Article dispensing – With article treatment – With cooling or heating
Patent
1996-12-10
1998-12-01
Noland, Kenneth
Article dispensing
With article treatment
With cooling or heating
621761, A24F 2714
Patent
active
058425977
ABSTRACT:
An environmentally controlled vending machine utilizing real-time monitoring of environmental parameters and feedback control for improved storage conditions for tobacco products such as cigars and other humidity sensitive products, is disclosed. A number of environmental parameters, such as temperature and humidity, are balanced using a closed loop feedback control process in response to measured system parameters. The vending machine includes a controller, one or more remote sensors which monitor the environmental conditions within the vending machine housing, a fan, a heater strip, a cooling unit, a humidifier, and a payment and selection system. The vending machine stores and maintains tobacco products, or other humidity sensitive products, at a recommended temperature and humidity, and includes means for continuously monitoring and controlling the environment to retain the freshness and value of the respective product. In order to best maintain the freshness and value of the tobacco products, for example, the vending machine preferably stores the products at approximately 70.degree. F. and a relative humidity of approximately 70%.
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Friedman Steven K.
Kraus Rudy
Cigar Vending Corp.
Noland Kenneth
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