Abstract: A dental hygiene vending machine comprises a housing having multiple dispensing compartments. A dispensing coil is rotatably connected to the housing and is capable of actuation. A cover is hingedly connected to the housing. The cover has multiple cutouts that substantially align with the housing dispensing compartments. An item window is attached to the cover. Multiple dispensing switches are slidably connected to the cover. A change counter is connected to the housing and has a coin slot. The change counter is electrically connected to the dispensing switches and is capable of actuating the dispensing coil when a predetermined value of change is received in the coin slot.

Abstract: A vending machine capable of selecting any one of a first of a fourth mode which make it possible to carry out a commodity and a prize and a fifth mode which makes it possible to carry out only a commodity by a mode selecting device. In a state in which the fifth mode is selected, an ordinary commodity sale in which a selected commodity is executed based on insertion of coins or paper money, and pushing a commodity selecting button 4 is executed. In a state in which any one of the first to the fourth mode is selected, carrying-out of the prize from a prize carrying-out unit is executed in parallel with carrying-out of the commodity or independently.

Abstract: Produce bags are delivered with less waste and in more sanitary condition through a container holding a roll of bags having overlapping but separate ends. Adhesion between the bags and ultimate separation of the bags may be flexibly controlled with an interfolding of the bags and control of an orifice which applies drag to the bags and compression as they are removed.

Abstract: A screening apparatus comprises a discharge chute, a transport table, a screening table, and at least one air exhaust device, so that it realizes screening of works that are completed in inspection by an inspection apparatus. A plurality of work holding spaces are arranged at prescribed pitches therebetween in a circumferential direction of the transport table, wherein a leap inhibiting wall for inhibiting the work from leaping outside is arranged between the discharge chute and the work holding space. As the transport table rotates, the works sequentially transported via the discharge chute are forced to automatically fall into the work holding spaces independently. Then, as the screening table rotates, it receives the works from the transport table so as to discharge them into the corresponding boxes by means of the air exhaust device in response to inspection results thereof.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A cracker dispenser for dispensing individual crackers in a sanitary manner such as at public cooking events and at wine and cheese tasting events. The cracker dispenser includes a plastic housing for receiving a plurality of stacked crackers from a standard size roll of crackers. The housing is of elongate rectangular shape with a horizontal lower wall of a rectangular shape slightly larger than the individual crackers. Three upstanding walls include a rear wall and opposing side walls which extend from the lower wall to retain the plurality of crackers into a cracker receiving interior chamber defined by the housing in a stacked position. A movable door in the form of a sliding door or a latching hinged door is connected to the housing to selectively cover a cracker roll receiving opening formed at the front of the housing between the two side walls to admit crackers from the roll thereof and closing to cover the cracker roll receiving opening.

Abstract: Glove dispenser having a back plate, a cover, a angled rack for securing a pre-packaged box of gloves within the device at an angle with respect to the back plate, and an aperture in the cover through which gloves can be dispensed at an ergonomic angle.

Abstract: A golf tee holder and dispenser in a rectangular form holds a vertical stack of tees lying one on another horizontally, with successive tees alternating the orientation of their heads and their points. The golf tee holder and dispenser housing includes inner chambers that encase springs that allow straight-line movement as well as an inner center chamber to prevent tees from becoming disarranged while dispensing. A pusher plate maintains even pressure from dual spring movement against a snub point to hold golf tees in a stationary position until release through a top aperture using a teeter action once a downward pressure is applied to small end of tee by user. A molded element that has a memory retentive factor allows user to attach golf tee holder and dispenser to belt, pocket, golf bag, or golf cart.

Abstract: A blister pack hook display case with a manual security dispensing system comprised of a display case with a transparent door and lock that has a blister pack dispenser on each hook, wherein the dispenser dispenses a blister pack each time the pulley located in the front is pulled. It will dispense the chosen blister through the transparent door, which will reach the cashier for payment and withdrawal by means of a slide below; the car dispensing the blister packs has a number of blades depending on the space available and the size of the blister pack that oscillates forward only to raise the paddles when the car is released backwards without moving the next blister pack backward. They then fall into position to dispense a new blister pack. The blades do not oscillate backwards so that when it is pulled forward, the first blister pack is moved until it falls off the hook and all others then move one step forward to continue the sequence.

