Abstract: An electronically actuated bulk vending machine with a merchandise storage globe seated on a base for electronically actuated distribution of the merchandise via a rotatable merchandise wheel nested in the base and under the storage globe where the machine includes an electric motor for rotating a gear where the gear extends from the motor to engage the merchandise wheel along the peripheral gearing thereof.

Abstract: A flat article vending machine capable of mechanical or electronic actuation and which provides for convertibility using modular actuation assemblies, has replaceable chimney hopper modules, an anti vandalism gate, and a pocket display panel assembly, and is front loading.

Abstract: An anti-corruption coin/token chute assembly is provided for use with conventional coin acceptance assemblies. The assembly includes a coin race having first and second side walls and a floor. The floor is provided with a plurality of apertures to facilitate release of foreign substances. An ejection member is movably coupled the coin race. The ejection member includes a coin race insert that, in the rest position, is nested in the coin race. The coin race insert also includes first and second side walls and a floor. The floor of the coin race insert is provided with a plurality of apertures and is advantageously positioned so that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the apertures of the floor of the coin race. Accordingly, unauthorized foreign substances, such as liquids, that are injected into the chute assembly are drained through the apertures before fouling the electronics of the coin acceptance assemblies.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending including at least one electrically lockable, crank actuated vending machine linked to a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: A generally spherical, bifurcated capsule for containing a discrete article or articles being capable of non-destructive separation and including cooperating mating elements providing a strong interference fit which is particularly suited for use in bulk vending machines.

Abstract: A hinge flap capsule for containing a pourable material or articles being capable of non-destructive opening and re-sealing where the capsule is formed of a shell container and a cap interference fit thereto and the hinge flap is integrally formed with the cap to permit repeated opening and closure of the capsule for access to the contents thereof, where the capsule is particularly suited for use in vending pourable (fluid) materials from bulk vending machines.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending machines. The electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly includes a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: A dynamic bulk vending machine including a merchandise globe assembly sitting on an upper hopper, an intermediate chamber containing a unitary, multi-layer, serpentine, wire-form track defining an irregular pathway for spherical merchandise which sits on a lower hopper, all of which sit on a base containing a coin receiving actuation mechanism which is mechanically linked to both hoppers.

Abstract: A shield for a merchandise chute of a coin-operated bulk vending machine for minimizing coin mechanism jamming due to accumulation on the upper shield surface where the shield features a downwardly sloped cover portion incorporating a coin channel for deflecting coins dropped thereon away from the shield and into the vending machine base.

Abstract: A convertible coin box for a coin-operated bulk vending machine has a nesting coin retaining box established by base-conforming side walls and a vertically disposed slot for translating the box relative to the vending machine axial securing shaft.

Abstract: A universal, convertible coin receiving mechanism for a coin-operated bulk vending machine has an insert removably attached to the coin wheel. The insert alters the coin compatibility of the coin receiving mechanism by permitting dimensional modification of the coin channel.

Abstract: A barrel lock includes a circumferential axial pin tumbler arrangement housed in the barrel. A removable pilot post is disposed among the tumblers and has key-guides which register with mating key-guides on an actuating key. To change the lock combination, the lock can be reassembled with the pilot post located in a new rotational orientation relative to the tumbler arrangement. A particular application includes locking merchandise compartments in vending machines, for example.