Abstract: An automated financial transaction apparatus (10) includes a touch screen interface (14) and a plurality of transaction function devices (22, 34, 36, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) which operate to carry out financial transactions for users. A reading device (18, 78) senses characteristic features of users who operate the machine. Data stored in at least one data store associated with at least one computer (62, 118, 120) includes data representative of the characteristic features associated with a plurality of users and for each user, at least one interface parameter. The apparatus operates so that when the characteristic feature associated with a particular user is sensed by the reading device, the display screen and other input and output devices are changed in position or operation to accommodate the stature, disabilities, desires or other special requirements of the user.

Abstract: Autonomous claim system, for mechanical vending machines, of the type that dispense products when the correct coin in inserted into a coin slot and a handle for activating the machine is rotated, which places in motion a gear mechanism for activating the machine. The system comprises an electronic control board (1) powered by a battery (2), each board (1) having at least one microcontroller (3) and sound-synthesizing means (4); means (8) for detecting rotation of the gear mechanism for activating the machine, which are connected to the microcontroller (3) inlets; light means (7) controlled by the microcontroller (3); and at least one loudspeaker (6) connected to the sound-synthesizing means (4). When the means (8) for detecting rotation of the gear mechanism detect a movement of the latter, the microcontroller (3) activates the light means (7) and sound-synthesizing means (4) for a preset period, thereby attracting the attention of the public.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a vending machine that has a goods storage to store a plurality of goods, and an outlet to accommodate the goods, which are discharged from the goods storage, to be taken out, the display apparatus includes: an input part through which a plurality of goods is selected to be discharged together; a display unit which displays information and quantity of the selected goods; and a controller which controls the selected goods to be discharged from the goods storage to the outlet based on the information and the quantity of the selected goods.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing device of orientable capsules for preparing hot beverages is described, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted to accommodate the capsules in open order, the storage compartment being provided with at least one inlet for capsules and at least one plurality of apertures adapted to the oriented exit of capsules. The device comprises means for rotating the storage compartment about a rotation axis in order to facilitate the oriented exit of capsules.

Abstract: A paint creation and dispensing system includes a variety of components for creating paint of a selected color and paint type and for processing payment for the paint. The system may be configured to receive a color selection in a variety of ways including through customer selection and via an electronic color reader (portable or stationary). The paint system may allow a customer to obtain an amount (e.g., a sample or a full gallon) of paint without help from a store employee or other personnel. In one or more arrangements, the paint system may be networked so that a customer may pre-order paint, upload color selections, make a payment, and or order additional supplies of paint or other products based on the color chosen for final painting.

Abstract: Bulk coins dispenser having a rotary dispensing member. Rotation of the rotary dispensing member being controllable to control dispensing of coins stored therein. The coins may be packaged into coin rolls and controllably dispensed from the bulk coin dispenser.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a prescription package supplier is provided for cutting prescription packages successively discharged from an automatic prescribed-medicament packing machine and supplying them, the automatic prescribed-medicament packing machine successively packing medicaments prepared according to a physician's or pharmacist's prescription, dose by dose, and a prescription package receiver for accommodating the prescription packages supplied from the prescription package supplier in a prescription package box. The prescription boxes are then discharged. According to another embodiment, a method for automatically packing prescription packages is provided. According to yet another embodiment, a prescription package box in which separate prescription packages are packed by the automatic prescription package packing apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A medicine management system includes a medicine storage unit, keeping at least one new cassette in which medicines are accommodated; a robot unit including a gripper for gripping the new cassette; an automatic medicine packing apparatus, dispensing and packing medicines from a dispensing cassette thereof, and requesting replenishment of medicines when there is no medicine in the dispensing cassette; and a central control unit, controlling the robot unit to transmit movement control commands to the robot unit upon receiving the replenishment request, to mobilize the robot unit to transfer the empty dispensing cassette to a conveyer and gripping a new cassette in which the corresponding medicines are accommodated from the medicine storage unit and mounted to the automatic medicine packing apparatus.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vending machine system includes a control module for controlling a cooling system. The cooling system, which includes an evaporator, may omit a heating element for defrosting the evaporator. In operation, the control module cycles an evaporator fan in conjunction with a compressor based on a required set temperature to help keep products within a specified range. In an embodiment, the evaporator fan is turned on and off at substantially the same time as the compressor is turned on and off. In another embodiment, there is a predetermined delay after the compressor is turned on and off before the evaporator is respectively turned on and off. Other variations are contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting taking medicine includes a medicine storage unit which has a plurality of medicine storage holes to store therein medicines to be taken by a user, a sensor controller which determines whether the medicine storage holes include medicines therein, and a medicine taking service unit which receives a preset schedule by synchronizing with a personal computer, checks whether a user has taken medicine according to a determination of the sensor controller and informs a user to take a medicine according to the preset schedule. Thus, users who should take various medicines on a regular basis for daily life may observe the medicine taking time.

