Article dispensing – With article treatment
Patent
1997-03-12
1999-10-26
Keenan, James W.
Article dispensing
With article treatment
221 92, 221150A, 221241, G07F 1172
Patent
active
059712058
ABSTRACT:
A cigar vending machine provides for the automated vending of cigars which are stored in a humidor area within the machine until being dispensed. The humidor portion of the machine provides for the automatic control of the humidity and at least the minimum temperature therein, to maintain the freshness of the cigars stored therein until they are purchased. The machine may utilize conventional automated currency and credit card acceptance devices, and also utilizes a robotic arm dispensing device which withdraws a given cigar from an appropriate storage area within the humidor, depending upon the selection made by the purchaser. The separate storage areas may be adjusted in size to accommodate different sizes, types, and/or brands of cigars, as desired. The machine operates by accepting an appropriate currency or credit card input by a purchaser, who then makes a selection on a cigar selection panel on the front of the machine. When the selection has been made, the machine automatically opens the lid to the humidor, and the robotic arm travels to a position above the compartment in which cigars of the selected type are stored. The arm withdraws the uppermost one of the selected cigar type, and transfers the selected cigar to a dispensing tray in the front of the machine, which is accessible by the purchaser. The present machine enables cigar smokers to purchase a cigar as desired at any time, without need to visit a tobacco shop or the like during its hours of operation.
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Fastcorp Brochure (no date given), For "F-631 Frozen Merchandiser" Ice Cream Vending Machine & Robotic Dispenser.
1997 Vigilant Humidor Product Catalog, p. 11, "Guardian 20" and "Guardian 70" Humidifiers.
Michaels Peter T.
Preston Joseph R.
Keenan James W.
Litman Richard C.
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