Vending Machine System

Abstract

A vending machine system for exchanging CO2 gas cylinders, the system including a user interface, a payment system, and a controller in communication with an array of container assemblies, each of the container assemblies shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and including a locking system for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder therein, the system performing the steps of: (a) accepting user input via the user interface; and (b) if the user input indicates a request for a CO2 gas cylinder exchange, the system performing the steps of: (i) receiving payment from the user for the exchange of the CO2 gas cylinder via the payment system; (ii) receiving a CO2 gas cylinder into a first assembly of the container assemblies; and (iii) the locking system opening a full CO2 gas cylinder in a second assembly of the container assemblies for the user to receive.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine system, a container assembly, an array of container assemblies, and a vending machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A popular way to make your own sparkling drinks at home is to use a soda maker, such as those manufactured by SodaStream®. (a) Carbonated water maker housing; (b) plastic carbonated bottle; (c) CO2 cylinder It is equipped with:

[0003] Using a carbonated water maker reduces the CO2 in the cylinder, so the cylinder will need to be replaced from time to time.

[0004] Cylinders are currently replaced in one of the following ways: 1. Swap cylinders from store shelves: a. Go to a store such as Big W® where customers can exchange their empty cylinders; b. A customer removes a full cylinder from the shelf; c. The customer takes the new cylinder to the checkout; d. The cashier scans the barcode on the new cylinder and the cash register displays the price of a full cylinder; e. The cashier scans the empty cylinder and the cash register: i. Exchange price discounts; ii. Display the exchange price; g. The customer pays the exchange price and takes the full cylinder home. 2. Replace the cylinder at the counter: Take your empty SodaStream® cylinder to the counter at your local Target®, Myer®, Kmart® or David Jones® store and ask a store associate to exchange it for a full cylinder. A customer goes to a store such as Kmart® with an empty cylinder; b. A customer requests the store attendant to exchange an empty cylinder for a full gas cylinder; c. The clerk takes the customer's empty cylinder; d. The clerk retrieves a full gas cylinder from behind the counter and scans its barcode; e. The cash register displays the exchange price; f. The customer pays the exchange price and takes the full gas cylinder home.

[0005] It is not convenient for customers to travel to a store and replace the cylinder as described in points 1 and 2 above, especially in bad weather and / or when travel is limited.

[0006] Furthermore, the above system relies on cashiers and ultimately on store owners to collect the empty cylinders and contact the soda manufacturer for collection and refilling. The problem here is that soda manufacturers do not know at any given time how many empty cylinders are being collected at the stores they supply. Furthermore, due to human error, stores may not be able to collect 100% of their cylinders. Cylinders are easily lost.

[0007] To address the above issues, the exchange process has been localized to petrol stations such as Coles Express® stores. The improved process includes the following steps: a. The customer takes the empty cylinder to a gas station that stocks replacement cylinders; b. The cashier scans the barcode or pre-printed barcode on the empty cylinder; c. The cash register displays the exchange price; d. The customer pays the replacement price; e. The customer will be given a key to the cage of the replacement cylinder; f. The customer unlocks the cage and replaces the empty cylinder with a full one; g. The customer returns the key to the cashier and takes the full cylinder home.

[0008] Being able to swap cylinders at a local gas station may be more convenient than going to a big box store. However, the process is time-consuming and relies on numerous mechanical and manual steps, including locking and unlocking the cage. For example, theft can be an issue if the customer does not properly lock the cage. Lack of cage security could also lead to customers switching out more than one cylinder without paying.

[0009] Furthermore, like processes 1 and 2, the gas station process still relies on the cashier and ultimately on the store owner to collect the empty cylinders and contact the soda manufacturer for collection and refilling. Similarly, the problem here is that the soda manufacturer does not know at any given time how many empty cylinders have been collected at the stores it supplies. Furthermore, due to human error, stores may not be able to collect 100% of their cylinders. Cylinders are easily lost.

