Patent Publication Number: US-10332331-B2

Title: Modular vending machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/408,058, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a modular vending machine for storing and dispensing products. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention permits a modular vending machine including a control module with a user interface, a payment system, vending controllers, and one or more vending cabinets that store products to be vended. Each cabinet can have a separate controller that can interact with the central controller. In another aspect, the modular vending machine can have a single controller located in the central control module. The controller can control all components in the vending cabinets. 
     In one aspect of the invention, a product dispenser can include a central module including a user interface and a product pickup area, a first product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a first interior area, a second product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a second interior area, a first product transport mechanism positioned within the first interior area to receive a first product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet and deliver the first product to the product pickup area, and a second product transport mechanism positioned within the second interior area to receive a second product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the second product storage cabinet and deliver the second product to the product pickup area, and including a first product orientation mechanism to orient the first product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. In an aspect the first product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the first product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the first product transport mechanism. The first product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the first product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the first product into a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can include a first pivot connecting the portion to the product pickup area, a second pivot connecting a control arm to the portion, and a third pivot connecting the control arm to a motorized slider. 
     In another aspect, the product dispenser can include a second product orientation mechanism to orient the second product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. The second product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the second product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the second product transport mechanism, and the second product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the second product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the second product. 
     In an aspect, the product dispenser can include a first product positioner to orient the first product onto the first product transport mechanism such that a bottom of the first product is positioned closer to the central module than a top portion of the first product. The product dispenser can include a second product positioner to orient the second product onto the second product transport mechanism such that a bottom of the second product is positioned closer to the central module than a top portion of the second product. The first product positioner can be attached to one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet, and the second product positioner can be attached to one of the plurality of product shelves in the second product storage cabinet. The first product positioner and the second product positioner can be non-motorized. 
     In a further aspect, the product dispenser can include a third product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a third interior area, and a third product transport mechanism positioned within the third interior area to receive a third product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the third product storage cabinet and deliver the third product to the product pickup area. The third product can travel through the second product storage cabinet via the second product transport mechanism to deliver the third product to the product pickup area. In another aspect, the third product storage cabinet can include a product pickup area. The third product can be delivered to the product pickup area in the third product storage cabinet rather than the product pickup area in the central module. 
     In another aspect, a product dispenser can include a central module including a user interface and a product pickup area, a first product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a first interior area, a first product transport mechanism positioned within the first interior area to receive a first product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet and deliver the first product to the product pickup area, and a first product orientation mechanism to orient the first product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the first product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the first product transport mechanism. The first product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the first product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the first product into a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can include a first pivot connecting the portion to the product pickup area, a second pivot connecting a control arm to the portion, and a third pivot connecting the control arm to a motorized slider. 
     In another aspect, a method for dispensing a product can include transmitting a first electronic signal to a control system based on a first user selection on an electronic user interface, moving a first product transport mechanism into a first vertical position to receive a first product from a first storage shelf based on the first electronic signal, moving the first product transport mechanism into a first vertical delivery position to deliver the first product into a pickup area, moving a first product orientation mechanism into a transfer position to receive the first product from the first product transport mechanism, and moving the first product into the pickup area. The method can include transmitting a second electronic signal to the control system based on a second user selection on the electronic user interface, moving a second product transport mechanism into a second vertical position to receive a second product from a second storage shelf based on the second electronic signal, moving the second product transport mechanism into a second vertical delivery position to deliver the second product into the pickup area, moving a second product orientation mechanism into a transfer position to receive the second product from the second product transport mechanism, and moving the second product into the pickup area. The method can include moving the first product orientation mechanism into a pickup position to orient the first product in a vertically upright orientation in the pickup area, and moving the second product orientation mechanism into a pickup position to orient the second product in a vertically upright orientation in the pickup area. 
     Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a modular vending machine according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial front view of a modular vending machine according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective front view of a modular vending machine storage shelf according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a modular vending machine control module according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 5 . is partial perspective view of a control module and a vending cabinet according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 6 . is a partial perspective view of a vending cabinet and product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 7 . is a partial perspective view of a vending cabinet and product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a close up perspective view of a product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 10 . is a partial perspective view of a vending cabinet and product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 11 . is a partial perspective view of a vending cabinet and product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a close up perspective view of a product transport mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a modular vending system according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a pickup area according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a pickup area according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a pickup area and product orientation mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a pickup area according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a rear portion of a control module according to various aspects of the invention 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view of a pickup area door according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a pickup area door mechanism according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an example hardware platform according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram of an example method for dispensing products according to various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram of an example communication network according to various aspects of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     Vending machines are used to store and deliver products (e.g., beverages and/or food in bottles, cans, boxes, etc.) to consumers. Conventional vending machines often deliver the products by dropping the products into a pick-up space where the consumer opens a hinged door, for example, to retrieve the product. Presenting the product to the consumer in a vertically upright orientation, rather than dropping the product, would improve the quality of the product and result in a better user experience. 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments a modular vending machine can include a control module that can include a user interface, a payment system, vending controllers, and one or more vending cabinets that store products to be vended. Each cabinet can have a separate controller that can interact with the central controller. Each of the vending cabinet, and the central control module can be manufactured, packaged, shipped separately from factory, and then connected and installed together at the destination field location. In another aspect, a single controller can be centrally located in center control module  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the control module can include a pickup area where the product from each cabinet can be delivered to, and the area is accessible by consumer to pick up all products purchased. The vending cabinets do not require a dedicated area for product to be picked up by consumer. With this solution, multiple products from different cabinets can be selected by a consumer and vended, though the central user interface, which provides the options of beverage, food, etc., or combinations of different products. This solution makes it easier for a consumer to pick up a product, because all products are delivered to one area. In addition, this product pick-up area is located at a level higher than the current vending machines, which make it easier for consumer to pick up the product without bending. 
     In some embodiments, the storage system is modular. In some embodiments, the storage system comprises one or more shelves. In some embodiments, the plurality of shelves forms a grid of product storage areas. In some embodiments, each shelf is configured to dispense vending products. For example, each shelf may be angled downward so that gravity pulls vending products out of the shelf. As another example, each shelf may include a mechanism to dispense vending products, such as a spring-loaded product pusher. In some embodiments, each shelf comprises a gate that keeps the vending products on the shelf until the vending machine is ready to dispense the vending product. In some embodiments, a spiral or corkscrew shaped motorized wire that can rotate one full turn in order to dispense a single item from the vending machine in response to a user input. 
     In some embodiments, each vending cabinet can include a product transport system that delivers the product to a pickup area in the control module. The product transport system interacts with the vending system and other components to dispense, transport, and present vending products to consumers in a vertically upright orientation. In some embodiments, the interactions are primarily mechanical, thus reducing the complexity of the vending machine and reducing the need for service and maintenance. The product transport system can include an elevation system driven by motor. The motor can be controlled by a controller in the vending cabinet. The elevation system can be moved up and down vertically to catch a product vended from the product storage shelves. The elevation system can include a transfer belt driven by another motor. 
     In some embodiments, the side walls of the central control module, and the side wall of the vending cabinets can include openings through which the product packages can pass through. The storage shelves in each vending cabinets are also controlled by motors to push the products selected from the shelf to the elevation system. 
     In some embodiments, a consumer can select multiple products through a user interface. The controller in the control module can send instruction to the controls in the vending cabinets. The controllers in the vending cabinets can then send signal to motors of the shelf based on the selection, to push the product out of the shelf. The elevation system can be driven by the motor which receives signals from the controller to move to the shelf, based on the product selection, to catch the product package from the shelf. After the package travels onto the elevator, the belt can start moving, driven by its dedicated motor which received signal from the controller. The package on the belt can then be transferred by the belt to the opening on the side wall. The gate that normally covers the opening will be opened, controlled by motor, to allow the package to go through. At the same time, a product orientation mechanism in the control model around the pick-up area can tilt downward to ensure a smooth movement of the package from the vending cabinet to the pick-up area. Once the product travels into a pick-up area pocket a vertical position lower than the elevation system belt, the package orientation mechanism can rotate back to vertical and further into the pick-up area to orient the product into a vertically upright position. In some embodiments, the controller in the center control module can directly control the mechanisms in the vending cabinets. 
