Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing a plurality of articles, each of a different characteristic or nature, and for selectively retrieving and dispensing from the plurality of stored articles any particular desired article when an identification number or code for that particular article is entered. In the embodiments illustrated, each article is provided with a separate and distinct electronically readable optical identification code which can be read directly from the article or a claim check when the article is loaded into the machine or retrieved from the machine.