[0010] It would be widely desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the problems set forth above, or at least to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a vending machine system for exchanging CO2 gas cylinders, the system including a user interface, a payment system, and a controller in communication with an array of container assemblies, each of the container assemblies shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and including a locking system for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder therein, the system including: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) if the user input indicates a request for a CO2 gas cylinder replacement, the system: (i) receiving payment from a user for the exchange of the CO2 gas cylinder via a payment system; (ii) receiving a CO2 gas cylinder into a first assembly of the container assembly; (iii) the locking system opens the second assembly of the container assembly for receipt by a user of a full CO2 gas cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, step (ii) is performed by the system before step (i). Step (a) of accepting user input is preferably equivalent to step (ii) of receiving a CO2 gas cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, each of the container assemblies includes an authentication system for verifying that the item received therein is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder, and said system performs the step of verifying that the item received in step (ii) is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder via the authentication system.

[0014] Preferably, if the user input indicates a request to purchase a full CO2 gas cylinder without exchange, the system: (a) receiving payment from a user via a payment system for a full CO2 gas cylinder without exchange; (b) opening the locking system to allow a user to receive a full CO2 gas cylinder in a third assembly of the container assembly; Execute.

[0015] According to the present invention there is further provided a vending machine system for purchasing CO2 gas cylinders, the system comprising: (a) a user interface; (b) payment systems and; (c) a controller in communication with an array of container assemblies, each container assembly shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and including a locking system for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder therein, said system comprising: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) If the user input indicates a request to purchase a CO2 gas cylinder, the system: (i) receiving payments from users for CO2 gas cylinders via a payment system; (ii) a locking system opens a CO2 gas cylinder in one of the container assemblies for receipt by a user;

[0016] There is further provided in accordance with the present invention a vending machine system for receiving used CO2 gas cylinders, the system comprising: (a) a user interface; (b) payment systems and; (c) a controller in communication with an array of container assemblies, each container assembly shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and including a locking system for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder therein; The system: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) If the user input indicates a request to return the CO2 gas cylinder, the system: (i) receiving an item into one of said container assemblies; (ii) a locking system locking a CO2 gas cylinder to said one of said container assemblies; (iii) refunding the user by payment for the return of the CO2 gas cylinder without replacement;

[0017] Preferably, the step (a) of accepting user input is equivalent to the step (i) of receiving a CO2 gas cylinder.

[0018] Preferably, each container assembly in the array includes a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a CO2 gas cylinder therein, and a locking system in each container assembly in the array includes a thread that engages the CO2 gas cylinder and moves the CO2 gas cylinder to a locked position relative to the tubular chassis when the CO2 gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis.

[0019] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a container assembly for a container assembly array of a CO2 gas cylinder vending machine system, the container assembly being shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and including a locking system for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder therein.

[0020] Preferably, the container assembly includes an authentication system for verifying that an item received therein is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder. The container assembly includes a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a CO2 gas cylinder therein. The locking system includes a thread that engages the CO2 gas cylinder and moves the CO2 gas cylinder to a locked position relative to the tubular chassis when the CO2 gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis.

[0021] The present invention further provides an array of the above-described container assemblies.

[0022] The present invention further provides a vending machine including the above system.

[0023] The vending machine system can be installed in a convenient location that is accessible 24 hours a day, and allows customers (also referred to as "users") to exchange empty CO2 gas cylinders for full CO2 gas cylinders.

[0024] The ability to exchange cylinders at a nearby vending machine, as described above, is more convenient than going to a big box store. Furthermore, using the vending machine to exchange CO2 gas cylinders minimizes reliance on the human intervention step of locking and unlocking the cage. Such vending machines also make CO2 gas cylinder theft more difficult.

[0025] Additionally, the vending machine will reliably collect and safely store returned CO2 gas cylinders, thus ensuring that an accurate stock of cylinders is maintained by the vending machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vending machine system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a CO2 cylinder and a vending machine embodying the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed by the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4a] 10A-10C are perspective views of a group of container assemblies in different states of use. [Figure 4b] 10A-10C are perspective views of a group of container assemblies in different states of use. [Figure 5a] 10A-10C are perspective views of the container assembly in different states of use. [Figure 5b] Perspective view of the container assembly in different usage states. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 5b. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the thread of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b. [Figure 8a] Side view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b with a CO2 gas cylinder partially inserted therein. [Figure 8b] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b taken along line A-A with a CO2 gas cylinder partially inserted therein. [Figure 9a] Partially transparent side view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b in different usage states. [Figure 9b] Partially transparent side view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b in different usage states. [Figure 9c] Partially transparent side view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b in different usage states. [Figure 10] Enlarged view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 8b in another usage state. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the enlarged end of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5a. [Figure 12a] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5a taken along line A-A in different usage states. [Figure 12b] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5a taken along line A-A in different usage states. [Figure 12c] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5a taken along line A-A in different usage states. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the container assembly shown in FIG. 5b taken along line A-A in different usage states. [Figure 14a] Perspective view of the enlarged end of an alternative container assembly in different usage states. [Figure 14b] Perspective view of the enlarged end of an alternative container assembly in different usage states. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the components of the system shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The vending machine system 10 shown in Figure 1 is used to exchange CO2 gas cylinders 12. The system 10 is advantageously embodied as a stand-alone vending machine 14 for exchange or purchase of new CO2 cylinders, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the components of the system 10 may be distributed at different locations and communicate over a standard communications network using standard communications protocols.

