Patent ID: 8996162
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method for receiving an inoperable article via an article vending machine and providing a refund for a rental of the inoperable article, the article vending machine having a user interface, a processor, a receptacle, a selector arm, and an inventory of articles housed in the article vending machine, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a command through the user interface requesting to initiate a return of an inoperable article; receiving the inoperable article via the receptacle; engaging the inoperable article at a first position proximate to the receptacle, using the selector arm; transferring the inoperable article, using the selector arm, from the first position to a second position within the article vending machine; disengaging the inoperable article at the second position; identifying a customer associated with the inoperable article using program code operating with the processor; determining if the customer is eligible to receive a refund for the rental of the inoperable article using the program code; in response to determining that the customer is eligible for a refund, determining if the inventory contains a replacement article that is identical to the inoperable article, using the program code, wherein the determining if the inventory contains a replacement includes: in response to determining that the inventory does contain an identical replacement article: