Patent Publication Number: US-2023138605-A1

Title: Vending machine system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application PCT/AU2021/050379, filed on Apr. 27, 2021, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application Nos. 2021900743, filed on Mar. 15, 2021 and 2020901325, filed on Apr. 27, 2020. The entirety of each of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a vending machine system, a bin assembly, an array of bin assemblies and a vending machine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A popular way to make your own bubbly drinks at home is by way of a sparkling water maker, such as the one made by SodaStream™. The sparkling water makers typically come with:
         (a) sparkling drink maker housing;   (b) a plastic carbonating bottle; and   (c) a C0 2  cylinder.       

     Usage of the sparkling water maker depletes the CO 2  in the cylinder and, as such, the cylinder will need to be replaced from time to time. 
     The cylinders are currently swapped in one of the following ways:
       1 . Swap Your Cylinder On Shelf In-Store
       a. Customer goes to a store, such as Big W™, where the empty cylinder can be swapped;   b. Customer grabs off the shelf a full cylinder in box;   c. Customer take the new cylinder to the checkout;   d. The cashier scans the bar code of the new cylinder and the cash register displays the full cylinder price;   e. The cashier scans the empty cylinder and the cash register displays:
           i. the exchange price reduction; and   ii. the exchange price; and   
           g. The customer then pays the exchange price and takes the full cylinder home.         2 . Swap Your Cylinder at the Counter   

     Take your empty SodaStream™ cylinder to the counter at your local Target™, Myer™, Kmart™, or David Jones™ to swap for a full one, with a customer assistant.
         a. Customer goes to store, such as Kmart™, with an empty cylinder;   b. Customer requests the store attendant to exchange an empty cylinder for a full one;   c. Store attendant takes customer&#39;s empty cylinder;   d. Store attendant gets a full cylinder from behind the counter and scans the barcode;   e. The cash register displays the exchange price; and   f. The customer then pays the exchange price and takes the full cylinder home.       

     It may not be convenient for the customer to travel all the way to a store to swap the cylinder in the manner set out in items 1 and 2 above. This may particularly be the case when the weather is inclement and/or travel is restricted. 
     Further, the above described system relies on the cashier, and ultimately the store owner, collecting the empty cylinders and contacting the sparkling water maker for collection and refilling. A difficulty here is that the sparkling water maker does not know, at any given point in time, how many empty cylinders are being collected by the stores that they supply. Further again, how human error may lead to cylinders not being collected in total by the store. They tend to go missing. 
     In an attempt to address some of the above issues, the replacement process has been localised at some petrol stations, such as those including a Coles Express™ Store. The improved process includes the steps of:
         a. Customer goes to petrol station stocking the replacement cylinders with an empty cylinder;   b. Cashier scans the bar code of the empty cylinder or a pre-printed bar code;   c. The cash register displays the exchange price;   d. The customer then pays the exchange price;   e. The customer is given a key to the cage of replacement cylinders;   f. Customer unlocks the cage and replaces the empty cylinder with a full one; and   g. The customer returns the key to the cashier and takes the full cylinder home.       

     Being able to swap a cylinder at a local petrol station may be more convenient than travelling to a large store. However, the above described process is time consuming and relies on a large number of mechanical human steps, including the locking and unlocking of cages. Issues can arise with theft, for example, where the customer does not lock the cage properly. Also, the lack of security with the cage lends itself to the customer taking more than one cylinder without paying. 
     Also, as per processes 1 and 2, the petrol station process still relies on the cashier, and ultimately the store owner, collecting the empty cylinders and contacting the sparkling water maker for collection and refilling. Again the difficulty here is that the sparkling water maker does not know, at any given point in time, how many empty cylinders are being collected by the stores that they supply. Further again, how human error may lead to cylinders not being collected in total by the store. They tend to go missing. 
     Processes 1 and 2 also require the customer to directly interact with another person (i.e., the store assistant or cashier). For example, the customer must give the empty cylinder to the store assistant or cashier, and may be given the new cylinder directly by the store assistant or cashier. This process lends itself to hygiene risks and the spread of disease due to one or both of the following:
         a. close proximity between individuals to facilitate the exchange of the cylinders; and   b. physical touching of the cylinders.       

     Furthermore, a customer accessing a cage of replacement cylinders can touch multiple surfaces, including:
         a. the key to access the cage;   b. the lock on the cage; and   c. cylinders in the cage, including cylinders which they do not take but will later be claimed by other customers.       

     It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above described difficulties, or to at least provide a useful alternative. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method for remotely controlling a CO 2  gas cylinder vending machine system, the method including: 
     displaying a remote vending machine user interface on a display of a user device; 
     receiving on the user device user input indicating a desire to engage with the vending machine system to perform at least one of the following operations:
         (a) return a CO 2  cylinder;   (b) purchase a CO 2  cylinder; or   (c) exchange a CO 2  cylinder;       

     transmitting the user input over a communications network to a communications interface of the vending machine system; 
     receiving the user input at the communication interface of the vending machine system; and 
     controlling the vending machine system, by a controller, based on the received user input. 
     Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving, at a communications module of the user device, the remote vending machine user interface from the vending machine system. 
     Preferably, the method further includes: 
     the user device:
         scanning, by a camera of the user device, indicia uniquely identifying the vending machine system, wherein the indicia encodes a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) associated with the vending machine system;   decoding the scanned indicia and retrieving the URL;   sending a request to a server based on the URL via the communications network; and   receiving, via a response from the server, the remote vending machine user interface from the vending machine system, and       

     the server:
         receiving the request based on the URL from the user device; and   sending in a response the remote vending machine user interface to the user device via the communications network.       