[0028] For example, the vending machine 14 may be located in a convenient location that is accessible 24 hours a day, allowing customers (also referred to as "users") to exchange empty CO2 gas cylinders 12 for full CO2 gas cylinders.

[0029] 1, the system 10 includes a controller 16 in communication with a user interface 18, a payment system 20, and an array of container assemblies 22. Each of the container assemblies 24 is shaped to at least partially receive an end 26 of a CO2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system 28 for releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder 12 therein.

[0030] Preferably, the system 10 further includes an authentication system 30 for verifying that the items received therein are genuine CO2 gas cylinders 12.

[0031] System 10 executes process 100 shown in Figure 3, which includes accepting user input via user interface 18 at step 102. If the user input indicates a desire to replace a CO2 gas cylinder at step 104, system 10: (a) in step 106, receiving payment from a user for the exchange of the CO2 gas cylinder 12 via the payment system 20; (b) receiving the item into a first one of the container assemblies, in step 108; (c) verifying, via authentication system 30, that the item is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder, at step 110; (d) in step 112, the locking system 28 opens the full CO2 gas cylinder 12 in the second assembly of the container assembly 24 for receipt by the user;

[0032] Steps 106 and 108 may be reversed in order. For example, step 106 of receiving payment may occur after step 108 of receiving items. In this embodiment, step 102 of accepting user input is advantageously equivalent to step 108 of receiving items. For exchange purposes, a customer simply places a used CO gas cylinder into an empty container assembly 24 to initiate the exchange.

[0033] The user interface 18 shown in FIG. 2 includes a “replace” function button 25 that is used to indicate a request to replace the CO 2 gas cylinder 12 .

[0034] The user simply places the depleted CO gas cylinder 12 into the empty container assembly 24 of the array 22, selects exchange via the user interface 18, and pays via the payment system 20. The process is efficient and convenient with minimal human interaction, and theft is not an issue.

[0035] Furthermore, returned empty CO2 gas cylinders 12 are safely stored within the vending machine 14. Therefore, there is no problem of cylinders 12 going missing without being properly collected by the cashier.

[0036] To release the CO2 gas cylinder 12, the controller 16 electrically triggers the locking system 28 to open the appropriate container assembly 24. In response to this request, the locking system 28 releases the cylinder 12 to the user.

[0037] Releasing 112 the CO2 gas cylinder 12 includes identifying the appropriate cylinder 12 to release. Preferably, the locking system 28 releases the full CO2 gas cylinder 12 from the container assembly 24 in the array 22 that is closest to the container assembly 24 to which the empty CO2 gas cylinder 12 was returned.

[0038] The system 10 preferably illuminates an LED ring light on the empty container assembly 24 that is selected to receive an empty CO2 gas cylinder 12 from the user.

[0039] In step 114, if the received user input indicates a request to purchase a full CO2 gas cylinder 12 without an exchange, the system 10: (a) in step 116, receiving payment from a user for a full CO2 gas cylinder 12 without exchange via a payment system 20; (b) in step 118, the locking system 28 opens the full CO2 gas cylinder 12 in one of the container assemblies 24 for receipt by a user;

[0040] The user interface 18 shown in FIG. 2 includes a "New" function button 31 that is used to indicate a request to purchase a full CO2 gas cylinder 12 without an exchange.

