Patent ID: 9104990
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article via an article vending machine, 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 an exchange of an inoperable article for an operable 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 exchange the inoperable article using program code operating with the processor; in response to determining that the customer is eligible for the exchange, determining if the inventory contains an identical replacement article to replace the inoperable article using program code operating with the processor, wherein the determining if the inventory contains a replacement includes: in response to determining that the inventory does contain an identical replacement article, transferring the identical replacement article to the receptacle using the selector arm, and dispensing the identical replacement article through the receptacle.