     Advantageously, the method further includes: 
     the user device transmitting a request to the vending machine system to use the vending machine system; and 
     the vending machine system receiving the request from the user device to use the vending machine system. 
     Further, the method includes: 
     the vending machine system determining, based on the request, a proximity of the user device to the vending machine system; 
     the vending machine system determining, based on the determined proximity, whether the user device is within a proximity threshold distance to the vending machine system; and 
     if the user device is within the proximity threshold distance, controlling the vending machine system by the controller based on further user input. 
     In accordance with the invention, there is also provided, a method for remotely controlling a CO 2  gas cylinder vending machine system on a user device, the method including: 
     displaying a remote vending machine user interface on a display of the user device; 
     receiving on the user device user input indicating a desire to engage with the vending machine system to perform at least one of the following operations:
         (a) return a CO 2  cylinder;   (b) purchase a CO 2  cylinder; or   (c) exchange a CO 2  cylinder;       

     transmitting the user input over a communications network to a communications interface of the vending machine system. 
     The method preferably further includes: 
     scanning, by a camera of the user device, indicia uniquely identifying the vending machine system, wherein the indicia encodes a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) associated with the vending machine system; 
     decoding the scanned indicia and retrieving the URL; 
     sending a request to a server based on the URL via the communications network.; and 
     receiving, via a response from the server, the remote vending machine user interface from the vending machine system. 
     In accordance with the invention, there is also provided, a method for remotely controlling a CO 2  gas cylinder vending machine system, the method including: 
     receiving user input at a communication interface of the vending machine system; 
     controlling the vending machine system, by a controller, based on the received user input, 
     wherein the user input is conducted on a user device, and indicates a desire to engage with the vending machine system to perform at least one of the following operations:
         (a) return a CO 2  cylinder;   (b) purchase a CO 2  cylinder; or   (c) exchange a CO 2  cylinder.       

     Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving a request from the user device to use the vending machine system. 
     Preferably, the method further includes: 
     determining, based on the request, a proximity of the user device to the vending machine system; 
     determining, based on the determined proximity, whether the user device is within a proximity threshold distance to the vending machine system; and 
     the controller only controlling the vending machine system based on the received user input if the user device is within the proximity threshold distance. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided, a vending machine system for CO 2  gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with a contactless user interface, a contactless payment system and an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of the bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO 2  gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO 2  gas cylinder, said system for performing the steps of: 
     (a) receiving user input through the contactless user interface; and 
     (b) at least one of (i) to (iii):
         (i) if the user input represents a desire to exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder, then the system performs the steps of:
           (A) receiving payment from the user through the payment system for a replacement CO 2  gas cylinder;   (B) receiving a CO 2  gas cylinder in a first one of said bin assemblies; and   (C) the locking system releasing a full CO 2  gas cylinder located in a second one of said bin assemblies for collection by the user,   
           (ii) if said user input represents a desire to purchase a full CO 2  gas cylinder without replacement, then the system performs the steps of:
           (A) receiving payment from the user through the payment system for a full CO 2  gas cylinder without replacement; and   (B) the locking system releasing a full CO 2  gas cylinder located in a third one of said bin assemblies for collection by the user, and   
           (iii) if said user input represents a desire to return an empty CO 2  gas cylinder without replacement, then the system performs the steps of:
           (A) receiving an item in one of said bin assemblies;   (B) the locking system locking the CO 2  gas cylinder in said one of said bin assemblies; and   (C) issuing a credit to the user through the payment system for return of CO 2  gas cylinder without replacement.   
               

     Preferably, the contactless user interface includes at least one sensor button. 
     In accordance with the invention, there is also provided, a vending machine system for exchanging CO 2  gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with a user interface, a payment system and an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of the bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO 2  gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO 2  gas cylinder, said system for performing the steps of:
         (a) receiving user input through the user interface; and   (b) if the user input represents a desire to exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder, then the system performs the steps of:
           (i) receiving payment from the user through the payment system for a replacement CO 2  gas cylinder;   (ii) receiving a CO 2  gas cylinder in a first one of said bin assemblies; and   (iii) the locking system releasing a full CO 2  gas cylinder located in a second one of said bin assemblies for collection by the user,   
               

     wherein the system includes an external door arranged to overlie the array of bin assemblies to inhibit ingress of contaminants therein. 
     Preferably, the door is releasably secured in position by the controller. 
     The vending machine system can be installed in any convenient location with 24 hour access. Customers (also referred to as “users”) can use the vending machine system to swap an empty CO 2  gas cylinder for a full CO 2  gas cylinder. 
     Being able to swap a cylinder at a local vending machine of the above described type is more convenient than travelling to a large store. Furthermore, exchanging CO 2  gas cylinder using the above described vending machine minimises reliance on human steps for locking and unlocking of cages. The vending machine makes theft of CO 2  gas cylinders more difficult. 
     Further, the vending machine securely collects and safely stores returned CO 2  gas cylinders. As such, accurate stock of cylinders is maintained by the vending machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram of a vending machine system; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a CO 2  cylinder and a vending machine that embodies the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a flow diagram showing steps performed by the system shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  4   a  and  4   b    are perspective views of clusters of bin assemblies in different conditions of use; 
         FIGS.  5   a  and  5   b    are perspective views of a bin assembly in different conditions of use; 
         FIG.  6    is a section view of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b    through the line A-A; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a sled of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b      
         FIG.  8   a    is a side view of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b    with a CO 2  gas cylinder partly inserted therein; 
         FIG.  8   b    is a section view of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b    with a CO 2  gas cylinder partially inserted therein through the line A-A; 
         FIGS.  9   a  to  9   c    are partly transparent side views of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b    in different conditions of use; 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged view of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  8   b    in another condition of use; 
         FIG.  11    a is an enlarged end perspective view of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   a   ; 
         FIGS.  12   a  to  12   c    are section views through the line A-A of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   a    in different conditions of use; 
         FIG.  13    is a section views through the line A-A of the bin assembly shown in  FIG.  5   b    in different conditions of use; and 
         FIGS.  14   a    &amp;  14   b  are enlarged end perspective views of an alternative bin assembly in different conditions of use; 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic diagram showing component parts of the system shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a diagram of a contactless user interface with sensor buttons; 
         FIG.  17    is a flow diagram of receiving user input using a contactless user interface and a speech recognition system; 
         FIG.  18    is a diagram of a contactless user interface for use with a speech recognition system; 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling a vending machine; 
         FIG.  20    is an exemplary remote vending machine user interface; and 
         FIGS.  21 A &amp;  21 B  are perspective views of the vending machine shown in  FIG.  2    fitted with a door. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The vending machine system  10  shown in  FIG.  1    is used for exchanging CO 2  gas cylinders  12 . The system  10  is advantageously embodied as a standalone vending machine  14  as shown in  FIG.  2    for swapping and buying new CO 2  cylinders. Alternatively, the components of the system  10  can be distributed over different locations and are in communication on standard communication networks using standard communication protocols. 
     The vending machine  14  can be installed in any convenient location with 24 hour access, for example. Customers (also referred to as “users”) can use the vending machine  14  to swap an empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  for a full CO 2  gas cylinder. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the system  10  includes a controller  16  in communication with a user interface  18 , a payment system  20  and an array  22  of bin assemblies. Each one of the bin assemblies  24  is shaped to at least partially receive an end  26  of a CO 2  gas cylinder  12  and includes a locking system  28  for releasably securing therein a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . 
     Advantageously, the system  10  also includes an authentication system  30  for confirming that an item received therein is a legitimate CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . 
     The system  10  performs the process  100  shown in  FIG.  3   , including the step of receiving, at step  102 , user input through the user interface  18 . If, at step  104 , the user input represents a desire to exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder, then the system  10  performs the steps of:
         (a) receiving, at step  106 , payment from the user through the payment system  20  for a replacement CO 2  gas cylinder  12 ;   (b) receiving, at step  108 , an item in a first one of the bin assemblies  24 ;   (c) confirming, at step  110 , through the authentication system  30  that the item is a legitimate CO 2  gas cylinder; and   (d) the locking system  28  releasing, at step  112 , a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  located in a second one of the bin assemblies  24  for collection by the user.       

