Abstract: A vending machine for articles, such as videotape cassettes, includes a rotatable turret having article-retaining compartments in which the articles to be dispensed are retained, and a vertically movable robotic arm located adjacent the turret for removing a desired article from the turret and directing the article to a discharge opening in the device. Preferably the vending machine is computer controlled to dispense the desired article from the machine, based upon an input signal provided by a user, and also to return an article to the machine, when the user desires to return it. A unique package arrangement for a videotape cassette includes a case having opposed planar walls and passageways extending through the surfaces in a central location thereof.

Abstract: A system for the reconstitution of a food and beverage concentrate comprising combined knife and nozzle means selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which latter position the combined knife and nozzle means pierces the removable lid of a container of concentrate and is operative automatically to inject a predetermined amount of heated water into the container to reconstitute the concentrate. Upon movement to retracted position means is automatically operative to rinse the combined knife and nozzle means.