Patent Grant
9390575
The present invention relates generally to the vending of canisters through automated kiosk or vending machines and has particular relevance to the sale and/or exchange of propane canisters or tanks.
Some products are delivered and sold in containers for use by customers. For example propane is often sold in containers that are valved cylinders such as the type typically used for outdoor grills. These valved cylinders have a cylindrically shaped tank, a base-mounted to the bottom of the tank, a valve at the top of the tank, and a guard substantially encircling the valve and providing a pair of lifting handles. The base and the guard have diameters smaller than the diameter of the outer surface of the tank. Because of the specific nature in which such canisters must be filled, the equipment needed to fill the tanks and the highly combustible nature of propane, it is generally required that a professional fill a user's propane tank.
Accordingly, for propane and similar products, empty canisters are exchanged for full ones. Generally, when a propane canister is empty (i.e. substantially out of propane or another product), a user brings their canister to a particular store and exchanges their empty canister for a full canister (i.e. full or substantially full of propane or another product). A cashier generally assists the user in ensuring that the user exchanges their empty canister for a different full canister. The full and empty propane canisters may be kept in various secure locations (e.g. locked cage, etc.). Additionally, the propane canisters are generally also stored outside the store for various safety reasons.
Exchanging the propane canisters can be a hassle for the businesses that handle the canisters in that the cashier may have to leave their register to go and exchange the canisters. This can also result in customers waiting at the register unassisted or the businesses needing to constantly ensure that an employee is available to exchange propane tanks. For these as well as other reasons, various attempts have been made to automate the process of obtaining or exchanging canisters such as propane canisters. Unfortunately, these automated canister distribution system have generally been insufficient to meet the needs of the market. Often they require the participation of a cashier or other store personnel and, thus, represent no advantage over traditional manual canister cages. Also, some systems have failed to effectively address the issues related to preventing a purchaser from removing more than one full canister or an empty canister from the automated system or from preventing a purchaser from returning false or fake empty canisters. For these and other reasons, there is a demand for a more practical and efficient system for obtaining a full propane canister or exchanging an empty canister for a full canister.
In one embodiment there is a process for dispensing canisters comprising the steps of:
In another embodiment there is provided a self-service kiosk for storing and dispensing canisters. The kiosk comprises an automated teller and a canister storage compartment. The canister storage compartment has a series of walls defining an enclosure for storage and dispensing of canisters. The series of walls includes a front wall.
Also, the canister storage compartment has a plurality of horizontally extending canister rows within the enclosure. Each row is configured to hold a line of at least three canisters and each row has a dispensing end defining a dispensing space and a receiving end defining a receiving space. The front wall has a receiving door at the receiving end of each row and a dispensing door at the dispensing end of each row. The kiosk can have a plurality of such canister storage compartments and each canister storage compartment can have three horizontally extending canister rows.
The canister storage compartment includes a canister pusher associated with each row such that the canister pusher can push the canisters in the row associated with it towards the dispensing end based on a moving signal from the automated teller.
Also, the canister storage compartment includes a first canister lock and a second canister lock associated with each row. The first canister lock has a lock mode and an unlock mode. The first canister lock is mounted in the enclosure and adjacent to the dispensing end such that, when in the lock mode, it prevents the canister adjacent to the dispensing space from being removed. The second canister lock has a lock mode and an unlock mode. The second canister lock is mounted in the enclosure and adjacent to the receiving end such that, when in the lock mode, it prevents the canister adjacent to the dispensing space from being removed.
Further, the canister storage compartment has a door opener associated with each dispensing door and each receiving door. The door opener opens or closes the door associated with it, based on an opening signal from the automated teller.
The canister storage compartment can have a return sensor and dispensing sensor. The return sensor is associated with the receiving end of each row. The return sensor is configured to detect when a return canister is placed in the receiving space and send a return signal to the automated teller. The dispensing sensor is associated with the dispensing end of each row. The dispensing sensor is configured to detect when a canister has been removed from the dispensing space and send a dispensing signal to the automated teller.