     In some embodiments, a product positioner can be attached onto the shelves, for example, on one side wall of the gate. As the product travels to the belt in the orientation that the bottom of the package is pointing to the product pick-up area of the central module, and the top of the package is pointing away from the central module. This way, the package can be transferred to the central module and can travel into the product pickup area with its bottom first entering the pocket, so it can stand up vertically with the help of the package orientation mechanism in the central module mentioned above. 
     In some embodiments, sensors (optical, mechanical, etc.) can be utilized in the machine on different mechanisms to ensure the accurate timing and control of the movement of each moving components, to ensure the proper functions. 
     In some embodiments, multiple vending cabinets can share the same product pick-up area. Alternatively, one or more specific cabinets can include a dedicated product pick-up area on the cabinet in a say similar to the current vending machines. The configuration of multiple vending cabinets including, for example, a refrigerated cabinet and non-refrigerated cabinet, can make it possible to have larger storage capacity, more different types of products (for instance, different temperature requirements, etc.), in an cost efficient way by having one control module, and have different temperature setting in different cabinets with dedicated cooling or heating instruments. 
     In some embodiments, the product pickup area comprises a pickup area door that isolates the pickup area from outside the vending machine. 
     The vending products may include drinks, such as bottled water, energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, milks, juices, sports drinks, etc., as well as food, such as chips, granola bars, energy bars, sandwiches, ice cream bars, candy, and other snacks. The vending products may be packaged in different sizes, shapes, and styles. While consumables are primarily discussed herein, the principles disclosed apply to other types of vending products as well. The vending machines disclosed herein may be used in any setting (e.g., school campuses, stores, malls, offices, etc.). 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2 , modular vending machine  10  includes a center control module  100 , a product storage cabinet  200 , and a product storage cabinet  300 . Center control module  100  can include a user interface  101  and a product pickup area  402 . In one aspect, product storage cabinet  200  can be refrigerated and can include products  50  within product storage area  202  that require refrigeration. In another aspect, product storage cabinet  300  can be non-refrigerated and can include products  51  within product storage area  302  that do not require refrigeration. The configuration of a refrigerated product storage cabinet  200  and a non-refrigerated product storage cabinet  300  can make it possible to have a vending machine with a larger storage capacity with various products having different temperature requirements. 
     In some embodiments, a product positioner  220  can be attached onto each row of each shelf  210 . In one aspect, the product positioner  220  can be attached on one side wall of the shelf gate  212 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As the product  50  travels from shelf  210  to product transport mechanism  230  ( FIG. 5 ), product positioner  220  can orient product  50  such that the bottom of product  52  is oriented closed to the product pickup area  402  of the central control module  100  and the top of the product  54  is oriented furthest away from the product pickup area  402  ( FIG. 9 ). This way, the product  50  can be travel into the product pickup area  402  bottom first, so it can be oriented vertically in product pickup area  402 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , control module  100  can include a control module chassis  112 . Product storage cabinet  200  can attach to a first portion of control module chassis  112  on a first side of control module  100 . Product storage cabinet  300  can attach to a second portion of control module chassis  112  on a second side of control module  100 . Control module  100  can include a product transport opening  110  in the side wall of control module  100  adjacent product storage cabinet  200 . Control module  100  can include a product transport opening  111  in the side wall of control module  100  adjacent products storage cabinet  300 . Product transport openings  110  and  111  allow products to be transported from product storage cabinet  200  and product storage cabinet  300  into pickup area  402  in control module  100 . In another aspect of the invention, product storage cabinet  200  and/or product storage cabinet  300  can include a product pickup area. 
     In an aspect of the invention, the parts and components within product storage cabinet  300  can be identical to those in product storage cabinet  200 . And because product storage cabinet  300  is positioned on the opposite side of control module  100 , the parts and components within product storage cabinet  300  can be reciprocal in function to those in product storage cabinet  200 . For example, while products in product storage cabinet  200  move from right to left toward control module  100 , products in product storage cabinet  300  move from left to right toward control module  100 . 