[0041] Preferably, the step 118 of releasing the CO gas cylinder 12 further comprises: (a) utilizing a height measurement system to measure a user's height; (b) the locking system 28 identifies the container assembly 24 containing the full CO2 gas cylinder 12 that is closest to the user's height;

[0042] In doing so, the system 10 releases the cylinder 12 in the container assembly 24 that corresponds to the user's height.

[0043] - For short / disabled people, a low-positioned container assembly 24 is selected - For taller people, a higher container assembly 24 is selected

[0044] At step 120, if the user input indicates a request to return the empty CO2 gas cylinder 12 without an exchange, the system 10: (a) receiving an item into one of the container assemblies 24 at step 122; (b) verifying that the item is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder 12 via the authentication system 30 in step 124; (c) in step 126, the locking system locks the cylinder 12 of the container assembly 24; (d) in step 128, refunding the user via the payment system 20 for the return of the CO2 gas cylinder 12 without replacement; The system 10 preferably illuminates an LED ring light on the empty container assembly 24 that is selected to receive an empty CO2 gas cylinder 12 from the user.

[0045] Advantageously, the system 10 performs the additional step of asking the user, via the user interface 18, whether a receipt for the transaction is desired. The transaction results in an exchange of the CO2 gas cylinder 12, the purchase of a new CO2 gas cylinder 12, or the return of the CO2 gas cylinder 12. This may be done, for example, by generating indicia on a display. Upon receiving confirmation from the user via the interface 18, the system 10 generates a receipt for the transaction. The system 10 then performs the step of providing the receipt to the user. This is done by printing a physical copy of the receipt for the user via the user interface 18. Alternatively, if the user enters their email address via the user interface 18, the receipt is provided by email to the user.

[0046] Container Assembly 24 4a and 4b, the container assemblies 24 have a modular construction that allows individual container assemblies 24 to be easily attached and detached to the array 22. Individual container assemblies 24 can be linked together to form arrays of any size. Individual container assemblies 24 can be extracted from the array 22 for replacement or maintenance as needed.

[0047] 5a-8b, each container assembly 24 of the array 22 includes a tubular chassis 32 with an open end 42 shaped to receive and secure a CO2 gas cylinder 12 therein. As shown, the tubular chassis 32 is formed in two pieces for ease of assembly. Alternatively, the tubular chassis 32 may be any other shape capable of receiving and securing the end of a CO2 gas cylinder 12 therein.

[0048] As shown specifically in Figure 7, the locking system 28 of each container assembly 24 in the array 22 includes a thread 34 that engages the CO2 gas cylinder 12 when the CO2 gas cylinder 12 is placed in the tubular chassis 32. As shown in Figures 9a-9c, the thread 34 is configured to move to a locked position relative to the tubular chassis 32. As shown in Figure 9c, the thread 34 is in the locked position when the cylinder 12 is fully inserted into the chassis 32.

[0049] The locking system 28 of each container assembly 24 further includes a rotary latch 36 that engages the sled 34 when the sled 34 moves to the locked position. A latch arm 38 secures the sled 34 in the locked position.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9a-9c, movement of the sled 34 to the locked position pulls the locking bar 40 at least partially across the open end 42 of the tubular chassis 32 to secure the CO2 gas cylinder 12 within the tubular chassis.

[0051] The locking system 28 further includes a tension spring 44 that resiliently biases the sled 34 away from the locked position. The tension spring 44 drives the sled 34 toward the open end 42 of the chassis 32 when the locking system 28 releases the CO2 gas cylinder 12, thereby allowing the CO2 gas cylinder 12 to be easily removed from the vending machine 14.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the threads are: (a) two parallel elongated link members 46a, 46b separated at a common end by a latch bar 48 and extending along opposite faces of the tubular chassis 32; (b) two parallel short link members 50a, 50b pivotally secured at a common end to the other end of each of the long link members 46a, 46b; (c) a lock bar 40 connected between the other ends of the short link members 50a, 50b; (d) a collar 54 shaped to receive a neck portion 56 of the CO2 gas cylinder 12 when the CO2 gas cylinder 12 is inserted into the tubular chassis 32;

[0053] Collar 54 includes a pair of pins 58a, 58b that extend in opposite directions into slots 60a, 60b in each of long link members 46a, 46b. Collar 54 is configured to move relative to long link members 46a, 46b along the length of slots 60a, 60b.