Abstract: A publication vending device for vending a single publication per vend cycle. The single publication vending device includes a forward transport assembly located within a housing and connected to a carriage for reciprocating movement with the carriage. A the publication is advanced forward through a publication vend port, by operation of the forward transport assembly including. A first finger is positioned laterally to a first edge of the publication and a second finger is positioned laterally to a second edge of the publication. Each of the fingers is forwardly movable with forward operation of the carriage. Each of the fingers is configured for transpositional travel in a plane substantially coplanar to a plane of an interleaf of the publication and towards the centerline of the publication.

Abstract: Disposable plastic gloves in a point-of-sales box from which the gloves are removed following the removal of a transparent plastic panel through which the purchaser is provided with observed cognitive purchase aspects, one of which is color-coding of the gloves correlated to a recommended end use of the glove manufacturer.

Abstract: A machine for vending products include a housing, an magazine indexing drive mechanism in the housing and drivingly coupled to a product storage and dispensing magazine at spaced apart lower and upper portions of the magazine, a plurality of ball bearings rotatably supporting the magazine on a product separation fixture in the housing, a resiliently yieldable mechanism supported on the separation fixture and having a spring-biased pivotally-movable flap operable to impart a positive downwardly-directed force on the lowermost product that will push it downward toward an opening in the housing, and portions of the housing and the separation fixture defining a path for passage of products to the opening which is located outwardly of and bypasses the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: A vending machine for newspapers has an outer housing, a door, a slot device, an inner housing, a moving plate and a controlling device. The inner housing is secured in the outer housing, and the inner housing is divided into multiple chambers each for receiving one newspaper. The moving plate is moveably attached to the inner housing to close the chamber. The controlling device is attached to the inner housing and controls the moving plate to move relative to the inner housing as the door is opened and then closed. Consequently, the vending machine can limit a buyer to access a quantity of newspapers corresponding exactly to the correct amount of money paid.

Abstract: A publication vending device for vending a single publication per vend cycle. The single publication vending device includes a forward transport assembly located within a housing and connected to a carriage for reciprocating movement with the carriage. A the publication is advanced forward through a publication vend port, by operation of the forward transport assembly including. A first finger is positioned laterally to a first edge of the publication and a second finger is positioned laterally to a second edge of the publication. Each of the fingers are forwardly movable with forward operation of the carriage. Each of the fingers are configured for transpositional travel in a plane substantially coplanar to a plane of an interleaf of the publication and towards the centerline of the publication.

Abstract: A machine and method for vending products perform the operational steps of storing a multiplicity of products in a plurality of vertical columns thereof that are organized in a circular row wherein the products in each vertical column are disposed one above another and can feed downward due to the influence of the force of gravity, incrementally rotating the plurality of vertical columns of products simultaneously about a circular path wherein lowermost ones of the products in the vertical columns thereof one at a time per revolution advance and cross over an inlet opening to a dispensing path, and dispensing the lowermost ones of the products of the vertical columns thereof through the inlet opening by use of a separation fixture that prevents products from dropping directly into the inlet opening from the vertical columns when aligned above the inlet opening while letting products drop into a lowermost circular row thereof located below the columns and from the lowermost circular row one at a time through t

