Patent ID: 6182857
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A vending machine for distributing products comprising:means for selecting said products;means for receiving payment for said products;means for dispensing said products; andmeans for controlling said vending machine in response to said product selection means and said payment means to direct said product dispensing means to dispense said products;wherein said product dispensing means comprises at least one elevating screw operatively coupled to a product shelf, means for rotating said at least one elevating screw such that said product shelf travels up or down depending upon the direction of rotation of said at least one elevating screw, and means for horizontally displacing said products out of said vending machine;wherein said horizontal displacement means comprises:a push plate operatively coupled to said top support by at least one track roller, wherein said at least one track roller allows said push plate to travel horizontally;a pulley coupled to said top support; anda discharge motor coupled to said push plate and said pulley by a discharge belt, wherein said discharge motor, through said discharge belt, causes said push plate to travel horizontally between said extended and said retracted position.