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 Title: |
US4812629:
Method and apparatus for vending
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
O'Neil, James P.; San Diego, CA
Powell, Ken R.; San Diego, CA
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| Assignee: |
Term-Tronics, Incorporated, San Diego, CA
other patents from TERM-TRONICS, INCORPORATED (568785) (approx. 1)
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| Published / Filed: |
1989-03-14
/ 1987-04-23
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| Application Number: |
US1987000042594
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
G06K 17/00;
G07F 7/00;
G07F 7/02;
G07F 7/06;
G07F 11/62;
G11B 15/68;
Core:
G07F 11/00;
more...
IPC-7:
G06K 15/00;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
235/383;
194/217;
194/906;
221/013;
235/381;
235/462.01;
360/092.1;
414/274;
700/236;
700/237;
700/243;
G9B/015.142;
Original:
235/383;
235/381;
235/462;
194/217;
221/013;
360/092;
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| Field of Search: |
235/375,383,381,462,383
360/092,12
194/217
221/013,79,127
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| Priority Number: |
| 1985-03-06 |
US1985000708897 |
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| Abstract: |
A video cassette vending machine has a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible and a vend position which is user-accessible. A carrier unit is provided for carrying a selected video cassette between one of the storage positons and the vend position. a positioning unit is provided for positioning the carrier unit proximate to a selected storage position in response to user input. An engaging unit fixed to the carrier unit is provided for engaging and disengaging a selected video cassette. A reader unit is provided for identifying a selected video cassette. A microprocessor memory system is provided for recording and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity of the selected video cassette.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Trafton, David L.;
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| Maintenance Status: |
E2 Expired Check current status
CC Certificate of Correction issued
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
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Family Legal Status Report
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| Parent Case: |
This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 708,897, filed Mar. 6, 1985, now abandoned.
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| Designated Country: |
AU DK EP FI JP NO BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL SE
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| Family: |
Show 12 known family members
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First Claim:
Show all 13 claims |
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
- a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible;
- at least one vend position which includes a user-accessible opening;
- memory means for storing and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity and location of the stored items;
- means for accepting user input for selecting or returning an item;
- carrier means for selectively transferring a selected item between one of said storage positions and said vend position in response to user input, said carrier means including a rotatable table and means for moving said table to a first position proximate a selected storage position and a second position proximate said vend position;
- engaging means slidably connected to said table for selectively engaging and releasing a selected item when said rotatable table is in either of said first and second positions, said engaging means comprising a mechanical finger means;
- rotating means for rotating said table so that said engaging means is aligned with a selected storage position or a vend position when said rotatable table is in either of said first and second positions;
- means for sliding said engaging means from a home position to an extended position in which the engaging means extends toward a selected storage position or vend position to engage or release a selected item in one of said storage or vend positions;
- control means coupled with and combining with said memory means, carrier means, engaging means, rotating means and sliding means for (1) transferring an item from a storage position to a user-accessible opening in response to a user selection and (2) transferring a returned item from a user accessible opening to an empty storage position upon return of the item; and
- reader means coupled with said memory means for identifying an item which is dispensed or returned through the user-accessible opening.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
Show 113 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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