Method and apparatus for vending
First Claim
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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0 Petitions
Accused Products
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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Citations
13 Claims
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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:
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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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2. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 magnetic means; rotating means for rotating said table so that said engaging means is aligned with a selected storage positon 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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3. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 identify 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 an electromagnet; rotating means for rotating said table or 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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4. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 identify 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; 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; customer identifier means for identifying a customer, for debiting a customer'"'"'s account when a selected item is carried to the vend position from one of said storage positions and for crediting the account when a selected item is returned;
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; andreader means coupled with said memory means for identifying an item which is dispensed or returned through the user-accessible opening.
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5. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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; a plurality of individual cases which hold each said separate item, each said case having an attachment means which cooperates with said engaging 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 ore turned through the user-accessible opening. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 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; 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 form 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; service input means for recognizing a service request and for, upon a single service request, dispending all copies of a selecting item through the vend position; 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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8. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 or 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; rotating means for rotating said table so that said engaging means is aligned with a selected storage positon 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; printing means for printing a statement of predetermined details of the vending transaction and issuing the statement to a customer upon completion of a transaction; 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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9. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 as 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; 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 releases a selected item in one of said storage or vend positions; communication means for communicating information between said memory means and an external, central control, wherein said communication means includes a telephone access line; 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. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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10. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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; rotating means or rotating said table so that said engaging means is aligned with a selected storage positon 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 end position to engage or release a selected item in one of said storage or vend positions; reservation means for allowing a user to reserve a selected item and prevent the dispensing of the last remaining selected item to another; 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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12. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate videocassettes in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the videocassettes, the dispensing machine comprising:
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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 videocassettes; means for accepting user input for selecting or returning a videocassette; carrier means for selectively transferring a selected videocassette 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 videocassette when said rotatable table is in either of said first and second positions; a plurality of individual cases which hold each videocassette, each case having an attachment means which cooperates with said engaging 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 videocassette 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 a videocassette from a storage position to a user-accessible opening in response to a user selection and (2) transferring a returned videocassette from a user accessible opening to an empty storage position upon return of the videocassette; and reader means coupled with said memory means for identifying a videocassette which is dispensed or returned through the user-accessible opening. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification