Patent Publication Number: US-2020294344-A1

Title: Item dispensing assembly systems and methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,330, filed Oct. 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,334, filed Oct. 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,336, filed on Oct. 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,338, filed on Oct. 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,340, filed on Oct. 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,347, filed on Oct. 18, 2018, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Vending machines typically perform unmanned retail sales operations. Performance of such a machine has typically been predicated on the conformance of vended products and packaging to a small number of product categories for which the machine is designed. For example, some machines vend only small individual snack bags. Some machines vend only individual canned beverages. Some machines vend individual candy bars. When machines vend different product categories, different vend mechanisms might be required to handle different form factors in the different categories, so a typical strategy is to include at most a small number of different vend mechanisms in the machine. 
     Typical vending machines do not vend items of different characteristics, cannot manage items having expiration dates, and are not reliable enough to provide prompt 24/7 service. 
     It would be desirable to provide apparatus and methods for a vending machine that dispenses items of various weights, sizes and prices. 
     It would be further desirable to provide apparatus and methods for a vending machine that stores the items in a temperature-controlled environment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 25  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 29  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 32  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 33  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 37  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 38  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 39  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 40  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 41  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 42  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 43  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 44  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 44A  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 44B  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 45  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 46  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 47  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 48  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 49  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 50  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 51  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 52  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 53  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 54  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 55  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 56  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 57  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 57A  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 58  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 58A  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 59  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 60  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 61  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 62  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 63  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 64  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 65  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 66  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 67  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 68  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 69  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 70  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 71  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 72  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 73  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 74  shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 75  shows illustrative apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 76  shows illustrative apparatus that may be used in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 77  shows illustrative apparatus that may be used in accordance with principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Apparatus and methods for vending items may include a cloud-based inventory controller that tracks items, item carriers, vending machine stock, and customer interactions. The cloud-based controller may track items from production to distribution to vending at a vending assembly, to purchase by a user, and pick-up by the user from the vending assembly. The vending assembly may include a storage frame including platforms for storing items until vending. The storage frame may be easily installable in, and removable from, the vending assembly for installation and servicing. The storage frame may be enclosed in an insulated enclosure with temperature controlled fluid circulation and a roll-up cover that may provide access to an item that is to be dispensed, while covering other items that are not being dispensed. This may reduce an energy load required to maintain conditions in the insulated enclosure. Vend items may be held in item carriers that are configured to mechanically interact with the storage frame for storage and dispensing of the items. The items may therefore be items that do not require packaging designed to engage directly with the vending assembly, other than by being placed in a carrier. 
     The vending assembly may have separate entryways for loading items and for vending. Both of the entryways may be arranged in a front partition within the vending assembly to avoid the need to encumber real estate behind the assembly for loading. 
     The item carriers may be reused. Items in the vending assembly may be tracked by the inventory controller based solely on an item carrier ID after an initial registration of an item&#39;s characteristics to the carrier in which the item is to be loaded. 
     An item carrier may include a lock. The lock may be actuated wirelessly. The lock may be actuated mechanically. The vending assembly may activate the lock. The vending assembly may deactivate the lock. A user may deactivate the lock. The user may activate the lock. The user may actuate the lock from a user&#39;s mobile phone. The user may actuate the lock by direct wireless communication with the lock. The user may actuate the lock by wireless instruction to the vending assembly. 
     The storage frame may include a plurality of modular components. The storage frame may be constructed and deconstructed around a central segmented conduit that provides structural support to the storage frame and a passageway for circulation of environmental fluid. The central segmented conduit may include a plurality of conduits. The passageway may extend along a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The passageway may be an empty space extending along the storage frame&#39;s longitudinal axis. The passageway may include two or more threaded rods extending through the passageway. 
     The inventory controller may provide to the vending assembly specific item data that is used for the wireless and mechanical identification, processing and vending of the items in the vending assembly. 
     Apparatus and methods for an item dispensing assembly are provided. The item dispensing assembly may be referred to alternately herein as a “vending assembly.” The vending assembly may include the storage frame positioned in a storage cabinet. The storage cabinet may be an insulated enclosure. The vending assembly may include an access cabinet. The vending assembly may include a housing defining the exterior of the vending assembly. A façade may be positioned on a face of the housing that faces a customer. The vending assembly may include a partition separating the storage cabinet from the access cabinet. The vending assembly may include an elevator, gripper, platform, rotation mechanism, and additional apparatus described herein to store, retrieve, and vend items in the vending assembly. The vending assembly may include a vending assembly computing unit. 
     The vending assembly computing unit may store locally data pertaining to items stored in the vending assembly. The vending assembly computing unit may be in electronic communication with a cloud-based inventory controller. The cloud-based inventory controller may transmit data to, and receive data from, the vending assembly computing unit. 
     Apparatus and methods for an item carrier are provided. The item carrier may include an inner shell and an outer shell. 
     The apparatus may include the inner shell. The inner shell may define an inner orifice. The inner orifice may be sized to receive an item. The item may be packaged meat. The item may be any suitable item. Exemplary items are listed at Table 5 below. The inner shell may define an inner orifice plane. The inner orifice plane may be defined by a perimeter of the inner shell. 
     The apparatus may include the outer shell. The outer shell may define an outer orifice. The outer orifice may be sized to receive the inner shell. The outer orifice may be defined by a perimeter of the outer shell. The outer shell may define an outer orifice plane. The outer orifice plane may be defined by a perimeter of the outer shell. 
