Gregory J Elliott

US Patent:

55033008, Apr 2, 1996

Filed:

Apr 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/231195

Inventors:

Jack R. Prescott - Laguna Hills CA
John D. Smead - San Clemente CA
Edward Durbin - Point Richmond CA
Michael Kanyon - Sea Ranch CA
Michael E. Rudder - San Francisco CA
James W. Bradfield - Mill Valley CA
Gregory Elliott - Tustin CA
Stanley Arai - Aliso Viejo CA
Mark A. Hopkins - Laguna Niguel CA
Donald Morrison - Anaheim CA
Paul T. Rudewicz - Mission Viejo CA
Kenneth Sinera - Placentia CA
Thom Thomas - Ventura CA
Dale Weber - Mission Viejo CA

Assignee:

KRh Thermal Systems - San Bruno CA

International Classification:

B65G 5906
G07F 1154

US Classification:

221273

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a refrigeration compartment, an oven compartment, structure for transferring a food product from the refrigeration compartment to the oven compartment, and structure for transferring the food product from the oven compartment to a user of the vending machine. The vending machine provides automated handling and cooking of packaged food products that enables a hot cooked food to be delivered to a customer in a cool package sleeve. The vending machine also includes a system for inventory control that enables vertical storage of packaged food products while minimizing crushing of packaged food products at the bottom of a stack. A magazine empty indicator automatically indicates when an inventory magazine is empty. An oven door latch mechanism eliminates the possibility that the oven can be operated while the oven door is open.

US Patent:

46902961, Sep 1, 1987

Filed:

Oct 17, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/919596

Inventors:

Gregory K. Elliott - Tustin CA

Assignee:

Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation - Oakland CA

International Classification:

B65D 4316

US Classification:

220259

Abstract:

A non obstructing, flap type valve for a circular conduit is defined as a right angle section from a cylinder wall of the same diameter. A mating, right angle section taken from the end of the circular conduit defines the valve seat. The valve is end mounted and pivots from a closed sealing configuration to an open, free flow position. A flattened rod cooperates with a cam surface to lock the valve in the closed position, or a bias spring may maintain the valve closed.

US Patent:

57720720, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Apr 1, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/626301

Inventors:

Jack R. Prescott - Laguna Hills CA
John D. Smead - San Clemente CA
Edward Durbin - Point Richmond CA
Michael Kanyon - Sea Ranch CA
Michael E. Rudder - San Francisco CA
James W. Bradfield - Mill Valley CA
Gregory Elliott - Tustin CA
Stanley Arai - Aliso Viejo CA
Mark A. Hopkins - Laguna Niguel CA
Donald Morrison - Anaheim CA
Paul T. Rudewicz - Mission Viego CA
Kenneth Sineri - Placentia CA
Thom Thomas - Ventura CA
Dale Weber - Mission Viejo CA

Assignee:

KRh Thermal Systems - San Bruno CA

International Classification:

G07F 1100
B65G 5900

US Classification:

221121

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a refrigeration compartment, an oven compartment, structure for transferring a food product from the refrigeration compartment to the oven compartment, and structure for transferring the food product from the oven compartment to a user of the vending machine. The vending machine provides automated handling and cooking of packaged food products that enables a hot cooked food to be delivered to a customer in a cool package sleeve. The vending machine also includes a system for inventory control that enables vertical storage of packaged food products while minimizing crushing of packaged food products at the bottom of a stack. A magazine empty indicator automatically indicates when an inventory magazine is empty. An oven door latch mechanism eliminates the possibility that the oven can be operated while the oven door is open.

US Patent:

55908098, Jan 7, 1997

Filed:

Feb 8, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/388334

Inventors:

Jack R. Prescott - Laguna Hills CA
Gregory Elliott - Tustin CA
Mark A. Hopkins - Laguna Niguel CA
Paul T. Rudewicz - Mission Viejo CA
Thom Thomas - Ventura CA

Assignee:

KRh Thermal Systems - San Bruno CA

International Classification:

B65G 5900

US Classification:

221 1

Abstract:

A food vending machine contains a motor-driven inventory carousel which rotates to position food items at a desired index position. A control unit, for example a computer, reduces the power delivered to the inventory carousel as the desired index position is approached. The mechanical drive for the inventory carousel includes a modified geneva mechanism, which also serves to reduce the acceleration forces on the inventory carousel as it rotates from position to position.