Abstract: The Novel Modular Vending Machine for Packaged Goods allows consumers to purchase packaged goods without an attendant present. The invention uses two or more conveyor assemblies to store and transfer packaged goods and primarily uses gravity to transfer the packaged goods from the storage location to the customer. When a vend is initiated, a dispensing drum rotates and places a packaged item on a delivery system for transportation to the customer. The remaining packaged goods move into position for the next vend. When the lower conveyor assembly is empty, an upper conveyor assembly is lowered into position to transfer the remaining packaged goods to the dispensing drum. The apparatus may be configured in a system comprised of multiple modular units controlled by a single user interface.

Abstract: An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.

Abstract: A vending machine system and its associated method of operation. In the vending machine system, customers are provided with identification cards having statistical information regarding the identity of the card owner. Also contained on the card is a digital data code corresponding to a biometric characteristic of the card owner. Vending machines are provided that contain card readers and biometric characteristic scanners. When a customer wants to use the vending machine, that customer inserts their identification card into the vending machine. That customer also subjects themselves to a biometric scan from the biometric characteristic verifier contained within the vending machine. The vending machine reads both the identification data and the biometric characteristic data from the card. A systems processor in the vending machine compares the biometric characteristic data on the identification card with the biometric characteristic data just gathered.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service terminal is described in which a stack of media is presented to a customer. If it is detected that at least some of the stack remains within the terminal, the remaining media is advanced out of the self-service terminal.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: An automated article dispensing device for dispensing articles to a plurality of users, the device comprising: a) a plurality of storage compartments configured for storage of a vertical stack of cloth articles, the storage compartments arranged in a plurality of tiers; b) a plurality of cloth articles deployed in at least some of the storage compartments in vertical stack configurations; c) at least one dispensing outlet; d) an article delivery system configured to retrieve a top-most article from at least one the stack and deliver the article to the dispensing outlet, the article delivery system including a plurality of article retrieval systems equal in number to the number of tiers of the storage compartments; e) a user interface unit accessible to the users; and f) an on-board processing unit configured to control the article delivery system, the on-board processing unit being in electrical communication with the article delivery system, and the user interface unit.

Abstract: The media cassette for a media dispenser includes a cassette body including a storage space in which media are filled. A media discharging opening is provided at a side thereof. A discharging door is movable along one surface of the cassette body and driven by means of a driving source provided at a main body of the media dispenser for opening and closing the media discharging opening. Supporting rods are connected to the door. A locking mechanism for selectively blocking ends of the supporting rods is provide in the cassette body and selectively locks/unlocks the door in accordance with an electrical signal transmitted from the main body of the media dispenser. The door cannot be manually unlocked from outside of the media cassette.

