Patent ID: 6962267
Filing Date: 2005-11-08
Classification: B65G,G07F

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method for dispensing selected products from a vending machine in which products are retrieved by means of a product transporter comprising the following steps: A) determining which of the selected products can be dispensed together; B) determining whether any of the selected products can not be dispensed; C) determining if there is sufficient space in the product transporter in which to dispense the next selected product; D) if sufficient space in the product transporter for the next selected product does not remain, dispense the products in the product transporter and return to step C; E) moving the product transporter to the next product location; F) checking to confirm the actual presence of the product on the shelf; G) dispensing the product; H) moving any dispensed product already in the product transporter out of the dispensing area of the product transporter where the next selected product will be dispensed; I) if all products which were determined to be dispensed together is step A are not yet dispensed, repeating steps (C) through (H); and J) delivering the dispensed products.