     The inner shell may be configured to be nested within the outer shell. The inner shell may be configured to be nested within the outer shell such that the inner orifice plane is positioned substantially perpendicular to the outer orifice plane. For the purposes of the application, the term “substantially” may be understood to refer to +/−5% of a value. The inner shell may be configured to be nested within the outer shell such that the inner orifice plane is positioned perpendicular to the outer orifice plane. The inner shell may be configured to be nested within the outer shell such that the inner orifice plane is positioned oblique to the outer orifice plane. 
     The outer shell may include an outer extension. The outer extension may protrude from an exterior surface of the outer shell. The outer extension may include two or more outer extension segments. Each outer extension segment may be positioned on a different side of the outer shell. The outer shell may include six sides. The orifice may be positioned on one of the sides. Outer extension segments may extend along three sides of the outer shell. The three sides may, together, define a plane. The plane may bisect the outer shell across a width of the outer shell. 
     The outer extension may be configured to mate with a platform channel. For example, a channel in a platform may be wider than the extension of the outer shell. The extension of the outer shell may be configured to fit into the channel of the platform. 
     The outer shell may define an outer channel. The outer channel may support the outer extension. The outer channel may be accessible from an interior of the outer shell. The outer channel may be configured to receive an inner extension protruding from the inner shell. The outer shell may include a guide segment. The guide segment may be configured to direct the inner extension into the outer channel. 
     The guide segment may include a mouth. The mouth may be wider than the outer channel. The guide segment may include an exit. The exit may have a width that is the same as the width of the outer channel. The guide segment may include a tapered section. The tapered section provides a transitional section that bridges between the mouth and the exit. The mouth may also be wider than the inner extension. 
     The width of the mouth may provide a wider opening to receive the inner extension. After the inner extension is inserted into the mouth, the tapered section may guide the inner extension through the exit and into the outer channel. For example, during a vending process, the inner shell may be displaced relative to the outer shell. In some embodiment, the inner shell may be separated from the outer shell. Displacing or separating the inner shell may allow an item within the inner shell to be removed from the inner shell. 
     The item may be removed from the inner shell by gravity. For example, after the inner shell is displaced relative to the outer shell, gravity may cause the item to fall out of the inner shell via the inner orifice. In some embodiments, the item may be removed from the inner shell via the inner orifice by a human or robot. 
     After the item is removed from the inner shell, the inner shell may be nested within the outer shell. The guide segment may facilitate positioning the inner extension of the inner shell within the outer channel when nesting the inner shell within the outer shell. While the item is being removed, the outer shell may stay on the platform. Nesting the inner shell within the outer shell may include pushing the inner shell into the outer shell which is positioned on the platform. Nesting the inner shell within the outer shell may include positioning the inner shell back on the platform. 
     The outer channel may include a first length. The first length may extend along a first side of the outer shell. The outer channel may include a second length. The second length may extend along a second side of the outer shell. The first side may be perpendicular to the second side. The first side may be substantially perpendicular to the second side. The first side may be oblique to the second side. 
     The first side may be parallel to the second side. The first length may be configured to be inserted into a first platform channel. A platform channel may be referred to alternately herein as a “channel.” When the platform is circular, a platform channel may be angled radially inward toward a midpoint of the platform. A platform channel may extend along some or all of a radius of the platform. A platform may include a plurality of channels, all of the channels having the same length. A platform may include a plurality of channels, a first group of the channels having a first length and a second group of the channels having a second length different from the first length. A channel having the first length may be positioned between two channels having the second length. A channel having the second length may be positioned between two channels having the first length. Channels may be spaced radially apart from each other about the platform. 
     The second length may be configured to be inserted into a second platform channel. The first platform channel may be included in a first platform. The second platform channel may be included in a second platform. When the first and second lengths are positioned in the first and second platform channels, the outer shell may be held in a position between the first and second platforms. 
     The inner shell may include the inner extension. The inner extension may protrude from at least one side of the inner shell. The inner extension may be configured to mate with the outer channel. The inner extension may protrude from at least two sides of the inner shell. 
     The outer shell may include five walls. The inner shell may include five walls. When the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, a wall of the outer shell may cover the inner orifice. When the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, a wall of the inner shell may cover the outer orifice. 
     The outer shell may define a height, a length and a width. The outer orifice may be defined by the height and the width. 
     The outer shell may include an outer tapered section. The outer tapered section may include a mouth. The mouth of the tapered section may define a mouth plane that is parallel to the outer orifice plane. The mouth may be equal to the width of the outer shell. The tapered section may extend along a segment of the length. The tapered section may terminate at a segment of the outer channel. The segment of the outer channel may be configured to receive a segment of the inner channel. 
     The inner shell may include an inner tapered section. The inner tapered section may be configured to mate with the outer tapered section. The inner tapered section may be configured to mate with the outer tapered section when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell. 
     The outer shell may include a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls may define a height of the outer shell. The first and second walls may each be configured to flex. When the first and second walls flex, the width of the outer shell may increase or decrease relative to the default width. Flexibility of the first and second walls may allow the item carrier to receive an item wider than the default width. Flexibility may enable the outer shell to receive the inner shell when the inner shell has a width that is larger than the outer shell&#39;s default width. 
     The outer shell may include a third wall and a fourth wall. The third and the fourth walls may, in a default orientation, be perpendicular to the first and second walls. When the first and second walls flex, the third and the fourth walls may be oblique to the first and second walls. 
     The third and fourth walls may be substantially perpendicular, or oblique, to the first and second walls, in a default orientation. The third and fourth walls may be slightly rounded in a default orientation. The first and second walls may be slightly rounded, in a default orientation. When the third and fourth walls are not perpendicular to the first and second walls, flexing of the first and second walls may increase a distance between the first and second walls, and the third and fourth walls. 
