Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing assurance a product has been vended upon an authorized product selection. The method comprises monitoring if a product has been vended during a first vend cycle and if not, commencing a second vend cycle, and stopping a second vend cycle immediately if a product is sensed.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for retaining a vertical stack or stacks of vendable items in a vending machine includes a column having sidewalls and a front and back. The back is substantially blocked to retain vendable items vertically at the back of the column. The front of the column is substantially blocked to maintain vertical the vendable items in the front of the column. The front of the column can be substantially unblocked for access through the front of the column to other parts of the column. In one form, a door or retainer can be positioned so that it is closed and latched across the front of the column but releasable and openable to substantially expose the front of the column.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for and method of vending multiple products includes a master vending machine which utilizes money handling and changing components as well as a selection component and controller. The present invention may also include one or more satellite machines. The satellite vending machine utilizes the money handling components and the selection control components of the master vending machine. The selection component used by the master vending machine alone or in combination with one or more satellite vending machines is utilized to implement special combination pricing for selected combination purchase.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment vertical vending from one or more columns. Each column is defined by two walls. A triggering mechanism at the bottom of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the top of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the column from being dropped out the bottom of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispensation occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the amount and selection of vendible items from a bucket-type vending machine includes a main access door over an access opening to buckets of the machine. One or more shields are positioned below the access opening but can be selectively interlocked with the door so that when the access door uncovers the access opening, any of the shields can be raised to cover any or all of the access opening. This arrangement allows each bucket to be subdivided into separate buckets. The selectable shields therefore can close off from access any of the sections of the bucket which are not selected by a customer thereby allowing use of one main access door to facilitate the increased amount and number of selections available from each bucket of the bucket-type vending machine.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment a horizontal vending tray with one of more columns. Each column can have one or more tracks. A biasing device such as a spring is associated with a pusher plate that slides along the column. A triggering mechanism at the front of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the back of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the track from being pushed off the front of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispension occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column by standing on their bases and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating portions of a vending machine includes an internal light source that is used to generate light inside a housing defining the vending machine. A user interface including such things as a money or token receiver, selection buttons, and coin return, has an external surface that can be operated by a customer or a vendee. Light from the light source is transmitted from inside the housing to outside the housing and unto selected portions of the user interface. This can be accomplished by using windows or other light conduits to provide illumination of the external face of the user interface to assist in user operation at night and especially in places that do not include a lot external lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the amount and selection of vendable items from a bucket-type vending machine includes a main access door over an access opening to buckets of the machine. One or more shields are positioned below the access opening but can be selectibly interlocked with the door so that when the access door uncovers the access opening, any of the shields can be raised to cover any or all of the access opening. This arrangement allows each bucket to be subdivided into separate buckets. The selectable shields therefore can close off from access any of the sections of the bucket which are not selected by a customer thereby allowing use of one main access door to facilitate the increased amount and number of selections available from each bucket of the bucket-type vending machine.