     Advantageously, steps  106  and  108  can be performed in any order. For example, the step  106  of receiving payment can occur after the step  108  of receiving the item. In this embodiment, the step  102  of receiving user input could advantageously be equivalent to the step  108  of receiving an item. To this end, a customer could initiate an exchange by simply inserting a spent CO 2  gas cylinder into an empty bin assembly  24 . 
     The user interface  18  shown in  FIG.  2    includes a “Swap” function button  25  that is used to represent a desire to exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . 
     The user can perform this function by simply inserting the expired CO 2  cylinder  12  into an empty bin assembly  24  in the array  22 , making a selection through the user interface  18  and making a payment through the payment system  20 . The process is efficient and convenient with minimal human interaction. No issues arise with theft. 
     Further, the returned empty CO 2  gas cylinders  12  are securely stored in the machine  14 . As such, there are no issues with the cylinders  12  not being collected properly by cashiers and cylinders  12  going missing. 
     In order to release a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 , the controller  16  electronically triggers the locking system  28  on an appropriate bin assembly  24  to open. In response to this request, the locking system  28  releases the cylinder  12  to the user. 
     The step,  112 , of releasing the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  preferably includes the step of identifying a suitable cylinder  12  to release. Advantageously, the locking system  28  releases a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  from a bin  24  in the array  22  that is closest to the bin  24  where the empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  was returned. 
     The system  10  preferably illuminates an LED ring on the empty bin assembly  24  selected to receive the empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  from the user. 
     If, at step  114 , the user input received represents a desire to purchase a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement, then the system  10  performs the steps of:
         (a) receiving, at step  116 , payment from the user through the payment system  20  for a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement; and   (b) the locking system  28  releasing, at step  118 , a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  located in one of the bin assemblies  24  for collection by the user.       

     The user interface  18  shown in  FIG.  2    includes a “New” function button  31  that is used to represent a desire to purchase a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement. 
     The step  118  of releasing the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  preferably further includes the steps of:
         (a) engaging a height measurement system to measure a height of the user; and   (b) the locking system  28  identifying a bin assembly  24  with a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  that is closest to the height of the user.       

     In doing so, the system  10  releases a cylinder  12  in a bin assembly  24  that relates to the height of the user:
         short person/disabled person, lower bin assembly  24  selected   tall person, higher bin assembly  24  selected.       

     If, at step  120 , the user input represents a desire to return an empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement, then the system  10  performs the steps of:
         (a) receiving, at step  122 , an item in one of the bin assemblies  24 ;   (b) confirming, at step  124 , through the authentication system  30  that the item is a legitimate CO 2  gas cylinder  12 ;   (c) the locking system locking, at step  126 , the cylinder  12  in the bin assemblies  24 ;   (d) issuing, at step  128 , a credit to the user through the payment system  20  for return of CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement.       

