EP1171852B1 - Dispensing apparatus and method of using same - Google Patents

Dispensing apparatus and method of using same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1171852B1
EP1171852B1 EP00920097A EP00920097A EP1171852B1 EP 1171852 B1 EP1171852 B1 EP 1171852B1 EP 00920097 A EP00920097 A EP 00920097A EP 00920097 A EP00920097 A EP 00920097A EP 1171852 B1 EP1171852 B1 EP 1171852B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
products
picking
assembly
fingers
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00920097A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1171852A2 (en
Inventor
William S. Credle, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coca Cola Co
Original Assignee
Coca Cola Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coca Cola Co filed Critical Coca Cola Co
Publication of EP1171852A2 publication Critical patent/EP1171852A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1171852B1 publication Critical patent/EP1171852B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/165—Delivery means using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/163—Delivery means characterised by blocking access to the output bins
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
    • G07F11/32—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or magazines having a common delivery chute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an "X-Y" picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.
  • a chute is typically located in the path of the falling article and directs the falling article to a discharge port located beneath the shelves or storage bins.
  • Such conventional vending machines do not fully utilize the interior space of the vending machine. Since gravity is used to deliver the article to the discharge port, the space adjacent and beneath the discharge cannot be used to store vendable articles. Therefore, the discharge port is typically located in the lower portion of the vending machine, which may not always be suitable for the users.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,867,628 shows a dispenser that moves an article in or out of a storage compartment via a bin.
  • the bin is operable in the Z-direction via a slide guide.
  • German reference apparently shows a dispenser that removes an article from a storage compartment via a piercing device that moves in the Z-direction.
  • Glass door vendors include a glass door on the front, with the glass door being opened from the front by the servicing personnel. This allows the servicing personnel to access the products through a front opening. Products are also visible by the consumer, which is an advantage. However, packout is also a consideration in the building of the devices, especially if the products are standing upright, and have different heights. In such a situation the highest product on a particular shelf may result in poor packout if other lower products are used within the same shelf. Furthermore, the gear motors are used to drive the coils in each of the product dispensing areas in the glass door vendors again tend to add to the cost and burden the reliability of the overall dispensing apparatus.
  • the glass door vendors do have advantages; when a customer walks up to a glass door vendor, he/she can see whether or not there is product in the machine. If a customer cannot see the product, there may be some hesitation on behalf of the customer to use the vendor.
  • the known dispensing devices described above would not be useful in the glass door vendor applications because the dispensers would block the view of the customer to the products.
  • the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by providing an improved product vending apparatus which allows for viewing of the products, provides improved packout, and accommodates a variety of dispensing schemes, while still remaining cost-efficient and reliable.
  • US 4560088 discloses an article dispensing device including rotable means for dispensing separate, individual articles.
  • DE-U-9416212 and US-A-4867628 discloses an apparatus for storing and dispensing a plurality of products, said apparatus comprising:
  • the present invention is characterised over DE-U-9416212 and US-A-4867628 in that said picking apparatus comprises a rotating member that is configured to rotate such that the rotating apparatus separates one of said products from said plurality of products.
  • Fig. 1 is an illustrative view of one such dispensing apparatus 10 which dispenses a plurality of different products 11 out of various rows I, II, III, and IV, by use of a picking assembly 20 which is part of a X-Y traverse assembly 15.
  • the picking assembly 20 includes rotating fingers 21, stationary fingers 22, and left and right block members 23, 24, respectively, each of which engage and move horizontally relatively to upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31.
  • the picking assembly 20 can "pick" a product, move the product to a remote location by means of the X-Y traverse assembly 15, and dispense the product as desired.
  • the frame of the overall dispensing apparatus 10 is shown generally as 13 in Fig. 5.
  • This frame can be as known in the art in that it can provide an enclosure for containing product as well as a framework for supporting various of the other internal components of the apparatus, such as the X-Y traverse assembly 15.
  • the X-Y traverse assembly 15 includes the picking assembly 20, and also includes upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31, left and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26, and left and right vertical rods 32, 33.
  • the left and right vertical rods 32, 33 extend in a generally coparallel fashion, and are configured to allow for relative vertical movement of the left and right assembly blocks 25, 26 along their respective heights. This can be done by providing an interaction of the rods 32, 33 and the blocks 25, 26 such as used in conventional X-Y plotter technology.