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine provides a display newspaper at a height and angle resembling a lectern so that a customer can easily read the display paper from a standing position. The newspaper vending machine comprises a housing having a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, a top, and a bottom, and a storage compartment therein for storing a plurality of newspapers. The top of the housing is generally curved downwardly toward the front wall. A portion of the top in contact with the back wall is higher than the portion of the top in contact with the front wall. A viewing area is provided within the top of the housing through which at least a part of a display newspaper can be viewed. A newspaper display rack is mounted within the top of the housing under the viewing area at an angle from vertical ranging from about 40° to about 70°. The display rack has an upper surface through which at least a part of the display newspaper can be viewed.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) for dispensing strip elements (4), having a supply chamber (3) for accommodating a strip-element stack (St), and having a discharging pusher (14) with a nose (16) for interacting with a first strip element (4′) of the strip-element stack (St), via a discharging slot (15) which is adapted to the thickness (y) of a strip element (4). In order to achieve a more functionally advantageous solution, the discharging pusher (14) has a pusher nose (16) which is made of elastically compliant material and, in the uninfluenced state, projects by more than the thickness (y) of the strip element (4).

Abstract: Automatic dispenser of natural flowers which is adapted to making bouquets on request by a user comprising a structure for storing and preserving several series of natural flowers. The structure comprises a transparent part which allows the user to view and select the natural flowers, from outside the structure, when the natural flowers are disposed inside the structure. An external control panel is provided. A coin operated meter is provided which is adapted to receive coins from the user. An internal selection mechanism is provided and is controlled by the external control panel. The internal selection mechanism is adapted to enable the user to individually select each of the natural flowers. A unit for packaging and wrapping the flowers into a bouquet is also provided. The unit is adapted to form the bouquet from the natural flowers selected by the user.

Abstract: A self-feeding manual cap crimper, indexing mechanism and replaceable cap cartridge provide benefits related to quickly sealing crimp top vials or bottles. A conventional manually operated cap crimping mechanism may be utilized in conjunction with a cap indexing mechanism and a replaceable cap cartridge constructed in accordance with the invention. The replaceable cap supply cartridge includes a main body having a cap containment portion which serially feeds caps to the cap indexing mechanism. The cap indexing mechanism and the replaceable cartridge may each be releasably connected to the cap crimping mechanism. A first actuation of the cap crimping mechanism feeds a cap proximate to multiple jaws associated with the crimping mechanism. A second actuation moves the jaws and crimp the cap onto the vial or bottle.

Abstract: A magazine vending machine provides a plurality of vending mechanisms in a series of rows and columns in a glass front cabinet. Each vending mechanism includes a magazine dispensing mechanism for individually dispensing customer selected magazines and a pusher plate assembly that can be locked in a rear most loading position to allow the operator to fill each vending mechanism with magazines. The magazine dispensing mechanism includes a microprocessor and sensor arrangement which determines the height of magazine dispensed from the magazine vending mechanism and makes adjustments to the magazine dispensing mechanism operation according to the height of the magazine.

Abstract: An article-retrieving machine comprises a machine body having a slide guide mounted therein at a level higher than the articles in the machine body to be retrieved. When article is caught and falls onto the slide guide, the article slides downward to a rest portion. An ejector plate is mounted to an end of the slide guide and has an underside in rolling contact with a roller. The ejector plate is movable to push the articles on the rest portion toward a hole in the control box that communicates with an article-retrieving outlet in the machine body. A doorplate is provided to control opening/closing of a passage to the article-retrieving outlet under cooperation with a stop plate of the control box.

Abstract: Access panel and method of manufacture. The access panel is mounted on a vending machine for movement between open and closed positions and normally closes the opening to a product retrieval area. Advertising indicia is provided behind a front face of the access panel to prevent damage to the indicia. The access panel is also tamper resistant and may be changed only by authorized personnel. The advertising indicia is encapsulated between a front panel and back panel of the access panel.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a slab filler, including grabbing a dispensing frame from a dispensing side of the slab filler, and grabbing a discharge frame from a discharge side of the slab filler. The method further includes classifying a plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the dispensing frame and at least one template, and classifying the plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the discharge frame and the template.