     The system  10  preferably illuminates an LED ring on the empty bin assembly  24  selected to receive the empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  from the user. 
     Advantageously, the system  10  performs the additional steps of asking the user if they want a receipt of the transaction through the user interface  18 . The transaction being the conclusion of the exchange of a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 , the purchase of a new CO 2  gas cylinder or the return of a CO 2  gas cylinder. This may be done by generating indicia on a display, for example. On receipt of confirmation from the user through the interface  18 , the system  10  generates a receipt for the transaction. The system  10  then performs the step of providing the receipt to the user. This is done by printing a physical copy of the receipt for the user through the user interface  18 . Alternatively, the receipt is provided by e-mail to the user, where the user enters his or her e-mail address through the user interface  18 . 
     As described herein, the system  10  can perform steps that allow the user to interact with the system  10  with minimal or no contact with the system  10  and/or a vending machine  14  embodying the system  10 . 
     In particular, where step  102  of receiving user input is equivalent to step  108  of receiving an item in a first one of the bin assemblies  24 , this may be user input representing a desire to exchange a CO 2  cylinder. The receipt of the item (and, in some embodiments, the confirmation that the item is a legitimate CO 2  cylinder at step  110 ) is followed by the receipt of payment from the user through the payment system  20  for a replacement CO 2  gas cylinder  12  at step  106 . The payment is received through contactless means that do not require the user to touch the system  10  or the vending machine  14 . For example, the payment can be received, via a contactless payment system as described hereinbelow. Following receipt of the relevant payment at step  106 , at step  112  the system  10  causes locking system  28  to release a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  located in a second one of the bin assemblies  24  for collection by the user. 
     Furthermore, the user input received at step  102  can be equivalent to step  116  of receiving payment from the user through the payment system  20  for a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement. In other words, if the user input at step  102  consists of the user processing a payment using the payment system  2  (i.e., step  116 ), this is user input representing a desire to purchase a full CO 2  cylinder  12  without replacement. Following the receipt of the relevant payment at step  116 , at step  118  the system  10  causes locking system  28  to release a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  located in a second one of the bin assemblies  24  for collection by the user. 
     Additionally, the user input received at step  102  may be equivalent to receiving an item in one of the bin assemblies  24  (at step  122 , and in some embodiments the confirmation that the item is a legitimate CO 2  cylinder at step  124 ) followed by an absence of payment through the payment system  20  (e.g., within a prescribed period of time). Such user input represents a desire to return an empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement. The system  10  then causes the locking system to lock the received cylinder  23  in the bin assembly  24  at step  126 . The system can also issue a credit to the user that is associated with the return of the CO 2  cylinder without replacement. The system  10  may issue the credit in accordance with at least one of the following methods:
         (i) through payment system  20 ;   (ii) by displaying a barcode containing data representing a credit transaction on user interface  18 , which the user can scan using a user device (e.g., user device  87  as described hereinbelow) to receive the credit; and   (iii) by printing a receipt (via a printer associated with the system  10 ) displaying a barcode containing data representing a credit transaction, which the user can scan using a user device to receive the credit.       

     The system  10  may display one or messages to the user to indicate the appropriate user input at step  102  to initiate an exchange, purchase or return of a CO 2  cylinder. In one embodiment, instructions are displayed on user interface  18  indicating that the user should: (1) insert a used CO 2  cylinder and process a payment through payment system  20  to initiate an exchange, (2) process a payment through payment system  20  to initiate a purchase of a full CO 2  cylinder, or (3) insert a used CO 2  cylinder and wait to initiate a return without replacement. 
     Thus, the user is able to avoid touching any part of the system  10  and/or vending machine  14  apart from any of: a CO 2  cylinder the user is returning, a full CO 2  cylinder  12  that the user is collects, and a receipt printed by the system  10 . 
     Bin Assembly  24   
     As shown in  FIGS.  4   a  and  4   b   , the bin assemblies  24  have a modular structure that allows for easy connection and removal of individual bin assemblies  24  from the array  22 . Individual bin assemblies  24  can be joined together in an array  22  of any size. Each individual bin assembly  24  can be slid out of the array  22  and replaced or serviced as needed. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5   a  to  8   b   , each bin assembly  24  in the array  22  includes a tubular chassis  32  with an open end  42  that is shaped to receive and seat therein a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . As shown, the tubular chassis  32  is formed in two parts which facilitates easy assembly. Alternatively, the tubular chassis  32  could be any other shape capable of receiving, and securing therein, an end section of a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . In some embodiments, the tubular chassis  32  is capable of receiving and securing therein either of two end sections on opposite ends of a CO 2  gas cylinder. In alternative embodiments, the tubular chassis  32  is capable of securing one end of the CO 2  gas cylinder only (referred to as a ‘securable end’), and not another end (referred to as a ‘non-securable end’). 
     As particularly shown in  FIG.  7   , the locking system  28  of each bin assembly  24  in the array  22  includes a sled  34  that engages the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  as it is inserted in to the tubular chassis  32 . The sled  34  is adapted to translate with respect to the tubular chassis  32  towards a locked position in the manner shown in  FIGS.  9   a  to  9   c   . The sled  34  is in the locked position when the cylinder  12  is fully inserted into the chassis  32 , as shown in  FIG.  9   c   . 
     The locking system  28  of each bin assembly  24  also includes a rotary latch  36  that is engaged by the sled  34  as it translates towards the locked position. A latching arm  38  secures the sled  34  in the locked position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9   a  to  9   c   , translation of the sled  34  towards the locked position pulls a locking bar  40  at least partially over the open end  42  of the tubular chassis  32  so as to secure the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  therein. 
     The locking system  28  also includes a tension spring  44  that resiliently urges the sled  34  away from the locked position. The tension spring  44  acts to drive the sled  34  towards the open end  42  of the chassis  32  when the locking system  28  releases the CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . This facilitates easy removal of the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  from the vending machine  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the sled includes:
         (a) two parallel long linkage members  46   a,    46   b  separated at a common end by a latching bar  48 , the long linkage members extending along opposed sides of the tubular chassis  32 ;   (b) two parallel short linkage members  50   a,    50   b  pivotally secured at a common end to respective other ends of the of the long linkage members  46   a,    46   b;      (c) a locking bar  40  coupled between other ends of the short linkage members  50   a ,  50   b;  and   (d) a collar  54  shaped to receive a necked section  56  of a CO 2  gas cylinder  12  when inserted into the tubular chassis  32 .       

