Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing items are disclosed. A preferred dispenser (20) according to the invention includes a vend unit (24) suitable for placement in a small (e.g., four cubic feet) refrigerator (22). The vend unit (24) is preferably an all-mechanical device including a coin receiver mechanism (30) operatively coupled to four delivery doors (26) and associated levers (28). Upon insertion of the proper coinage within coin receiver mechanism (30), and movement of one of the levers (28), an associated slide member (54,56) is caused to move. This in turn enables one of the doors (26) to open, allowing access to an item from the selected group. When one of the slide members (54,56) moves, movement of the remaining slide members (54,56) is precluded by blocking pivots (90,162).

Abstract: A coin operated delivery system for manual dispensing of products from vending machines. The system, being manually operable and of relatively simple construction, is intended for use in low volume sales locations where the use of large expensive electrically operated vending machines cannot be justified because of insufficient sales volume. The system comprises an elongated open top horizontal channel in which is disposed an elongated helix of substantially the same length. The coils of the helix are widely spaced apart to receive the individual items of product to be dispensed between the adjacent coils. The helix is linked to a rotatable coin receiver mechanism. Upon insertion of a coin, the coin receiving mechanism and the helix may be rotated through one full rotation to force the unit of product contained in the outermost coil of the helix to be discharged from the channel.

Abstract: A coin-operated machine for vending and dispensing generally flat semi-rigid packets of irregular contour such as those used to package individual size servings of powdered drinks, cocoa, coffee, fruit drinks, etc., dehydrated broths and soups, and the like. The dispenser is especially adapted for use in locations such as offices, employee lunchrooms, school lunchrooms, and the like. The machine is characterized by a reciprocable coin-actuated slide bar provided with a friction member for engaging the lowermost packet in an overlying vertical magazine holding a plurality of packets in stacked relation for gravity feed operation. Deposit of a coin prevents engagement of a locking pawl with the slide bar and permits extension of the slide bar by pulling on an external handle to engage a packet of commodity and discharge it from the machine. The slide bar is spring biased for automatic retraction. Each machine includes one or more dispensing stations.