Joshua H Powell

US Patent:

7255246, Aug 14, 2007

Filed:

Oct 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/678186

Inventors:

Dexter V. Bautista - Augusta GA, US
Thomas Roger Meinardi - Aiken SC, US
Joshua Robert Powell - Aiken SC, US

Assignee:

Dixie-Narco, Inc. - Williston SC

International Classification:

G07F 11/10
H01L 41/00

US Classification:

221133, 310335

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

US Patent:

7480543, Jan 20, 2009

Filed:

Aug 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/891854

Inventors:

Dexter V. Bautista - Augusta GA, US
Thomas Roger Meinardi - Aiken SC, US
Joshua Robert Powell - Aiken SC, US

Assignee:

Dixie-Narco, Inc. - Williston SC

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700240, 700231, 700244

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

US Patent:

7831335, Nov 9, 2010

Filed:

Jan 16, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/321307

Inventors:

Dexter V. Bautista - Augusta GA, US
Thomas Roger Meinardi - Aiken SC, US
Joshua Robert Powell - Aiken SC, US

Assignee:

Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc. - Bridgeton MO

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700240, 700231, 700244

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

US Patent:

20110054676, Mar 3, 2011

Filed:

Nov 8, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/941821

Inventors:

Dexter V. Bautista - Augusta GA, US
Thomas Roger Meinardi - Aiken SC, US
Joshua Robert Powell - Aiken SC, US

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700231

Abstract:

A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.