     The collar  54  includes pair of pins  58   a,    58   b  that extend in opposite directions into respective slots  60   a,    60   b  of the long linkage members  46   a,    46   b.  The collar  54  is adapted to translate with respect to the long linkage members  46   a,    46   b  along the length of the slots  60   a ,  60   b.    
     When a CO 2  gas cylinder  12  is inserted into the tubular chassis  32 , the necked section  56  of the cylinder  12  engages the collar  54  and the collar  54  is subsequently urged to translate along the slots  60   a,    60   b  towards the latching bar  48  on the sled  34 . Further, when the pins  58   a ,  58   b  of the collar  54  abut terminal end sections  62  of the slots  60   a , 60   b,  the cylinder  12  drives the sled  34  another 20 mm, for example, towards the rotary latch  36 , and the latching bar  48  engages an actuator arm  64  of the rotary latch  36  and urges it towards a locked position. 
     The double action of latching and locking of the locking system  28  secures the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  in the vending machine  14 . Although the locking system  28  has been above described in terms of the sled  34  translating through the chassis  32  and latching to the rotary latch  36  and pulling down of the locking bar  40 , other methods for releasably securing the CO 2  gas cylinders  12  in the vending machine  14  are anticipated. For example, the CO 2  gas cylinders  12  may be secured in the vending machine  14  by the locking system  28  from one end of the CO 2  gas cylinder  12  only (the securable end). Alternatively, CO 2  gas cylinders  12  may be secured in the vending machine  14  by the locking system  28  from either end. 
     The authentication system  30  includes: 
     (a) a latching sensor  66  for detecting the state of the rotary latch  36 ; and 
     (b) a locking sensor  68  for determining the state of the locking bar  40 . 
     The latching sensor  66  and the locking sensor  68  confirm that an item inserted into the tubular chassis  32  is a legitimate CO 2  gas cylinder  12  when the sled  34  is in the locked position and the locking bar  40  at least partially overlies the open end  42  of the tubular chassis  32  so as to block removal of the cylinder  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  15   , the authentication system  30  alternatively, or in addition, includes one or more of the sensors  82  in communication with the controller  16  by way of a I 2 C interface or a GPIO, for example: 
     (a) eddy current sensors; 
     (b) Hall effect sensors; 
     (c) micro switches; 
     (d) weight sensors; 
     (e) bar code readers; and/or 
     (f) image sensor. 
     These sensors act to confirm that the item inserted into the chassis  22  is a legitimate CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the array  22  of bin assemblies  24  is made up of a plurality of clusters  72  of sub-arrays of bin assemblies. For example, each cluster includes nine bin assemblies  24 . The clusters  72  are modular and can be separately removed from the array  22  for repair, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  14   a  and  14   b   , each bin assembly  24  includes a door  86  that is operable between open and closed conditions of use. In the closed condition of use, the door  86  overlies the open end  42  of the tubular chassis  32  and inhibits ingress of external elements into the bin assembly  24 . For example, the door  86  inhibits entry of rain and dust into the bin assembly  24  when in the closed position. The door is preferably IP66 rated or similar. 
     When arranged in the open condition of use, the door  86  allows full access to the tubular chassis  32  to facilitate insertion and removal of CO 2  gas cylinders  12  into/from the machine  14 . 
     Each bin assembly  24  includes an actuator (not shown) that drives the door  86  between the open and closed conditions of use. The actuator is in communication with the controller  16  which governs its operation. 
     Advantageously, the locking system  28  includes use of the door  86  to secure a CO 2  gas cylinder in a tubular chassis  32  of a bin assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG.  13   , if a user inserts the cylinder  12  the wrong way, the locking system  28  will not be able to lock the cylinder  12  in the chassis  32  and the process will abort. 
     Alternatively, the user interface  18  is a contactless user interface  85 . Advantageously, the contactless user interface  85  is a hands free interface that operates from voice commands or hand gestures. 
     The contactless user interface  85  may include at least one sensor button.  FIG.  16    shows an embodiment in which the contactless user interface  85  has a display  35  and four sensor buttons, being:
         (i) the “Swap” function button  25  that is used to represent a desire to exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 ;   (ii) the “New” function button  31  that is used to represent a desire to purchase a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement; and   (iii) a “Return” function button  33  that is used to represent a desire to return an empty CO 2  gas cylinder  12  without replacement;   (iv) a “Confirm” or “OK” button  37  that is used to confirm that an activated button reflects the user&#39;s desired operation of the vending machine system  10  (e.g., to allow a user to correct an erroneous activation of a sensor button).       

     Each sensor button is activated by a user without requiring the user to come into physical contact with the button or any other part of the vending machine system  10 . For example, each sensor button may be an infrared sensor button that is activated by a user holding a portion of their hand over the button in close proximity. However, each sensor button can also be any other kind of suitable sensor that can be activated by the user without touching it. Each of the sensor buttons can include a visual indicator to indicate to the user that it has been activated, such as an LED light on or around the button. 
     The contactless user interface  85  may include a proximity sensor  86  for sensing when a user has approached the vending machine system  10 . The proximity sensor  86  detects the presence of a user in the vicinity of the vending machine system  10 , and may only detect the presence of a user within a particular radius of the vending machine system  10 . The proximity sensor  86  may include, for example, one or more of the following:
         (i) an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor;   (ii) an acoustic sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor;   (iii) a camera or video camera; and   (iv) a microwave sensor.       

     The controller  16  is configured to switch the vending machine system  10  from a low power mode to a normal operation mode when the proximity sensor  86  senses that a user has approached the system  10 . Therefore, if the proximity sensor  86  detects that a user has approached the vending machine system  10 , e.g., because it detects an object within a threshold vicinity of the vending machine system  10 , the controller  16  switches the vending machine system  10  out of the low power mode into the normal operation mode so that the user can interact with the vending machine system  10 , e.g., to return, purchase and/or exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . After a transaction with the user has been completed, the controller  16  automatically switches the vending machine system  10  back into the low power mode in order to reduce its power consumption. In the low power mode, some features of the vending machine system  10  such as the authentication system  30  and the payment system  20  may be disabled. 
     The contactless user interface  85  may include a speech recognition system configured to receive a user voice command via the microphone  93  and determine whether the user voice command corresponds to a user input representing a desire to either exchange, purchase or return a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , the contactless user interface  85  may perform a method  1700  including the following steps:
     (i)activate the speech recognition system (step  1702 );   (ii) display a prompt to query the user&#39;s intention, i.e., when the user desires to purchase, return or exchange a CO 2  gas cylinder  12  (step  1704 );   (iii) receive a user voice command (step  1706 );   (iv) identify a function corresponding to the user voice command (step  1710 );   (v) if the user voice command corresponds to a purchase function:
       a. receive payment from the user through the payment system  20  (step  1712 ); and   b. release a full CO 2  gas cylinder from one of the bin assemblies  24  (step  1714 )   
       (vi) if the user voice command corresponds to a swap function:
       a. receive payment from the user through the payment system  20  (step  1716 );   b. receive an item in one of the bin assemblies  24  (step  1718 );   c. authenticate the received item (step  1720 ); and   d. release a full CO 2  gas cylinder from one of the bin assemblies  24  (step  1720 ).   
       (vii) if the user voice command corresponds to a return function:
       a. receive an item in one of the bin assemblies  24  (step  1724 );   b. authenticate the received item (step  1726 ); and   c. issue a credit to the user through the payment system  20  (step  1728 ).   
       

