Patents Assigned to Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 9652923Abstract: An ADA compliant vending machine ensures provides a user control for entering an ADA mode, and displays all user-actuated vend transaction controls below a first specified height when operating in the ADA mode. A delivery bucket surface on which vended products are supported moves between a lowered position below a second specified height and a raised position above the second specified height in coordinate operation with opening of the delivery bin door. Products are dropped below the second specified height during delivery but are raised above that height for customer retrieval. Mechanical force required to open the delivery bin door is less than five pounds, even with closing of anti-pilfer flaps also being coordinated with opening of the delivery bin door.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventor: Troy Doom
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Patent number: 9292993Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James M. Canter, William C. Royal, Jr., Victor Partyshev, Troy Doom, Bryan W. Godwin
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Patent number: 9111268Abstract: In a system for a field asset site having a plurality of field assets, a first transport module interfaces with a first field asset, the first transport module operable to communicate via a first transport with a communication center outside of the field asset site. A second transport module interfaces with the first field asset. A third transport module interfaces with an associated field asset and is operable to communicate via a second transport to the second transport module. Each of a plurality of audit devices interfaces with an associated field asset from which operation data is acquired by the audit device. Each of a plurality of routing modules interfaces between an associated field audit device and at least one of the second transport module and the third transport module, with each routing module operable to provide transport-agnostic communication between its associated audit device and at least one of the communication center and another audit device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Steven Joel Blachman, James M. Canter, Jon Sven Knudson
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Patent number: 8959028Abstract: A remote data acquisition and transmission system for vending machines may be provided. The system may comprise a vending machine and at least one host device. The vending machine may comprise a vending machine controller; and an Internet Protocol (IP) network interface operable to communicate operation data to and from the vending machine controller. The at least one host device may be communicatively coupled to the IP network interface via at least one IP network, and the host device may be operable to communicate operation data to and from the IP network interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: James M. Canter, Bryan W. Godwin
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Patent number: 8931398Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: Nigel Overton, Ian Binder
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Patent number: 8918206Abstract: Synchronization of activities requiring coordinated timing across a bank of vending machines, such as harmonious actuation of illumination elements, is performed by specifying, in an application layer (e.g., Zigbee) of a network protocol, actions to be synchronized to a distributed timing event and distributing notice of the specified timing event using physical and media access control layers of the network protocol.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: James M. Canter, William C. Royal, Jr., Steven Blachman
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Patent number: 8631093Abstract: A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventor: Erin M. Defossé
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Patent number: 8588965Abstract: A system and method for providing a satellite vend operation. A first (parent) vending machine is operable to dispense a product from a product storage display area located in a second (child) vending machine. The first (parent) vending machine can control or interact with the functions of the second (child) vending machine. A programming menu on the first (parent) vending machine is automatically configured for a satellite vend operation when the first (parent) vending machine pairs with the second (child) vending machine. An operator is provided, in the programming menu located on the parent vending machine, relevant information associated with the child vending machine and relevant information associated with the parent vending machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventor: Scott Hudis
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Publication number: 20130290122Abstract: A user selection keypad allows at least some functionality of vending machine programming configured for a touchscreen display to be utilized without the touchscreen. In addition to character-labeled keys and other standard functionality (such as keys to confirm or cancel an entry), the keypad includes: a shopping cart key that, when actuated, invokes aggregation of multiple product selections for a single vend transaction; and an information key that, when actuated, allows the customer to request display of nutritional information for a currently selected product and/or context-sensitive help information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: William C. Royal, Jr., Ignacio Santa Cruz, Viktor Partyshev, Troy Doom
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Patent number: 8556119Abstract: A system and method for discharging a selected product into a dispensing chamber of a vending machine are provided. In the system and method of this disclosure, a selected product from a vending machine is received in a product delivery cup. The product delivery cup is moved to a dispensing chamber of the vending machine. Near the dispensing chamber, the product delivery cup moves in a horizontal direction which causes or activates a delivery cup sleeve within the product delivery cup to pivot or move from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The dispensing position of the delivery cup sleeve releases the selected product from the delivery cup sleeve to the dispensing chamber where a consumer is able to access the selected product.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul Ihn, Marlene Skavnak
