Abstract: A method of RFID inventory control for vending containers is provided, including providing a modular vending unit including a rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of incrementally rotating and locking in predetermined positions, comprising multiple discrete storage volumes each configured to contain a single RFID-tagged container, an access device for accessing the interior of the rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of switching between a locked and an unlocked state, and configured to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit.

Abstract: A payment system for vending containers is provided. The system includes an electronic payment interface accessible by a user and proximate to a container vending machine, comprising an input means, an output means, and a payment module. The input means comprising an electronic interface to an electronic container inventory means, an electronic selection means, at least one of a magnetic card payment interface and an NFC payment interface. The output means comprising an electronic interface to the electronic container inventory means, and the payment module comprising an electronic interface to a microcontroller, the input means, and the output means. A user interfaces with the input means in order to obtain or return a container, and the payment module determines a payment or credit due and interfaces with the user with the output means.

Abstract: A security system for vending containers is provided including a modular vending unit, that includes a rotatable container storage and dispensing unit, an access means capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state, and disposed to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit, a control unit for communicating with a user and the at least two modular vending units. an electronic selection means disposed to allow the acquisition or return of a container, an electronic control means for rotating and locking the rotatable container storage and dispensing unit, and an electronic control means for locking and unlocking the access means.

Abstract: A method of RFID inventory control for vending containers is provided, including providing a modular vending unit including a rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of incrementally rotating and locking in predetermined positions, comprising multiple discrete storage volumes each configured to contain a single RFID-tagged container, an access device for accessing the interior of the rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of switching between a locked and an unlocked state, and configured to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit.

Abstract: A payment method for vending containers is provided. The method includes providing an electronic payment interface accessible by a user and proximate to a container vending machine, comprising an input means, an output means, and a payment module The input means comprising an electronic interface to an electronic container inventory means, an electronic selection means, at least one of a magnetic card payment interface and an NFC payment interface. The output means comprising an electronic interface to the electronic container inventory means, and the payment module comprising an electronic interface to a microcontroller, the input means, and the output means. A user interfaces with the input means in order to obtain or return a container, and the payment module determines a payment or credit due and interfaces with the user with the output means.

Abstract: A security method for vending containers is provided including a modular vending unit, that includes a rotatable container storage and dispensing unit, an access means capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state, and disposed to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit, a control unit for communicating with a user and the at least two modular vending units. an electronic selection means disposed to allow the acquisition or return of a container, an electronic control means for rotating and locking the rotatable container storage and dispensing unit, and an electronic control means for locking and unlocking the access means.

Abstract: An RFID inventory system for vending containers is provided. The system includes a modular vending unit including a rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of incrementally rotating and locking in predetermined positions, comprising multiple discrete storage volumes each configured to contain a single RFID-tagged container, and an access means for accessing the interior of the rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of switching between a locked and an unlocked state, and configured to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit.

Abstract: A method of acquiring gas containers from an electronic container vending machine is presented. This method includes receiving an input from a user by means of an input device, indicating a desired gas container of a specific size and containing a specific gas composition. Then determining the availability of the desired gas container with an electronic container inventory means. Then indicating the availability of the desired gas container to the user by means of an output means. Then receiving a user payment to an electronic payment interface. A discount or promotional value may be accepted via QR reader interface. Then delivering the desired gas container through an access permission means, thereby rotating a rotatable container storage and dispensing unit to a predetermined position, and switching an access means from a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: An electronic container vending machine is provided. Including at least one modular vending unit capable of incrementally rotating and locking in predetermined positions, and includes multiple discrete storage volumes each configured to contain a single container, an access means for accessing the interior of the rotatable container storage and dispensing unit, that is capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state, and that is configured to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit. The modular vending unit also includes a control unit for communicating with a user and the at least one modular vending unit. The control unit also includes an electronic selection means configured to allow the acquisition or return of a container. The electronic selection device may be a multi-touch screen display. The electronic payment interface may include a credit card payment interface or an NFC payment interface.