Abstract: A shim for use in retrofitting a vending machine for dispensing products is provided. The shim has at least two spaced arms each having a first end and a second end, the arms capable of supporting products to be dispensed, and a transverse member joining the arm second ends. The transverse member is arranged to be attached to the vending machine housing such that the arms are disposed in proximity to the dispensing mechanism of the vending machine for dispensing products.

Abstract: A new and improved espresso making apparatus and method of making espresso is disclosed in which a motor is utilized to move a piston to compress ground coffee in a pressure chamber a predetermined amount and wherein the amount of compression of the ground coffee is controlled by sensing a motor parameter such as voltage or current which is related to the amount of compression of the ground coffee in the pressure chamber. The motor rotates a cam and the piston is operatively connected to a cam follower which engages the cam and moves the piston in response to rotation of the motor to compress the ground coffee in the pressure chamber until the sensed rotor parameter exceeds a preset reference.

Abstract: An audit monitoring and product drop system for retrofitting into an existing vending machine and a method of operating a vending machine is disclosed. A product drop sensor is provided to detect when a product to be dispensed drops through a product drop area of the vending machine. When a product dispensing mechanism is actuated, the output of the product drop sensor is monitored to determine whether a product to be dispensed drops through the product drop area within a predetermined time interval after the product dispensing mechanism is actuated. Transactional information relating to the products dispensed and the funds received are stored in a memory means only if a product drop is sensed by the product drop sensor within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: An audit monitoring and product drop system for retrofitting into an existing vending machine and a method of operating a vending machine is disclosed. A product drop sensor is provided to detect when a product to be dispensed drops through a product drop area of the vending machine. When a product dispensing mechanism is actuated, the output of the product drop sensor is monitored to determine whether a product to be dispensed drops through the product drop area within a predetermined time interval after the product dispensing mechanism is actuated. Transactional information relating to the products dispensed and the funds received are stored in a memory means only if a product drop is sensed by the product drop sensor within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for blending a mix and a beverage concentrate to dispense a blended beverage formed from the mix and the concentrate includes a supply of mix, a supply of at least a single type of concentrate, a manifold, a first conduit connecting the supply of concentrate to the manifold, a first valve for controlling fluid flow through the first conduit, a vacuum source operatively connected to the manifold to establish a vacuum in the manifold to draw the concentrate from the supply of concentrate through the first conduit and into the manifold when the first valve is in its open position, a second conduit for directing the mix to the manifold and a dispensing station for dispensing a blended beverage formed from a predetermined amount of mix and predetermined amount of concentrate.