Abstract: Product storing and dispensing apparatus for the improved handling of products such as gum and mints is provided and especially suited for use in multi-product, selective vending machines of types that store and dispense a variety of products from compartmented drawers, which must be withdrawn for practical reloading with products. The improved apparatus conserves space and minimizes the weight of the structure to be moved during loading by substituting for the conventional drawer unit a lower assembly that carries the operating mechanism for selective product dispensing and may remain within the machine during loading and an upper assembly that merely receives products, is shiftably mounted on the lower assembly and alone need be withdrawn during loading.

Abstract: An improved dispensing drawer is provided for article dispensing machines, especially those of the so-called "helix vendor" type, which is slideably removable from the front of the dispensing machine and includes at least one article receiving cartridge removably secured within the drawer for efficient loading, storage and release of articles to be dispensed therefrom. The cartridge is removable and replaceable after being loaded with articles from the front of the machine and does not require removal of the drawer for access thereto. An opening in the rear end of the cartridge permits rapid carton-like loading of articles therein when removed from the drawer for replenishment of the dispensing machine by a serviceman.