[0054] When the CO2 gas cylinder 12 is inserted into the tubular chassis 32, the neck portion 56 of the CO2 gas cylinder 12 engages with the collar 54, which is then urged to move along the slots 60a, 60b toward the latch bar 48 of the sled 34. Furthermore, when the pins 58a, 58b of the collar 54 abut against the end portions 62 of the slots 60a, 60b, the cylinder 12 drives the sled 34, for example, an additional 20 mm, toward the rotary latch 36, and the latch bar 48 engages with the actuator arm 64 of the rotary latch 36, urging it toward the locked position.

[0055] The dual latch and lock action of the locking system 28 secures the CO2 gas cylinder 12 within the vending machine 14. Although the locking system 28 is described above as a sled 34 that moves within the chassis 32 to latch onto the rotary latch 36 and pull down the locking bar 40, other methods of releasably securing the CO2 gas cylinder 12 within the vending machine 14 are contemplated. For example, the CO2 gas cylinder 12 may be secured within the vending machine 14 by the locking system 28 from only one end of the CO2 gas cylinder 12.

[0056] The authentication system 30: (a) a latch sensor 66 that detects the state of the rotary latch 36; (b) a lock sensor 68 that determines the state of the lock bar 40; Includes.

[0057] The latch sensor 66 and lock sensor 68 verify that the item inserted into the tubular chassis 32 is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder 12 when the sled 34 is in the locked position and the lock bar 40 at least partially covers the open end 42 of the tubular chassis 32 to block removal of the cylinder 12.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 15, the authentication system 30 may alternatively or additionally include: 2 One or more sensors 82 communicating with the controller 16 via a C interface or GPIO, e.g.: (a) Eddy current sensor; (b) Hall effect sensor; (c) microswitch; (d) weight sensor; (e) a barcode reader; and / or (f) image sensor; Includes.

[0059] These sensors function to verify that the item inserted into the chassis 32 is a genuine CO2 gas cylinder 12.

[0060] In one embodiment, the array 22 of container assemblies 24 is configured with multiple clusters 72 of sub-arrays of container assemblies, each cluster including, for example, nine container assemblies 24. The clusters 72 are configured in a modular manner and can be separately removed from the array 22, for example, for repair.

[0061] 14a and 14b, each bin assembly 24 includes a door 86 that operates in an open and closed state of use. In closed use, the door 86 covers the open end 42 of the tubular chassis 32 and prevents external elements from entering the bin assembly 24. For example, when in the closed position, the door 86 prevents rain and dust from entering the bin assembly 24. The door is preferably IP66 rated or equivalent.

[0062] In open use, the door 86 allows full access to the tubular chassis 32, facilitating the insertion and removal of the CO2 gas cylinder 12 from the vending machine 14.

[0063] Each container assembly 24 includes an actuator (not shown) that drives the door 86 between open and closed use positions. The actuator communicates with the controller 16, which determines its operation.

[0064] The locking system 28 advantageously uses a door 86 to secure the CO2 gas cylinder 12 to the tubular chassis 32 of the container assembly.

[0065] As shown in Figure 13, if the user inserts the cylinder 12 in the wrong orientation, the locking system 28 will not be able to lock the cylinder 12 into the chassis 32 and the process will be aborted.

[0066] Advantageously, the user interface 18 is a hands-free interface that operates by voice commands or hand gestures.

[0067] Instead of a rotary latch 36, the container assembly 24 advantageously includes a worm drive.

[0068] Controller 16 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the system 10: (a) a controller 16, the controller 16: (i) 1.5GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU; (ii) VideoCore VI graphics; (iii) 4kp60 HEVC decoder and; (iv) True Gigabit Ethernet; (v) 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz IEEE 802.11ac Wireless, Bluetooth (registered trademark) 5.0, BLE and; (vi) 2 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 2.0 ports; (vii) 2 x Micro HDMI (registered trademark) With terminals (1 x 4kp60 or 2 x 4kp30); (viii) USB-C for input power, supporting 5.1V 3A operation; (ix) 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM; Includes Raspberry Pi 4 Model B / 2GB (Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB).

[0069] The controller 16 communicates via a bus master with a receptacle assembly 24, which is typically the set of nine receptacles closest to the controller 16.

