Marconi Communications Gmbh

Vending Management Services Limited

Skywire, Llp

Steve Varga

Richard Desmarais

Michael D Lemieux

John Hall

Robert Cowling

Bryan M Eagle, Iii

Thomas H Jones

Bryan Eagle, Iii

Robert M Cowling

Inventory maintenance is improved for a system of one or more vending machines by providing one or more vending machines with unique identifiers, and means for collecting and transmitting information concerning goods dispensed and other status to a remote location where processing means provide an efficient service schedule.

Apparatus and method for improved vending machine inventory maintenance

Apparatus and methods for controlling and monitoring pickup of packages deposited in a system of drop boxes, wherein each such drop box is adapted to receive a plurality of packages through a door, includes a drop sensor which is adapted to sense the deposit of a package through the door, means for communicating a plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such package through the door, and a power supply which is operatively coupled to the drop sensor and communicating means for providing a source of power thereto. The drop sensor generally comprises means for passively detecting the passage of packages, and means for generating the plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such packages through the door. Such plurality of signals include a signal to indicate that the drop box is approaching a 'full box' condition, a signal to indicate that the drop box is at such 'full box' condition, and a 'pickup' signal to indicate that the courier has completed his daily rounds.

Drop box inventory monitoring and control system

Growing community of inventors

Memphis, TN, United States of America

Steve Varga