     In another aspect of the invention, product storage cabinets  200  and  300  can include similar and/or different parts and components. For example, product storage cabinet  200  and/or product storage cabinet  300  can include a product delivery system including an elevation system, an x-y mechanism, and/or a drop system. 
     Product storage cabinet  200  can include a front portion  204  and a rear portion  202 . Product storage cabinet  200  can include a refrigeration system  80  to maintain a desired temperature within product storage area  202 . Product storage cabinet  200  can include a plurality of shelves  210  and a plurality of vend mechanisms  214  attached to shelves  210  to dispense products onto product transport mechanism  230 . In some embodiments, vend mechanisms  214  can be a spiral or corkscrew shaped motorized wire that can rotate one full turn in order to dispense a single product  50  from the product storage cabinet in response to a user input. In another aspect, vend mechanisms  214  dispense products using a push plate and gate mechanism, a motor, a spring, or rely solely on gravity. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , upon receiving a user selection on the user interface  101 , the electronic control module sends a signal to vertical position drive motor  218  ( FIG. 8 ) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  230  to a vertical position adjacent shelf  210  containing a selected product  50 . A vend mechanism  214  can dispense product  50  onto belt  232  of product transport mechanism  230 . As product  50  travels onto belt  232 , product positioner  220 , discussed above, can orient product  50  such that the bottom of product  52  is oriented closed to the product pickup area  402  of the central control module  100  and the top of the product  54  is oriented furthest away from the product pickup area  402 . 
     Belt  232  can be continuous and can be travel around support  234  and pulleys  236  in the direction of control module  100 . One of pulleys  236  can be driven by pulley drive motor  237 . 
     Product transport mechanism  230  can include a stationary rear wall  238  that prevents product  50  from dropping toward the front of product storage cabinet  200 . 
     Product transport mechanism  230  can include a hinged ramp  260  on a side closest to shelves  210 . After product transport mechanism  230  is positioned in a desired vertical position, hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  264  attached to hinged ramp  260  to move hinged ramp  260  toward the desired shelf  210  into a delivery position. After product  50  travels from shelf  210  along hinged ramp  260  to belt  232 , hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  264  to position hinged ramp  260  into a vertical position for easier travel within product storage cabinet  200 . In another aspect, hinged ramp  260  can maintain the delivery position as product transport mechanism  230  moves within product storage cabinet  200 . The hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  264  to position hinged ramp  260  into the vertical position when product  50  travels on belt  232 . 
     Next, vertical position drive motor  218  can rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  230  to a vertical position adjacent transfer gate opening  110 . Transfer gate  103  can move to an open position allowing access to pickup area  402 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13 , upon receiving a user selection on the user interface  101 , the electronic control module sends a signal to vertical position drive motor  318  ( FIG. 12 ) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  330  to a vertical position adjacent shelf  310  containing a selected product  51 . A vend mechanism  314  can dispense product  51  onto belt  332  of product transport mechanism  330 . As product  51  travels onto belt  332 , product positioner  320 , discussed above, can orient product  51  such that the bottom of product  53  is oriented closed to the product pickup area  402  of the central control module  100  and the top of the product  55  is oriented furthest away from the product pickup area  402 . 
     Belt  332  can be continuous and can be travel around support  334  and pulleys  336  in the direction of control module  100 . One of pulleys  336  can be driven by pulley drive motor  337 . 
     Product transport mechanism can include a stationary rear wall  338  that prevents product  51  from dropping toward the front of product storage cabinet  300 . 
     Product transport mechanism  330  can include a hinged ramp  360  on a side closest to shelves  310 . After product transport mechanism  330  is positioned in a desired vertical position, hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  364  attached to hinged ramp  360  to move hinged ramp  360  toward the desired shelf  310  into a delivery position. After product  51  travels from shelf  310  along hinged ramp  360  to belt  332 , hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  364  to position hinged ramp  360  into a vertical position for easier travel within product storage cabinet  300 . In another aspect, hinged ramp  360  can maintain the delivery position as product transport mechanism  330  moves within product storage cabinet  300 . The hinged ramp drive motor can move hinged ramp linkage  364  to position hinged ramp  360  into the vertical position when product  51  travels on belt  332 . 