[0070] The protocol between the controller 16 and the bus master 70 supports communication over an RS485 bus 74. The RS485 bus 74 allows data from each individual container assembly 24 to be sent to and received from the controller 16 via the bus master 70.

[0071] The system 10 supports remote updates of both firmware and applications, if necessary.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, the user interface 18 includes a touchscreen 78 and a touchless sensor 80, which are configured to interface with the controller 16 via respective USB and GPIO interfaces.

[0073] The controller 16 preferably communicates with the face recognition system 84 via a MIPI / DSI interface.

[0074] The controller 16 is preferably a control module that includes a central processing unit. For example, the controller 16 may include a Broadcom BCM2711 or equivalent, and the CPU for the population of nine vessels 24 may be an STM32F411 or equivalent. The central processing unit communicates with non-transitory data storage that stores instructions and cooperates with system components to perform step 100 shown in FIG. 3 .

[0075] Alternatively, the controller 16 may include multiple central processing units, each of which communicates with non-transitory data storage that stores instructions and cooperates with system components to perform step 100 shown in FIG.

[0076] Additionally, the controller may include a field programmable gate array configured to interface with the system components to perform step 100 shown in FIG.

[0077] Payment Systems 20 As shown in Figure 2, the payment system 20 includes a payment terminal that communicates with the controller 16 via a USB port or a TTL UART. The payment system 20 uses any standard system capable of point-of-sale transactions.

[0078] Vending Machine 14 As shown in Figure 2, the vending machine 14 has an open front to allow for the insertion and removal of CO2 gas cylinders. The vending machine 14 provides the following desirable advantages: - Always know the position of cylinder 12, both empty and full Transactions are real-time Data is recorded by the vending machine about each transaction, including customer information, which can be used at a later date to help measure behavioral patterns (times and demographics when customers are likely to complete a transaction) Vending machines 14 send real-time information to a central server, reporting stock levels and vending machine status The vending machine is configured to receive information from a central server that is used to control the operation of the vending machine, including real-time pricing (at any time) – the option to have different pricing in different locations. · Cameras in vending machines (face recognition) - complete transactions with customer consent Facial recognition to measure a person's height so that the vending machine can eject or request the insertion of a cylinder based on the person's height (e.g., wheelchair) - Identifying the person standing in front of the vending machine (the vending machine issues a random number and a personal key is entered into a mobile device to verify that the person is physically present) Refunds to users may be made in the form of gift cards, bank accounts, or credit / debit cards. Loyalty Card

[0079] Alternatively, the vending machine 14 may include one or more doors (not shown) to protect the array 22 of container assemblies 24 from exposure to external elements. Each door is hinged to provide access to the container assemblies 24. Each door is biased to a default closed position that covers the container assemblies 24.

[0080] As used herein, an element referred to in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of such elements or steps, unless the exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may also include additional such elements that do not incorporate that characteristic, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0081] Reference herein to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter is not, and should not be construed as, an acknowledgment or admission that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the art to which this specification pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Vending machine system 12 CO2 gas cylinders 14. Vending Machines 16 Controllers 18 User Interface 20 Payment Systems 22 Array of vessel assemblies 24 Vessel Assembly 25 "Exchange" function button 26 CO2 gas cylinder end 28 Locking System 30 Authentication System 31 "New" function button 32 tubular chassis 34 threads 36 Rotary Latch 38 Latch Arm 40 Rock Bar 42 Open end of chassis 44 tension spring 46a, 46b Long link members 48 Latch bar 50a, 50b Short link members 54 Color 56 Neck part 58a, 58b pins 60a, 60b slots 62 Terminal part 64 Actuator Arm 66 Latch Sensor 68 Lock Sensor 70 Bassmaster 72 Group 74 RS485 Bus 76 4G / 5G interfaces 78 Touchscreen 80 Touchless Sensor 82 sensors 84 Facial Recognition System

Claims

1. CO ２ A vending machine system for exchanging gas cylinders, the vending machine system including a user interface, a payment system, and a controller in communication with an array of container assemblies, each of the container assemblies comprising: a CO ２ a CO ２ a locking system for releasably securing a gas cylinder therein, said vending machine system comprising: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) User input is CO ２ When indicating a need for a gas cylinder replacement, the vending machine system: (i) CO ２ receiving payment from the user for the exchange of the gas cylinder via a payment system; (ii) discharging CO into a first one of the container assemblies ２ receiving a gas cylinder; (iii) a locking system for locking a full CO 2 container in a second assembly of said container assembly; ２ opening the gas cylinder for receipt by a user; Run Each vessel assembly in the array ２ a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a gas cylinder therein; The locking system of each container assembly of the array ２ When a gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, CO ２ a gas cylinder engaged with said tubular chassis to ２ A vending machine system including a sled that moves the gas cylinder to a locked position.