  • the horizontal rods 32, 33 have each of their ends mounted in left and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26.
  • the picking assembly 20 is moved along an "X" axis by its relative movement along upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31 .
  • the picking assembly 20 is moved along its "Y" axis by parallel movement of the left and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26, along corresponding left and right vertical rods 32, 33.
  • Such movement along the X and Y axes allow for the picking assembly to select (a.k.a. "pick”) products, move to a different location, and subsequently release (a.k.a. "release”) them into a single outlet chute (not shown) or into a six-pack container by use of the guide member 50 shown in Fig. 1.
  • the picking assembly includes not only the previously-discussed left and right picking assembly blocks 23, 24, but also a pair of rotating fingers 21 and a pair of stationary fingers 22.
  • the pair of stationary fingers 22 are configured to be mounted one each within corresponding left and right picking assembly blocks 23, 24. As will be discussed later, the pair of stationary fingers 22 is configured to provide a "cradle" for the product after it is picked by the rotating fingers 21 but before it is discharged by the picking assembly 20.
  • the rotating fingers 21 rotate in a single direction (although it may be reversible) with such rotation being around a central, substantially horizontal, axis. This pair of rotating fingers 21 is used to "pick" product from the front of a row of products, with the rotating fingers 21 passing through the comblike fingers 40 in the shelves 12 discussed below.
  • the rotating fingers 21 also provide a " block" to the can behind the target can so that the next can does not roll off the shelf under its own momentum.
  • Figs. 1 and 3 in describing the shelves 12 used to contain the products prior to their dispensing.
  • Fig. 1 four rows I, II, III, and IV of products 11 are stored on an exemplary single shelf 12.
  • This shelf is inclined as known in the art and includes dividers as known in the art to provide a plurality of inclined "chutes", which allow product, especially round product, to slide or roll down to the front of the shelf under the influence of gravity (spring pressure may be used to assist rectangular or irregular product as needed).
  • a comblike lip configuration provided by a plurality of spaced-apart "fingers", which extend generally upwardly from the front edge of the shelf 12, to provide a retention feature for the front can in each row so that it will not fall off.
  • This retention feature can be overcome by the use of the rotating fingers 21 as noted above, which pass through the comblike fingers 40 and allow for the frontmost product from a particular row to be withdrawn by the picking assembly 20.
  • FIG. 3 is a side illustrative view of a plurality of different products 11 loaded within various shelves 12A, 12B, and 12C, also showing by illustration the relative movement of the rotating fingers 21 as they cooperate with stationary fingers 22 in picking a product 11 and moving it through positions shown as 11-A, 11-B, and 11-C.
  • An alternately sized product 11' is also shown to illustrate that the apparatus 10 according to the present invention can accommodate differently sized products.
  • Figs. 4a-4d are illustrative side views showing sequential steps in the picking process of the rotating fingers 21 and stationary fingers 22, as a target product 11 is picked, and a "next" product takes its place at the front of the product row..
  • shelf above the item being picked sometimes assists retention of the item as it is being picked, in that the shelf above blocks the item from falling out of the rotating fingers.
  • the products can then be carried by the picking assembly 20 to be discharged at a remote location.
  • Such discharge can take many forms.
  • One type of discharge can be by bringing the product downwardly until one end contacts a stationary surface, thus tipping the product out of the cradle of the picking assembly 20 such that it can fall under the influence of gravity to a waiting chute or guide member (such as 50 in Fig. 1).
  • the product could be lowered downwardly on to an inclined ramp, with the inclined ramp being positioned between the two stationary fingers 22.
  • one of the stationary fingers 22 could "drop-out", allowing release of the product without contact with any other device.
  • Fig. 5 shows how one can begin with one machine A, and then the machine can be built upon.
  • Fig. 5 shows different modules.
  • the first picture shows the concept of an "A” module alone.
  • This "A” module could include just an enclosure, shelves, and an X-Y picker assembly.
  • the second picture (A+B) shows the A module in conjunction with a base module which allows the cans to come out in the front, in the side, or as desired.
  • the third picture (A+C) shows the A module in conjunction with a base module which allows the cans to come out one at a time in the front, or a multiple pack including multiple products in an erected container could also be provided.
  • the fourth picture (A+C+D) shows the A module in conjunction with a base module which allows the cans to come out one at a time in the front, or a multiple pack including multiple products in an erected container provided by an on-site erector D could also be provided.
  • FIG. 6-10 show an alternate picking apparatus 120 which can be used with an alternate apparatus 200.
  • Fig. 6 is an isolated pictorial view of an alternate picking assembly 120.
  • This picking assembly 120 includes a body 119, a rotating shaft assembly 125 having two rotating fingers 121, a stationary support rod 122, a motor 130, a beveled gear 140, a beveled gear 141, and a pair of bearings 150.
  • the body 119 is generally "U-shaped" in transverse cross-section, having a main portion and two sidewall portions extending in the same direction from opposing edges from the main portion. These two sidewall portions are substantially planar and coparallel. The two sidewall portions and the main portion combine to form a partially enclosed concealment space for location of a drive motor 130 and other elements discussed elsewhere.
