Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having a helical member rotatably disposed in a vending chamber. A vertical divider is disposed within the helical member for positioning items to be vended in two rows. A mechanism is also provided for compressing the helical member and releasing such compressed helical member by rotation of such helical member to thereby aid in the discharge of items placed on one side of the vertical divider. Rotation of the helical member by one-half of a revolution releases an item on one side of the vertical divider. Further rotation of one half of a revolution releases an item from the other side of the vertical divider, and so forth, releasing an item from the front of each side successively.

Abstract: A candy bar delivery unit for a helical feed merchandising machine in which an article-advancing helix, having an article-delivery cam formed at the front end thereof, is supported above the bottom of the delivery shelf between an elongated boss extending from front to back of one side wall of the unit and the other side wall of the unit so that the turns of the helix make substantially point contact with the boss and with the other side wall and in which drive means is energized on each operation of the unit to rotate the helix through a single revolution to cause the turns of the helix to advance articles supported on end on the shelf between the turns of the helix and to cause the helix cam to deliver the leading article over the front edge of the shelf. Each side wall is provided with an inwardly directed retainer tab for holding the helix in position.

Abstract: A gum and mint delivery unit for a merchandising machine of the helical feed type in which a product separator extends axially through a helix mounted for rotary unit between the unit walls extending from front to back of a shelf of the machine to permit packets of gum or mints or the like to be arranged vertically between the turns of the helix on opposite sides of the separator and in which a motor rotates the helix through one half of a revolution on each operation of the unit to cause a cam formed on the front of the helix to deliver an article over the front edge of the shelf so that articles are alternately delivered from one side of the separator and the other side thereof on successive operations of the unit.