     Next, vertical position drive motor  318  can rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  330  to a vertical position adjacent transfer gate  105 . Transfer gate  105  can move to an open position allowing access to pickup area  402 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-17 , product orientation mechanism  410  can include a drawbridge  412 , a control arm  414 , a motorized slider  416 , a first pivot  417 , and a second pivot  418  ( FIG. 17 ). Once product transport mechanism  230  is positioned in a vertical delivery position adjacent transfer gate opening  110 , motorized slider  416  can move to move control arm  414  which in turn moves drawbridge  412  to a transfer position ( FIGS. 14-15 ). In the transfer position, drawbridge  412  allows product  50  to travel from product transport mechanism  230 , across the gap between control module  100  and product storage cabinet  200 , into pickup area  402 . For example, after drawbridge is placed in a transfer position, pulley drive motor  237  can rotate to move product  50  through transfer gate opening  110 , along drawbridge  412  into pickup area  402 . Once product  50  is in pickup area  402 , motorized slider  416  can move to move control arm  414  which in turn moves drawbridge  412  into an orientation position to vertically orient product  50  in pickup area  402  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     In an aspect, product orientation mechanism  420  can include the same components and can operate in the same manner as product orientation mechanism  410 . For example, product orientation mechanism  420  can include a drawbridge, a control arm, a motorized slider, a first pivot, and a second pivot (not shown). Once product transport mechanism  330  is positioned in a vertical delivery position adjacent transfer gate  105 , the motorized slider can move to move the control arm which in turn moves the drawbridge to a transfer position. In the transfer position, the drawbridge allows product  51  to travel from product transport mechanism  330 , across the gap between control module  100  and product storage cabinet  300 , into pickup area  402 . For example, after drawbridge is placed in a transfer position, pulley drive motor  337  can rotate to move product  51  through transfer gate  105 , along the drawbridge and into pickup area  402 . Once product  51  is in pickup area  402 , the motorized slider can move to move the control arm which in turn moves the drawbridge into an orientation position to vertically orient product  51  in pickup area  402 . 
     In an aspect, sensors  270  can be attached to a bracket to determine whether product  50  has traveled through product transport opening  110  into pickup area  402  (i.e., a sensor  270  can sense the presence or absence of product  50  on belt  232 ). In some embodiments, sensor  270  can include an ultrasound sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor. 
     In some embodiments, pickup area  402  can sense when product  50  has been removed from pickup area  402  (e.g., via sensor  502 , such as an ultrasound sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor). 
     In an aspect, pickup area  402  can include a first pocket  404  to receive a product from product storage cabinet  200  and a second pocket  406  to receive a product from product cabinet  300  ( FIG. 15 ). First pocket  404  and second pocket  406  can be separated by divider  405 . 
     Control module  100  can include a pickup area door  120  to cover pickup area  402 . Drive motor  126  can move linkages  122  and  124  to move pickup area door  120  vertically to allow a user access to pickup area  402 . Pickup area door can include a locking mechanism  150  ( FIG. 21 ). Lock mechanism  150  can include a tension spring  152 , a locking pawl  154 , linkage  156 , and solenoid  158  to prevent unauthorized access to pickup area  402 . 
     Modular vending machine  10  can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor that sends an electronic signal to position and initiate the product transport mechanisms  230  and  330  and product orientation mechanisms  410  and  420 . The electronic control module can provide intelligent control of the modular vending machine system. The electronic control module can control the vertical position of product transport mechanisms  230  and  330  through control of drive motors  218  and  318 . The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors  218  and  318  to move product transport mechanisms  230  and  330  to respective vertical positions adjacent a shelf of a selected product  50 . 
     The electronic control module can control the horizontal position of belts  232  and  332  through control of drive motors  237  and  337 . The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors  237  and  337  to move products  50  on product transport mechanisms  230  and  330  toward the pickup area  402  in control module  100 . 
     The electronic control module can control the position of hinged ramps  260  and  360  through control of drive motors  262  and  362 . The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors  262  and  362  to move linkages  264  and  364  to move hinged ramps  260  and  360  into a product transport position. 
     The electronic control module can control the position of the drawbridges, e.g. drawbridge  412 , in product orientation mechanisms  410  and  420 , respectively, through control of the motorized sliders. The electronic control module can send a signal to the motorized sliders, e.g., motorized slider  416  to move vertically along the control module. The movement of the motorized sliders moves the control arms, e.g., control arm  414 , which in turn moves the drawbridges between the transfer position and the pickup position. 
     The electronic control module can control the position of pickup area door  120  through control of drive motor  126 . The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motor  126  to move linkages  122  and  124 , which in turn move pickup area door vertically between an open position and a closed position. 
     The electronic control module can control the position of transfer gates  103  and  105  ( FIG. 19 ) through control of transfer gate drives  102  and  104 . The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drives  102  and  104  which in turn move transfer gates  103  and  105  between an open position and a closed position. 
     The manner in which a user engages the interface of the beverage dispensing system to select and/or dispense a beverage can vary.  FIG. 23  illustrates an example method for dispensing an available product according to one aspect of the invention. 
     At step  2301 , an input screen may be displayed on a user interface  101  on control module  100 . This may include displaying an initial user input selection (e.g., “touch to start”). In one aspect of the invention, the user interface  101  can display an input screen having a beverage input, a food input, and a combination input. The beverage input can present a number of available beverage product to the user. The food input can present the number of food item products to the user. The combination input can present a number of pre-programmed food and beverage combinations to the user. 
     At step  2303 , a selection of a type or brand of product may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select a beverage, a food, or a combination beverage and food. 
     At step  2304 , based on the user input in step  2303 , the user interface  101  can prompt the user to make a second product selection. For example, if in step  2303  the user selected a beverage, user interface  101  can allow the user to select a food. Alternatively, if the user selected a food, user interface  101  can prompt the user to select a beverage. In another aspect, a user can select three or more products on user interface  101 . In a further aspect, a user can select four or more products on user interface  101 . 
     In another aspect, user interface  101  can hide products that have been vended out, i.e., there are no products left in the machine. For example, user interface  101  can hide single products and/or combination products. Alternatively, if a vended out product is selected by the user, the user interface  101  can display a message indicating that the product is unavailable. 
     At step  2305 , a selection of a second type or brand of product may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select a beverage or a food based on the prompt in step  2304 . In another aspect, a user can decline to select a second product and the system can move to step  2306 . 
     At step  2306 , based on the user input in step  2303 , an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a first product transport mechanism (e.g., vertical position drive motor  218  in product transport mechanism  230 ) to vertically position the first product transport mechanism to receive the first selected product. 
     At step  2307 , based on the user input in step  2305 , an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a second product transport mechanism (e.g., vertical position drive motor  318  in product transport mechanism  330 ) to vertically position the second product transport mechanism to receive the second selected product. 
     At step  2309 , the vending machine can transport the first product into the pickup area. For example, the electronic control module can send electronic signal to drive motor  262  to move linkage  264  to move hinged ramp  260  into a product transport position. The electronic control module can then send an electronic signal to dispense product  50  from shelf  210  so product  50  can travel along hinged ramp  260  onto belt  232  on product transport mechanism  230 . After product  50  travels onto belt  232 , the electronic control module can send an electronic signal to drive motor  262  to move linkage  264  to move hinged ramp  260  to a vertical position. The electronic control module can send an electronic control signal to vertical position drive motor  218  ( FIG. 8 ) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  230  to a vertical position adjacent gate  250 . The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drive  102  to move transfer gate  103  to an open position. The electronic control module can also send an electronic signal to drive motor  237  to move product  50  on product transport mechanism  230  through gate  250  and transfer gate  103  toward the pickup area  402  in control module  100 . The electronic control module can send a signal to motorized slider  416  to move vertically along the control module to move drawbridge  412  into a transfer position so product  50  can travel along drawbridge  412 . The electronic control module can also send a signal to drive motor  126  to move linkages  122  and  124 , which in turn move pickup area door vertically to an open position. 
