Gross-Given Manufacturing Company

3M Innovative Properties Company

Cross-Given Manufacturing Company

Thomas F Gotich

Steven W Sorensen

Joseph A Lotspeich

James E Skavnak

Scott Hudis

Robert M Biegler

John Orlin Kirkwold

Roger H Muntifering

An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for vending products

A cooling article adapted for use with a thermal-processing apparatus for cooling a thermally-processable element after the element is heated by a heating member within the thermal-processing apparatus. The cooling article can include a cooling plate having a textured and/or perforated top surface positionable relative to the heated member so that the sheet slides on the top surface.

Article and method for cooling a sheet of material while minimizing

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Eagan, MN, United States of America

Thomas F Gotich