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, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 26, 2012
James M. Canter, Austin, TX (US);
William C. Royal, Jr., Oak Ridge, NC (US);
Victor Partyshev, Kiev, UA;
Troy Doom, North Augusta, SC (US);
Bryan W. Godwin, Round Rock, TX (US);
James M. Canter, Austin, TX (US);
William C. Royal, Jr., Oak Ridge, NC (US);
Victor Partyshev, Kiev, UA;
Troy Doom, North Augusta, SC (US);
Bryan W. Godwin, Round Rock, TX (US);
CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC., Bridgeton, MO (US);
Abstract
Automatic planogram programming for a glass front snack or cold drink vending machine is accomplished using tray, product and price barcodes, each preferably a different type of barcode. Trays within the vending machine are labeled with unique barcodes, and a set of price barcodes for predetermined prices is provided together with a USB-connected scanner. The barcode label affixed to any tray is scanned by the route driver. The UPC/EAN barcodes on products are then scanned for each selection progressing across the tray, together with a price barcode for the first selection and each subsequent selection having a different price from the prior selection on the tray. Planogram data for the tray may be reviewed and corrected on a customer interface display for the vending machine before moving on to another tray, with the trays programmed in any order. The planogram for the entire vending machine is quickly and accurately programmed.