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:
Mar. 22, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 30, 2007
Applicant:
Gregory G. Stettes, Pacific, MO (US);
Inventor:
Gregory G. Stettes, Pacific, MO (US);
Assignee:
Crane Merchandising Systems, Bridgeton, MO (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G06F 17/00 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
A vending machine automatically detects the size of a customer-selected container or cup placed in the dispensing area of the vending apparatus to receive a dispensed beverage. A plurality of sensors positioned proximate the container receiving area detects the container's size (e.g., small/large; small/medium/large). In response, the vending machine conveys or illuminates to the customer one or more of the available beverage selections (provided by the vending machine) indicating which of the beverage selections is available based on the detected cup size.