     The third and fourth walls may define a default width of the outer shell. The outer extension may protrude from the third wall. The outer extension may protrude from the fourth wall. Segments of the outer extension may protrude from the third and fourth walls. The outer shell may include a fifth wall. A segment of the outer extension may protrude from the fifth wall. The fifth wall may be perpendicular to the third and fourth walls. The fifth wall may be substantially perpendicular to, or oblique to, the third and fourth walls. 
     The first and second walls may include ribs. The ribs may be configured to provide stiffness to the first and second walls. The ribs may support the default (e.g., non-flexed) orientation of the first and second walls. 
     The inner shell may include a depression. The outer shell may include a protrusion. The protrusion may extend into an interior of the outer shell. The protrusion may be configured to be seated in the depression when the inner shell nested within the outer shell. In some embodiments, the inner shell may include the protrusion and the outer shell may include depression. 
     The inner shell may include a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls of the inner shell may define a default width of the inner shell. 
     The inner shell may comprise a third wall. The third wall may have a width that is greater than a width of the outer shell. The third wall may have a length that is greater than a height of the outer shell. When the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, the third wall may be configured to be seated on a perimeter of the outer orifice. The inner shell may include an extension that protrudes from the third wall. The extension that protrudes from the third wall may be grasped, by a human or robot, to move the inner shell relative to the outer shell. 
     The first and second walls of the inner shell may each be configured to flex. When the first and second walls of the inner shell flex, the default width of inner shell may change. Flexibility of the inner shell may allow the inner shell to hold an irregularly shaped item. For example, packaged meat may be irregularly shaped. Flexibility of the inner shell may allow the inner shell to receive an item having a width that is larger than the inner shell&#39;s default width. 
     Flexibility of the outer shell may allow the inner shell to be nested within the outer shell when the inner shell contains an irregularly shaped item. 
     The inner shell may include a third wall. The third wall may be positioned perpendicular to the first and second walls of the inner shell. The third wall may be positioned oblique to the first and second walls of the inner shell. The inner extension may protrude from the third wall. 
     The first and second walls of the inner shell may include ribs. The ribs may be configured to extend into an interior of the inner shell. The ribs may be configured to space the first and second walls apart from an item contained within the inner shell. The ribs may prevent the item from adhering to the first and second walls of the inner shell. The ribs may allow the item to be fall out of the inner shell when the inner shell is displaced relative to the outer shell. 
     The inner shell may include a pair of channels. The pair of channels may be configured to receive a divider. When the divider is seated in the pair of channels, the divider may divide an interior of the inner shell into a first holding area and a second holding area. The first holding area may contain a first item. The second holding area may contain a second item. 
     The inner shell may be displaced a first distance relative to the outer shell. When the inner shell is displaced the first distance, the first item may be removed from the first holding area. When the inner shell is displaced the first distance, a part of the inner orifice corresponding to the second holding area may not be exposed. When the inner shell is displaced the first distance, the second item may be retained in the inner shell by a wall of the outer shell. 
     The inner shell may be displaced a second distance relative to the outer shell. When the inner shell is displaced the second distance, the part of the orifice corresponding to the second holding area may be exposed. When the inner shell is displaced the second distance, the second item contained in the second holding area may be removed. 
     The inner shell may include a first plurality of ventilation holes. The outer shell may include a second plurality of ventilation holes. When the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, the first plurality of ventilation holes and the second plurality of ventilation holes may allow air to circulate between an interior of the inner shell and an environment outside an exterior of the outer shell. 
     The inner shell may be constructed of plastic. The outer shell may be constructed of plastic. A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag may be mounted inside the inner shell. The RFID tag may be positioned on the third wall of the inner shell. The inner and outer shell may be constructed of a material that allows an RFID reader to read data on the RFID tag positioned within the inner shell. 
     The item carrier may be retained on the platform after dispensing. 
     During dispensing, the complete item carrier (including the inner shell and the outer shell) may be dispensed and provided to the customer. 
     Apparatus and methods for a storage frame is provided. The storage frame may hold one or more of the item carriers. The storage frame may include a first platform. The storage frame may include a second platform. The storage frame may include a conduit. The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform. 
     The storage frame may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of platforms. A conduit may be positioned between each of the platforms. 
     The storage frame, when assembled, may be sized to fit through a 36-inch doorway. The storage frame may be sized to fit through any other doorway size, such as 32-inch, 34-inch, 38 inches, or 40 inches. 
     The storage frame may be brought to a vending location fully assembled. The storage frame may be assembled at the vending location. The remainder of the vending assembly may be assembled on-site at the vending location. 
     The storage frame may include any suitable number of platforms. Each platform may include any suitable number of channels. An exemplary storage frame may include  8  shelves and have 26 channels per shelf. A total machine capacity of such a storage frame may be  208  item carriers. If the larger-sized item carriers each include a partition, and a different item in each partition, the total machine capacity may be 312 items. These values are illustrative only. Any suitable number of platforms and channels may be included in the storage frame. 
     A platform on a storage frame may be circular. A platform on a storage frame may be square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. A first platform may have a shape and/or an outer circumference different from a shape and/or outer circumference of a second platform. 
     A platform may be formed from plastic, such as plastic sheet material that is machined, formed, molded or cast. A platform may be formed from stamped or formed metal. A platform may be formed from any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. 