  • the stationary support rod 122 is substantially rigidly attached relative to one of the side walls of the body 119, and is configured to cooperate with the rotating shaft 125 as discussed in detail latter.
  • the rotating shaft assembly 125 includes two rotating fingers, each designated 121. When suitably manipulated, these two rotating fingers cooperate to support an elongate product 11 such as those shown in Fig. 1, and such as shown in phantom in a cradled position in Fig. 7.
  • the rotating shaft assembly 125 is rotatably mounted relatively to the body 119 of the picking assembly 120 by use of pair of bearings 150.
  • One bearing is located within each of the side walls, and is configured to accept the rotating shaft assembly 125 to allow suitable rotation of the rotating shaft assembly 125 relative to the body 119.
  • a beveled gear 141 is rigidly attached to and is part of the rotating shaft assembly 125, at a location along the rotating shaft assembly 125 intermediate the two bearings 150.
  • the beveled gear 141 is configured to mate with beveled gear 140, which is rotatably driven by a motor 130, such that rotation of the motor 130 causes rotation of the rotating shaft assembly 125.
  • the rotating shaft assembly 125 may likewise be suitably controlled, such that its rotational position, rotational speed, and rotational direction may all be suitably controlled via electronics or other suitable means known in the art.
  • the motor 130 can be any type suitable in the art, but in one configuration is contemplated to be a DC gearmotor or a stepper motor.
  • the main shaft of the rotating shaft assembly 125 may be seen to be substantially parallel to the stationary support rod 122, and in the preferred embodiment is substantially level with the rotating shaft 125.
  • the rotating shaft assembly 125 may be positioned in what could be thought as a "ready" position, such position being the position in which the picking assembly 120 is positioned when empty and in transit.
  • Fig. 7 is another view of the picking assembly 120 shown in Fig. 6, except in this configuration, the rotating shaft assembly 125 has been rotated to a different position. This position may be thought as the position in which the product 11 has been picked is "dropped" into the cradle provided by the members 125, 122. In this position the previously-described "blocking" feature can likewise be performed by the rotating fingers 121.
  • the rotating shaft assembly 125 preferably may be rotated back to the position in Fig. 6 without disturbing the product cradled thereby. This can be done just before the product gets "stripped", as noted in more detail elsewhere.
  • Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figs. 7 and 6, with certain dimensions, although not absolutely critical to the operation of the invention, being noted as the result of planning by the inventor.
  • dimension A can be 3.375 inches.
  • Dimension B can be 5.658 inches.
  • Dimension C can be 1.600 inches.
  • Dimension D can be 3.0 inches.
  • Dimension E can be 1.175 inches.
  • the diameter "d" of the stationary support rod 122 and the main elongate rod of the rotating shaft 125 can be in each instance 0.250 inches.
  • Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate one means in which the apparatus 120 of Figs. 6-8 may be moved about a larger supporting apparatus 200.
  • This larger supporting apparatus 200 includes a first cable portion 201, and a second cable portion 202. Further included is a slide member 210, a vertical position motor 220, a horizontal position motor 230, and a dispensing location 240.
  • the vertical position motor 220 moves the picking assembly 120 in the vertical direction
  • the horizontal positioning motor 230 moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal direction, all by use of first and second cable portions 201 and 202.
  • the first cable portion 201 is substantially endless in function, although in practice it can be a single length of cable, cord, or other suitable flexible material having each of its ends attached to a common movable element.
  • This frame is not shown in Figs. 9 or 10 but is generally shown in Fig. 11.
  • the ends of the first cable portion 201 are attached to the elongate slide member 210, discussed below. Operation of the horizontal positioning motor 230, which includes a drive pulley engaging the first cable portion 201, moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal direction as discussed in more detail below.
  • the picking assembly 120 is slidably mounted relative to the slide member 210, such that the picking assembly 120 can slide up and down the elongate slide member 210, subject to the constraints of the second cable portion 202 as discussed below.
  • Vertical position motor 200 is attached relative to the slide member 210 and moves horizontally therewith.
  • the second cable portion 202 is substantially endless in its function, although in practice it can be a single length of cable, cord, or other suitable flexible material having each of its ends attached to a common movable element.
  • This common movable element could be the picking assembly 120, such that rotation of the vertical position motor 220 causes movement, either up or down, of the picking assembly 120.
  • the second cable portion 202 is supported by two pulleys, a cable guide pulley 203 rotatably mounted to the lower end of the slide member 210, and a drive pulley being part of the vertical position motor 220.
  • the vertical positioning of the picking assembly 120 can likewise be controlled.
  • the elongate slide member 210 has an upper end attached relative to the first cable portion 201, and a lower portion attached relative to the first cable portion 201. Referring now also to Fig. 10, by use of the direction arrows 250, one can see that the cable portions to which the slide member 210 is attached move in generally the same direction, such that movement of the first cable portion 201 causes the slide member 210 to likewise move in a particular horizontal direction at the same speed as the cable 201.
