Abstract: A double-bell siphon for liquid flow control that improves upon existing bell siphons by the addition of an outer bell which helps the bell siphon to stop siphoning when the liquid level drops below the intended level. Optionally, a cup further enhances the ability for the siphon to stop properly.
Abstract: A cashless vending system, comprising, a plurality of vending machines, wherein each vending machine comprises a Vending Machine Controller that supports the international Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol standard; wherein each vending machine includes a NetVend interface, wherein each NetVend interface communicates, via a Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol interface, with the Vending Machine Controller; wherein each NetVend interface communicates with at least one central server, wherein the central server contains a database for storing user Identifiers and an associated allowable credit or available cash data for each user Identifier, wherein the central server is capable of authenticating users for granting/denying access to a vending machine, receiving transaction data, and monitoring and controlling each of the plurality of vending machines; and wherein each vending machine includes a display/reader.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 29, 2005
Date of Patent:
November 25, 2008
Assignee:
Bob Jones University
Inventors:
David N. Wilson, Donald R. Congdon, James A. Knisely