Abstract: A machine and method for vending products perform the operational steps of storing a multiplicity of products in a plurality of vertical columns thereof that are organized in a circular row wherein the products in each vertical column are disposed one above another and can feed downward due to the influence of the force of gravity, incrementally rotating the plurality of vertical columns of products simultaneously about a circular path wherein lowermost ones of the products in the vertical columns thereof one at a time per revolution advance and cross over an inlet opening to a dispensing path, and dispensing the lowermost ones of the products of the vertical columns thereof through the inlet opening by use of a separation fixture that prevents products from dropping directly into the inlet opening from the vertical columns when aligned above the inlet opening while letting products drop into a lowermost circular row thereof located below the columns and from the lowermost circular row one at a time through t

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine provides a display newspaper at a height and angle resembling a lectern so that a customer can easily read the display paper from a standing position. The newspaper vending machine comprises a housing having a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, a top, and a bottom, and a storage compartment therein for storing a plurality of newspapers. The top of the housing is generally curved downwardly toward the front wall. A portion of the top in contact with the back wall is higher than the portion of the top in contact with the front wall. A viewing area is provided within the top of the housing through which at least a part of a display newspaper can be viewed. A newspaper display rack is mounted within the top of the housing under the viewing area at an angle from vertical ranging from about 40° to about 70°. The display rack has an upper surface through which at least a part of the display newspaper can be viewed.

Abstract: An article discharging device having a main body (1) with an opening (1a) which is provided in a front side, comprising: a container (2) for containing and holding an article therein, which comprises a front wall (2b) at least a portion of which is transparent and an article entrance (8) formed in an upper side, wherein the container (2) is able to close the opening and the article held in the container can be viewed through the transparent portion of the front wall in a closed state, and the container can be rotated reciprocally around a predetermined axis (2a), to take the closed state or an article entrance exposed state.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and conveniently dispensing paper clips includes a container having a flat bottom extremity and a circular upper aperture. A golf ball is rotatively seated in the aperture. A stem in the form of a golf tee is attached to the golf ball, and extends downwardly into contact with paper clips stored within the container. A magnet associated with the lowermost, distal extremity of the stem attracts and holds several paper clips. The paper clips are dispensed merely by lifting the golf ball with the magnetically attached paper clips.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing candy and simulating at least one candy making process. The apparatus has a chamber for storing real candies and a dispensing opening through which the candies are discharged. A dispensing mechanism is located between the chamber and the dispensing opening and adapted to periodically dispense pieces of candy. The apparatus includes at least one simulated candy processing station, such as a mixing station, a candy forming station, or a candy wrapping station. The dispensing mechanism and simulated candy processing station(s) are coupled to a drive assembly, such as a gear train, disposed within an apparatus housing. The drive mechanism simultaneously operates the dispensing mechanism and simulated station(s) when actuated, such as by a switch. The apparatus dispenses real candies while the simulated candy processing stations operate to create the appearance that the apparatus is actually making the candy.

Abstract: A golf ball carrier and dispenser in the form of a tube in which balls are stacked and biased to one end by spring action where an end opening smaller than the balls restrains the endmost ball from release. A side dispensing opening for release of ball is located adjacent the end of the tube so that when pressure is applied through the end opening, the endmost ball of the stack can be pushed downwardly and toward the exit opening for release of the endmost ball over the next underlying ball in the stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved frozen vending machine having a glass front which provides the customer the opportunity to view the actual product they wish to purchase, while ensuring the maintenance of a freezing environment and utilizing a product conveyor system which reliably delivers a larger selection of frozen product to the customer than has been available in the past. The present invention also provides a method and kit for modifying existing vending machines into the frozen vending machine described herein.

Abstract: An electronically actuated bulk vending machine with a merchandise storage globe seated on a base for electronically actuated distribution of the merchandise via a rotatable merchandise wheel nested in the base and under the storage globe where the machine includes an electric motor for rotating a gear where the gear extends from the motor to engage the merchandise wheel along the peripheral gearing thereof.

Abstract: A flat article vending machine capable of mechanical or electronic actuation and which provides for convertibility using modular actuation assemblies, has replaceable chimney hopper modules, an anti vandalism gate, and a pocket display panel assembly, and is front loading.