     At step  2311 , the vending machine can transport the second product into the pickup area. For example, the electronic control module can send electronic signal to drive motor  362  to move linkage  364  to move hinged ramp  360  into a product transport position. The electronic control module can then send an electronic signal to dispense product  51  from shelf  310  so product  51  can travel along hinged ramp  360  onto belt  332  on product transport mechanism  330 . After product  51  travels onto belt  332 , the electronic control module can send an electronic signal to drive motor  362  to move linkage  364  to move hinged ramp  360  to a vertical position. The electronic control module can send an electronic control signal to vertical position drive motor  318  ( FIG. 12 ) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism  330  to a vertical position adjacent gate  350 . The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drive  104  to move transfer gate  105  to an open position. The electronic control module can also send an electronic signal to drive motor  337  to move product  51  on product transport mechanism  330  through gate  350  and transfer gate  105  toward the pickup area  402  in control module  100 . The electronic control module can send a signal to motorized slider  426  to move vertically along the control module to move drawbridge  422  into a transfer position so product  50  can travel along drawbridge  422 . 
     Although the example method of  FIG. 23  shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the above steps could change (e.g., step  2305  could occur prior to step  2303 ), and the modular vending machine could receive additional input from the user before, after, and in between particular steps of the above example method. The order of the steps and/or what input is received during the course of a user&#39;s interaction with the vending machine may be dependent on the organization of the user interface. 
     In another aspect, at step  2301  user interface  101  can display product videos. The product videos can be pictures of pre-combined products options such as one snack/food product and one beverage product. At step  2303 , a consumer can touch or press on the picture of any combined products. Based on the consumer input at step  2303 , at step  2304  the user interface will stop the video and show the product selection page with the selected combined products shown on user interface  101  and each product listed along with production information. The product information can include nutritional information, e.g., calories, and product price. The consumer can then proceed with making a payment or can change the selection of products. For example, the consumer can remove one or more of the selected products. The consumer can also add additional products before paying for the items. 
     In a further aspect, if any product in a pre-combined product option has been vended out, (i.e. no more products are left in the machine), this pre-combined production option will not be shown on the video. The pre-combined product option will also not be shown in the list of available combinations on the user interface. 
     In another aspect, the dispensing mechanisms in product storage cabinets  200  and  300  can operate simultaneously to reduce the total transaction time. For example, steps  2306 ,  2307 ,  2309 , and  2311  can occur simultaneously to deliver products  50  and  51  to product pickup area  402  at the same time. In a further aspect, the dispensing mechanisms in each of product storage cabinets  200  and/or  300  can operate simultaneously to reduce the total transaction time. For example, gate  250  and/or transfer gate  103  can be opened as product transport mechanism  230  travels vertically. In addition, gate  350  and/or transfer gate  105  can be opened as product transport mechanism  330  travels vertically. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a block diagram of an example communication network in which one or more embodiments may be implemented. A vending machine, e.g., modular vending machine  10 , can be configured to dispense a product according to a user&#39;s selection. For example, a user can approach a vending machine  2404 , and interact with the vending machine  2404  to make a selection (e.g., input a code or press a button corresponding to the desired product). In response, the vending machine  2404  may dispense the selected product. In general, examples of this disclosure relate to a modular vending machine; however, various aspects of this disclosure could be used in a dispenser for other types of products (e.g., electronics or other consumer goods). 
     Vending machines may be located across different locations or premises. For example,  FIG. 24  illustrates three vending machines: vending machine  2404 , vending machine  2406  and vending machine  2408 . 
     In a further aspect, vending machines may be connected to a controller. A controller may be centrally located and/or a separate controller may be incorporated into each vending machine. As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , vending machines  2406  and  2408  are connected to controller  2405 . Controller  2405  can be configured to receive instructions from vending machine  2406  and/or  2408 , and to cause the appropriate vending machine to dispense a selected product. For example, a user may interact with vending machine  2406  to select a product (e.g., via a touchpad, touch screen, keypad, etc.), instructions for the selected product may be transmitted to controller  2405 , and controller  2405  may be configured to dispense a selected product in response to the instructions. 
