be accessed;
- causing delivery of the locked article transport storage unit to the article dispensing machine;
- permitting installation of the locked article transport storage unit into the article transport storage unit receiving station of the article dispensing machine;
- following installation of the article transport storage unit into the article transport storage unit receiving station of the article dispensing machine, causing the article transport storage unit to enter an unlocked condition for allowing unloading of the plurality of articles of inventory to occur;
- and,
- automatically unloading the plurality of articles from the unlocked article transport storage unit and transferring the plurality of articles to the at least one storage rack for later rental or purchase of the plurality of articles.
A method of transporting and installing articles slated for inventory to an article dispensing machine, comprising the steps of:
- storing a first plurality of articles of inventory within a first article transport storage unit to be installed within an article dispensing machine, wherein the article dispensing machine comprises an article transport storage unit receiving station and at least one article storage rack;
- assigning the first article transport storage unit to the article dispensing machine;
- causing the first article transport storage unit to be in a locked condition wherein the first plurality of articles of inventory cannot be accessed;
- causing delivery of the locked first article transport storage unit to the article dispensing machine;
- automatically transferring a second plurality of articles of inventory, positioned within the at least one storage rack, from the at least one storage rack to a second article transport storage unit, and loading the second plurality of articles of inventory into the second article transport storage unit;
- causing entry of a command at the article dispensing machine;
- causing the second article transport storage unit storing the second plurality of articles of inventory, positioned within the article transport storage unit receiving station of the article dispensing machine to enter a locked condition in response to the command;
- causing ejection of the locked second article transport storage unit from the article transport storage unit receiving station of the article dispensing machine;
- causing removal of said locked second article transport storage unit away from said article dispensing machine;
- permitting installation of the locked first article transport storage unit into the article transport storage unit receiving station of the article dispensing machine;
- and
- following installation of the first article transport storage unit into the article dispensing machine, causing the first article transport storage unit to enter an unlocked condition wherein the first plurality of articles of inventory are accessible.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.