Coin Acceptors, Inc.

John E Dundon

Thomas S Paczkowski

A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a refrigerated vending machine utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels. An optical emitter transmits a light beam through at least one layer of substantially transparent anti-fog film to reduce moisture condensation and across the product path to an optical detector wherein signal intensity is measured. As a dispensed product passes through the light beam between the emitter and the detector, the beam is momentarily broken, resulting in a change in signal intensity at the infrared detector which is registered as the vend of a product.

Reflector and anti-fog film in an optical sensor system

This retainer system for a vending machine compartment includes a retainer having an upper hook wall connection which interfits a selected upper slot and a lower tab wall connection which includes a spring clip which interfits a selected lower slot aligned with an associated upper slot, the upper and lower slots being arranged in staggered rows to facilitate installation in a vertical orientation of the retainer.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

John E Dundon