Package Advancement System
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine, comprising:
- an end plate positioned on the shelf;
a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package; and
a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods of a package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine which may include an end plate positioned on the shelf, a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package, and a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine, comprising:
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an end plate positioned on the shelf; a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package; and a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for loading a plurality of packages on a shelf comprising:
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moving an end plate of the shelf away from a dispensing end of the shelf; placing the plurality of packages onto the shelf, and forcing the end plate towards the dispensing end of the shelf to secure the packages on the shelf. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. The method of claim 15 wherein the spring is chosen from the group consisting of a roll spring and a coil spring.
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16. A method of dispensing a package from a shelf of a vending machine, comprising:
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moving an end plate of the shelf away from a dispensing end of the shelf; placing the plurality of packages onto the shelf; moving the end plate towards the dispensing end of the shelf using a spring system to secure the packages on the shelf between the end plate and a dispensing door; and opening the dispensing door to permit one package to be dispensed from the shelf.
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Specification