2. 2. The vending machine system of claim 1, wherein step (ii) is performed by the vending machine system prior to step (i).

3. The step (a) of accepting user input is ２ 3. The vending machine system of claim 2, wherein step (ii) is equivalent to receiving a gas cylinder.

4. Each of said container assemblies is configured to receive items therein that are genuine CO ２ an authentication system for verifying that the gas cylinder is a gas cylinder, said vending machine system comprising: (a) The item received in step (ii) is a genuine CO ２ 4. The vending machine system according to claim 1, further comprising a step of confirming that the product is a gas cylinder via an authentication system.

5. If the item received in one of said container assemblies is a genuine CO ２ and an authentication system for verifying that the gas cylinder is a gas cylinder, the vending machine system comprising: (a) The item received in step (ii) is a genuine CO ２ The vending machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of confirming via the authentication system that the product is a gas cylinder.

6. The second assembly of the container assembly is ２ 6. The vending machine system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the gas cylinder is the container assembly in the array closest to the first one of the returned container assemblies.

7. The user input is full CO ２ When indicating a request to purchase a gas cylinder without exchange, the vending machine system: (a) Full tank of CO without replacement ２ receiving payment from a user for the gas cylinder via a payment system; (b) a full CO2 tank with a locking system in a third assembly of said container assembly; ２ opening the gas cylinder for receipt by a user; The vending machine system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the vending machine system executes the following:

8. CO ２ 1. A vending machine system for purchasing gas cylinders, the vending machine system comprising: (a) a user interface; (b) a payment system; and (c) an array of container assemblies; a controller in communication with each of the container assemblies; ２ a CO ２ a locking system for releasably securing a gas cylinder therein, said vending machine system comprising: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) User input is CO ２ When indicating a request to purchase a gas cylinder, the vending machine system: (i) CO ２ receiving payment from a user for the gas cylinder via a payment system; (ii) the locking system is connected to a CO ２ opening the gas cylinder for receipt by a user; Run Each vessel assembly in the array ２ a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a gas cylinder therein; The locking system of each container assembly of the array ２ When a gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, CO ２ a gas cylinder engaged with said tubular chassis to ２ A vending machine system including a sled that moves the gas cylinder to a locked position.

9. The vending machine system further includes a height measurement system for measuring a customer's height, and the controller selects a full CO 2 tank from a container in the array that is closest in height to the user's height. ２ 9. A vending machine system according to claim 7 or 8, which releases a gas cylinder.

10. The user input is empty CO without replacement ２ When indicating a request to return the gas cylinder, the vending machine system: (a) receiving an item into one of the container assemblies; (b) verifying that the item is a genuine CO via the authentication system ２ identifying the gas cylinder; (c) a locking system for locking the one of the container assemblies to a CO ２ locking the gas cylinder; (d) CO without exchange ２ Refunding the user by paying for the return of the gas cylinder; The vending machine system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the vending machine system executes the following:

11. Used CO ２ 1. A vending machine system for receiving gas cylinders, the vending machine system comprising: (a) a user interface; (b) a payment system; (c) an array of container assemblies; a controller in communication with each of the container assemblies; ２ a CO ２ a locking system for releasably securing a gas cylinder therein, said vending machine system comprising: (a) performing the steps of accepting user input via a user interface; (b) User input is CO ２ When indicating a request to return the gas cylinder, the vending machine system: (i) receiving an item into one of said container assemblies; (ii) a locking system for locking the one of the container assemblies to a CO ２ locking the gas cylinder; (iii) CO without exchange ２ Refunding the user by paying for the return of the gas cylinder; Run Each vessel assembly in the array ２ a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a gas cylinder therein; The locking system of each container assembly of the array ２ When a gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, CO ２ a gas cylinder engaged with said tubular chassis to ２ A vending machine system including a sled that moves the gas cylinder to a locked position.

