Location History:
- Holland, MI (US) (1986)
- Jenison, MI (US) (2001 - 2006)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1986-2006
Title: Innovations of James D Collins
Introduction
James D Collins is an accomplished inventor based in Jenison, MI (US). He holds three patents that showcase his innovative contributions to the vending machine industry. His work focuses on enhancing the functionality and security of vending machines, making them more user-friendly and efficient.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is the Anti-tether device. This device is designed to prevent the retrieval of paper currency that is attached to a tether in vending machines. The anti-tether device features a slotted disk aligned with the paper currency path, which rotates after the currency passes through the slot. If the vending machine's control system detects that the disk did not rotate completely or within a predetermined time limit, it will not dispense a product or service. Additionally, if a product is dispensed despite the tether's presence, the paper currency will remain unretrievable as the tether will be wound around a shaft of the anti-tether apparatus.
Another significant patent is the Merchandising machine with bulk coin hopper. This vending machine includes a bulk-loaded coin hopper that provides change to users. It operates in two modes: a change mode, where change is dispensed equivalent to the credit input, and a vending mode, where users can select an item and receive change based on the purchase price. The machine automatically switches to change mode when a certain input threshold is reached, enhancing user convenience.
Career Highlights
James D Collins is currently employed at Rowe International Corporation, where he continues to innovate in the field of vending technology. His work has significantly impacted the design and functionality of vending machines, making them more reliable and user-friendly.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Collins has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Michael R Nulph and Donald A Dekker. Their combined expertise has contributed to the successful development of various vending machine technologies.
Conclusion
James D Collins is a notable inventor whose patents have advanced the vending machine industry. His innovative designs, particularly the Anti-tether device and the Merchandising machine with bulk coin hopper, demonstrate his commitment to improving user experience and security in vending technology.