초록

A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vending apparatus comprising: a plurality of reservoirs;a distribution control device;a dynamic user interface including a multipath serpentine visible goods guidance device;and a controller device, said controller device being adapted to provide a dynamically configured release of a mixture of

1. A vending apparatus comprising: a plurality of reservoirs;a distribution control device;a dynamic user interface including a multipath serpentine visible goods guidance device;and a controller device, said controller device being adapted to provide a dynamically configured release of a mixture of goods to said multipath serpentine visible goods guidance device by said distribution control device, whereby said mixture and said dynamic user interface combine to offer enhanced entertainment to a viewer and wherein a reservoir of said plurality of reservoirs comprises a first generally horizontal portion and a second generally vertical portion, said second generally vertical portion including a feed mechanism for elevating stored goods into said generally horizontal portion. 2. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed mechanism comprises a motorized lift for elevating stored goods. 3. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said motorized lift comprises a threaded device and an electric motor. 4. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said motorized lift comprises a rack and pinion device. 5. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said motorized lift comprises an Archimedean screw. 6. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed mechanism comprises a pneumatic cylinder device. 7. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder device. 8. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feed mechanism comprises an elastic device, said elastic device being arranged to urge stored goods upward into said first horizontal portion. 9. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said elastic device tends to expand as said stored goods move upward. 10. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said elastic device comprises a gas. 11. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second generally vertical portion has a lower end, said lower end being adapted to be received within said vending apparatus substantially adjacent to a floor of said vending apparatus. 12. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second generally vertical portion has a generally circular horizontal cross-section. 13. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second generally vertical portion has a generally rectangular horizontal cross-section. 14. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a reservoir of said plurality of reservoirs has a height substantially equal to an interior height of said vending apparatus. 15. A vending apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first generally horizontal portion comprises an inclined surface and a hopper, said inclined surface and hopper being adapted to promote gravitational feeding of said stored goods.