Micro-processor programmable and selectable vending options and control

• US 20080109113A1
• Filed: 10/11/2007
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems Incorporated (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems Incorporated (Crane Company)
• Inventors: Baack, Jerry, Black, Talbert
• Application Number:
  US11/974,118
• Publication Number:
  US 20080109113A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/244
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/007 wherein the storage and dispensing mechanism are configurable in relation to the physical or geometrical properties of the articles to be stored or dispensed
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/24 Rotary or oscillatory members

Abstract

A vending machine employing an electronic control unit which may be easily programmed initially with predefined angles of a cradle corresponding to existing products or vended items. The control unit has the option of setting custom vending angles with a new, previously unknown product package is to be vended from the machine, allowing a user to rapidly set up the machine for a range of package types. Custom angle settings may be used when needed to avoid loading a new control program whenever a new package type becomes available.

Claims

1-18. -18. (canceled)

19. A method of operating a vending machine comprising:

operating the vending machine in a normal mode wherein the machine vends product containers based on preprogrammed vend information;

switching operation of the vending machine to a service mode wherein the machine may be programmed with additional vend information;

choosing a program routine from at least two of testing, set selection depth and set package type routines;

inputting additional vend information based on the program routine chosen; and

storing the additional vend information along with the preprogrammed vend information.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

individually programming the additional vend information for various stack areas of the vending machine.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

simultaneously programming the additional vend information for a plurality of stack areas to the vending machine.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

selecting the testing routine; and

choosing between column vend, jog or selection switch tests.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

selecting the column vend test; and

identifying one of a plurality of stack areas in the vending machine; and

running a test on said one of the plurality of stack areas to determine proper dispensing from said one of the plurality of stack areas.