Bryan S Collins

US Patent:

7784644, Aug 31, 2010

Filed:

Oct 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/249376

Inventors:

Richard T. Albert - Aiken SC, US
Dan Bowen - Aiken SC, US
Bryan Alan Collins - New Ellenton SC, US
Aron Phillip Lewis - Aiken SC, US
Paul Miller - Aiken SC, US
Charles Wayne Percy - Aiken SC, US
John Robinson - Aiken SC, US
William E. Roe - Sanford NC, US
Russell Watts - Aiken SC, US

Assignee:

Dixie-Narco, Inc. - Williston SC

International Classification:

G07F 11/22
B65G 59/00
G07F 11/00

US Classification:

221274, 221226, 221 7, 221124, 221298, 221279, 221289, 221299, 221301, 221250, 221270, 221251, 221268, 221133

Abstract:

A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

US Patent:

7837058, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Oct 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/249526

Inventors:

Bryan Alan Collins - New Ellenton SC, US
Paul Hayward Kelly - Anderson SC, US
Aron Phillip Lewis - Aiken SC, US
Charles Wayne Percy - Aiken SC, US
Joshua Robert Powell - Aiken SC, US
William E. Roe - Aiken SC, US

Assignee:

Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc. - Bridgeton MO

International Classification:

B65H 3/44
G07F 11/00
G07F 11/12

US Classification:

221123, 221131, 221103, 221 6, 221 1, 221 2, 221 4, 221133, 221 5, 221 7, 221 9, 221 13, 221 15, 221105, 221106, 221247, 221248, 221130, 212319, 414749

Abstract:

A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

US Patent:

8109410, Feb 7, 2012

Filed:

Jul 26, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/881244

Inventors:

Bryan Alan Collins - New Ellenton SC, US
Charles Wayne Percy - Aiken SC, US
Kevin A. Poyck - Lexington SC, US
Gregory Scott Sullivan - N. Augusta SC, US

Assignee:

Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc. - Bridgeton MO

International Classification:

B65H 3/00
G07F 11/00

US Classification:

221191, 221 15, 221124, 221194, 221196, 221253, 49 68, 49 94, 49110, 49114

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a storage/display region, a dispensing chamber including a product access opening, and an anti-pilfer device that prevents unauthorized removal of products from the storage/display region through the product access opening. A delivery door is provided which can be shifted from a closed position to an open position to enable the removal of products from the dispensing chamber. The anti-pilfer device includes a plate coupled to a lower portion of the delivery door. When the delivery door is moved from the closed position, the anti-pilfer plate shifts, over a guide element, into a position that prevents products from being withdrawn from the storage/display area. Preferably, the storage/display region and dispensing chamber are separated by a product door, with the anti-pilfer plate preventing the product door from opening when the delivery door is shifted from the closed position.

US Patent:

20050205597, Sep 22, 2005

Filed:

Mar 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/788303

Inventors:

Bryan Collins - New Ellenton SC, US
Charles Percy - Aiken SC, US
Kevin Poyck - Lexington SC, US
Gregory Sullivan - N. Augusta SC, US

International Classification:

G07F011/00
A47F001/04
B65G059/00
B65H003/44

US Classification:

221155000

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a storage/display region, a dispensing chamber including a product access opening, and an anti-pilfer device that prevents unauthorized removal of products from the storage/display region through the product access opening. A delivery door is provided which can be shifted from a closed position to an open position to enable the removal of products from the dispensing chamber. The anti-pilfer device includes a plate coupled to a lower portion of the delivery door. When the delivery door is moved from the closed position, the anti-pilfer plate shifts, over a guide element, into a position that prevents products from being withdrawn from the storage/display area. Preferably, the storage/display region and dispensing chamber are separated by a product door, with the anti-pilfer plate preventing the product door from opening when the delivery door is shifted from the closed position.