초록 ▼

A video cassette vending machine has a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible and a vend position which is user-accessible. A carrier unit is provided for carrying a selected video cassette between one of the storage positons and the vend position. a positioning unit is provide

A video cassette vending machine has a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible and a vend position which is user-accessible. A carrier unit is provided for carrying a selected video cassette between one of the storage positons and the vend position. a positioning unit is provided for positioning the carrier unit proximate to a selected storage position in response to user input. An engaging unit fixed to the carrier unit is provided for engaging and disengaging a selected video cassette. A reader unit is provided for identifying a selected video cassette. A microprocessor memory system is provided for recording and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity of the selected video cassette.

대표청구항 ▼

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 openin

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.