Abstract: A diagnostic system with a handling system that has a loading bay to receive and hold a plurality of carriers. An identification device is configured to identify an identifying feature of the carriers to determine the type of contents loaded on each carrier. A transporter transports the carriers from the loading bay to a first or second location depending on the determined type of contents on each carrier. The transporter has random access to the plurality of carriers in the loading bay. A diagnostic process is conducted using the contents. A carrier, such a for reagents, has one or more holding portions, at least one of which can be moved or rotated with respect to the body of the carrier for mixing or stirring the contents of a container coupled therewith. Also, a retention member can be associated with a positioning device, such as a carousel, to lock and unlock the carrier with respect thereto.

Abstract: A cashless vending system, comprising, a plurality of vending machines, wherein each vending machine comprises a Vending Machine Controller that supports the international Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol standard; wherein each vending machine includes a NetVend interface, wherein each NetVend interface communicates, via a Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol interface, with the Vending Machine Controller; wherein each NetVend interface communicates with at least one central server, wherein the central server contains a database for storing user Identifiers and an associated allowable credit or available cash data for each user Identifier, wherein the central server is capable of authenticating users for granting/denying access to a vending machine, receiving transaction data, and monitoring and controlling each of the plurality of vending machines; and wherein each vending machine includes a display/reader.

Abstract: Tablet automatic packaging machine and method for automatically recognizing cassettes of the cartridges of the tablet automatic packaging machine are disclosed. The tablet automatic packing machine includes a plurality of cartridges arranged in multiple layers. Each cartridge is coupled to a tablet cassette having a cassette memory in which tablet information or cassette information is recorded. Also, the cartridge comprises an inner memory to store cartridge information, a first data transmitting/receiving unit to transmit and receive commands related to preparation therefrom/thereto, a second data transmitting/receiving unit to transmit and receive commands related to cassette positions, and a control unit to control transmission from the cartridge information read from the inner memory to an external device based on reception of the commands related to cassette positions.

Abstract: Automatic flower-selling equipment comprises a housing including a casing having a selecting partial unit situated thereon and defining a storage space suitable for storing and protecting flowers, a bearing unit situated in the storage space for displaying flowers, a moving unit connected to the bearing unit, and a control unit connected to the moving unit. The control unit is connected to the selecting partial unit, and the bearing unit has a supporting column rotatably attached to the housing and supporting structures attached at different vertical positions to the supporting column. The supporting structures have a supporting tray suitable for supporting flowers and several separating sheets dividing the supporting trays into parts, and at least one delivery door each delivery door being connected to a delivery outlet for removing chosen flowers.

Abstract: A transparent-front vending machine includes an optical vend-sensing system with an article sensing subsystem arranged athwart a vend space. The article sensing subsystem has two emitter/detector arrays, each having at least one emitter and a plurality of detectors. The emitter/detector arrays are arranged so that at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the first array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the second array, and at least some electromagnetic radiation emitted by an emitter of the second array can be detected by at least two active detectors of the first array so that articles falling through the vend space will interrupt electromagnetic radiation between an emitter and at least one detector. At least two emitters are active at one time.

Abstract: Protective shoe covers have been widely used in health care settings and some manufacturing environments such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. An automatic system that dispenses shoe covers to user's feet is disclosed. The system includes the micro control unit, the embedded software and the control algorithm, the electro-mechanical operational apparatus and physical and biophysical sensors. The methods that perform shoe cover fetching, stretching, extension and deployment are also presented in this application.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing disk-shaped objects (such as caps for pharmaceutical vials) of two different sizes comprises: first and second dispensers, the first dispenser containing objects of a first size, and the second dispenser containing objects of a second size, each of the dispensers configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation; a first outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the first dispenser; a second outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the second dispenser; and a common chute fed by the first and second outlet channels. In this configuration, the apparatus can provide objects of two different sizes to a common location (such as a closure securing station).

