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:
Jun. 10, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 28, 2000
David Leason, Chappaqua, NY (US);
Scott L. Sullivan, Chappaqua, NY (US);
Other;
Abstract
A vending machine that can dispense an item at multiple price points is described. The vending machine dispenses one or more items, each ordinarily having a predetermined price. The vending machine receives a proof-of-purchase (POP) identifier, and has a processor configured to permit at least one of the items in the machine to be dispensed for less than the predetermined price if the POP identifier was received. A method for enticing a further sale at one or more vending machines is also described in which a random customer is provided with a POP identifier in response to a purchase from a first vending machine. The POP identifier is thereafter received at a second vending machine that ordinarily vends each of its items at respective predetermined prices. A particular item is vended from the second vending machine for less than its predetermined price in response to at least one predetermined criterion such as the receipt of the POP identifier.