Abstract: A means and method to utilize government-issued food stamp credit to purchase items from a vending machine. The food stamp credit is to be received through a monetary device and validated through the vending machine control network. The network will validate the transaction and allow or limit the type of purchases based on information collected from the food stamp government program rules and regulations. The invention is applicable to any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) type program or analogous transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing a row of inventory by advancing the row forward. An elongated member has opposite ends, either of which can receive and mount an actuator, e.g. electric motor. A drive member, e.g. a lead screw, extends along the elongated member and is connectable to the actuator. A push member, e.g. plate, linearly moves along the elongated body in response to the drive member. The assembly is highly adjustable. In one aspect, it is self-contained and can be mounted and adjusted in different positions on a support such as a tray, shelf, or frame. In another aspect, it can be selectively configured between different states. One state has the elongated member mounted in the support in one way, with the actuator at the back and the push member extending laterally in a first direction. In another state, the push member extends laterally an opposite direction.

Abstract: A mechanical lift for delivery bins and receptacles in vending and analogous machines includes a feature that partial opening of a delivery door allows at least partial access to the delivery bin or receptacle but that further opening of the door would lift the bin or receptacle floor. The assembly can be compact, relatively noncomplex and economical. It can come in basically a preassembled kit that can be retrofitted or original manufacture equipment. It can include additional features such as anti-cheat functions and dispense detect sensors. An additional feature can be a unique dispensing floor geometry.

Abstract: A mechanical lift for delivery bins and receptacles in vending and analogous machines includes a feature that partial opening of a delivery door allows at least partial access to the delivery bin or receptacle but that further opening of the door would lift the bin or receptacle floor. The assembly can be compact, relatively noncomplex and economical. It can come in basically a preassembled kit that can be retrofitted or original manufacture equipment. It can include additional features such as anti-cheat functions and dispense detect sensors. An additional feature can be a unique dispensing floor geometry.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: A monitor and method for reasonable confirmation of a vend from a vending machine includes a set of optical emitters positionable on one side of a dispensing area and a set of optical detectors, adapted to sense the optical energy of the emitters, positioned on an opposite side of the dispensing area. The emitters are spaced apart from each other and mounted on a supporting structure that can be installed on the one side of the dispensing area in a vending machine. The detectors similarly are spaced from one another on a supporting structure that can be installed on an opposite side of the dispensing area. A controller operates the emitters to individually turn on and off in a predetermined sequence. The controller checks for falsing of any detector during the off periods and monitors if any detector is blocked during the on periods. Upon sensed falsing or blockage, the controller generates an output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deterring or reducing breakage or deformation when dispensing a vertical stack of containers. A blocking member used to restrict dispension of vertical stack containers above a container being dispensed, can have a biasing member associated with it to allow it to vertically move to cause the stack to drop in a controlled fashion so that the block is not forced into the side walls of the containers, and so the dropping of the containers is controlled in a manner to reduce or deter the likelihood of breakage or deformation of the containers. An alternative feature of the invention is the use of a biasing member to return the blocking member to an original member to an original position once the weight of any vertical stack above it is removed.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment vertical vending from one or more columns. Each column is defined by two walls. A triggering mechanism at the bottom of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the top of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the column from being dropped out the bottom of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispensation occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the amount and selection of vendible items from a bucket-type vending machine includes a main access door over an access opening to buckets of the machine. One or more shields are positioned below the access opening but can be selectively interlocked with the door so that when the access door uncovers the access opening, any of the shields can be raised to cover any or all of the access opening. This arrangement allows each bucket to be subdivided into separate buckets. The selectable shields therefore can close off from access any of the sections of the bucket which are not selected by a customer thereby allowing use of one main access door to facilitate the increased amount and number of selections available from each bucket of the bucket-type vending machine.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment a horizontal vending tray with one of more columns. Each column can have one or more tracks. A biasing device such as a spring is associated with a pusher plate that slides along the column. A triggering mechanism at the front of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the back of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the track from being pushed off the front of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispension occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column by standing on their bases and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating portions of a vending machine includes an internal light source that is used to generate light inside a housing defining the vending machine. A user interface including such things as a money or token receiver, selection buttons, and coin return, has an external surface that can be operated by a customer or a vendee. Light from the light source is transmitted from inside the housing to outside the housing and unto selected portions of the user interface. This can be accomplished by using windows or other light conduits to provide illumination of the external face of the user interface to assist in user operation at night and especially in places that do not include a lot external lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the amount and selection of vendable items from a bucket-type vending machine includes a main access door over an access opening to buckets of the machine. One or more shields are positioned below the access opening but can be selectibly interlocked with the door so that when the access door uncovers the access opening, any of the shields can be raised to cover any or all of the access opening. This arrangement allows each bucket to be subdivided into separate buckets. The selectable shields therefore can close off from access any of the sections of the bucket which are not selected by a customer thereby allowing use of one main access door to facilitate the increased amount and number of selections available from each bucket of the bucket-type vending machine.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for a vending machine of a type having a helically shaped member which is connected to a drive shaft in a novel manner. A one piece molded plastic member has a hub section for connection to the drive shaft and a plurality of radially extending arms for connection to a convolution of the helically shaped member.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus of a type which can be manually actuated once a sufficient amount of money is inserted therein to thereby dispense a selected item is provided with an ejector assist mechanism and a mechanism for preventing the item being dispensed from tipping over during the dispensing thereof for thereby assuring a positive delivery of the item and for preventing more than one item from being dispensed at one time. An item holding structure includes a pair of flanges of a particular shape for causing items being dispensed from interfering with one another during the dispensing process.

Abstract: A plurality of item discharge units disposed in side-by-side fashion within a vending machine, each unit including a tray with a selectively driven helix rotatably disposed therein. A divider member is mounted completely within the helix and extends along the length of the helix and upon the divider member and extends downwardly and at an angle therefrom on both sides of the divider to form spaces triangular in cross section between the divider and the walls of the tray.