     The speech recognition system is activated at step  1702 . The controller  16  may activate the speech recognition system, e.g., based on the proximity detector  86  sensing that a user has approached the vending machine system  10 , or based on an item being received in one of the bin assemblies  24 . Therefore, the steps may occur in more than one order—for example by the step of receiving an item in the bin assembly  24  (step  1718  or  1724 ) occurring prior or simultaneously to the speech recognition system being activated (step  1702 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  18   , the contactless user interface  85  may include a display  35 , the proximity sensor  86  and a microphone  93 . The display may render prompts and other messages to be displayed to the user, e.g., at step  1704  of method  1700 . 
     Advantageously, the instead of a rotary latch  36 , the bin assemblies  24  include a worm drive. 
     Controller  16   
     In the example shown in  FIG.  15   , the system  10  includes:
         (a) a controller  16  includes a Raspberry Pi  4  Model B 2 GB that includes:
           (i) 1.5 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU   (ii) VideoCore VI graphics   (iii) 4kp60 HEVC decode   (iv) True Gigabit Ethernet   (v) 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE   (vi) 2×USB 3.0 and 2×USB 2.0 ports   (vii) 2×micro-HDMI ports (1×4kp60 or 2×4kp30)   (viii) USB-C for input power, supporting 5.1V 3A operation   (ix) LPDDR4 RAM 4GB   
               

     The controller  16  is in communication with the bin assemblies  24  by way of the a Bus Master. This would normally be the closest set of 9 bins to the Controller  16 . 
     The protocol between the Controller  16  and the Bus Master  70  supports the ability to communicate via RS485 Bus  74  which can send and receive data from each individual Bin assembly  24  back through the Bus Master  70  to the controller  16 . 
     The system  10  supports the ability for remote updating of both Firmware and Applications, where required. 
     As shown in  FIG.  15   , the user interface  18  includes a touch screen  78  and touchless sensors  80  that are configured to interface with the controller  16  through respective USB and GPIO interfaces. 
     The controller  16  is preferably in communication with a facial recognition system  84  by way of a MIPI/DSI interface. 
     The controller  16  is preferably a control module including a central processing unit. For example, the controller  16  includes a Broadcom BCM2711 or similar and the CPU for cluster of nine bins  24  will be a STM32F411 or similar. The central processing unit is in communication with non-transient data storage that include instructions stored there on that engage the system components to perform the steps  100  shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Alternatively, the controller  16  includes a plurality of central processing units each in communication with non-transient data storage that include instructions stored there on that engage the system components to perform the steps  100  shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Further, the controller can include a field programmable gate array that has been configured to engage the system components to perform the steps  100  shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Payment System  20   
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the payment system  20  includes a payment terminal in communication with the controller  16  via a USB port or a TTL UART. The payment system  20  uses standard systems for effecting point of sale transactions. 
     The payment system  20  may be configured to receive payment in the form of a cryptocurrency (referred to as a ‘crypto-payment’). 
     The payment system  20  may be a contactless payment system, such that the user does not have to come into physical contact with the payment system  20  (or the vending machine system  10 ) in order to execute a payment for a new or replacement CO 2  gas cylinder  12 , or a credit for return of a CO 2  gas cylinder  12 . For example, the contactless payment system may be configured to receive payment from the user via a contactless payment platform such as Mastercard&#39;s Paypass™ platform. 
     Vending Machine  14   
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the vending machine  14  has an open front to allow entry and exit of CO 2  gas cylinders. The vending machine  14  preferably provides the following advantages:
         The location of the cylinders  12  is known at any time—both empty and full   The transactions occur in real time   Data on each exchange is recorded by the machine, including customer info, for later use which can help to determine behavioural patterns (when customers are likely to complete a transaction and demographics   The vending machine  14  is adapted to send realtime information back to a central server, reporting on stock levels and the condition of the machine.   The vending machine is adapted to receive information from the central server that can be used to control the operation of the machine, including the price real-time (anytime)—option for different prices in different locations   Camera in vending machine (face recognition)—complete a transaction with customers consent   Face recognition to determine height of person which allows the machine to eject a cylinder or request insertion of cylinder based on that person&#39;s height (wheelchair as example)   Confirmation of person standing in front of vending machine (vending machine issuing random number, person keys into mobile to confirm they are physically there)   User credits can be in the form of gift cards, or a credit to a bank account or credit/debit card   Loyalty Card       

