Optical vend-sensing system for control of vending machine

Details Optical vend-sensing system for control of vending machine Optical vend-sensing system for control of vending machine

2008-01-22

2010-06-22

Crawford, Gene (Department: 3651)

Data processing: generic control systems or specific application

Specific application, apparatus or process

Article handling

C221S002000, C221S007000, C221S013000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07742837

ABSTRACT:
For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

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