The automated teller is in communication with each canister pusher such that it can send the moving signal, each pneumatic door opener such that it can send the opening signal, each return sensor such that it can receive the return signal, and each dispensing sensor such that it can receive the dispensing signal.
In a further embodiment there is provided a method of deploying a self-service kiosk for storing and dispensing canisters. The kiosk comprises an automated teller unit and a first canister storage unit, the method comprising:
In yet another embodiment there is provided a door apparatus comprising a door frame, a door, a pneumatic piston and a ratcheting claw. The door slidingly engages the door frame such that the door can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The pneumatic piston is configured to open and close the door. The ratcheting claw engages the door and door frame such that the ratcheting claw prevents the door from being forced to a fully open position from a partially closed position.
These and further features will be apparent with reference to the following descriptions and drawings.
In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the invention. In the following description, the terms “upper,” “upward,” “lower,” “below,” and the like as used herein shall mean in relation to the natural orientation of the embodiment shown even though alternative embodiments may deviate from the orientation. The terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” are directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a referenced object. Where components of relatively well-known designs are employed, their structure and operation will not be described in detail.
Automated teller unit 12 is connected to both first canister storage unit 16 and second canister storage unit 18 by beams 24 and 26 and tube 28. Beams 24 and 26 structurally connect automated teller unit 12 to first and second canister storage units 16 and 18 to prevent movement of the automated teller unit 12 separate from the two storage units. Tube 28 provides for communication leads, such as wires and pneumatic lines, to extend between automated teller 12 and the canister storage units. Although a separate tube 28 is shown in the embodiments, it is within the scope of the invention for either or both of the beams 24 and 26 to serve as tube 28. Additionally, more or less beams can be used, as are necessary to achieve a suitable structural connection.
Turning now to
With reference to
As can additionally be seen from
An embodiment of the canister storage compartment will now be described with reference to
Canister storage compartment 14 typically has a plurality of horizontally extending canisters rows. Generally, the horizontally extending canister rows for each storage compartment 14 will be vertically stacked. As illustrated, there are three such rows an upper row 82, a middle row 80 and lower row 78, as indicated by the alignment of doors 72, 74 and 76. Details of the rows can be seen by reference to middle row 80 and upper row 82, illustrated by the cutaway areas of
As will be appreciated by reference to
Each horizontally extending canister row has a deck 94 on which canisters 90 can sit and can be moved. Generally, deck 94 can be a smooth solid plane surface allowing the sliding of canisters 90 without a mechanical friction reduction means; however, it is within the scope that deck 94 can incorporate rollers, tread belts or other movement facilitators. The height of each horizontally extending canister row should be sufficient to clear the top of the canister without contact with the top of the canister but should be close enough to the top of the canister so as to prevent circumvention the canister locks and, thus allow removal of canisters not in dispensing space 86.
As illustrated in
To prevent unauthorized removal of canisters 90 from the receiving doors 72, receiving end 20 has one or more canister locks 104. Each canister lock 104 has a lock mode in which it prevents a canister from being moved in at least one direction (typically towards receiving door 72) and an unlock mode where it does not prevent canister movement. Typically, there will be at least one canister lock 104 located proximate to the receiving end 20 such that it can prevent the canister adjacent to the receiving space 84 from being removed. In this context, “adjacent” means closest to but not in receiving space 84. Other canisters in the line of canisters subsequent to the canister adjacent to receiving space 84 can also be provided with canister locks. Each canister lock 104 can be a hydraulic piston lock that engages a canister when the receiving door 72 is open (lock mode) and disengage the canister when receiving door 72 is closed (unlock mode) so as to not interfere with the sliding of the canister line by canister pusher 96. Automated teller 12 controls canister locks 104 as described below. As illustrated in
Similarly, dispensing end 22 is also provided with one or more canister locks 110. Each canister lock 110 has a lock mode in which it prevents a canister from being moved in at least one direction (typically towards dispensing door 76) and an unlock mode where it does not prevent canister movement. Typically, there will be at least one canister lock 110 located proximate to the dispensing end 22 such that it can prevent the canister adjacent to the dispensing space 86 from being removed. In this context, “adjacent” means closest to but not in dispensing space 86. Other canisters in the line of canisters prior to the canister adjacent to dispensing space 86 can also be provided with canister locks. Each canister lock 110 can be a hydraulic piston lock that engages a canister when the dispensing door 76 is open (lock mode) and disengage the canister when dispensing door 76 is closed (unlock mode) so as to not interfere with the sliding of the canister line by canister pusher 96. Automated teller 12 controls canister locks 110 as described below. As illustrated in
Additionally, receiving end 20 can be fitted with one or more canister sensors 118. Canister sensors 118 detect the presence of a return canister, typically, by detecting the height and/or shape of an object placed in the receiving space 84. Generally, canister sensors 118 can also detect other attributes of the object such as whether it is composed of metal. Canister sensors 118 send a signal to automated teller 12 based on the attributes detected so that automated teller 12 can verify that a return canister has been placed into receiving space 84 and not some other object. Generally, at least two canister sensors 118 will be utilized at receiving end 20 to better verify that a true canister is present. Dispensing end 22 can be fitted with at least one canister censor 118 so that automated teller 12 can verify when a full canister is removed from dispensing space 86.
