Abstract: A vending machine provides a housing for enclosing a container unit, a printing unit, a bagging unit, and a retrieval bin. The units are connected to each other by a number of passages that allow stored products to be transported between the units. Customers interact with the vending machine via a terminal, which actuates other components based on customer inputs. The container unit serves as a primary storage, holding the product until a customer makes a purchase. The requested product is then funneled into a primary passage, either towards the bagging unit or forked to the printing unit if necessary. The bagging unit has a door that allows the product to drop into a bag. The bag itself is retrieved from a storage area and positioned below the door by a bag manipulating mechanism. It is then sealed and dropped into the retrieval bin to allow a customer access.

Abstract: A vending machine provides a housing for enclosing a container unit, a printing unit, a bagging unit, and a retrieval bin. The units are connected to each other by a number of passages that allow stored products to be transported between the units. Customers interact with the vending machine via a terminal, which actuates other components based on customer inputs. The container unit serves as a primary storage, holding the product until a customer makes a purchase. The requested product is then funneled into a primary passage, either towards the bagging unit or forked to the printing unit if necessary. The bagging unit has a door that allows the product to drop into a bag. The bag itself is retrieved from a storage area and positioned below the door by a bag manipulating mechanism. It is then sealed and dropped into the retrieval bin to allow a customer access.