Jon Lars Swanson

US Patent:

59673648, Oct 19, 1999

Filed:

Nov 11, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/967407

Inventors:

Jon L. Swanson - Aiken SC
Alvin V. Russell - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Dixie-Narco, Inc. - Williston SC

International Classification:

G07F 1100
B65G 5900

US Classification:

221 6

Abstract:

A large product vending system which allows for the dispensing of large diameter product from a vending machine is presented. The system includes a dispense mechanism associated with the existing column walls and columns defined therebetween of a machine used for smaller diameter product. A motor and a link arm are associated with each column and control the operation of a cradle which holds the product within the column while positioning one of the products for dispensing upon actuation of the dispense mechanism. The cradle includes opposed end plates which are connected at each end thereof by a blocking bar and a dispense rod. When the cradle is cycled, the dispense rod releases the lowest product while the blocking bar engages the next product to be dispensed. After the cycle of the motor allows the product to be dispensed to clear the dispense rod, the blocking bar is moved out of the way of the next product which is then held in place by the dispense rod and one of the column walls.

US Patent:

59275391, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Jun 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/883675

Inventors:

Karl F. Truitt - Williston SC
Jon L. Swanson - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Dixie-Narco, Inc. - Williston SC

International Classification:

G07F 1110

US Classification:

221 2

Abstract:

A modular vending machine for dispensing a variety of different sized products with at least one array received within a cabinet, wherein the array is made up of a plurality of storage chambers with a dispensing mechanism disposed at the bottom of each chamber. The cabinet can receive any number of arrays which in turn can receive any number of storage chambers. The modular vending machine further includes a sensing device received within a receiving trough for confirming that a product has actually been dispensed. The dispensing mechanism includes a solenoid actuated plunger wherein the plunger controls the movement of a toggle member which is movable between a blocking position and a dispensing position so that only a single product is dispensed. The vending machine may also provide a two-point locking mechanism for positively securing a door to the cabinet of the vending machine while allowing maximum utilization of the space within the cabinet.