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Patent number: 8548625Abstract: An optical vend sensing system for use in vending machines employs a row of light emitters on one side of a region through which a vend product passes during delivery and a row of light detectors on the opposite side. Each detector is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the emitters, and is capable of receiving light from any of more than one of the emitters when that emitter is activated. The emitters are individually activated in sequential, round-robin fashion and multiple detectors are monitored for each emitter when activated. Interruption of detectible beams between an activated emitter and one of the multiple emitters monitored for the activated emitter. Power applied to an activated emitter is calibrated in steps to a minimum level sufficient to ensure detection by all monitored detectors of light emitted by an activated emitter, plus a safety margin.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
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Patent number: 8534494Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: Talbert James Black, Jr., Thomas Roger Meinardi
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Patent number: 8533315Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of field assets are disclosed. A method may include transmitting packets on a shared bus located in a field asset may be captured. The captured packets may be analyzed to determine one or more operational parameters associated with one or more peripheral devices coupled to the shared bus. The one or more operational parameters may be analyzed to determine an operational efficiency of the field asset.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventor: Bryan W. Godwin
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Patent number: 8517213Abstract: A system and method for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction. The system and method include a UI guide comprising visual cues to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money, make a production selection and confirm the product selection. The system and method provide for the consumer to cancel the transaction and request that return of inserted coins.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ray Melton Lazalier, Jack Edward Anderson, Martin Shawn Egan, David Aguirre, Gerald Joseph Podgorny, Sachin Gopal Nagane, Ignacio Santa Cruz, Ronald Henry Krob, Jr.
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Patent number: 8484068Abstract: A method and system are provided for estimating consumer demand at remotely located equipment and establishing dispatch schedules for servicing the remotely located equipment. Data from the remotely located equipment may be classified into a hierarchy or various levels of reliability for use in calculating a consumer demand estimate for each product and/or each service available at the remotely located equipment. A full set of sales data for each product or service over multiple time intervals with no equipment problems, no out of stock conditions and no other operating problems may be classified as the highest level of reliability and predictability possible for calculating a consumer demand estimate. The lowest level of data used to calculate a consumer demand estimate may be a historical average of daily sales for all products or services sold over a long period of time at the remotely located equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising systems, Inc.Inventors: Bryan W. Godwin, William J. Kalter
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Patent number: 8469230Abstract: A vending machine includes a cabinet having a product storage zone and a product delivery mechanism that transports a selected product to a consumer. The vending machine includes a door assembly pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet for selectively providing access to the product storage zone. The door assembly includes an outer, exposed surface and an inner surface that are spaced to define an inner door zone including a vertical drop zone that terminates in a delivery area. A portal is formed in the inner surface of the door assembly and leads from the product storage zone into the door zone. A discharge element is provided on the inner surface of the door assembly and cooperates with the product delivery mechanism to dispense the selected product through the portal as the product delivery mechanism moves past the portal.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jay F. Perkins, Michael T. Kopczewski, Jeffrey T. DeBord, Douglas G. Schaefer, Rainer B. Teufel, Charles W. Percy
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Publication number: 20130144432Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James M. Canter, William C. Royal, JR., Victor Partyshev, Troy Doom, Bryan W. Godwin
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Publication number: 20130103187Abstract: A vending machine is configured to provide a shopping cart vend transaction order-of-processing, allowing the customer to aggregate product selections before payment. The vending machine includes an enclosure configured to store a plurality of products, a user interface configured to receive inputs from a consumer; and a control system coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to provide a virtual shopping cart that enables the customer to aggregate one or more product selections in a single vend transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James M. Canter, William C. Royal, JR., Troy Doom, Bryan W. Godwin
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Publication number: 20130056488Abstract: A cup turret carousel includes a gear drive track around a periphery thereof, to be driven by a planetary gear rather than being driven from the central axis and thereby reduce cost and achieve greater accuracy in aligning a cup turret with the cup funnel throat for cup delivery. The drive gear is maintained in a in a fixed position relative to a cup funnel throat through which cups pass when dropped, so that the same drive assembly may be employed with cup turret carousels of different diameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Matthew Hooper
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Publication number: 20130054016Abstract: Consumer profile information is received wirelessly (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.) from a user device at the communications interface for a vending machine, and stored at least temporarily within the vending machine. The current vend transaction with the consumer carrying the user device is then altered based upon the received consumer profile information, to block product sales containing relevant food allergens, offer discounts tailored to the particular consumer, or enforce parental controls, among other possible personalizations of the consumer experience during the vend transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James M. Canter, William A. Munck