Patents Assigned to DPC, International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6318591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break next to a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidably mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a motor controlled by a microchip that constantly adjusts the speed of the motor depending on the thickness of the dispensed publication. A paper speed sensor sends a signal to the motor to facilitate adjustment in the speed control. Printed publications rest in an upright position on moving endless belts that are connected to the motor for advancing the publications toward the dispensing channel. One or more torsion springs support the front face of the forwardmost publication immediately prior to dispensing to prevent premature opening of an unfolded edge of the publication and jamming of the dispensing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: DPC International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Martin
  • Patent number: 6230932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break above a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidable mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a drive screw connected to a motor by a gear assembly. The printed publications are supported in an upright position on a bearing plate and are advanced towards the dispensing channel by a push plate connected to the drive screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: DPC, International, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Rankin Lowing, David Brown
  • Patent number: 5813568
    Abstract: The invention relates to vending machines for dispensing of a single copy of a printed publication, such as a newspaper or a magazine. The vending machine is self-contained, enclosing a power source, a driving motor and a control unit for operation of the dispensing mechanism. A stack of folded newspapers, or magazines, is placed in an upright position on a platform bearing plate and is retained in an upright orientation by a support plate which slides along the top surface of the platform bearing plate, moving the newspapers closer to a dispensing chute formed in a front part of the vending machine housing. One or more metering breaks are mounted on a top surface of the platform plate adjacent to the dispensing edge of the platform bearing plate to facilitate separation of a single copy of the newspaper prior to dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: DPC International, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Rankin Lowing
  • Patent number: 5791511
    Abstract: The invention relates to vending machines for dispensing of a single copy of a printed publication one-at-a-time. The vending machine is self contained, is provided with a power source, a driving motor and a control unit for operation of the vending machine. An inclined platform plate mounted within the vending machine carries a plurality of media units, while a push plate forces the media units toward a dispensing channel located adjacent a forward edge of the platform plate. When a single copy of the media unit moves through the dispensing channel, a light sensor sends a signal to the control unit which causes reversal of movement of the push plate, thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the next copy of the media unit by gravity. After an entire inventory of the media units resting on a platform plate has been dispensed, a limit switch sends a signal to the control unit allowing vending of a display copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: DPC International, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Rankin Lowing