  • the slide member 210 is likewise moved side-to-side depending upon the rotation of the horizontal position motor 230.
  • the slide member moves generally to the right, it may likewise be understood that the picking assembly 120 will also be moved to the right, along with the vertical position motor 220.
  • the vertical position motor 220 is similarly operated.
  • the vertical position motor 220 moves the picking assembly 120 in the vertical direction
  • the horizontal positioning motor 230 moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal direction.
  • the picking assembly 120 may then be moved generally towards the dispensing location 240, for deposit therein to be removed by the consumer.
  • the picking assembly 120 as shown in, for example, Fig. 7, is somewhat of a "cantilevered” design, in that the cradled product 11 is positioned to the side of the body 119 of the device. Therefore, it may be seen that this "cantilevered" design makes it possible for the cradled product (as well as the supporting fingers 120, a portion of the rotating shaft 125, and a portion of the stationary support rod 122 ), to be inserted into the dispensing location 120.
  • the product may then be withdrawn by the consumer with the product still cradled.
  • the product may be "stripped" from the picking assembly 120 by suitable means which causes the cradle product to be stripped off of its cradled position as the picking assembly 120 is withdrawn from the dispensing location 120 and back into its picking zone. The consumer could then reach in and grasp the product. If desired suitable barriers could be provided to prevent consumers from being able to reach in and contact the moving assembly 120.
  • the dispensing location 240 can include in inlet flap to allow some separation of the picking zone (which may be refrigerated) to the dispensing zone (which may not be refrigerated).
  • a flap or flaps could be used to provide the stripping function, by being configured as "one-way" flaps which pivot inwardly into the dispensing location cavity, but not outwardly.
  • interference member could be selectively moved from above, below, or to the side of the position of the cradled product, to provide a stripping function.
  • FIG. 11-12 show the apparatus 200 as well as alternate apparatuses 300, 400, and 500.
  • Fig. 11 is a simplified front elevational version showing operation of the apparatus 200 used with the picking apparatus 120, mainly for comparison with Figs. 12-14.
  • Fig. 12 shows an alternate version 300, which includes the use of a central supporting shaft 301, which moves a rod 302 along its axis, and has a picking assembly 320 attached to its end.
  • the picking assembly 320 may be moved to suitable locations within the rectangle which designates the general picking zone.
  • Fig. 13 shows an alternate version 400, showing the use of an articulating arm assembly 401 supporting a picking assembly 420.
  • the articulating arm assembly is mounted to the frame of the overall apparatus outside of the picking zone.
  • Fig. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment 500, in which a telescopic arm assembly 501 supports at its free end a picking assembly 520 but said a telescopic arm assembly 501 is supported relative to the frame of the assembly along pivot point 505.
  • Fig. 15 shows a vending assembly 200 contemplated by the configuration shown in Figs. 6-10.
  • This vending assembly 200 includes a delivery port 241 into which the consumer can place his/her hand to withdraw the product from the dispensing location.
  • Fig. 16 shows a prior art vending assembly 1000 for reference purposes.
  • the fingers could be independent with each other and at one point one or the other of the fingers could move upwardly, causing tilting to either side.
  • a "two way" picker could also be used with a hand-like grip.
  • the products could also be standing when gripped with this type of gripper.
  • an option which may be used with the present invention includes the use of "variety packs", which can be provided by filling the variety pack with different products within the vendor.
  • the holder can dump products into different slots with in the six pack, and the six pack guide member can include slots to allow clearance of the apparatus.
  • the X-Y picker will move in view of the user prior to making its picking selection. If so desired, the X-Y picker could be programmed to "follow" the hand of a user should the user place his or her hand on the front glass. In such a situation, the user could move his or her hand on the front glass, and the X-Y picker could effectively follow the hand. If so desired, the apparatus could also be programmed to select the item corresponding to the point at which the user removed his or her hand from the front glass.
  • vending apparatus could also go through movements while it is not being used.
  • the X-Y picker could move through the X and Y axes (without picking) to draw the attention of the user.
  • the present invention provides an improvement over the prior art by providing a vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves; and an "X-Y" picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • De-Stacking Of Articles (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Encapsulation Of And Coatings For Semiconductor Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
EP00920097A 1999-04-02 2000-03-31 Dispensing apparatus and method of using same Expired - Lifetime EP1171852B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12762999P 1999-04-02 1999-04-02
US127629P 1999-04-02
PCT/US2000/008887 WO2000060553A2 (en) 1999-04-02 2000-03-31 Dispensing apparatus and method of using same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1171852A2 EP1171852A2 (en) 2002-01-16
EP1171852B1 true EP1171852B1 (en) 2006-08-09

