Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus suitable for use in a vending machine has a frame supporting a vertically movable open-bottom cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. A base assembly is reciprocal horizontally between a brewing position and rest position. Actuation of various components is controlled by a motor through a cam shaft. The downward movement of the piston is controlled by the operation of a cam element, but this operation of the cam applying vertical force to push the piston also applies a horizontal force tending to offset the axial center lines between the piston and cylinder. Therefore means for preventing the piston from lateral horizontal movement relative to the cylinder insures improved sealing between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A vending machine having a plurality of article storage housing units which are removably mounted in the machine cabinet. Each of the housing units is slidably supported at the top and bottom ends by guide means to be smoothly drawable out of the machine cabinet. The machine is provided with releasable stopper means for preventing the movement of each housing unit loaded within the cabinet. It is performed after releasing the releasable stopper means to drawing the housing unit out of the cabinet. The machine is further provided with means for regulating electric cables connected to each housing unit to prevent the cables from being caught during the movement of said housing unit.

Abstract: An article storage unit device for use in a vending machine used for discharging an article at one time. A housing of the unit device defines at least one vertically extending article storing space and has a bottom opening. The housing is provided with a first stop adjacent the bottom opening by which an article is held in the space. A predetermined number of articles are stacked on the lowermost article within the space. The housing is also provided with a second stop for holding an article adjacent to and above the lowermost article. The first stop is releasable to discharge the lowermost article through the bottom opening by the gravity. The second stop is normally released and operates to hold the article for at least a time period during which the first stop is released. For the first and second stop, a cam may be used which is mounted on a drive shaft. The article storing space is adjusted by moving a movable plate within the space.