     The conduit may be hollow. The conduit may be tubular. The conduit may be cylindrical. The conduit may include a first end. The first end may define a first aperture. The first end may be configured to mate with the first platform. For example, the first platform may include a platform channel that is configured to receive the first end. 
     The conduit may include a second end. The second end may define a second aperture. The second end may be configured to mate with the second platform. For example, the second platform may include a platform channel that is configured to receive the second end. 
     The conduit may include a body. The conduit may be constructed from polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). The conduit may be constructed from Schedule 40 PVC pipe or any other suitable pipe or tube. The conduit may be formed from any other plastic material, metal, or any other suitable material. 
     The body may extend between the first end and the second end. The conduit may be configured to space the first platform apart from the second platform by at least a height of an item carrier. 
     The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform such that when a first segment of an outer extension of an outer shell is positioned in the first channel, and a second segment of the outer extension is positioned in the second channel, the item carrier may be inserted or removed from a receptacle formed by the first and second channels. A receptacle may include only one channel. The first channel may extend along the first platform. The second channel may extend along the second platform. The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform such that when a first segment of an outer extension of an outer shell is positioned in the first channel, and a second segment of the outer extension is positioned in the second channel, the first and second platforms do not contact walls of the outer shell. 
     The body of the conduit may include a third aperture. The body of the conduit may include fourth, fifth and sixth apertures. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth apertures may be defined by a sidewall of the conduit. In some embodiments, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth apertures may be distributed proportionally along a circumference of the conduit. 
     Each of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth may be positioned between the first platform and the second platform when the conduit spaces the first platform apart from the second platform. 
     In some embodiments, the body of the conduit may also include a seventh aperture. In some embodiments, the body of the conduit may include only a third, only a third and fourth, or only a third, fourth and fifth aperture. 
     The conduit may be configured to carry fluid, such as air. One or more of the apertures in the conduit may allow the fluid to circulate between the first and second platforms. Apertures in the conduit may allow the fluid to circulate within a vending assembly. 
     The conduit may define a longitudinal axis. The body of the conduit may circumscribe an area about the longitudinal axis. The area may be empty. The area may include two, three, four or more of the threaded rods. The area may define a passageway. When the storage frame is assembled, the conduits, together, may define a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The longitudinal axis of the storage frame may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of each of the conduits. The passageway extending along the storage frame&#39;s longitudinal axis may be empty. Air may be pulled up the passageway by a fan positioned above the storage frame. 
     The storage frame may include a dowel. The dowel may extend parallel to the body of the conduit. The dowel may be configured to support the spacing of the first platform apart from the second platform. A first end of the dowel may fit into a depression in the first platform. A second end of the dowel may fit into a depression in the second platform. 
     The dowel may include a threaded end. A platform may include a threaded depression. The threaded end of the dowel may be configured to threadedly engage the threaded depression. Threaded engagement of the dowel and depression may secure the dowel to the platform. 
     A storage frame may include a plurality of dowels. Each platform on the storage frame may support two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more dowels. A position of a first set of dowels on a first platform may be the same as a position of a second set of dowels on a second platform. 
     Each platform on the storage frame may have the same number of dowels. Each first dowel on a first platform may be above a second dowel on a second platform, the second platform being below the first platform, and below a third dowel on a third platform, the third platform being above the first platform. This may allow a group of dowels, each dowel in the group being on a different platform and vertically aligned with the dowels in the group along a height of the storage frame, to distribute weight supported by the storage frame down to a bottom of the storage cabinet on which the storage frame is positioned. 
     A platform may include two or more depressions, each depression being configured to receive a dowel. The depressions may be distributed such that the dowels, when positioned in the depressions, provide support to the spacing of the first platform apart from the second platform. The dowels/depression may be positioned closer to an outer perimeter of each platform than to a center of each platform. The dowels may support a load on the outer perimeter of the platform. 
     The first platform may include a first channel. The second platform may include a second channel. The first channel and the second channel may form a receptacle for receiving an item carrier. For example, the receptacle may be configured to receive extensions protruding from an outer shell of an item carrier. 
     The receptacle may be a first receptacle. The first platform may include a third channel. The second platform may include a fourth channel. The third channel and the fourth channel form a second receptacle. The second receptacle may have a length that is less than a length of the first receptacle. The first receptacle may be configured to receive an item carrier having a longer length than item carriers received by the first receptacle. 
     The storage frame may include a rubber stopper. A platform may include features for securing the rubber stoppers. The features may position the rubber stopper such that it extends into a channel. The rubber stopper may reduce a width of a channel. The rubber stopper may partially obstruct a channel. For example, the rubber stopper may extend into the second channel. The rubber stopper may be configured to compress when an extension, moving along the channel, passes the rubber stopper. The rubber stopper may be configured to create a friction fit that holds the extension in the channel. The friction fit may hold an item carrier in a receptacle. The friction fit may hold an item carrier that contains an item in a receptacle as the first and second platform rotate. 
     A platform may include features for positioning two or more rubber stoppers. A first rubber stopper may be positioned to secure an item carrier having a first length. A second rubber stopper may be positioned to secure an item carrier having a second length. 
     A channel may include a guide segment. The guide segment may be configured to direct an extension into the channel. The guide segment may include a mouth. The mouth may be wider than the channel. The guide segment may include an exit. The exit may be the same width as the channel. The guide segment may include a tapered section. The tapered section may transition between the mouth and the exit. The width of the mouth may provide a wider opening to receive an extension. After the extension is inserted into the mouth, the tapered section may guide the extension through the exit and into the channel. 
