Abstract: A method of moving an elevator to a product location in a vending machine to receive product from the product location, including the steps of: providing an indicator associated with each product location; providing a sensor associated with the elevator; moving the sensor first to a position near an expected position of one of the indicators; and searching for an actual position of the indicator. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tray for a product vending machine including a flat base upon which product to be vended may be placed. A plurality of walls are attached to the base which define rows into which product is organized. A channel within the flat base houses a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft threadingly attaches to a product drive member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dispensing of towelettes from a pop-up towelette dispensing system. Towelettes are used for a variety of cleansing tasks in the home and in industry, in addition to use on the human body such as during the process of changing an infant's diaper. According to the present invention, reliable pop-up dispensing of towelettes is provided through the use of an intelligent towelette elevating system for automatically positioning a stack of towelettes within a predefined distance of a dispensing aperture of a dispensing container, and automatically counteracting the weight of a stack of towelettes.

Abstract: A device for dispensing bulk-loaded coins including a transport unit having a transport unit frame, an electric motor driving a drive gear, a rotor and a transport slide. The drive gear further includes a drive pin. The rotor agitates coins located within a bin of a bulk-loaded coin hopper when rotated in a first direction and relaxes coins within the bin when rotated in a second direction. The rotor is rotatable by an associated drive gear. The transport slide includes a central bore and flexible member. The flexible member defines a home position deflection ramp and a home position clearance path. The home position deflection ramp and home position clearance path are located in a position such that the drive pin causes the transport slide to reciprocate when the drive gear is operated in a first direction and to remain stationary when the drive gear is operated in a second, different direction.