TIME DELAY PRODUCT PUSHING SYSTEM
First Claim
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1. A system for dispensing products comprising:
- (a) a device that controls access to products stored within the device comprising;
(1) a door having an open position and a closed position, the door restricting access to product stored within the device when the door is in the closed position;
(2) a stop configured to be activated by the door; and
(3) a movable pusher assembly that urges product toward the door;
(b) one or more sensors configured to sense the proximity of the stop to generate at least one signal relating to at least one of the following;
whether the door is in the open or closed position;
how long the door has been in the open position;
when the pusher assembly moves to urge product toward the front of the device; and
the number of products stored within the device;
wherein the sensors are not accessible to a consumer attempting to access product stored within the device;
(c) a processor in electronic communication with the one or more sensors and configured to process data; and
(d) a transmitter in electronic communication with the processor, the transmitter capable of transmitting at least some of the data processed in the processor to at least one device external to the system.
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Abstract
A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.
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Citations
1 Claim
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1. A system for dispensing products comprising:
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(a) a device that controls access to products stored within the device comprising; (1) a door having an open position and a closed position, the door restricting access to product stored within the device when the door is in the closed position; (2) a stop configured to be activated by the door; and (3) a movable pusher assembly that urges product toward the door; (b) one or more sensors configured to sense the proximity of the stop to generate at least one signal relating to at least one of the following;
whether the door is in the open or closed position;
how long the door has been in the open position;
when the pusher assembly moves to urge product toward the front of the device; and
the number of products stored within the device;wherein the sensors are not accessible to a consumer attempting to access product stored within the device; (c) a processor in electronic communication with the one or more sensors and configured to process data; and (d) a transmitter in electronic communication with the processor, the transmitter capable of transmitting at least some of the data processed in the processor to at least one device external to the system.
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Specification