Abstract: A display system having a frame, a storage space on the frame for an object to be displayed, a closure element on the frame that is repositionable between a closed position and an open position, a loading opening through at least one of the frame and closure element in communication with the storage space, and a removal opening through at least one of the frame and closure element that is spaced from the loading opening and in communication with the storage space. The closure element blocks access to the storage space from a loading location with the closure element in the closed position and permits access to the storage space from the loading location with the closure element in the open position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vending machine in which a plurality of article columns are slant to be directed to a plurality of vending mechanisms, respectively. Each of the article columns is composed of a plurality of shelves for accommodating a row of articles. Each of the article columns is provided with a vending mechanism, so that articles of different kinds can be sold dependent on the number of the article columns. For this structure, at least one vending mechanism is set for an arbitrary one of article selection buttons. Thus, when the number of the article columns for accommodating the same kind of articles is set in accordance with the sales amount of the articles, different kinds of articles are sold out at an approximately same time.

Abstract: A method for converting a multiple access newspaper vending machine into a single vend machine is described. The vending machine will have a cavity with a rack assembly for holding a stack of newspapers and a pivoting door for closing the cavity. The conversion includes mounting into the cavity of the vending machine a feed assembly which has a bracket and a roller member rotatably mounted to the bracket. The feed assembly rests within the cavity above the rack assembly in a manner such that the bracket pivots within the cavity and the roller member floats on the top copy of the stack of printed publications. A drive assembly having an unidirectional drive mechanism and a reset mechanism is also positioned within the cavity. A plate member having a publication discharge portal with dimensions sufficient to allow discharge therethrough of a single copy of the printed publication is positioned across the opening of the cavity.

Abstract: A coin-operated vending machine includes a cabinet defining a game area and a reservoir for receiving pieces of product. A transparent front panel may be vertically slidably received in the cabinet to form a front boundary of the game area. A propelling mechanism is configured to propel a product piece through the game area to an output mechanism. The output mechanism may include a slot having a V-shaped cross-section and a hole defined by a front surface of the cabinet opening to the slot. A rod may be vertically received through a coin mechanism to retain the coin mechanism in the cabinet.

Abstract: A vending machine featuring rotating stacked carousels for the display and sale of floral and plant arrangements is disclosed. The vending machine is capable of carrying out both cash and credit card transactions and includes a certified credit card terminal for connecting to the credit card processing network. The present vending machine includes an integrated microprocessor to control the mechanical motion and position of the stacked carousels, accept payment from either cash or credit cards, maintain accounting records, provide printed receipts, and to control on-line modem communications with credit approval sources as well as dial-up auditing of machine's inventory. A significant feature of the certified credit card terminal is the ability to transact purchases in both an off-line and on-line mode and the ability to enter bad credit card numbers into a credit card file when purchase is attempted with an invalid card number.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing cap that allows an individual who is elderly, infirm, handicapped or visually impaired to dispense a single, non-liquid form through a single-handed operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coin operated vending machine for individual golf ball or similarly sized product, includes a rotating carousel for holding stacks of product within a housing with an enclosed main display compartment and a slide assembly for dispensing product from the carousel into a dispensing area. A carousel including a plurality of vertical guides for containing a stacked array of individual golf ball units therein, is rotatably supported within the main display compartment such that each of the guides is selectively positional in vertical alignment over a drop hole below the slide assembly, the drop hole being sized and configured to receive an individual, lower most product unit dropped from the aligned guide.

Abstract: A check-operated dispenser machine of hot snack stuffs includes a globe which in use contains a snack stuff such as for sake of an example, peanuts or other comparable nut or seed meats. The globe rests on a stand. The stand is modified from what is conventional in prior art gumball banks or other prior art check-operated dispensing machines of candies or novelties in that, such a prior art machine is modified to include a heat source. Most simply the heat source is configured as a low-wattage incandescent lamp bulb. The lamp warms the snack stuff contents in the globe. The dispensing machine has a conventional check- (eg., coin-) operated dispensing mechanism which allows a patron to serve him or herself and get a measured amount, such as about a hand-full, of such a snack stuff as say hot peanuts.