12. The step (a) of accepting user input is ２ 12. The vending machine system of claim 11, equivalent to step (i) receiving a gas cylinder.

13. The thread is ２ 12. The vending machine system of claim 11, wherein the gas cylinder is in a locked position when fully inserted into the tubular chassis.

14. 14. The vending machine system of claim 13, wherein the locking system of each container assembly includes a rotary latch that engages the sled when the sled moves to a locked position, a latch arm of the rotary latch securing the sled in the locked position.

15. The movement of the sled to the locked position ２ 15. The vending machine system of claim 14, wherein the locking bar is pulled at least partially across the open end of the tubular chassis to secure the gas cylinder within the tubular chassis.

16. 16. The vending machine system of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the tubular chassis includes a tension spring that resiliently biases the sled away from the locked position.

17. The thread: (a) elongated link members extending along opposite faces of said tubular chassis separated at a common end by a latch bar; (b) two parallel short link members pivotally secured at a common end to the other end of each of the long link members; (c) a locking bar connected between the other ends of the short link members; (d) CO ２ When the gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, the CO ２ a collar shaped to receive the neck portion of a gas cylinder; Including, the collar includes a pair of pins extending in opposite directions into respective slots in the elongated link members; CO ２ When the gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, ２ The neck portion of the gas cylinder engages the collar, which is biased toward the latch bar, and when the pin of the collar strikes the end portion of the slot, the CO ２ 17. The vending machine system of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a gas cylinder drives a sled toward the rotary latch, causing the latch bar to engage an actuator arm of the rotary latch and bias it toward a locked position.

18. The authentication system may include one or more of: (a) a microswitch; (b) a weight sensor; (c) an eddy current sensor; (d) a Hall effect sensor; (e) a barcode reader; and / or (f) an image sensor; 8. The vending machine system according to claim 4, further comprising:

19. 19. The vending machine system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the array of container assemblies is made up of multiple groups of sub-arrays of container assemblies.

20. 20. The vending machine system of claim 19, wherein the populations are modular and can be separately removed from the array for repair.

21. CO ２ a CO ２ a CO gas cylinder locking system for releasably securing the gas cylinder therein; ２ 1. A container assembly for an array of container assemblies in a gas cylinder vending machine system, comprising: The container assembly ２ a tubular chassis shaped to receive and secure a gas cylinder therein; The locking system is ２ When a gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, CO ２ a gas cylinder engaged with said tubular chassis to ２ A container assembly including a sled for moving the gas cylinder to a locked position.

22. The items we accept are genuine CO ２ 22. The container assembly of claim 21, including an authentication system for identifying the container as a gas cylinder.

23. The thread is ２ 22. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein the locked position is reached when the gas cylinder is fully inserted into the tubular chassis.

24. 24. The container assembly of claim 23, wherein the locking system includes a rotary latch that engages the sled when the sled is moved to a locked position, a latch arm of the rotary latch securing the sled in the locked position.

25. The movement of the sled to the locked position ２ 25. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the locking bar is pulled at least partially across the open end of the tubular chassis to secure the gas cylinder within the tubular chassis.

26. 26. The container assembly of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the tubular chassis includes a tension spring that resiliently biases the sled away from the locked position.

27. The thread: (a) two parallel elongated link members separated at a common end by a latch bar and extending along opposite faces of said tubular chassis; (b) two parallel short link members pivotally secured at a common end to the other end of each of the long link members; (c) a locking bar connected between the other ends of the short link members; (d) CO ２ When the gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, ２ a collar shaped to receive the neck portion of a gas cylinder; Including, the collar includes a pair of pins extending in opposite directions into respective slots in the elongated link members; CO ２ When the gas cylinder is inserted into the tubular chassis, ２ The neck portion of the gas cylinder engages the collar, which urges the collar toward the latch bar, and when the pin of the collar strikes the end portion of the slot, the CO ２ 27. The container assembly of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein a gas cylinder drives a sled toward the rotary latch, causing the latch bar to engage an actuator arm of the rotary latch and bias it toward a locked position.

28. 28. An array of container assemblies, each of which is according to any one of claims 21 to 27.

29. A vending machine comprising the vending machine system of any one of claims 1 to 20.

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