Family

ID=22431069

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00920097A Expired - Lifetime EP1171852B1 (en) 1999-04-02 2000-03-31 Dispensing apparatus and method of using same

Country Status (14)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1171852B1 (id)
JP (1) JP4169482B2 (id)
CN (1) CN1161718C (id)
AT (1) ATE336052T1 (id)
AU (1) AU746873B2 (id)
BR (1) BR0009521A (id)
CA (1) CA2366463A1 (id)
DE (1) DE60029943T2 (id)
ES (1) ES2267515T3 (id)
ID (1) ID30520A (id)
MX (1) MXPA01009584A (id)
NO (1) NO20014786L (id)
WO (1) WO2000060553A2 (id)
ZA (1) ZA200107286B (id)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3863417A4 (en) * 2018-10-08 2022-07-06 Pepsico Inc GRANITE DISPENSER AND GRANITE DISTRIBUTION METHODS

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI20002371A0 (fi) * 2000-10-27 2000-10-27 Jypa Automaatio Oy Valinta-automaatti
FR2823086B1 (fr) * 2001-04-06 2005-07-01 Jean Pierre Bauduin Appareil permettant d'automatiser la vente de produits alimentaires
FR2831307B1 (fr) * 2001-10-18 2004-03-26 Jean Paul Dessair Procede de distribution automatique d'objets destines a la vente et/ou a la location et dispositif mettant en oeuvre le procede
EP1458637A4 (en) * 2001-11-23 2010-02-10 Munroe Chirnomas MACHINE AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISTRIBUTING ARTICLES
EP1355279A1 (fr) * 2002-04-16 2003-10-22 Jean-Francois Bir Dispositif de soulèvement
ITMI20030538A1 (it) * 2003-03-20 2004-09-21 Ohg F Lli Manea S R L Dispositivo di prelievo migliorato per una macchina automatica distributrice di prodotti
MX2008000987A (es) * 2005-07-20 2008-11-27 Coin Acceptors Inc Metodo para retroajustar una maquina expendedora.
ITVI20060194A1 (it) * 2006-06-26 2007-12-27 Roberto Guglielmi Apparecchio erogatore di prodotti solidi
US20090101614A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-23 The Coca-Cola Company Unpowered End Effector for Dispensing Apparatus
DK201170189A (en) * 2011-04-19 2012-10-20 Proces Data As Drive for internal transport system
CN104574629B (zh) * 2013-10-12 2017-10-03 山东新北洋信息技术股份有限公司 取币机构及使用该机构的硬币卷分发机
CN104282084B (zh) * 2014-09-18 2016-06-22 昆明理工大学 一种食堂自动送餐盘打饭机
CN105692186B (zh) * 2014-11-27 2019-02-12 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 一种饮料机送料机构及送料方法、饮料机
CN104778783A (zh) * 2015-04-14 2015-07-15 赵忠义 一种娱乐式售货柜
CN107798775B (zh) * 2017-09-30 2021-01-29 广东便捷神科技股份有限公司 红酒自动售卖机
CN111016804B (zh) * 2018-10-10 2022-12-13 上海汽车集团股份有限公司 汽车扶手箱
CN110033556B (zh) * 2019-04-01 2023-11-28 广州巨米智能设备有限公司 一种自动售货机的出货货道
CN110120127B (zh) * 2019-05-20 2021-07-09 株式会社镰仓食品有限公司 分配器装置及自动售货机
CN110415440A (zh) * 2019-08-28 2019-11-05 天津智汇未来科技有限公司 一种饮料售卖机器人传动装置及售卖机器人
CN111429654B (zh) * 2020-06-09 2020-09-04 深圳惠通天下信息技术有限公司 瓶装饮品自动贩卖机
CN113393613A (zh) * 2021-06-11 2021-09-14 北京桔子晴朗科技有限公司 一种用于盒装商品的自助售卖货道组件
CN114435644B (zh) * 2022-04-11 2022-06-21 山东希格斯新能源有限责任公司 一种锂电池pack成品包装机构