Receiving end 20 and dispensing end 22 can be fitted with one or more door sensors 120. As illustrated, door sensors 120 are placed proximate to receiving doors 72 and dispensing doors 76 and inside canister storage compartment 14 such that they can detect whether the doors are open or closed and send a signal to automated teller 12.
Each dispensing door 76 and each receiving door 72 can be connected to a door opener 122, such as illustrated in
First arm 140 has a first end 142 pivotally connected to ratcheting claw 124. First arm 140 has a second end 144 pivotally connected to first end 152 of second arm 150. Second arm 150 has second end 154 pivotally connected to pneumatic piston 160. Also, second arm 150 is pivotally attached at a pivot point 156 between first end 152 and second end 154 to a stationary point such as a point on frame 132. Door opener 122 is connected to automated teller 12 such that automated teller 12 can open or close a door by providing a pneumatic signal that activates pneumatic piston 160. When pneumatic piston 160 is provided a pneumatic signal to extend piston arm 162, the extension of arm 162 causes second arm 150 to pivot about pivot point 156 and, thus, move first end 152 of second arm 150 towards door opening 136 in frame 132. The movement of first end 152 causes first arm 140 to move towards door opening 136 and, thus, cause ratcheting claw 124 and door 130 to move to a closed door position. Additionally, the movement of first arm 140 towards door opening 136 causes ratcheting claw 124 to pivot about pivot point 126 and be downwardly biased. Thus, as door 130 closes, claw 128 of ratcheting claw 124 catches in a ratchet catch defined in or attached to frame 132 thereby preventing door 130 from being forced back to an open position during closing or once closed. In this manner, door 130 is locked from moving back to an open state after the door has partially moved towards closing. The ratchet catch can be any suitable such device, such as holes 134 defined in frame 132 or a ratcheting teeth (not shown) defined in or attached to frame 132. Ratchet head 129 is rounded such that movement of the door to the closed position is not impeded by claw 128. When pneumatic piston 160 is provided a pneumatic signal to retract piston arm 162, the retraction of arm 162 causes second arm 150 to pivot about pivot point 156 and, thus, move first end 152 of second arm 150 away from door opening 136. The movement of first end 152 causes first arm 140 to move away from door opening 136 and, thus, cause ratcheting claw 124 and door 130 to move to an open door position. Additionally, the movement of first arm 140 away from the door causes ratcheting claw 124 to pivot about pivot point 126 and be upwardly biased. Thus, as door 130 opens, claw 128 of ratcheting claw 124 is positioned away from the ratcheting catch, for example holes 134, such that claw 128 does not catch in them. While the door opener 122 has been described for horizontal sliding of the door, it will be readily apparent from this disclosure that other arrangements and orientations could be used.
