Abstract: A vending machine includes a secure housing; at least one dispensing element within the secure housing; and a character-based user interface associated with the secure housing, the character-based user interface including: an output system for presenting at least one stored video and/or audio sequence featuring a character; and an input system for receiving at least information provided by a person, the input system coordinated by the vending machine with the output system to receive at least some of the information in response to the presenting by the output system of a respective at least one video and/or audio sequence as a prompt for the person to provide the information.

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 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.