     The first platform may be circular. The second platform may be circular. For example, the first and second platforms may be disks. 
     The first platform may include a first central aperture. The central aperture may be positioned in a center of the first platform. The second platform may include a second central aperture. The second central aperture may be positioned in a center of the second platform. The first end of the conduit may mate with the first platform such that fluid carried by the conduit may flow through the first central aperture. The second end of the conduit may mate with the second platform such that fluid carried by the conduit may flow through the second central aperture. 
     The first platform may include a ridge. The first platform may be a top-most platform of the storage frame. The ridge may be positioned on a top face of the storage frame. The ridge may be positioned on a top face of the first platform. 
     The ridge may surround the first aperture. The ridge may have a circumference. The ridge may have a width. The storage frame may define a longitudinal axis. The storage frame may rotate about the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extend through a body of the conduit, through the first aperture in the first platform and through the second aperture in the second platform. The storage frame may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. 
     The storage frame may include a first coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may be a first wheel assembly. The first wheel assembly may be configured to contact the width of the ridge. The first wheel assembly may include two or more wheels. The storage frame may include a second coupling mechanism. The second coupling mechanism may include a second wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly may be spaced circumferentially apart, along the ridge, from the first wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly may include two or more wheels. Each of the wheels included in the second wheel assembly may be spaced circumferentially apart, along the ridge, from each other. The wheel assemblies may maintain a position of the ridge and the first platform relative to the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. 
     The wheel assemblies may maintain a position of the first platform, the conduit and the second platform during rotation about the longitudinal axis. The wheel assemblies may maintain a position of the first platform, the conduit and the second platform during rotation about the longitudinal axis without obstructing the flow of fluid through the conduit and first aperture of the first platform. The wheel assemblies may maintain a position of the storage frame during rotation of the storage frame about the longitudinal axis. The storage frame may include at least the first and second platform, and, optionally, additional platforms. 
     The storage frame may include a first set of bearings. The first set of bearing may include bearing surfaces. The first set bearings may interface between the conduit and the first platform. The storage frame may include a second set of bearings. The second set of bearings may interface between the conduit and the second platform. The first set of bearing may allow the first platform to rotate about the conduit. The first set of bearing may allow the first platform to rotate about the conduit independently of the second platform. The second set of bearing may allow the second platform to rotate about the conduit. The second set of bearing may allow the second platform to rotate about the conduit independently of the first platform. 
     For example, the first set of bearings may allow the first platform to be rotated in a first direction about the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The second set of bearings may allow the second platform to be rotated in a second direction about the longitudinal axis. The first and second set of bearings may allow the first platform to be rotated in the first direction and simultaneously, allow the second platform to be rotated in the second direction. 
     A central aperture in the first platform may be aligned with the first aperture of the conduit. The first aperture of the conduit and the central aperture of the first platform may be aligned when the first end of the conduit is mated to the first platform. Alignment of the apertures of the first platform and the conduit may allow fluid to flow through the conduit to pass through the central aperture in the first platform. 
     The storage frame may include a plate. The plate may be configured to couple the second platform to a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may rotate the storage frame about the longitudinal axis. 
     The storage frame may include a rod. The rod may extend through the second platform, through the conduit and through the first platform. The rod may extend through a passageway a passageway defined by the second platform, the conduit and the first platform. The rod may be secured to the plate. The rod may include a first rod end that is secured to the plate. The rod may include a second rod end that is secured to a bracket. The bracket may be ring-shaped. A second end of the conduit may mate with a first face of the second platform. The plate may be braced against a second face of the second platform. 
     The rod may be a first rod. The storage frame may include a second rod. The second rod may extend through the second platform, through the conduit and through the first platform. The second rod may extend through a passageway defined by the second platform, the conduit and the first platform. The storage frame may include a third rod. The third rod may extend through the second platform, through the conduit and through the first platform. The third rod may extend through a passageway defined by the second platform, the conduit and the first platform. The first, second and third rods may each be secured to the plate. 
     The storage frame may include a fourth rod. The fourth rod may extend through the second platform, through the conduit and through the first platform. The first, second, third and fourth rods may each be secured to the plate. The fourth rod may extend through a passageway defined by the second platform, the conduit and the first platform. 
     The first platform, the second platform and the conduit may form a frame segment. The storage frame may include a plurality of frame segments. The storage frame may have a bottom platform and a top-most platform. Each of the plurality of frame segments may be secured to each other by a rod that extends through each of the frame segments. The rod may be secured to the bottom platform. The rod may be secured to the top-most platform. 
     The storage frame may include a plurality of platforms and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit may be spaced between two platforms. Each platform-conduit-platform ‘frame segment’ may be assembled as detailed above. 
     For example, the rod may be secured to a ring-shaped bracket. The ring-shaped bracket may be braced by the top-most platform. Securing the rod to the bracket may apply compression to the frame segments. The rod may be secured to the bracket by tightening a nut. The nut may threadedly engage the rod and be braced by the bracket and the top-most platform. The compression may provide axial force and prevent slippage. The compression may maintain a shape of the storage frame. 
     The first platform may include an outer perimeter. The first platform may include a central aperture. The first end of the conduit may be configured to mate with the first platform such that the first aperture surrounds the central aperture. 
     The first platform may include a plurality of holes. The holes may extend through a thickness of the first platform. The plurality of holes may be distributed between the outer perimeter and the central aperture. The plurality of holes may allow a fluid, such as air, to pass through the thickness of the first platform. 
