Kenneth Eugene Watkins

US Patent:

61232238, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

Dec 21, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/216760

Inventors:

Kenneth M. Watkins - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

B65G 5900
A24F 2714
A47F 104
A47F 310
A47B 8500

US Classification:

221121

Abstract:

A vending machine featuring rotating stacked carousels for the display and sale of floral and plant arrangements is disclosed. The vending machine is capable of carrying out both cash and credit card transactions and includes a certified credit card terminal for connecting to the credit card processing network. The present vending machine includes an integrated microprocessor to control the mechanical motion and position of the stacked carousels, accept payment from either cash or credit cards, maintain accounting records, provide printed receipts, and to control on-line modem communications with credit approval sources as well as dial-up auditing of machine's inventory. A significant feature of the certified credit card terminal is the ability to transact purchases in both an off-line and on-line mode and the ability to enter bad credit card numbers into a credit card file when purchase is attempted with an invalid card number. The stacked carousel displays can be divided into a plurality of compartments which differ in size to display a varied inventory of floral arrangements. The position of the carousel compartments are controlled by the use of an encoder device which enables carousel rotation to be stopped at a plurality of discrete points on the circumference of each carousel to present the flowers in alignment with a vending door selected by user input on an alphanumeric keypad.

US Patent:

43112277, Jan 19, 1982

Filed:

Feb 7, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/119402

Inventors:

Kenneth M. Watkins - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

G07F 704

US Classification:

194 4C

Abstract:

This invention is a vending system for floral type products and includes a plurality of product containing cubicles with an access door operatively associated with each. A controllable locking structure is used with each door and is connected to a validator for accepting and totaling money. Selectors are provided for choosing the appropriate cubicle door to be opened and these selectors are resettable to a different amount of money by simply resetting a dial on the exterior backside of the panel.

Address:

500 Robins Nest Rd, Bostic, NC 28018

Phone:

8282458465

VIN:

4X4CPR717YD152691

Make:

BMW

Model:

X5-Series AWD 4dr 4.8i

Year:

2007