Turning now to
Turning now to
For example, in an embodiment where there is a single canister storage compartment having three horizontally extending canister rows, each capable of holding seven canisters and having an empty receiving space, at the start of use of the kiosk after being loaded with canisters, each horizontally extending canister row would have seven full canisters and the set of canisters would be all three horizontally extending canister rows. If a first customer purchases a canister from the top horizontally extending canister row but has no return canister, then after the purchase the top row would contain only six canisters. Typically, the pusher arm will require a minimum number of canisters in a row to work. Thus, in this example, if the pusher arm requires six canisters to work, then, for a second customer, the set of canister rows would still consist of all three horizontally extending canister rows. However, the automated teller would choose the middle and bottom rows instead of the top row, if the series of instructions from the second customer indicates that the customer does not have a return canister. This selection maintains all three rows in a working configuration. If the series of instructions from the second customer indicates that the customer has a return canister, then the automated teller could choose the top row to maximize the useful life of the two full rows (the middle row and the bottom row). If in the course of use, a row is reduced to having five canisters, then that row would be removed from the set of canister rows available for selection. Additionally, if in the course of use, a row is reduced to having only return canisters and no full canisters, then that row would be removed from the set of canister rows available for selection.
As will be apparent from the above example, after a set of canister rows has been determined, the canister row selected can be further determined by the customer provided instructions. In addition to whether there is a return canister, other information in the instructions from the customer may determine the canister row selection. Accordingly, if the customer indicates in the instructions a preference for lower row, such as by instructing handicap access is needed, the automated teller could select a bottom or middle canister row. Alternatively, if no handicap access is indicated then the automated teller could choose a top canister row to keep lower rows available for purchasers indicating handicap access is needed.
In step 308, the automated teller determines whether to open a receiving door or a dispensing door on the selected canister row. If the instructions from the customer indicate that a canister is to be returned, then automated teller proceeds to step 309 and 310. If the instructions from the customer indicate that there is no return canister, then automated teller proceeds to step 316.
In step 309, the automated teller sends a signal to the canister locks at the receiving end to lock the canisters adjacent to the receiving space of the selected canister row. Once the canister lock has engaged or moved to the lock mode, the automated teller sends a signal to the door opener to open the receiving door of the selected canister row in step 310. Opening the receiving door provides access to a receiving space where the customer can place the return canister. Afterwards, the automated teller sends a signal to the door opener to close the receiving door in step 312. The customer can input at the automated teller that the return canister is in place so that the door can be closed. Also, automated teller can close the door after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the opening of the door if it has not received the input from the customer that the canister is in place. In an additional embodiment, the automated teller closes the door after the canister sensor detects that a canister is in the receiving space or after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, whichever occurs first.
After the receiving door is closed in step 312 or concurrently with the closing, the automated teller determines if there is a receiving canister in the receiving space in step 314. If a canister is detected as being in the receiving space, the process proceeds on to step 316. If no canister is detected as being in the receiving space, then the canister transaction can be modified in step 315. Modifying the canister transaction can comprise terminating or canceling the entire current canister transaction, or requesting additional instructions from the customer so as to determine whether to change the canister transaction, such as by reopening the receiving door to allow additional time to place a return canister in the receiving space, or by canceling the canister return portion of the current canister transaction and proceeding to the dispensing portion of the current transaction in step 316.
In step 316, the automated teller sends a signal to the canister lock at the dispensing end to lock the canister adjacent to the dispensing space of the selected canister row. Once the canister lock has engaged or moved to the lock mode, the automated teller sends a signal to the door opener so that the dispensing door of the selected canister row is opened in step 317. This allows access to a full canister in the dispensing space of the selected canister row. After step 317, the automated teller sends a signal to the door opener to close the dispensing door in step 318. Closing the dispensing door can be done by the automated teller after the canister sensor at the dispensing end no longer detects a canister in the dispensing space. Optionally, the dispensing door can be closed after a predetermined period of time from the opening of the dispensing door, whether a canister is still detected nor not. Also, the dispensing door can be closed by the customer inputting a close door command into the automated teller.
