Automated library kiosk
First Claim
1. A self-service kiosk comprising:
- (a) a portable multi-walled enclosure surrounding a plurality of shelves and including a port communicating with the exterior of said enclosure, wherein said shelves support a plurality of drawers, and wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers includes a bottom that circumscribes an inventory storage space;
(b) data entry means responsive to a plurality of user identification codes for interactively selecting items of inventory stored in said drawers upon receipt of one of said plurality of codes and data defining each selected inventory item;
(c) drawer coupling means for coupling to each of said plurality of drawers;
(d) inventory transfer means including a support platform for supporting each of said drawers and manipulating each selected drawer between said shelves and said port; and
(d) controller means responsive to said data entry means for conveying said drawer coupling means and inventory transfer means to selected ones of said drawers for axially withdrawing selected ones of said plurality of drawers from said shelves onto said support platform and for conveying said support platform and extracted tray to said port to deliver a stored inventory item.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A self-service kiosk having a walk-in enclosure, interactive selection panel, multi-section inventory storage area for dispensing items and accepting returns. User selections are entered via instructions entered at an interactive panel containing a selection menu of graphical icons and messages. A programmable controller monitors entered identification data and payments to control the dispensing and return of selected items from assigned storage locations via X-Y-Z track driven, transfer and end effect assemblies. Associated software manages payment transactions via a bill receiver, coin changer, credit card verifier, and receipt printer and develops associated administrative inventory status reports. One end effect includes a hook that interconnects to storage trays. The end effect extends and retracts the trays onto a support platform and conveys the trays and items back and forth from the storage space. A reciprocating comb assembly is also included that cooperates with a magnetic end effect and transfer container.
154 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A self-service kiosk comprising:
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(a) a portable multi-walled enclosure surrounding a plurality of shelves and including a port communicating with the exterior of said enclosure, wherein said shelves support a plurality of drawers, and wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers includes a bottom that circumscribes an inventory storage space;
(b) data entry means responsive to a plurality of user identification codes for interactively selecting items of inventory stored in said drawers upon receipt of one of said plurality of codes and data defining each selected inventory item;
(c) drawer coupling means for coupling to each of said plurality of drawers;
(d) inventory transfer means including a support platform for supporting each of said drawers and manipulating each selected drawer between said shelves and said port; and
(d) controller means responsive to said data entry means for conveying said drawer coupling means and inventory transfer means to selected ones of said drawers for axially withdrawing selected ones of said plurality of drawers from said shelves onto said support platform and for conveying said support platform and extracted tray to said port to deliver a stored inventory item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A self-service kiosk comprising:
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(a) a portable multi-walled enclosure surrounding a plurality of shelves and including a port communicating with the exterior of said enclosure, wherein said shelves support a plurality of drawers, and wherein at least one of said plurality of drawers includes a lip and a bottom that circumscribes an inventory storage space;
(b) data entry means responsive to a plurality of user identification codes for interactively selecting items of inventory stored in said drawers upon receipt of one of said plurality of codes and data defining each selected inventory item;
(c) drawer coupling means having a hook for coupling said hook to said lip;
(d) inventory transfer means including a support platform for supporting each of said drawers and manipulating each selected drawer between said shelves and said port, wherein said support platform comprises first and second sections that are laterally displaced from one another, wherein said first and second sections each include a plurality of stepped surfaces of successively increasing height, wherein said stepped surfaces of said first and second sections are aligned to define a plurality of planar parallel levels at said stepped surfaces, wherein said drawer coupling means and inventory transfer means are coupled to first and second endless driven linkages that convey said platform along a plurality of horizontal drive tracks and vertical columns; and
(e) controller means responsive to said data entry means for conveying said drawer coupling means and inventory transfer means to selected ones of said drawers for axially withdrawing selected ones of said plurality of drawers from said shelves onto a selected one of said plurality of levels at said support platform and for conveying said support platform and extracted tray to said port to deliver a stored inventory item or accept the return of an inventoried item. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification