Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing relatively flat, thin articles, and particularly for dispensing valuable articles such as debit cards and tickets. A blocking bar is mounted adjacent the outlet of the dispensing mechanism and is adjustably but firmly positioned to positively block the issuance of more than one ticket at a time in response to the action of a pusher member. A device preferably comprising one or more rollers is provided near the entrance to the blocking bar so as to bear down on and flatten curved cards or tickets to insure that they will not jam against the blocking bar due to their lack of flatness.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing relatively flat, thin articles, and particularly for dispensing valuable articles such as debit cards and tickets. The articles to be dispensed are stored in removable chutes. Lockable covers are provided for the chutes so as to provide safe transportation containers for the valuable articles. Automatic device is provided for displacing the covers upon insertion of the chutes into the dispensing mechanism so as to prepare the mechanism for immediately dispensing the articles and eliminating the need to totally remove the covers during usage.