Abstract: A convertible package dispenser to dispense a plurality of identical, smaller packages, is provided by a parallelepiped carton having hollow interior sized to receive the plurality of packages arranged in a row. The carton is formed by first and second pairs of opposing, rectangular longitudinal walls and one pair of opposing end walls smaller in size than the longitudinal walls. First slot openings are provided in each of the longitudinal walls of the first pair proximal one of the end walls in order to remove packages from the carton. Another slot opening is provided through such longitudinal walls proximal an opposing longitudinal end of the wall to insert packages that were removed. Removable covers in the form of removable tab elements are provided over the slot openings to retain the packages within the carton until the carton is set up to dispense packages.

Abstract: A bulk vending amusement device has multiple, visible tracks extending from a bin for moving a product to a dispenser for dispensing the product to entertain a user. A diverter, disposed between the bin and the multiple tracks, diverts the product from the bin to one of the tracks so that a user is unable to ascertain which of the multiple tracks will dispense the product. The diverter has a plurality of chutes disposed on a rotating plate each under a plurality of holes. The plate incrementally rotates, sequentially disposing each chute under a hole in the bin. Each chute is configured and oriented to divert the product to a different track as it is located under the bin by the rotating disk.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending including at least one electrically lockable, crank actuated vending machine linked to a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dispenser for sanitary gloves. The dispenser comprises a rectangular enclosure having a top, bottom, left and right side walls, front and back, for receiving individually packaged sanitary gloves. The front is permanently joined to the top, bottom, left and back, while the right side wall is pivotally attached to the bottom wall. The front contains an opening near the top for dispensing the sanitary gloves one at a time. A window near the bottom portion of the front is used to visually inspect the quantity of gloves remaining in the dispenser at any given time.

Abstract: A central motor-driven disk is formed with a row of open-bottomed pill-receiving virtually contiguous tubes about its border. The disk is surrounded by a first and second ring also having rows of pill-receiving open-bottomed tubes, the tubes come in to registry one-by-one with dispensing openings in a housing which supports these elements. Pills drop through a dispensing opening into a delivery drawer in the housing. Tab portions on the disk and the rings effect the driving by the disk of the first ring and then also the second ring as the pills in the previous ring or disk are dispensed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vending machine in which a plurality of article columns are slant to be directed to a plurality of vending mechanisms, respectively. Each of the article columns is composed of a plurality of shelves for accommodating a row of articles. Each of the article columns is provided with a vending mechanism, so that articles of different kinds can be sold dependent on the number or the article columns. For this structure, at least one vending mechanism is set for an arbitrary one of article selection buttons. Thus, when the number of the article columns for accommodating the same kind of articles is set in accordance with the sales amount of the articles, different kinds of articles are sold out at an approximately same time.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.

Abstract: An automated self-service pizza process and system comprises a vending machine with self-contained cooking and processing equipment to rapidly prepare delicious pizza. The stand-alone unattended process and system visually displays pizzas with choices of different toppings for selection by a customer who can pay for the pizza by credit card, debit card, prepaid card, bank card, or by paper money or other cash. Pizza crust can be moved to an assembly area by a robot. In the assembly area, the selected toppings are automatically dispensed on the pizza crust. The pizza is then conveyed to an oven where it is cooked and discharged into a cardboard box or other suitable container. The type of pizza and customer's name can be printed on the box with an ink jet printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus designed to insure the integrity of food and food service in vending cart. Specifically, disclosed is a system that ensures the integrity of the food will not be compromised, by providing an enclosed or environmentally protected food service station, either portable, mobile or stationary. The system may also provide food monitoring for security, time, temperature and transaction accounting. The system consists of an enclosed or environmentally protected food service station, a sealed food compartment in which food is served, a food storage compartment, an access door for providing service and cleaning to the sealed sections of the station, and optionally an integrated security system that ensures that all access doors and ports are monitored for access and integrity. The security system provides an alarm and reporting capability. Authorization codes are provided to control alarm reset and accounting features of the system.