After the dispensing door is closed in step 318 or concurrently with the closing, the automated teller determines if there is a canister in the dispensing space in step 320. If no canister is detected as being in the dispensing space, the process proceeds on to step 322. If a canister is detected as being in the dispensing space, then the canister transaction can be modified in step 321. Modifying the canister transaction can comprise terminating or canceling the entire current canister transaction, or requesting additional instructions from the customer so as to determine whether to change the canister transaction, such as by reopening the dispensing door to allow additional time to retrieve the full canister from the dispensing space.
In step 322, the canister locks are changed to the unlocked mode and the canister in or closest to the receiving space is moved towards the dispensing space such that the line of canisters in the selected row are moved towards the dispensing space and the receiving space does not contain a canister. Typically, the movement of the canisters is performed by the automated teller sending a signal to the canister pusher such that the pneumatic piston of the canister pusher engages the pusher arm to push the canisters. The canister locks can be unlocked or disengaged from the canisters at any time after the closure of the appropriate door and before moving the canisters; thus, the canister lock at the receiving end can be unlocked after step 312. The canister locks are typically unlocked by the automated teller sending a pneumatic signal to the pneumatic pistons of the canister locks. The process completes the canister transaction in step 324, which can include printing a receipt for the customer either prior to, during or after step 322.
For deployment, the self-service kiosk can be placed in the transportation mode by sliding the automated teller unit 12 next to a canister storage unit 14 such that first and second brace beams 24 and 26 and tube 28 slide into the canister storage unit 14. In the transportation position brace beams 24 and 26 and tube 28 remain engaged with automated teller unit 12 and automated teller unit 12 is adjacent to the canister storage unit as shown in
Once in the dispensing position, the automated teller unit 12 can be locked from moving from the dispensing position as described above. Additionally, other canister storage units can be connected to the automated teller unit 12 as previously described.
Some embodiments in accordance with the above description will now be described. In one embodiment there is a process for dispensing canisters comprising the steps of:
In step (e) of the above process the first door can be closed upon receiving a closed door signal at the automated payment center or after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed. Further, in step (h) the second door can be closed after the full canister is no longer detected in the dispensing space or after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed.
Also, the automated teller can be located between 60 inches and 240 inches from the nearest of one or more canister storage compartments.
The above process can further comprise moving the canister in or closest to the receiving space in the selected row towards the dispensing space after step (h) such that the line of canisters is moved towards the dispensing space and the receiving space does not contain a canister. Further, the canister adjacent to the receiving space can be locked against movement towards the receiving space during the period of time the first door is open. In this context, “adjacent” means closest to but not in the receiving space. Also, the canister adjacent to the dispensing space can be locked against movement towards the dispensing space during the period of time the second door is open. In this context, “adjacent” means closest to but not in the dispensing space.
During the closing of the first door in step (e) of the process, the first door can be locked from moving back to an open state after the first door has partially moved towards closing. Also, during the closing of the second door in step (h) of the process, the second door can be locked from moving back to an open state after the second door has partially moved towards closing.
The canister row can be selected in step (c) of the above process based on the series of instructions received in step (b). Further, the process can include monitoring the number of empty canister spaces in each canister row and monitoring the number of return canisters in each canister row. The process can further comprise removing a canister row from the set of canister rows available for selection based on the monitoring steps. Also, the process can comprise sending a signal to a predefined address based on the monitoring steps. The signal can indicate when the canisters in the canister storage compartments need to be replaced based on the number of empty spaces in each canister row and the number of return canisters in each canister row.
In accordance with the above, one specific embodiment is a process for dispensing canisters comprising:
In another embodiment there is provided a self-service kiosk for storing and dispensing canisters. The kiosk comprises an automated teller and a canister storage compartment. The canister storage compartment has a series of walls defining an enclosure for storage and dispensing of canisters. The series of walls includes a front wall.
Also, the canister storage compartment has a plurality of horizontally extending canister rows within the enclosure. Each row is configured to hold a line of at least three canisters and each row has a dispensing end defining a dispensing space and a receiving end defining a receiving space. The front wall has a receiving door at the receiving end of each row and a dispensing door at the dispensing end of each row. The kiosk can have a plurality of such canister storage compartments and each canister storage compartment can have three horizontally extending canister rows.
