US 12,249,204 B2
Semi-automated canister distribution system and method
James P. Clark, Chickasha, OK (US); Ivan Zhidov, Chickasha, OK (US); and John Gearhart, Chickasha, OK (US)
Assigned to Anytime Propane, LLC, Blanchard, OK (US)
Filed by Anytime Propane, LLC, Blanchard, OK (US)
Filed on Dec. 18, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/543,976.
Application 16/810,543 is a division of application No. 16/133,108, filed on Sep. 17, 2018, abandoned.
Application 18/543,976 is a continuation of application No. 16/810,543, filed on Mar. 5, 2020, granted, now 11,847,880.
Application 16/133,108 is a continuation of application No. 15/630,701, filed on Jun. 22, 2017, granted, now 10,078,933, issued on Sep. 18, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/353,463, filed on Jun. 22, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2024/0119780 A1, Apr. 11, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G07F 11/62 (2006.01); G06Q 10/087 (2023.01); G06Q 20/20 (2012.01); G06Q 30/0208 (2023.01); G06Q 30/0238 (2023.01); G07F 7/06 (2006.01); G07F 9/00 (2006.01); G07F 17/12 (2006.01)
CPC G07F 11/62 (2013.01) [G06Q 20/208 (2013.01); G07F 7/0609 (2013.01); G07F 9/001 (2020.05); G07F 9/002 (2020.05); G07F 17/12 (2013.01); G06Q 10/087 (2013.01); G06Q 30/0208 (2013.01); G06Q 30/0238 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A semi-automated canister distribution system, comprising:
a cabinet system comprising a cabinet having at least one compartment having a door, the door having an open position and a closed position with a locked state and an unlocked state; and
a system controller in communication with the cabinet system, the system controller having one or more computer processors executing instructions that cause the one or more computer processors to:
receive inventory data indicative of a number of canisters in the cabinet system;
receive a data element indicative of details of a purchase transaction;
determine that the purchase transaction can be satisfied based on the details of the purchase transaction and the inventory data;
transmit, after determining that purchase transaction can be satisfied, signals to the cabinet system indicative of instructions to change the door between the locked state and the unlocked state; and
receive signals from the cabinet system indicative of at least one of: a number of substantially full propane canisters removed from the cabinet of the cabinet system and a number of empty propane canisters placed in the cabinet of the cabinet system.