Patents by Inventor Peter T. Michaels

Peter T. Michaels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5971205
    Abstract: A cigar vending machine provides for the automated vending of cigars which are stored in a humidor area within the machine until being dispensed. The humidor portion of the machine provides for the automatic control of the humidity and at least the minimum temperature therein, to maintain the freshness of the cigars stored therein until they are purchased. The machine may utilize conventional automated currency and credit card acceptance devices, and also utilizes a robotic arm dispensing device which withdraws a given cigar from an appropriate storage area within the humidor, depending upon the selection made by the purchaser. The separate storage areas may be adjusted in size to accommodate different sizes, types, and/or brands of cigars, as desired. The machine operates by accepting an appropriate currency or credit card input by a purchaser, who then makes a selection on a cigar selection panel on the front of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Peter T. Michaels, Joseph R. Preston