Abstract: An auxiliary dispenser for a merchandise vending machine of the type comprising a cabinet, a delivery bin at the front of the cabinet, near the bottom, and a merchandise dispensing apparatus in the cabinet above the bin for dispensing merchandise to the bin, the dispenser adapted to be mounted behind the bin, below the dispensing apparatus. The dispenser comprises a bank of at least one generally inverted-J shaped magazine for holding articles. The bank is preferably pivotally mounted at its upper end to pivot upwardly to facilitate filling. Each magazine has a generally vertically extending straight portion and a forwardly extending curved dispensing portion. A spring-biased guide member urges articles in the magazine upwardly toward the curved dispensing portion, the guide member can be releasably locked at the end of the magazine to facilitate filling.

Abstract: An article alignment unit adapted for use in a helix-type vending machine. The vending machine comprises a cabinet having a tray within the cabinet carrying at least two dispensing helices extending side-by-side from rear to front of the cabinet. Each helix is selectively driven for advancing articles to be dispensed placed on the tray between convolutions of the helix. A generally vertical central partition between the two helices has a top edge margin extending substantially the length of the helices, and first and second generally vertical outer partitions on opposite sides of the two helices. First and second article compartments are defined between the central partition and the first and second outer partitions, respectively, and each compartment contains one of the helices. The article alignment unit comprises a first elongate guide member adapted for pivoting about an axis parallel with and adjacent to the top edge margin of the central partition.

Abstract: A container storage and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing for enclosing a storage and dispensing area, the housing having an access door for inserting the containers and having a first and a second exit door for dispensing the containers. The apparatus also includes first and second guides for guiding and supporting containers to the first exit door. Further the apparatus includes third and fourth guides for guiding and supporting containers to the second exit door.

Abstract: An iris mechanism for preventing unauthorized removal of containers from apparatus for dispensing containers, such as cups. The apparatus separates and releases a single container from a stack of containers. The iris mechanism defines a central opening through which a released container must pass. The size of the opening may be changed between a closed position wherein the opening is smaller than the largest diameter of a cup to be dispensed by the apparatus and an open position wherein the opening is at least as large as the largest diameter of a cup to be dispensed.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods. The vending machine includes a housing having a refrigerated storage and dispensing area for the refrigerated foods separate from an unrefrigerated storage and dispensing area for the unrefrigerated foods. The vending machine also includes a device contained in the housing for cooling the refrigerated foods in the refrigerated storage and dispensing area. The vending machine also includes a common receiving device adjacent the refrigerated and unrefrigerated storage and dispensing areas for receiving dispensed foods from either area. The vending machine further includes a device for selecting one of the refrigerated foods or unrefrigerated foods to be dispensed to the common receiving device and a device responsive to the selecting device for dispensing the selected food to the common receiving device.

Abstract: In a beverage vendor, a cup capping mechanism in which a cap is removed from a remote location to a stationary cup station, placed on the cup and then pressed down onto the rim of the cup by a sliding motion over the upper surface of the cup beginning at one side and progressing to the other. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents opening of the cup station delivery door during the capping operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing containers, such as paper cups, each having an outwardly extending rim, from a stack of nested containers, the apparatus being adjustable to handle containers of different diameters within a range of diameters.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a nozzle for dispensing a fluent solid product, e.g., a dry ingredient such as instant coffee, instant tea, sugar, coffee lightener, chocolate or soup mix, in a hot beverage vendor, having a chute for delivering the product into a mixing bowl of the vendor where the product is mixed with hot water flowing through the bowl. The nozzle comprises a tubular body closed at one end constituting its outer end and having a lateral outlet, the tubular body being adapted to receive an auger of the dispenser for feeding the product through the body and thence out of the outlet. The chute is on a sleeve having a telescoping sliding fit on the tubular body. The sleeve has a lateral opening which registers with the outlet of the tubular body when the sleeve is in place on the body for flow of the product to the chute.