Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.
대표청구항▼
1. A dispenser for storing one or more items and providing selective access to the items, the dispenser comprising: a housing defining an access opening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the one or more items, wherein the access opening defines a first lateral side and a second later
1. A dispenser for storing one or more items and providing selective access to the items, the dispenser comprising: a housing defining an access opening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the one or more items, wherein the access opening defines a first lateral side and a second lateral side;one or more upper horizontal support members disposed adjacent an upper perimeter of the access opening and extending at least substantially the width of the access opening from the access opening's first lateral side and to the access opening's second lateral side; andan access door disposed adjacent the access opening, the access door comprising: a rigid vertical support member slidably engaged to at least one of the one or more upper horizontal support members and configured to slide laterally relative to the one or more upper horizontal support members between the access opening's first lateral side and the access opening's second lateral side;a flexible barrier having a first side edge operatively connected to the rigid vertical support member, wherein the flexible barrier comprises a tear-resistant fabric sheet;a plurality of door attachment members disposed adjacent an upper edge of the flexible barrier and engaged with at least one of the one or more upper horizontal support members, wherein the plurality of door attachment members are configured to slide relative to the one or more upper horizontal support members and permit the access door to move laterally to: (i) a closed position in which the access door prevents access to one or more items stored within the interior portion of the housing through the access opening, and(ii) an open position in which the access door permits access to one or more items stored within the interior portion of the housing through the access opening; anda close locking mechanism configured to selectably lock the rigid vertical support member adjacent the first lateral side of the access opening to selectably lock the access door in the closed position. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein a second side edge of the flexible barrier is operatively connected to the housing adjacent the second lateral side of the access opening; and wherein, when the access door is in the closed position, the rigid vertical support member is positioned adjacent the first lateral side of the access opening and the flexible barrier extends substantially between the first and second lateral sides of the access opening. 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the one or more upper horizontal support members comprise a first upper horizontal support member and a second upper horizontal support member; and wherein the rigid vertical support member is slidably engaged with the second upper horizontal support member and is configured to slide laterally relative to the second upper horizontal support member. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the plurality of door attachment members extend around the first upper horizontal support member such that the door attachment members are able to slide laterally along the first upper horizontal support member; and wherein the second upper horizontal support member comprises an upper linear bearing rail and the rigid vertical support member is secured to an upper sliding assembly configured to slide laterally along the upper linear bearing rail. 5. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the rigid vertical support member is further engaged with the first upper horizontal support member and is configured to slide laterally relative to the first upper horizontal support member, the rigid vertical support member being operatively engaged with the first upper horizontal support member at a point positioned below the rigid vertical support member's engagement with the second upper horizontal support member. 6. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the rigid vertical support member includes an engaging member extending outwardly from a leading edge of the rigid vertical support member, the engaging member being configured for engaging a portion of the housing when the access door is in the closed position. 7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the engaging member comprises a support flange extending laterally outwardly from the rigid vertical support member's leading edge. 8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a security device configured for selectively obstructing at least a portion of the access opening in order to prevent a storage cart positioned within the housing from being removed by an unauthorized user. 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the security device comprises a security bar connected to the housing and configured for moving between an access position, in which a storage cart can be removed from the interior portion of the housing, and a retention position, in which the security bar prevents a storage cart from being removed from the housing. 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein, when the security bar is in the retention position, the security bar is further configured to engage the rigid vertical support member where the rigid vertical support member is pulled outwardly from the dispenser and where the rigid vertical support member is pushed inwardly toward the dispenser in order to further prevent unauthorized access to the dispenser's interior portion. 11. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a biasing system configured to apply a force biasing the access door to the closed position. 12. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising an open locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the access door in the open position; and wherein, when the access door is unlocked from the open position, the biasing system is configured to drive the access door to the closed position. 13. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the biasing system comprises a counterweight operatively connected to the rigid vertical support member and configured to apply a force sufficient to pull the rigid vertical support member to the access door's closed position. 14. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising a damping mechanism configured to damp the motion of the access door as it is moved to its closed position by the biasing system. 15. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a control system comprising at least one processor configured to receive user input from a user interface, wherein the control system is configured to generate a control signal that actuates the close locking mechanism in order to unlock the access door in response to receiving valid user input. 16. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an open locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the access door in the open position. 17. The dispenser of claim 16, further comprising a control system comprising at least one processor configured to generate a control signal that actuates the open locking mechanism in order to unlock the access door from the open position. 18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the control system is configured to generate the control signal in response to user input received via a user input device. 19. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the control system is configured to generate the control signal after a predefined timing period elapses. 20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the access door is configured such that: when the access door is in the closed position, the flexible barrier is substantially outstretched in a substantially planar orientation and spans the width of the access opening; andwhen the access door is in the open position, the flexible barrier is gathered into a plurality of folds. 21. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flexible barrier includes one or more vertical support rods attached to the flexible barrier and extending vertically between the flexible barrier's upper edge and lower edge. 22. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured for receiving a movable cart into the interior portion of the housing through the housing's access opening when the access door is the open position, the movable cart being configured for storing the one or more items.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (47)
Fitzgerald, Robert M.; Joiner, Kyle; Broom, Ward P., Apparatus for inserting a cart, such as a cart with one or more fixed wheels, into an enclosure.
Fitzgerald, Robert M.; Broom, Ward P.; Williams, Warren Lee, Garment dispensing and receiving apparatus having a removable cartridge body and a flexible dispensing door.
Fitzgerald, Robert M.; Joiner, Kyle; Broom, Ward P., Guides and other apparatus for inserting a cart, such as a cart with one or more fixed wheels, into an enclosure.
Fitzgerald, Robert M.; Joiner, Kyle; Broom, Ward P., Methods and apparatus for inserting a cart, such as a cart with one or more fixed wheels, into an enclosure.
Voute,Nicolas; Lee,Eric K.; DeBeers,James Edward; Woodard,Brian J.; Lee,Ngee Jenn, Systems and methods for freezing, storing, transporting, and thawing biopharmacuetical material.
Nesser Thomas A. (Rochester NY) Nesser Deborah L. (Rochester NY) Joslyn Edward P. (Rochester NY) Rick Bernard J. (Fairport NY) Luckower Herbert (Harrison NY) Barczak John P. (Rochester NY), Vending machine.
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