     Components of a vending machine may include a processor  2420 , memory  2430 , software  2440 , and/or additional components suitable for implementing the functions and methods of the vending machine. Software  2440  may be stored in computer-readable memory  2430  such as read only or random access memory in vending machine  2404  and may include instructions that cause one or more components (e.g., processor  2420 , display, etc.) of a vending machine (e.g., vending machine  2404 ) to perform various functions and methods including those described herein. 
     A vending machine may communicate with other devices using one or more networks. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , vending machines  2404 ,  2406  and  2408  may communicate with server  2400  via network  2402  and/or network  2403 . Network  2402  and network  2403  may include multiple networks that are interlinked so as to provide internetworked communications. Such networks may include one or more private or public packet-switched networks (e.g., the Internet), one or more private or public circuit-switched networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network), a cellular network, a short or medium range wireless communication connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, ultra wideband (UWB), infrared, WiBree, wireless local area network (WLAN) according to one or more versions of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard no. 802.11), or any other suitable network. Devices in communication with each other (e.g., vending machines  2404 ,  2406 , and  2408 , server  2400 , and/or data repository  2401 ) may use various communication protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), among others known in the art. 
     Server  2400 , controller  2405 , and vending machines  2404 ,  2406  and  2408  may be configured to interact with each other and other devices. In one example, vending machine  2404  may include software  2440  that is configured to coordinate the transmission and reception of information to and from server  2400 . In one arrangement, software  2440  may include application or server specific protocols for requesting and receiving data from server  2400 . For example, software  2440  may comprise a browser or variants thereof and server  2400  may comprise a web server. In some arrangements, server  2400  may transmit application data to vending machines, such as software updates to various components of the dispensing system (e.g., updates to the user interface, updates to firmware of the vending machines, updates to drivers of the vending machines, etc.). In one or more arrangements, server  2400  may receive data from the vending machines, such as data describing the current stock of the vending machine (e.g., a listing of products and the number remaining at the vending machine), operation history and/or usage metrics of the vending machine (e.g. counters tracking the selections of users of the machine), status of the vending machine (e.g., whether any components are working improperly), etc. Server  2400  may be configured to access and store data in data repository  2401 , such as data that it receives and transmits in data repository  2401 . Data repository  2401  may also include other data accessible to server  2400 , such as different drink recipes that can be downloaded to vending machines. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an example computing device on which at least some of the various elements described herein can be implemented, including, but not limited to, various components of vending machines (e.g., vending machines  2404 ,  2406  and  2408 , modular vending machine  10 ). Computing device  2200  may include one or more processors  2201 , which may execute instructions of a computer program to perform, or cause to perform, any of the steps or functions described herein. The instructions may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or memory, to configure the operation of the processor  2201 . For example, instructions may be stored in a read-only memory (ROM)  2202 , random access memory (RAM)  2203 , removable media  2204 , such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, flash card, or any other desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be stored in an attached (or internal) hard drive  2205 . 
     Computing device  2200  may include one or more output devices, such as a display  2206 , and may include one or more output device controllers  2207 , such as a video processor. A controller may be centrally located, for example in center control module  100 . In another aspect, a separate controller may be incorporated into each product storage cabinet. 
     There may also be one or more user input devices  2208 , such as a touch screen, remote control, keyboard, mouse, microphone, card reader, RFID reader, etc. The computing device  2200  may also include one or more network interfaces, such as input/output circuits  2209  to communicate with an external network  2210 . The network interface may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, the interface  2209  may include a modem (e.g., a cable modem), and network  2210  may include the communication lines of the networks illustrated in  FIG. 24 , or any other desired network. 
     The  FIG. 22  example is an illustrative hardware configuration. Modifications may be made to add, remove, combine, divide, etc. components as desired. Additionally, the components illustrated may be implemented using basic computing devices and components, and the same components (e.g., processor  2201 , storage  2202 , user input device  2208 , etc.) may be used to implement any of the other computing devices and components described herein. 
     One or more aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a computer-usable data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as in one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other data processing device. The computer executable instructions may be stored on one or more computer readable media such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage media, solid state memory, RAM, etc. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. In addition, the functionality may be embodied in whole or in part in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), combinations of hardware/firmware/software, and the like. Particular data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects of the invention, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of computer executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein. 
     The present invention(s) have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.