초록 ▼

An apparatus for and method of automatically vending merchandise to a patron, with the apparatus including display devices and input devices for interaction with the patron. At least one motor is provided for providing vertical and horizontal movement to an elevator which accesses the stored merchan

An apparatus for and method of automatically vending merchandise to a patron, with the apparatus including display devices and input devices for interaction with the patron. At least one motor is provided for providing vertical and horizontal movement to an elevator which accesses the stored merchandise from respective column positions within the machine. The elevator is then returned to a NEUTRAL position and the merchandise is dumped or dispensed to the patron. The system can provide RENTAL, PURCHASE or RETURN of merchandise procedures along with various other functions related to vending operations.

대표청구항 ▼

A vending machine for vending merchandise to a patron, comprising: controller means for controlling operation of said vending machine; display means for displaying information to said patron; input means for inputting information from said patron to said controller means; shelf means for storing mer

A vending machine for vending merchandise to a patron, comprising: controller means for controlling operation of said vending machine; display means for displaying information to said patron; input means for inputting information from said patron to said controller means; shelf means for storing merchandise in a plurality of columns; at least one service platform for carrying said merchandise; fork means for partially surrounding a selected one of said merchandise and transferring said selected merchandise between said shelf means and said at least one service platform; drive means responsive to said controller means for moving said service platform vertically adjacent at least one column of said shelf means and for moving said fork means vertically and horizontally only in a plane in which said service platform is moved, wherein said fork means is movable horizontally relative to said service platform between at least two positions, a first of said at least two positions being aligned with said shelf means and a second of said at least two positions being aligned with said service platform adjacent said at least one column; and switch means responsive to said controller means for causing said service platform to dispense said selected merchandise to said patron.