Abstract: Apparatus for disengaging items from storage compartments and distributing them to the proper delivery locations. An associated system serves to control the storage and dispensing apparatus and, additionally, provides data relative to the operation of the device.

Abstract: A product dispenser is provided which discourages theft of the products contained by the dispenser by the consuming public yet quickly and easily delivers the product to a salesclerk to make a sale to a consumer. The compartment unit of the dispenser which stores the products cooperates with the shell of the dispenser to prevent direct access to the product. The compartment unit can be extended from the shell to make the compartments of the compartment unit accessible to a store clerk to stack products in or remove products from the compartments. Apparatus is provided to permit a store clerk to make an entry on a console which causes apparatus within the dispenser to eject the desired product and deliver it to the store clerk. Electronic controls can be provided to store information relating to the dispensing of products by the dispenser to aid in the control of inventory by the store owner.