     The first platform may include a plurality of channels. The plurality of channels may be positioned between the outer perimeter and the central aperture. The first platform may include an outer perimeter. The first platform may include a central aperture. The first platform may include a first face. The first face may include a first plurality of channels. The first plurality of channels may extend between the outer perimeter and the central aperture. 
     The first platform may include a second face. The second face may include a second plurality of channels. The second plurality of channels may extend between the outer perimeter and the central aperture. 
     A rubber stopper may extend into a width of each of the first plurality of channels. The rubber stopper may partially obstruct each of the first plurality of channels. In some embodiments, none of the second plurality of channels may be obstructed by a rubber stopper. The first plurality of channels may be configured to receive a first segment of an outer extension of an outer shell. The second plurality of channels may be configured to receive a second segment of an outer extension of the outer shell. 
     Apparatus and methods for a storage frame is provided. The apparatus may include the storage frame. The storage frame may hold one or more item carriers in the vending assembly. The storage frame may include the first platform. The first platform may include a first central aperture. The storage frame may include a second platform. The second platform may include a second central aperture. The storage frame may include the conduit. The conduit may be a first conduit. The first conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform 
     The first conduit may include a first conduit end. The first conduit end may be configured to mate with the first platform. The first conduit end may be configured to surround the first central aperture. 
     The first conduit may include a second conduit end. The second conduit end may be configured to mate with the second platform. The second conduit end may be configured to surround the second central aperture. The first conduit may include a body. The body may extend between the first conduit end and the second conduit end. 
     The first platform, the second platform and the first conduit may form a frame segment. The storage frame may include a plurality of frame segments. Each of the fame segments may be spaced apart from each other by a second conduit. The second conduit may include one or more features of the first conduit. The second conduit may be identical to the first conduit. For example, the second platform of a first frame segment, a second conduit and the first platform of a second frame segment form a third frame segment. 
     The storage frame may include a rod. The rod may be positioned within the first and second conduits. The rod may be positioned within the passageway defined by inner faces of the first and second conduits. Tensioning the rod may apply compression to frame segments of the frame assembly. 
     The rod may include a first rod end. The first rod end may be secured to a plate. The rod may include a second rod end. The second rod end may be secured to a bracket. The bracket may be ring-shaped. The plate may be braced by the second platform of a first frame segment. The bracket may be supported by the first platform of a second frame segment. The second rod end may be threaded. The bracket may be configured to support a nut that threadedly engages the second rod end. Tightening the nut may apply compression to the frame segments positioned between the plate and the bracket. 
     Apparatus and methods for a storage frame is provided. The apparatus may include the storage frame. The storage frame may hold one or more item carriers in the vending assembly. The storage frame may include a stack of platforms. The stack may define a longitudinal axis. The stack may include a top platform. The stack may include a bottom platform. The bottom platform may be supported by a base. The top and bottom platforms may each rotate about the longitudinal axis. 
     The top platform may include an aperture. The aperture may be traversed by the longitudinal axis of the stack. A passageway may extend along the longitudinal axis of the stack. 
     The aperture may be a central aperture of the top platform. The top platform may include a ridge. The ridge may support the top platform during rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ridge may support the top platform during rotation without obstructing the aperture. 
     The stack may include a plurality of conduits positioned between the top platform and the bottom platform. The stack may include a plurality of intermediary platforms. The intermediary platforms may be positioned between the top platform and the bottom platform. The storage frame may include a conduit between each intermediary platform. 
     The storage frame may include a rod. The rod may include a first end. The first end may be coupled to the bottom plate. The rod may include a second end. The second end may be secured to the top platform. Securing the second end to the top platform may apply compression to the conduits and the intermediary platforms positioned between the top platform and the bottom platform. The rod may be secured to the top platform using a bracket. A plate may secure the rod to the bottom platform. 
     Each intermediary platform may include a plurality of channels. The bottom platform may be coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may rotate the stack about the longitudinal axis. 
     Apparatus and methods for a storage frame is provided. The apparatus may include the storage frame. The storage frame may hold one or more item carriers in a vending assembly. The storage frame may include the first platform. The first platform may include a first channel. The storage frame may include the second platform. The second platform may include a second channel. The second channel may be aligned with the first channel. An item carrier may include a first extension. The first extension may be configured to be positioned in the first channel. The item carrier may include a second extension. The second extension may be configured to be positioned in the second channel. 
     The storage frame may include the conduit. The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform. The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform such that walls of the item carrier are positioned between the first platform and the second platform when the first extension is positioned in the first channel and the second extension is positioned in the second channel. The conduit may space the first platform apart from the second platform such that an item contained within the item carrier is positioned between the first platform and the second platform when the first extension is positioned in the first channel and the second extension is positioned in the second channel. 
     Apparatus and methods for a storage frame is provided. The storage frame may include a first platform that includes a first channel. The storage frame may include a second platform that includes a second channel. Apparatus may include an item carrier positioned in the first and second channels and between the first and second platforms. 
     The apparatus and methods may include apparatus for vending an item. The vending assembly may include the apparatus for vending the item. 
     The apparatus may include the housing. The housing may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The housing may form the exterior of the vending assembly. A front of the housing viewable to a customer may include a façade. The façade may include a user interface, a card reader, a credit card processor, a bar code scanner, a delivery port, a vend port, a card reader, bag hooks, and any other features of the façade described herein. 
     The apparatus may include a storage cabinet. The storage cabinet may be insulated. When the storage cabinet is insulated, cooling or heating apparatus may be provided to maintaining the storage cabinet at a cold, frozen, warm, or hot temperature. When the storage cabinet is insulated, it may be referred to alternately herein as an “insulated enclosure.” Any feature described herein of the storage cabinet, when it is insulated and referred to as an insulated enclosure, may also be a feature of the storage cabinet when it is not insulated. 
