Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic cam operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and also preferably rotationally movable cam that can be mounted selectively on the cabinet or in the body of the machine and at least one slotted receiving device disposed either on the door or within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the cam when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate and closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate closed position, the cam advances into the receiver slot and moves to draw in the door. The cam movement pulls the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and book mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for use with a vending machine having a cabinet for containing product to be dispensed, and a door for closing the cabinet. The door has a vertical column with two sides and a front face, the front face having openings that permit customer interface devices to be accessed by a customer. A continuous integral panel is secured to the vertical column and extends across a width of the front face and side of the vertical column.

Abstract: A drop-in beverage dispensing unit and ice bin combination having a beverage dispenser and an ice bin assembly. The beverage dispenser can have a tower assembly onto which dispensing valves are mounted. An ice bin lid provides access to the ice stored within the ice bin assembly and aids in protecting the ice from contamination while it is stored within the ice bin assembly. A drain pan is located below the dispensing valves to catch any spillage and direct it to the drain piping. The drain pan can have a primary drain pipe and a secondary drain pipe. The ice bin assembly can have an outer wall structure and an inner wall structure. The outer wall structure can be seamless.

Abstract: A protective cover for the inner door mounted bill validator bill container of a vending machine or the like has a body including a back wall and four side walls perpendicular to the back wall and the cover is removably attachable to the inner end of a bill validator. A cable affixed to the cover attaches to a portion of the door so as to dangle the cover when it is removed from the bill validator. The cover is preferably made from heavy gauge formed steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus serving either as a retrofit kit or new sign front for beverage vending machines to allow the display of product contained in the machine by means of significantly larger product identification indicia than the existing product identification indicia and the display windows are specifically correlated to selection mechanisms associated with the larger windows and may also include numbers, letters, symbols, connecting lines and/or colors. The existing selection operatives are deactivated and a vandal panel corner is optionally applied to the machine to eliminate product selection switches. A circuit board is added that enables increasing the number of product selections and it is adapted to be used with different manufacturer's machines. Reinforcement bar means is optionally provided for the signage panel. A holder may be provided for flavor label cards that is exclusively attached to the rear of the signage. Alternatively, audio and/or visual effects are added to the machine.

Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic cam operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and also preferably rotationally movable cam that can be mounted selectively on the cabinet or in the body of the machine and at least one slotted receiving device disposed either on the door or within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the cam when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate and closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate closed position, the cam advances into the receiver slot and moves to draw in the door. The cam movement pulls the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversible motor to drive a slide and hook locking mechanism. The motor can drive the slide via a worm gear, in which case the worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft-type connection. Alternatively, the slide is gear-driven or connected using a push-pull cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface controls the motor and may be operated by a keypad or by a remote wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latching device that can function as a hinge or a latch. A door incorporating this latching device can be operated as a left hand (front) or right hand (rear) opening device. The device can be used for car-top carriers, tool storage boxes, merchant displays, truck storage boxes, and other applications that need to open from two sides. The device can have multiple locking, latching, and hinging elements. The latches can be locked using conventional key-operated handles, cam locks, or electronically. The device features direct visual and audible user feedback to confirm proper latching and locking operation. When used for car-top box carriers that attach to automotive roof racks, the device can use an “L”-shaped clamp with a safety catch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved latching device that functions as a self-contained, electrically controlled rotor latch. The latch allows the rotor to be released when a load is placed on it towards the open condition. The latch rotor is released by a typical solenoid with a specialty designed end that acts as a plunger.