The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 05, 2026
Filed:
Jan. 18, 2024
Welbilt Foodservice Companies, Llc, New Port Richey, FL (US);
James Wallace Brown, Crestwood, KY (US);
Roger Boydstun, Oklahoma City, OK (US);
WELBILT FOODSERVICE COMPANIES, LLC, New Port Richey, FL (US);
Abstract
The adapter of the present disclosure includes a circuit board with a processor and a switch thereon and a reader or transceiver connected to the board. With the adapter, a technician can retrofit an existing beverage machine to upgrade the dispensing and payment systems associated therewith. Existing beverage machines include a locking circuit that is key-enabled. This circuit allows an owner or technician to selectively allow and prevent beverage and/or ice from being dispensed. A technician can install the adapter of the present disclosure into the existing locking circuit. The board and transceiver of the adapter will detect when a user is authorized to obtain beverages, and close the circuit to enable this. To dispense beverage and/or ice, a user will present a valid credential to the board and transceiver. When no authorized user provides a valid credential, no beverage can be dispensed. The adapter can use a number of communication technologies to determine authorization. The adapter of the present disclosure can also include or work in conjunction with a mobile app on a user's device, that can check with a server to ensure that the user has paid for the beverage. A method of operating a beverage dispensing machine and retrofitting a beverage dispensing machine is also provided.