초록 ▼

One embodiment of the vending machine of the present disclosure provides a housing defining a product holding area, a frame positioned in the product holding area, a plurality first product holders removably attached to the frame and configured to hold a first type of product package, a plurality di

One embodiment of the vending machine of the present disclosure provides a housing defining a product holding area, a frame positioned in the product holding area, a plurality first product holders removably attached to the frame and configured to hold a first type of product package, a plurality different second product holders configured to hold a second different product package, a plurality of RFID sensors, each RFID sensor attached to a different one of the product holders, a door attached to the housing, a first electronic combination display device and input device attached to the door, a second electronic display device attached to the door and configured in one mode to display advertising or other content, a physical product display area in the door, a signage display area in the door, a payment receiver in the door, a product retrieval area in the door, a lock configured to lock the door to the housing, and a computer control system including at least one processor configured to control various functions of the vending machine.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vending machine comprising: a housing defining a product holding area;a frame positioned in the product holding area;a plurality first product holders, each first product holder removably attached to the frame, each first product holder configured to hold a first product package, each said firs

1. A vending machine comprising: a housing defining a product holding area;a frame positioned in the product holding area;a plurality first product holders, each first product holder removably attached to the frame, each first product holder configured to hold a first product package, each said first product package including an RFID tag holding pocket;a plurality second product holders positioned behind the plurality of first product holders, said second product holders being different than said first product holders, each second product holder configured to hold a second product package, each said second product package including an RFID tag holding pocket;a plurality of RFID sensors, each RFID sensor attached to a different one of the first product holders and the second product holders, each first product holder having one of the RFID sensors attached to said first product holder, each second product holder having one of the RFID sensors attached to said second product holder;a door attached to the housing, said door including a support structure;a first electronic combination display device and input device supported by the support structure;a second electronic display device supported by the support structure and configured in one mode to display advertising or other content;a payment receiver supported by the support structure;a product retrieval area defined by the support structure;a lock element mounted to the support structure; anda computer control system configured to control various functions of the vending machine, said computer control system configured to:(a) receive data from a vending machine operator computer system;(b) transfer data to the vending machine operator computer system; and(c) receive data from the plurality of RFID sensors to determine first product packages held by the first product holders and to determine second product packages held by the second product holders. 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the first product packages are claimshell packages and each of the first product holders are configured to hold said clamshell packages. 3. The vending machine of claim 2, wherein the second product packages are cylindrical packages and each of the second product holders are configured to hold said cylindrical packages. 4. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the second product packages are cylindrical packages and each of the second product holders are configured to hold said cylindrical packages. 5. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the second product holders extend above and below the first product holders. 6. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein each of the first product holders includes a bracket, a drive unit connected to the bracket, a cover plate connected to the bracket, a vending spindle connected to the drive unit, a sensor holder configured to hold one of the RFID sensors, a product guide bar, and an attachment assembly configured to secure said first product holder to the frame. 7. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein each second product holder includes a caged frame, a discharge unit connected to the caged frame, and a sensor holder. 8. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein the caged frame of each second product holder includes a top section that extends downwardly and toward a rear wall of the housing and is configured to receive the second product packages, a central section configured to hold the second product packages, and a bottom section which extends downwardly and toward the door to dispense the second product packages. 9. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein each discharge unit includes a casing which encloses a wheel assembly having a plurality of arms which define multiple compartments which are each configured to hold one of the second product packages. 10. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the first electronic combination display device and input device includes a touch screen. 11. The vending machine of claim 1, which includes a printer interface supported by the support structure and controlled by the computer control system. 12. The vending machine of claim 1, which includes an illuminated physical product display area supported by the support structure and configured to display certain sample products. 13. The vending machine of claim 1, which includes an Illuminatable signage display area supported by the support structure. 14. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the computer control system is also configured to determine opening and closing of the door.