     An exemplary insulated enclosure may have 3-4 cm of closed cell polyurethane (“PU”) foam. The foam may be formed in place between a wall of the insulated enclosure and a wall of the housing. The insulated enclosure may define an inner wall. The inner wall be formed from sheet polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). The housing may define an outer wall. The foam may be between the inner and outer walls. Exemplary thermal conductivity of the PU foam may be 0.03 Watts/(meter*Kelvin), or any other suitable thermal conductivity. 
     The storage cabinet may have any suitable width, such as 35 inches, 33 inches, 37 inches, 39 inches, 41 inches, or any other suitable width. 
     A partition may extend between, and separate, the storage cabinet from an access cabinet. 
     The housing may include the storage cabinet. The housing may include an access cabinet. The housing may surround the storage cabinet. The housing may surround the access cabinet. 
     The apparatus may include the storage frame. The storage frame may be positioned in the insulated enclosure. The insulated enclosure may be shaped to provide clearance for rotation of the storage cabinet within the storage frame. Exemplary clearance may be 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, or any other suitable clearance. 
     The insulated enclosure may include a first elongated member. The first elongated member may support a first coupling mechanism. The insulated enclosure may include a second elongated member. The second elongated member may be opposite the first elongated member. The second elongated member may support a second coupling mechanism. 
     The first elongated member may extend along a first side of the insulated enclosure. The second elongated member may extend along a second side of the insulated enclosure. The second side may be opposite the first side. 
     The apparatus may include the storage frame positioned within the insulated enclosure. A top face of the storage frame may include the ridge. The ridge may be circular. The ridge may extend around a top platform of the storage frame. The ridge may protrude above the top platform. 
     The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the first coupling mechanism. The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may exert a radially inward force on the ridge. The second coupling mechanism may exert a radially inward force on the ridge. The radially inward forces may apply tension to the ridge so that it is in constant contact with the first and second coupling mechanisms. 
     The stabilizing may include providing radially outward force from the vending assembly against a ridge that runs along the outer perimeter. The first and second coupling mechanisms may be positioned within a space circumscribed by the ridge. 
     The ridge may be coupled to the first coupling mechanism only via the exerted force. The ridge may be coupled to the second coupling mechanism only via the exerted force. 
     The only direct point of contact between the top face of the storage frame and the insulated enclosure may be between the ridge and the first and second coupling mechanisms. Thus, the only stabilizing force exerted on the top portion of the storage frame may be the forces exerted on the ridge by the first and second coupling mechanisms. Other than the ridge, the top face of the storage frame may not be subject to any stabilizing forces. 
     The ridge may circumscribe a space. The space may be empty. 
     The first coupling mechanism may include a first wheel. The second coupling mechanism may include a second wheel. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the first and second wheels. The wheels may be disposed diametrically opposite each other relative to a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. 
     The second coupling mechanism may include a third wheel. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the third wheel. The first, second and third wheels may be spaced apart from one another along the ridge at about 120 degrees equal lengths of arc along the ridge. 
     The first coupling mechanism may include two or more wheels. The second coupling mechanism may include two or more wheels. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the wheels included in the first and second coupling mechanisms. 
     To perform maintenance on the storage frame or a heating/cooling mechanism positioned in the plenum (described below), a rear wall of the housing may need be opened or removed. To remove the storage frame from the vending assembly, the first coupling mechanism must be decoupled from the insulated enclosure and removed. Then, a bottom platform of the storage frame may be de-coupled from the rotation mechanism. Once the bottom platform is de-coupled from the rotation mechanism, the storage frame can be slid out of the storage cabinet. 
     The apparatus may include the plenum. A top of the plenum may be coupled to a roof of the insulated enclosure. 
     A fan and a cooling mechanism positioned inside the plenum. A fan and a heating mechanism may be positioned in the plenum. The fan may be an axial fan. An air purifier may be positioned in the plenum. One or more temperature sensors may be positioned in the plenum. 
     Sensors may be positioned in the plenum to monitor fan current, such as magnitude amperage, refrigerant temperatures, and heat exchange/air temperature differences, such as inlet-outlet. Methods may include monitoring the data measured by the sensors in the plenum and modeling the data over time to identify trends. Such trends may identify characteristics necessary for proper equipment health and may assist in proactive failure/problem detection prior to hard failures. By monitoring a vending assembly&#39;s data to identify machine-specific trends, customized preventive maintenance may be superior to general best practices maintenance and/or waiting till equipment breaks. 
     The fan may be configured to pull air up from the passageway extending along the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The passageway may be the hollow opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The fan may push air out from the plenum and between an outer radius of the frame and the enclosure toward a bottom of the enclosure. The fan may pull the air up from the passageway and then push the pulled-up air down toward the bottom of the enclosure. 
     A bottom of the plenum may define an opening. The bottom of the plenum may be positioned above, and spaced apart from, the top face of the storage frame. The opening may be positioned above the passageway. 
     The bottom of the plenum may not abut the top face of the storage frame. 
     The bottom of the plenum may be coupled to the storage frame. A bearing collar may couple the bottom of the plenum to the top face of the storage frame. The bearing collar may be fixed to the plenum. The bearing collar may be fixed to the storage frame. The opening in the bottom of the plenum may be positioned above the passageway. The bearing collar may allow for rotation of the storage frame when a position of the plenum is fixed. 
