Modular vending system for propane cylinders
A outdoor large item vending system for large items such as propane tanks, liquid petroleum gas cylinders of various sizes and other items that must be stored in and dispensed from a hazardous location compliant system (i.e. a Class I, Division 2 compliant system). The vending system can be placed on a store front, parking lot, campsite, or park, and comprises a main housing having compartments to hold large items such as propane container, which are dispensed from the compartments when a payment is made through a credit card reader interface located in the main housing. The large item vending system of the invention is powered by AC current which is turned to DC power by a power supply, or DC batteries charged by AC power and/or solar power, or by other power means.
1. A vending system for vending propane containers, the vending system further meeting the requirements for use in a Class I, Division 2 location, comprising:
a main housing having a plurality of compartments, a plurality of corresponding doors configured to enclose a corresponding one of the compartments and at least one proximity sensor within each compartment to detect the presence of a propane container;
a control system contained within the main housing having a master controller;
a user interface in communication with the control system; and
a controlled power supply which complies with Class I, Division 2 hazardous location considerations connected to the control system so as to provide necessary power for the vending system;
wherein each of the compartments and corresponding doors have a cooperating sealed electromagnetic lock/latch configured to latch/unlatch the door and thus allow a for customer to gain access to the compartment for purposes of propane container exchanges or purchases; and
wherein each sealed electromagnetic lock/latch and each proximity sensor is sufficiently sealed such that it is approved for use in the Class I, Division 2 location.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the master controller is further configured to coordinate payment from the user for the product, prior to providing user access to the compartment.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein payment comprises the processing of a credit card transaction.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the containment structures within the main compartments are configured to cause the propane container to be positioned in a predetermined relationship with the proximity sensor.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein vending of the product is achieved by communicating signals from the master controller or the add-on controller to a relay operating with the door latching mechanism for the door enclosing the vend compartment, wherein the signals cause the door to be opened.