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A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a refrigerated vending machine utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels. An optical emitter transmits a light beam through at least one layer of substantially transparent anti-fog film to re

A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a refrigerated vending machine utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels. An optical emitter transmits a light beam through at least one layer of substantially transparent anti-fog film to reduce moisture condensation and across the product path to an optical detector wherein signal intensity is measured. As a dispensed product passes through the light beam between the emitter and the detector, the beam is momentarily broken, resulting in a change in signal intensity at the infrared detector which is registered as the vend of a product.

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A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a refrigerated vending machine utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels. An optical emitter transmits a light beam through at least one layer of substantially transparent anti-fog film to re

A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a refrigerated vending machine utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels. An optical emitter transmits a light beam through at least one layer of substantially transparent anti-fog film to reduce moisture condensation and across the product path to an optical detector wherein signal intensity is measured. As a dispensed product passes through the light beam between the emitter and the detector, the beam is momentarily broken, resulting in a change in signal intensity at the infrared detector which is registered as the vend of a product. eturn outlet in fluid communication with the at least one air return inlet and adapted to deliver the air into the compartment as drink fluid is dispensed through the drink spout system, and at least one air passage interconnecting the at least one air return inlet and the at least one air return outlet, wherein the air return system further includes a return valve assembly that is selectively configurable between an open position, in which air may pass through the at least one air passage and into the compartment, and a closed position, in which the return valve assembly obstructs the at least one air passage so that air may not pass through the at least one air passage and into the compartment, and further wherein the return valve assembly is adapted to automatically return to the closed position. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing portion is slidably mounted on the base portion. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is adapted to automatically return to the closed position. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the valve assembly is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the drink spout system further includes a preload mechanism adapted to urge the valve assembly beyond its closed position. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes at least one slit through which drink fluid may flow when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is free from slits through which drink fluid may flow when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly is formed from a non-elastomeric material. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a cover adapted to prevent at least a portion of the at least one air return inlet from being obstructed when a user drinks from the drink spout system. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the body includes means for preventing the at least one air return inlet from being obstructed when a user drinks from the drink spout system. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the air return system includes a plurality of air return inlets into which air from external the container may enter an air passage, and a plurality of air return outlets through which the air enters the compartment. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the air return inlets are radially spaced around the fluid conduit. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a sidewall through which air may enter at least one of the air return inlets. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the return valve assembly is at least substantially formed from an elastomeric material. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the return valve assembly has an outer perimeter portion that extends generally away from the outlet through which drink fluid is dispensed from the drink spout system. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the return valve assembly and the valve assembly are at least substantially formed from an elastomeric material. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the return valve assembly and the valve assembly are integrally formed. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the return valve assembly and the valve assembly are generally concentrically oriented relative to each other, with the return valve assembly extending radially outward relative to the valve assembly. 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the return valve assembly is integrally formed with the valve assembly. 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the return valve assembly and the valve assembly are free from slits. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the return valve assembly is a pressure-differential valve assembly. 22. The system of claim 1, wherein the drink spout system further includes means for restricting air returned to the compartment from being drawn into the valve assembly as air bubbles. 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the drink spout system further includes direction