The canister storage compartment includes a canister pusher associated with each row such that the canister pusher can move the canisters in the row associated with it towards the dispensing end based on a moving signal from the automated teller.
Also, the canister storage compartment includes a first canister lock and a second canister lock associated with each row. The first canister lock has a lock mode and an unlock mode. The first canister lock is mounted in the enclosure and adjacent to the dispensing end such that, when in the lock mode, it prevents the canister adjacent to the dispensing space from being removed. The second canister lock has a lock mode and an unlock mode. The second canister lock is mounted in the enclosure and adjacent to the receiving end such that, when in the lock mode, it prevents the canister adjacent to the dispensing space from being removed. In this context, “adjacent means” closest to but not in the dispensing space or receiving space, as applicable.
Further, the canister storage compartment has a door opener associated with each dispensing door and each receiving door. The door opener opens or closes the associated door based on an opening signal from the automated teller.
The canister storage compartment can have a return sensor and dispensing sensor. The return sensor is associated with the receiving end of each row. The return sensor is configured to detect when a return canister is placed in the receiving space and send a return signal to the automated teller. The dispensing sensor is associated with the dispensing end of each row. The dispensing sensor is configured to detect when a canister has been removed from the dispensing space and send a dispensing signal to the automated teller.
The automated teller is in communication with each canister pusher such that it can send the moving signal, with each pneumatic door opener such that it can send the opening signal, with each return sensor such that it can receive the return signal and with each dispensing sensor such that it can receive the dispensing signal.
The self-service kiosk can further comprise a door lock associated with each dispensing door and each receiving door, which prevents the associated door from being forced open when the door is closing. Also, there can be a door sensor associated with each dispensing door and each receiving door. The door sensor can be configured to detect when the associated door is closed and send a door signal to the automated teller. The automated teller is in communication with each door sensor such that it can receive the door signal.
The automated teller of the self-service kiosk can be slidably connected to the canister storage compartment such that it has a transportation position adjacent to the canister storage compartment and a dispensing position where it is spaced 60 to 240 inches from the canister storage compartment. Also, the automated teller can be locked in the dispensing position to prevent movement of the automated teller towards the canister storage compartment. The automated teller can be configured to monitor empty containers and full containers in each horizontally extending canister row and can be configured to send a maintenance signal to a predefined address when predefined refill conditions are met.
In a further embodiment there is provided a method of deploying a self-service kiosk for storing and dispensing canisters. The kiosk comprises an automated teller unit and a first canister storage unit, the method comprising:
The method of deployment can further comprise locking the automated teller unit from moving from the dispensing position to the transportation position after step (c). Also, the method can comprise connecting a second canister storage unit to the automated teller unit after step (b) and can further comprise connecting a third canister storage unit to the first canister storage unit and connecting a fourth canister storage unit to the second canister storage unit.
Further, the method can have the additional steps of placing the automated teller unit into the transportation position, and placing the kiosk onto a trailer for transportation.
In yet another embodiment there is provided a door apparatus comprising a door frame, a door, a pneumatic piston and a ratcheting claw. The door slidingly engages the door frame such that the door can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The pneumatic piston is configured to open and close the door. The ratcheting claw engages the door and door frame such that the ratcheting claw prevents the door from being forced to a fully open position from a partially closed position.
Further, the ratcheting claw can pivotally engage the door and can pivotally engage the pneumatic piston such that the ratcheting claw engages the door frame during closing of the door to prevent the door from being forced to a fully open position and does not engage the door frame during opening. The ratcheting claw can engage the door frame by interacting with one or more ratchet catches defined in the door frame. The door frame can include a base portion where the door moves horizontally from the open position to the closed position and the ratchet catch is defined in the base portion.
Further the ratcheted claw can be pivotally mounted to the door and engage the pneumatic piston by a first arm and a second arm, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first arm can be pivotally mounted to the ratcheted claw. The second end of the first arm can be pivotally mounted to the first end of the second arm. The second end of the second arm can be pivotally mounted to the pneumatic piston. The second arm can be pivotally mounted at a point in between its first end and second end to a third stationary point.
While various embodiments have been shown and described herein, modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
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