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Method and apparatus for vending

  • US 4,812,629 A
  • Filed: 04/23/1987
  • Issued: 03/14/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A dispensing machine for holding a plurality of separate items in storage positions and selectively dispensing or receiving the items, the dispensing machine comprising:

  • a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible;

    at least one vend position which includes a user-accessible opening;

    memory means for storing and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity and location of the stored items;

    means for accepting user input for selecting or returning an item;

    carrier means for selectively transferring a selected item between one of said storage positions and said vend position in response to user input, said carrier means including a rotatable table and means for moving said table to a first position proximate a selected storage position and a second position proximate said vend position;

    engaging means slidably connected to said table for selectively engaging and releasing a selected item when said rotatable table is in either of said first and second positions, said engaging means comprising a mechanical finger means;

    rotating means for rotating said table so that said engaging means is aligned with a selected storage position or a vend position when said rotatable table is in either of said first and second positions;

    means for sliding said engaging means from a home position to an extended position in which the engaging means extends toward a selected storage position or vend position to engage or release a selected item in one of said storage or vend positions;

    control means coupled with and combining with said memory means, carrier means, engaging means, rotating means and sliding means for (1) transferring an item from a storage position to a user-accessible opening in response to a user selection and (2) transferring a returned item from a user accessible opening to an empty storage position upon return of the item; and

    reader means coupled with said memory means for identifying an item which is dispensed or returned through the user-accessible opening.

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