Abstract: A vending machine having an access port through which articles are delivered and returned in connection with keypad selected transactions performed by a robotic transporter programmed through a computer control system, is provided with an emergency storing bin within which articles are accepted for return only during transaction shutdowns caused by those malfunctions of the robotic transporter which persist after it undergoes a recovery process. Those transactions of the transporter, aborted by failure of a scanner to read identification data on returned articles placed in the access port, may be resumed by selective input of such identification data to the computer control system through the keypad.

Abstract: An article gripper is moved by a robotic transporter in two perpendicular directions within a transport plane between a reference location and ID code reading locations aligned with an access port and storage cells of storage assemblies mounted in doors closing a transport compartment of an automatic vending machine. The gripper is also moved by the robotic transporter in a direction intersecting the transport plane to insert or withdraw articles carried by the gripper after displacement by incremental amounts from the aligned reading locations to gripping or releasing positions. The foregoing movements of the gripper as well as other related operations are under programmed control of a computer and inputted data from a keypad and card reader to perform merchandising transactions with respect to manufactured articles stored in the doors of the machine as well as to accommodate servicing operations.