     Alternatively, the vending machine  14  includes one or more main doors  15  to safe guard the array  22  of bin assemblies  24  from ingress of contaminants (such as dust and water), as shown in  FIGS.  21 A and  21 B . Each main door  15  has an Ingress Protection rating of IP66. Each main door  15  is hinged to allow access to the bin assemblies  24 . Each main door  15  is biased so as to default closed position covering the bin assemblies  24 . 
     Each main door  15  preferably includes a lock (not shown). This may protect the array  22  of bin assemblies  24 , and the CO 2  cylinders from exposure to the elements (e.g., by the door blowing open) as well as from tampering or other deliberate damage. The system  10  communicates with the lock to release the door  15  when the system receives appropriate user input. For example, the system  10  unlocks the main door  15  after it has received payment through payment system  20  for purchase or exchange of a CO 2  cylinder  12 . After the user has appropriately inserted and/or retrieved the CO 2  cylinder  12  (as indicated by their user input), the system  10  locks the main door  15 . The system  10  advantageously includes an actuator (not shown) that operates to open and close the door based on a communication sent from the controller  16 . The system  10  may automatically open and close the door  15  so that the user does not have to touch the door to access the array  22  of bin assemblies  24  to insert or retrieve a CO 2  cylinder. The system  10  may lock/unlock main door  15  by the controller  16 . The system  10  may automatically open and close main door  15  by the controller  16 . 
       FIG.  21 B  shows an embodiment of vending machine  14  that has two main doors: high main door  15   a  and low main door  15   b.  In accordance with this embodiment, the system  10  unlocks one of the high main door  15   a  and the low main door  15   b  based on one or both of:
         (i) one or more bin assemblies  24  available to receive a used CO 2  cylinder inserted by the user; and   (ii) a bin assembly  24  that has released a full CO 2  cylinder for the user to retrieve.       

     Alternatively, the system  10  unlocks both of the doors  15   a  and  15   b,  e.g., so that the user can choose which bin assembly  24  in the array  22  to insert the used CO 2  cylinder. 
     Remote Control of Vending Machine System  10   
     The system  1900  shown in  FIG.  19    is used for remotely controlling a vending machine system  10  for CO 2  gas cylinders  12  using a user device  87 . As described hereinabove, the vending machine system  10  includes controller  16 , payment system  20 , bin assemblies  22 . The vending machine system may also include a communication interface  89  for exchanging data via communications network  89  and/or wireless communications link  91 . 
     The user device  87  includes a vending machine application  88 , data store  90 , display  92 , communication module  94  and camera  96 . User device may be a mobile phone, tablet device, laptop computer or any other suitable computing device. 
     The system  1900  performs a method for remotely controlling a CO 2  gas cylinder vending machine system, including steps of:
         (1) displaying a remote vending machine user interface  200  on display  92  of the user device  87 ;   (2) receiving on the user device  87  user input indicating a desire to engage with the vending machine system  10  to perform at least one of the following operations:
           (a) return a CO 2  cylinder  12 ;   (b) purchase a CO 2  cylinder  12 ; or   (c) exchange a CO 2  cylinder  12 ;   
           (3) transmitting the user input over communications network  98  to a communications interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 ;   (4) receiving the user input at the communication interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 ; and   (5) controlling the vending machine system  10 , by controller  16 , based on the received user input.       

     A vending machine application  88  is executed on user device  87  to provide functionality to the user via the remote vending machine user interface  200 , displayed to the user on display  92 . 
     Vending machine application  88  is a specialised software application that enables communication between the user device  87  and one or more servers and/or other devices over communications network  98 . The application  88  may be a native application on the user device that has access to the communications network  98 , which may be downloadable from a mobile software distribution platform. However, application  88  can also be a web application (or ‘web app’) that is accessed through a web browser on the user device  87  by downloading one or more webpages hosted by a server  99 . 
     The vending machine application  88  may require the user to login with their user account details, e.g., with an account username and password, so that any operation of the vending machine system  10  and corresponding transactions can be tracked and stored to data store  90 , and later transmitted to server  99  to be stored in a server data store again the user&#39;s account details. 
     The user device  87 , operable by the user, is in communication with server  99  via communications network  98 . Vending machine system  10  may also be connected to communications network  98 , and therefore the user device  87  and the vending machine system  10  may be able to communicate with each other over communications network  98 . 
     The communications network  98  can be a local or wide area network, or a combination of the plurality of different local or wide area some networks. The user device  87  includes a communications module  94  configured to exchange data over the communications network  98 . The server  99  receives requests from the user device  87  in relation to operating a particular vending machine system  10 . The server  99  processes the requests and communicates with the vending machine system  10  to accordingly perform relevant operations. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the user device  87  may directly communicate with the vending machine system  10  via wireless communications link  91 . The wireless communication link  91  uses a standard communication protocol such as: Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi or Near-Field Communication (NFC). Wireless communications link  91  is formed between the communications module  94  of the user device  87  and the communication interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 . 
       FIG.  20    shows an exemplary remote vending machine user interface  200  which may be displayed by the user device  87  on display  92 . The remote vending machine user interface  200  is configured so that when displayed on display  92 , the user is able interact with the user interface  200  so as to use the vending machine application  88  to select one or more options to operate the vending machine system  10 , e.g., the “purchase”, “exchange” and/or “return” functions as described hereinabove. The user may interact with the user interface  200  via, for example, a touch sensitive display, a stylus, a microphone of the user device  87  or one or more controls of the user device (e.g., mechanical buttons). 
     The communications module  94  of the user device  87  receives a remote vending machine user interface  200  from the vending machine system  10 . The remote vending machine user interface  200  allows the user to exercise user input relating to their desired operation of the vending machine system  10  on the user device  87 , rather than the user interface  18  of the vending machine system  10 . In this way, the user can avoid touching or coming into close proximity with a surface of the user interface  18  which may have been touched by previous users of the vending machine system  10 . The remote vending machine user interface  200  may be unique to vending machine system  10 , i.e., each of a plurality of vending machine systems  10  corresponds to a unique remote vending machine user interface. 
     The remote vending machine user interface  200  is transmitted by the communication interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 , and received by the communications module  94  of the user device  87  via at least one of the following:
         (a) the communications network  98 ; and   (b) a wireless communications link with the communications interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 .       

