Sanden Vendo America, Inc.

Robert Scott Winters

Larry E Hieb

Vishal Dali

Chad Kielmeyer

The present invention includes various types of open-air display cases for displaying, storing, and/or vending food, beverages, or other products having a movable barrier that can be automatically positioned over an open front or side of such a unit to prevent access to the products therein when temperatures, component failure, lost power supply, or other variables affect the condition of the items stored in the display case, and methods of using such units.

Open air food display case with automatic closing mechanism

The present invention includes various types of open-air display cases for displaying, storing, and/or vending food, beverages, or other products having a movable barrier that can be automatically positioned over an open front or side of such a unit to prevent access to the products therein when temperatures or other conditions reach unacceptable levels, and methods of using such units. Embodiments of such units may include a temperature-controlled compartment having an open front or side for displaying items, an automatic barrier system that includes a barrier for covering the open portion, a motor engaged with the barrier for closing or opening the barrier, at least one sensor for measuring at least one internal condition (e.g., temperature) of the temperature-controlled compartment, and a processing unit in electronic communication with the sensor and the motor, in which the processing unit may receive data from the sensor, compare the data to a pre-determined range of acceptable values, and activate the motor to close the barrier when the data is inconsistent with the pre-determined range of acceptable values.

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Keller, TX, United States of America

Robert Scott Winters