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4190179A (en) * 1978-10-04 1980-02-26 The Vendo Company Apparatus for storing and dispensing generally cylindrical products
US4867628A (en) * 1988-01-15 1989-09-19 Ammon J Preston Dispenser storage system
US5139384A (en) * 1989-02-23 1992-08-18 Philip Tuttobene Article vending machine
DE9416212U1 (de) * 1994-10-07 1995-02-02 Klumpen, Heinz Willi, 40668 Meerbusch Ausgabeautomat für konsumierbare Gegenstände, insbesondere für Medikamente, Entnahmevorrichtung für in einem Magazin insbesondere eines Ausgabeautomaten aufgenommene Gegenstände sowie Verpackung für konsumierbare Gegenstände
US5791516A (en) * 1995-10-03 1998-08-11 Fawn Engineering Corporation Apparatus and method for dispensing items from a vending machine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3863417A4 (en) * 2018-10-08 2022-07-06 Pepsico Inc GRANITE DISPENSER AND GRANITE DISTRIBUTION METHODS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA200107286B (en) 2002-11-27
DE60029943D1 (de) 2006-09-21
CN1345432A (zh) 2002-04-17
NO20014786L (no) 2001-12-03
EP1171852A2 (en) 2002-01-16
JP2002541569A (ja) 2002-12-03
BR0009521A (pt) 2002-01-15
ATE336052T1 (de) 2006-09-15
ES2267515T3 (es) 2007-03-16
AU4068700A (en) 2000-10-23
CN1161718C (zh) 2004-08-11
CA2366463A1 (en) 2000-10-12
DE60029943T2 (de) 2007-03-01
AU746873B2 (en) 2002-05-02
WO2000060553A2 (en) 2000-10-12
JP4169482B2 (ja) 2008-10-22
ID30520A (id) 2001-12-13
WO2000060553A3 (en) 2001-02-01
MXPA01009584A (es) 2002-03-14
NO20014786D0 (no) 2001-10-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6682289B1 (en) Dispensing apparatus and method of using same
EP1171852B1 (en) Dispensing apparatus and method of using same
AU2002367720B2 (en) Machine and methods for vending articles
US4867628A (en) Dispenser storage system
US6286715B1 (en) Transparent front vending machine
US20100072221A1 (en) Machine and methods for vending articles
JP3770406B2 (ja) パックの混合を選択するための自動販売機
US8025180B2 (en) Capsule dispensing apparatus
JPH06290338A (ja) 食品の貯蔵・払出装置
JPH11154266A (ja) 自動販売機
WO2000030961A1 (en) Vending machine
JPH049360B2 (id)
JPH08106573A (ja) 自動販売機の商品払出装置
JPH02226495A (ja) 自動販売機
JPH076257A (ja) 自動販売機及び自動販売機における商品の取り出し方法
JPH08161625A (ja) 自動販売機の商品収納室
JPH09128644A (ja) 自動販売機
JPH02148293A (ja) 自動販売機
JPH0665562B2 (ja) 物品の取り出し方法及びその装置
JP2000259937A (ja) 自動販売機の商品搬出装置
JPH0580038B2 (id)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20011022

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050124

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60029943

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060921

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061109

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061109

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070109

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2267515

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

EN Fr: translation not filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070510

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070511

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061110

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070402

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20080326

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060809

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20190219

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20190222

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20190401

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 60029943

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20200330

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20200330

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20200723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20200401