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for dispensing lengths of paper for use as hand towels, includes an IR sensor system for detecting a user. The sensor system scans at a first scanning rate and also at a second higher scanning rate. When the sensor system detects a user, it changes the scanning rate from the first to the second rate. The dispenser aims at reducing power consumption while providing improved reaction time when required to dispense paper.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information input device for a tablet automatic packing machine capable of easily and directly storing tablet information in a memory chip and updating/reading the tablet information in/from the memory chip at a user side.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A controller of a vending machine includes a timer for measuring current time and a memory for storing a usual product price for each product. Furthermore, the controller, when current time of product sales is within a predetermined time period, discounts a predetermined amount from the usual product price for product sales control.

Abstract: A field asset such as a vending machine includes a coin acceptor, a bill validator, and a card reader all operatively connected to a shared bus. A rich content display device displays color graphics and an extended function adapter (EFA) coupled to the shared bus includes a rich content agent (RCA) to manage rich content displayed on the display. The RCA may include a content management agent (CMA) coupled to a rich content player that executes rich content file for display on the display device. The EFA may include a cashless agent to generate procedural state information. The CMA detects the procedural state information and controls the presentation of rich content on the display device based at least in part on the detected procedural state information. The EFA may include an analytic agent to determine a substantive state of the vending machine including an inventory state and an environmental state.

Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pill- or capsule-form medications (61) in desired doses (60). The system comprises a dispensing device (35), which includes a cartridge (20, 40) rotatable relative to a housing or frame (10) and provided with discrete dosage compartments (27, 47) for desired doses of medication. The cartridge (20, 40) is manipulated by elements (18, 18a, 18b; 14a, 14b, 15, 18, 19), whereby each separate dosage compartment (27, 47) is rotatable relative to the housing or frame (10) to a dispensing point (4, 12) for the dose of medication (60). A signalling device (75, 76) producing a sound and/or light signal activates at pre-programmed times. An electronics unit (19, 55) containing a dispensing program is reprogrammable by means of an external programming device (36, 66, 101, 102).

Abstract: A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus, such as a vending machine (10), includes a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser (220) for retrieving articles (223) from a storage area (215). In one embodiment, a quick release device (500) coupled to the suction hose dispenser (220), is activated in response to mechanical contact caused by the controllable positioning of the suction hose dispenser (220), said activation facilitating a quick release of the retrieved article to a place (210) associated with an article dispensing area (22).

Abstract: A prescription drug storage and dispensing arrangement allows prescriptions stored, as they are filled, in a cabinet for customer pickup. The prescriptions are placed into receptacles such as pharmacy envelopes and placed on carriers, e.g., hanger bars, that are transported on a conveyor within the cabinet. The conveyor brings one carrier at a time to an access opening for loading or retrieving of a pharmacy envelope. In one embodiment the hanger bars are rods with spaced annular recesses defining bag positions. Scissors-action arms may be used to suspend the hanger rods from the conveyor webs. The identity of each pharmacy envelope and the location of the respective bar on said conveyor and the bag position are stored in a computer, with information identifying the customer order. When the customer arrives to pick up the prescription, the customer data is entered and the conveyor automatically moves to position the respective hanger bar at the access opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated Meds dispenser system including a staging station for systematic loading of Meds into vials and an automated Meds dispenser for receiving and for subsequent distribution of Meds containing vials at multiple times over a period of multiple days. User friendly on-board circuitry and controls are provided to set the desired Meds distribution times. A positionable indexer plate accommodates the vials containing Meds which are loaded by the user or health care professional and subsequently distributed and presented by the automated Meds dispenser on a timely basis one vial at a time for use by a patient. The positionable indexer plate is advanced one position at a time as specified and stored in an onboard programmable microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a user to follow a detailed schedule for taking a plurality of medicines/supplemdents at various times. The apparatus includes a set of containers, one for each medicine, a release mechanism for each container and a computer programmed to open any one of its containers at a time according to the schedule of events. An event is defined as taking of a dosage at a scheduled time. An “alert” signal alerts the user to prepare for each event. A “take” signal indicates that the dosage has actually been taken, A warning signal; is activated after a ‘take period indicating that the user has not taken his dosage. A form is initally filled out by the user listing “events” according to the schedule. Events shown on the screen are underlined as they occur and the daily form with underlines of executed events is saved as a history with later evealuation. A “fresh” form (without uderlines) is programmed to appear with the days date to start the next day's program.

Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a housing formed by first and second shells defining a cavity therebetween. A blister tray configured to receive a plurality of tablets therein is rotatably attached to the housing. The blister tray is moveable between a closed position in which the blister tray is releasably contained within the cavity, and an open position in which at least a portion of the blister tray extends out of the cavity. An alarm unit activates at least one alert signal upon completion of a cycle period. The alarm unit is reset after the blister tray is accessed to dispense at least one tablet.

Abstract: A tool vending machine which permits human access to only a single size compartment of a plurality of different sized compartments at a time so that the user is only able to extract a tool that is contained within that single compartment and does not permit access to any other compartment. The particular compartment is to be manually selected by the human user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that utilizes one or more cassettes or trays, which hold one or more types of medicaments, the cassettes or trays being configured for secure and intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a smart tray for dispensing medicaments includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing to store the medicament units; an outlet defined in the housing to dispense the medicament units; and a rotatable disk within the housing and defining at least one radial groove configured to hold at least one medicament unit, the rotatable disk being positioned between the storage chamber and the outlet whereby when the rotatable disk rotates, the at least one radial groove carries the at least one medicament unit from the chamber to the outlet. In a further embodiment, the smart tray includes a memory device within the housing to store information pertaining to the medicament units stored in the tray and/or information pertaining to the status or operation of the tray.

Abstract: A product contact sensor of the type shown and described herein.

Abstract: A device for dispensing labels of value comprises a lockable housing for containing a roll of transport medium having a plurality of labels releasably adhered thereto successively along its length. The housing has a slot through which the transport medium can be discharged from the housing, and pinch rollers for engaging the medium outside the housing adjacent to the slot and, upon actuation, for drawing the medium through the slot. Upon command the pinch rollers are actuated to draw only sufficient medium through the slot to expose a single label for removal from the medium. The pinch rollers engage the medium with sufficient frictional force to rupture the medium if an attempt is made to manually pull the transport medium out of the slot when the rollers are not actuated.

Abstract: Inventory maintenance is improved for a system of one or more vending machines by providing one or more vending machines with unique identifiers, and means for collecting and transmitting information concerning goods dispensed and other status to a remote location where processing means provide an efficient service schedule.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, including a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser for retrieving articles from a storage area. In one embodiment, an airflow control mechanism, i.e., a vacuum or suction release (i.e., breaker), is used to facilitate a “quick-release” of the article being handled. A mechanical linkage constructed and operating in accordance with the invention is used to activate, for example, the breaker in response to mechanical contact by the article handling mechanism. Such operation thereby causes a rapid equalization of air pressure inside the housing towards ambient when it is time for the article handling mechanism to release the selected article.

Abstract: A tablet cassette control method of a medication dispensing and packaging system having a microcomputer, a medication dispensing unit with a plurality of tablet cassettes each mounted on a cassette rack, and a medication packaging unit disposed below the dispensing unit to package tablets released from the dispensing unit into a series of tablet containing paper bags, the control method comprises confirming the mounting of the tablet cassette on the cassette rack, applying a power to a memory in the tablet cassette to activate the memory, retrieving tablet information saved in the memory to the microcomputer, and breaking the power from the memory while maintaining operation of the system.

Abstract: An audit monitoring and product drop system for retrofitting into an existing vending machine and a method of operating a vending machine is disclosed. A product drop sensor is provided to detect when a product to be dispensed drops through a product drop area of the vending machine. When a product dispensing mechanism is actuated, the output of the product drop sensor is monitored to determine whether a product to be dispensed drops through the product drop area within a predetermined time interval after the product dispensing mechanism is actuated. Transactional information relating to the products dispensed and the funds received are stored in a memory means only if a product drop is sensed by the product drop sensor within the predetermined time period.