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:
Aug. 06, 1996
Filed:
Oct. 03, 1995
Francis A Wittern, Jr, Des Moines, IA (US);
Paul L Hawkins, Guthrie Center, IA (US);
Fawn Engineering Corporation, Des Moines, IA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for illuminating portions of a vending machine includes an internal light source that is used to generate light inside a housing defining the vending machine. A user interface including such things as a money or token receiver, selection buttons, and coin return, has an external surface that can be operated by a customer or a vendee. Light from the light source is transmitted from inside the housing to outside the housing and unto selected portions of the user interface. This can be accomplished by using windows or other light conduits to provide illumination of the external face of the user interface to assist in user operation at night and especially in places that do not include a lot external lighting.