Abstract: A printing system provides a printer for printing indicia on a container within a vending machine. The printing system may print indicia based on information relevant to a purchase transaction. The vending machine may transmit to a remote server data relating to a purchase transaction entered into the vending machine, the remote server retrieving data relevant to the purchase transaction and/or to the purchaser and transmitting to the vending machine the data relevant to the purchase transaction, such that the printing apparatus prints indicia on the container based on the received data relevant to the purchase transaction.

Abstract: A bagging system for a vending machine provides a bag loading device for loading the bag to a bag holder. The bag holder includes clamping arms for clamping opposed side edges of the bag to retain the bag in position for filling. The clamping arms are movable between a position wherein the top of the bag is generally stretched taut and a position wherein the top of the bag is slackened to thereby allow the top opening of the bag to open so that the product can be dispensed into the bag. The product may be associated with a data providing element for providing data relating to the product or a security code, or both, to the vending machine processor.

Abstract: A printing system provides a printer for printing indicia on a container within a vending machine. The printing system may print indicia based on information relevant to a purchase transaction. The vending machine may transmit to a remote server data relating to a purchase transaction entered into the vending machine, the remote server retrieving data relevant to the purchase transaction and/or to the purchaser and transmitting to the vending machine the data relevant to the purchase transaction, such that the printing apparatus prints indicia on the container based on the received data relevant to the purchase transaction.

Abstract: A bagging system for a vending machine provides a bag loading device for loading the bag to a bag holder. The bag holder includes clamping arms for clamping opposed side edges of the bag to retain the bag in position for filling. The clamping arms are movable between a position wherein the top of the bag is generally stretched taut and a position wherein the top of the bag is slackened to thereby allow the top opening of the bag to open so that the product can be dispensed into the bag. The product may be associated with a data providing element for providing data relating to the product or a security code, or both, to the vending machine processor.

Abstract: An apparatus for vending product comprises a vending machine having a secure housing containing a plurality of vender modules for dispensing a predetermined amount of merchandise into a container. A control panel receives a user selection of product from at least one selected vender module, loads a container onto a shuttle, drives the shuttle into dispensing communication with each selected vender module, and drives each selected vender module through at least one dispensing cycle to dispense the user selection of product. A sealing mechanism seals the container, and a dispensing mechanism dispenses the container to a user-accessible portion of the vending machine. A printer may be provided to print information or indicia, or both, onto the container.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles comprises a rotatable dispensing drum with a wall comprising at least one recess sized to receive an article, and a mechanism for rotating the dispensing drum about a rotational cycle. A plurality of magazines are provided for containing the articles in a stack, each magazine being in communication with the dispensing drum such that a proximate article in the magazine contacts the dispensing drum. The wall of the dispensing drum blocking the delivery of an article until an empty recess comes into alignment with the article during rotation of the dispensing drum. The article in the recess is dispensed from the recess as the dispensing drum is rotated further along its rotational cycle.

Abstract: A tracking system counts events in the operation of multiple machines or devices over a wide geographic area. For example, for bulk venders the system counts each vend responsive to rotation through a cycle of the coin mechanism, and preferably records the date and time of each vend. An active tag has a memory for storing data representing a vending event, for example the date and time of the event. The data is periodically read by an interrogator, which downloads the data stored in the tag memory and erases the memory to reset the tag for continued monitoring of the vender. With this information an operator can reconcile revenues, track when sales take place and over what period of time, and track the work habits of service personnel.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine provides a dispensing conduit having a revolving mouth that floats on top of a heap of articles in the product bin. The mouth is movable between a horizontal orientation, in which the mouth can scoop articles off of the surface of the heap, and a vertical orientation in which a throat of the dispensing conduit opens to allow an article which has been scooped into the mouth to fall through the dispensing chute. Revolution of the dispensing conduit by turning the handle causes the mouth to revolve around the heap of articles, scooping up one or more articles in its path.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine provides a dispensing conduit having a revolving mouth that floats on top of a heap of articles in the product bin. The mouth is movable between a horizontal orientation, in which the mouth can scoop articles off of the surface of the heap, and a vertical orientation in which a throat of the dispensing conduit opens to allow an article which has been scooped into the mouth to fall through the dispensing chute. Revolution of the dispensing conduit by turning the handle causes the mouth to revolve around the heap of articles, scooping up one or more articles in its path.

Abstract: An electrical generator in a coin mechanism supplies enough current to operate an electronic device or an electromagnetic device such as a solenoid, by providing a stator mounted about a rotor and driven by a spring-loaded drive wheel. The drive wheel rotates with the coin mechanism up to a release position, loading the spring. At the release position the drive wheel is released and snaps back to the rest position, driving the rotor and causing the rotor to rotate rapidly within the stator, generating an electric pulse. The electrical signal can be used to pulse a counter, electronic tag or other tracking device, and to recharge a small battery which may be provided as a backup or auxiliary power source. In one embodiment the invention further provides a means for determining whether a deposited coin is composed of metal or form a non-conductive material such as plastic or cardboard.

Abstract: In a vending machine island having a standard supporting a mounting plate at an elevated position, a securing post which extends to a level of the top of the tallest vender. A lid locked to the vender is provided with engaging means which engages a bracket affixed to the securing post. The bracket is secured by a locking screw which can only be accessed when the globe is removed, which requires that the lid of the globe be removed. Each vending machine is thus affixed to the stand by both its base and its lid, rendering the vending machine island substantially more resistant to theft and vandalism.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flat articles, which is entirely mechanical, resistant to theft and vandalism and consistently dispenses the correct volume of merchandize. A dispensing mechanism locks out a patron as the last article or item of merchandize is dispensed from the merchandize magazine by arresting rotation of the coin mechanism at a point where a coin cannot be inserted. A novel locking mechanism for the door covering the secure compartment in which collected coins are stored and a novel protective flap for the dispensing slot are also provided.