     The remote vending machine user interface  200  may only be transmitted by the communication interface  89  if the user device  87  is within a certain proximity of the vending machine system  10 . This ensures that the vending machine application  88  does not receive any user input relating to a particular vending machine system  10  when the user is not within a certain proximity of the system  10  such that they user is likely to actually interact with the system  10  (e.g., to purchase, exchange or return a CO 2  gas cylinder). 
     The method may include the user device  87  performing the following steps:
         (i) scanning, by the camera  96  of the user device  87 , indicia uniquely identifying the vending machine system  10 , wherein the indicia encodes a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) associated with the vending machine system  10 ;   (ii) decoding the scanned indicia and retrieving the URL;   (iii) sending a request to the server  99  based on the URL via the communications network  98 ; and   (iv) receiving, via a response from the server  99 , the remote vending machine user interface  200  for the vending machine system  10 .       

     The method may include the server  99  performing steps of:
         (i) receiving the request based on the URL from the user device  87 ;   (ii) sending, in a response, the remote vending machine user interface  200  to the user device  87  via the communications network  98 .       

     The indicia uniquely identifying the vending machine system  10  is a barcode such as a 2D barcode, e.g., a Quick-Response (QR) code. The indicia is located on a vending machine  14  that includes vending machine system  10  such that it is accessible to be scanned by the user using the camera  96  of the user device  87 . The indicia encodes a URL to which a web request can be sent by the communications module  94  of the user device  87  to server  99  located at that URL. The URL may be associated with and thereby give the user access to the vending machine application  88  where it is a web application. Alternatively, the URL may be associated with a web resource, which when requested by the user device  87 , allows the user device  87  to receive the remote vending machine user interface  200  for the vending machine system  10  (e.g., for use with a native application). 
     The user device  87  decodes the scanned indicia by executing instructions stored in data store  90 , such as instructions associated with stored barcode or QR code reading software. The user device  87  may alternatively transmit an image of the indicia to the server  99 , which decodes the indicia and sends a response containing the URL back to the user device  87 . 
     The user device  87  transmits a request to the vending machine system  10  to use the vending machine system  10 . The request may be made in response to user input indicating such a request on the user device  87 . The vending machine system  10  receives the request from the user device  87  to use the vending machine system  10 . The request is received at the communication interface  89 , and may be communicated over communications network  98  or wireless communications link  91 . 
     Upon receiving the request, the vending machine system  10 :
         (i) determines, based on the request, a proximity of the user device  87  to the vending machine system  10 ;   (ii) determines, based on the determined proximity, whether the user device  87  is within a proximity threshold distance to the vending machine system; and   (iii) if the user device is within the proximity threshold distance, controlling the vending machine system by the controller based on further user input.       

     The proximity threshold is, for example, two meters. Alternatively, the proximity threshold is any suitable range that a user can functionally interact with the system  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the step of determining a proximity of the user device  87  is effected by the system  10  completing a handshake with the user device  87 . For example, the system  10  generates:
         (a) a number on the vending machine screen  78  and prompts the user to enter the number into the displayed number into the device  87 ; and/or   (b) scan a QR code; and/or   (c) an SMS with a number that is sent to a number that is keyed into the vending machine by the user.       

     The vending machine system  10  may determine the proximity of the user device  87  based on location data included in the request. 
     Therefore, any further user input by the user on the user device  87  will not prompt the vending machine system  10  to perform further steps unless the user is within the proximity threshold distance. This may prevent users from erroneously attempting to interact with a vending machine system  10  that is not close by (e.g., another vending machine system in a different location that the user has previously interacted with), as well as users who deliberately attempt to interfere with the vending machine system  10  for illegitimate purposes (e.g., to prevent legitimate users from interacting with the system  10 ). 
     The vending machine application  88  may also be capable of processing payments which are then communicated to the payment system  20  of the vending machine system  10  (e.g., over communications network  98 ). The user device  87  performs steps of:
         (i) receiving user input corresponding to a payment; and   (ii) transmitting a notification of the payment to the communications interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 ,
 
while the vending machine system  10  performs steps of:
   (i) receiving the notification of the payment at the communications interface  89  of the vending machine system  10 ; and   (ii) communicating, by the controller  16 , to payment system  20  of the vending machine system  10  that the payment has been received.       

     The notification of the payment may be transmitted to the communications interface  89  of the vending machine system  10  via communications network  98  or wireless communications link  91 . Once the controller has communicated to payment system  20  that the payment has been received, the payment system  20  recognises that a payment has been processed and accordingly may allow a CO 2  gas cylinder  12  to be received in one of the bin assemblies  24  and/or release a full CO 2  gas cylinder  12  for collection by the user. 
     As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
     The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 
     LIST OF PARTS 
       10  Vending machine system 
       12  CO 2  gas cylinder 
       14  Vending Machine 
       15  Main door 
       15   a  High main door 
       15   b  Low main door 
       16  Controller 
       18  User interface 
       20  Payment system 
       22  Array of bin assemblies 
       24  Bin assembly 
       25  Swap function button 
       26  End of CO 2  gas cylinder 
       28  Locking system 
       30  Authentication system 
       31  New function button 
       32  Tubular chassis 
       33  Return function button 
       34  Sled 
       35  Display 
       36  Rotary latch 
       37  Confirm/OK function button 
       38  Latching arm 
       40  Locking bar 
       42  Open end of the chassis 
       44  Tension spring 
       46   a,    46   b  Long linkage member 
       48  Latching bar 
       50   a,    50   b  Short linkage member 
       54  Collar 
       56  Necked section 
       58   a,    58   b  Pin 
       60   a,    60   b  Slot 
       62  Terminal end section 
       64  Actuator arm 
       66  Latching sensor 
       68  Locking sensor 
       70  Bus Master 
       72  Cluster 
       74  RS485 Bus 
       76  4G/5G interface 
       78  Touch screen 
       80  Touchless sensors 
       82  Sensors 
       84  Facial recognition system 
       85  Contactless user interface 
       86  Proximity sensor 
       87  User device 
       88  Vending machine application 
       89  Communication interface 
       90  Data store 
       91  Wireless communications link 
       92  Display 
       93  Microphone 
       94  Communications module 
       96  Camera 
       98  Communications network 
       99  Server 
       200  Remote vending machine user interface