Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: A vending machine for beverage containers comprising a frame having front, side and rear faces; a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent materials with translucent display fields thereon; illumination means disposed behind the bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and a discharge port for presenting beverage container to customers through the bowed sign panel. The bowed sign panel contains a product-identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can, such as a primary product to be vended, the logo being displaced on the signal panel in the same manner as the logo on the primary product beverage can. The curved or bowed shape of the sign panel is such that the overall appearance and configuration of the vending machine, viewed from the front face thereof, suggests the appearance of a can of beverage of the primary product.

Abstract: A vend control mechanism for a multiple product vending machine is controlled electronically by a master control unit to dispense particular products from storage increments in the machine specifically assigned to those products. A code menu is provided for a service person to input codes into the master control unit to reassign storage increments to products to take account of particular product sales volumes for that vending machine.

Abstract: A vending machine for beverage containers comprising a frame having front, side and rear faces; a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent materials with translucent display fields thereon; illumination means disposed behind the bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and a discharge port for presenting beverage containers to customers through the bowed sign panel. The bowed sign panel contains a product-identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can, such as a primary product to be vended, the logo being displayed on the sign panel in the same manner as the logo on the primary product beverage can. The curved or bowed shape of the sign panel is such that the overall appearance and configuration of the vending machine, viewed from the front face thereof, suggests the appearance of a can of beverage of the primary product.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive selection panel structure for a vending machine including a pressure-sensitive membrane-type switch contained between first and second polycarbonate panels comprising the display panel of the vending machine. The touch-sensitive switch configuration is totally transparent to visible light. A product selector window array on the first polycarbonate panel is back-illuminated from within the vending machine with images of the vendable products available, for display in the selector windows on the front face of the vending machine display panel. The images are provided on the back face of the second polycarbonate panel within the vending machine and illuminated from behind in order to project the names and product logos through the membrane switch, and the first polycarbonate panel for viewing by a potential customer.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a switching device for establishing a first price for a first item sold during a sales transaction and for establishing at least a second price for additional items sold in the same transaction. The machine determines the amount of currency deposited during a transaction and the maximum number of items which may be purchased during the transaction based upon the amount deposited. The purchaser may freely select the number of items to be purchased at any time.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for a chilled-product vending machine including a refrigeration compressor, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature within said vending machine and turning the compressor ON and OFF to define a compressor cycle in response to the detection of predetermined temperature limits, an evaporator coil and evaporator fan means for blowing air across said evaporator coil and circulating said air throughout the vending machine.

Abstract: A control circuit for cycling the evaporator fans on and off independently of the operation of the compressor of the refrigeration system is described. The evaporator fan is cycled on with the compressor and continues to run during the entire compressor ON cycle. A first timer causes the evaporator fan to run for an additional delay period following the cycling OFF of the compressor and the fans continue to blow air over the evaporator coil until the temperature of the evaporator coil is sufficiently above the freezing point of water (32.degree. F., 0.degree. C.). The fans are then cycled OFF. A second cycling timer is provided to intermittently cycle the evaporator fans on and off for predetermined short intervals following the above-described delay period, and during the time when the compressor is OFF. A third timer is provided to preclude freezing of the vended products and/or the evaporator coil when a vending machine is disposed in a below-freezing environment.

Abstract: An energy management system for a chilled product vending machine for controlling the cycling of the refrigeration system therefor and the ON-OFF status of the machine is described. The energy management system includes a microcomputer for controlling the above-described cycling and ON-OFF functions. A hand-held programmer is provided to input machine ON-OFF times to the microcomputer, the ON times defining sales periods. The microcomputer has data stored therein related to cooling characteristics of different types of machines which may be selectively accessed by manually-actuated selector switches. This enables retrofitting of the energy management system into various types of vending machines. The energy management system also provides increased cooling during high volume sales periods, morning warm-up prior to the beginning of a sales period, periodic continuous cool-downs to maintain acceptable product temperatures, and continuous cool-down following individual vends during a non-sales period.