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:
Jan. 07, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 08, 1995
Applicant:
Inventors:
Jack R Prescott, Laguna Hills, CA (US);
Gregory Elliott, Tustin, CA (US);
Mark A Hopkins, Laguna Niguel, CA (US);
Paul T Rudewicz, Mission Viejo, CA (US);
Thom Thomas, Ventura, CA (US);
Assignee:
KRh Thermal Systems, San Bruno, CA (US);
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B65G / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
221-1 ; 221132 ;
Abstract
A food vending machine contains a motor-driven inventory carousel which rotates to position food items at a desired index position. A control unit, for example a computer, reduces the power delivered to the inventory carousel as the desired index position is approached. The mechanical drive for the inventory carousel includes a modified geneva mechanism, which also serves to reduce the acceleration forces on the inventory carousel as it rotates from position to position.