     The plenum may include a first opening. The first opening may be positioned on a first side of the plenum. The plenum may include a second opening. The second opening may be positioned opposite the first opening. The second opening may be positioned on a second side of the plenum. The first and second sides may extend between the top of the plenum and the bottom of the plenum. The fan may push air out from the first and second sides of the plenum and between an outer radius of the frame and the enclosure toward a bottom of the enclosure. 
     A bottom of the plenum may include a fixed conduit. The fixed conduit may be fixed to the bottom of the plenum. The fixed conduit may extend from the bottom of the plenum toward the top face of the storage frame. The fixed conduit may not abut the storage frame. The fixed conduit may be fixed in space and may not move. 
     A top face of the storage frame may include a rotating conduit. The rotating conduit may be fixed to top face of the storage frame. The rotating conduit may extend from the top face of the storage frame toward the plenum. The rotating conduit may not abut the plenum. In operation, the rotating conduit may rotate together with the storage frame. 
     A length of the first conduit may be positioned adjacent a length of the rotating conduit. Space between the first and second conduits may define a tortuous passageway. The tortuous passageway may be such that, for air outside the fixed and rotating conduits, a flow resistance along the tortuous pathway is greater than a flow resistance down towards a bottom of the insulated enclosure. The difference in flow resistance may be obtained when, in operation, the fan is pulling air up from the passageway and pushing the air through sides of the plenum. 
     The first conduit may be a first fixed conduit. The bottom of the plenum may include a second fixed conduit. The second fixed conduit may be fixed to the bottom of the plenum. The second fixed conduit may be positioned within the first fixed conduit. The second fixed conduit may extend from the bottom of the plenum towards the top of the storage frame. The second fixed conduit may not abut the storage frame. The rotating conduit may be positioned between the first fixed conduit and the second fixed conduit. Space between the first and second fixed conduits and the rotating conduit may define a tortuous passageway. The tortuous passageway may be such that, for air outside the fixed and rotating conduits, a flow resistance along the tortuous pathway is greater than a flow resistance down towards a bottom of the insulated enclosure. The difference in flow resistance may be obtained when, in operation, the fan is pulling air up from the passageway and pushing the air through sides of the plenum. 
     The apparatus may include bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces may be positioned between the fixed conduit and the rotating conduit. 
     The bearing surfaces may be positioned between the rotating conduit and the second fixed conduit. 
     A space extending between the fixed conduit and the rotating conduit may be empty. 
     A space extending between the rotating conduit and the second fixed conduit may be empty. 
     The fixed conduit may be tubular. The rotating conduit may be tubular. The fixed conduit may be concentric with the rotating conduit. 
     The first and second fixed conduits may be tubular. The first and second fixed conduits may be concentric with the rotating conduit. 
     A thermal standoff area may extend between a roof of the housing and a top of the insulated enclosure. This area may be a substantially empty area transected by mounting blocks. The mounting blocks may extend between the top of the insulated enclosure and the roof of the housing. Each mounting block may be fixed to a metal bar that extends along, and is bolted to, a bottom face of the roof of the housing. Two or more mounting blocks may be fixed to one of the bars. Two or more bars may extend across the bottom face of the roof of the housing. Each mounting block may extend through the roof of the insulated enclosure. A top of the plenum may be coupled to the mounting blocks. 
     The apparatus may include a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may be positioned underneath the insulated enclosure. The apparatus may include a plate to couple the storage frame to the rotation mechanism. Bolts may be driven through the bottom-most platform of the storage frame, through the plate coupled to the bottom-most platform, and into the rotation mechanism. 
     The housing may include the insulated enclosure. The housing may include a façade. The façade may include a customer interface and a vend depot for pick-up of a dispensed item. In operation, opening the façade may turn off the rotation mechanism. 
     The apparatus may include a partition. The partition may be positioned in the housing. The partition may separate the insulated enclosure from the access cabinet. The partition may define a first entryway and a second entryway. 
     A door may be coupled to the partition. When the door is in a closed state, the door may cover the first entryway. When the door is in a closed state, the door may reduce air flow between the insulated enclosure and the access cabinet. When the door is in a closed state, the door may seal the first entryway such that air cannot flow between the insulated enclosure and the access cabinet. 
     When the storage frame needs to be stocked with item carriers, a service person may open the façade. Opening the façade may automatically turn off a drive mechanism that drives the storage frame. After opening the façade, the service person may then open the door to access the item carriers. 
     The apparatus may include an item dispensing mechanism. The item dispensing mechanism may include an elevator and a gripper (detailed below). The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition. The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition adjacent the second entryway. The item dispensing mechanism may be configured to dispense an item from the storage frame. The item dispensing mechanism may include moving the item from the storage frame into the access cabinet. Dispensing of an item via the item dispensing mechanism is described in greater detail below. The dispensing may include the elevator, the gripper, a platform, and associated apparatus described herein. 
     The partition may define a partition first face and a partition second face. A thickness of the partition may extend between the partition first face and the partition second face. 
     The partition first face may be positioned in the access cabinet. The partition first face may include the door. Hinges of the door may be coupled to the partition first face. The partition first face may support the item dispensing mechanism. The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition first face. 
     The partition second face may be positioned in the insulated enclosure. 
     The storage frame may include the platforms. Each of the platforms may support one or more of the item carriers. Each of the platforms may support the item carriers. 
     The partition may include struts. Each strut may extend across a width of the second entryway. Each strut may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of one of the platforms. The strut may be positioned adjacent the platform such that the strut restricts withdrawal of an outer shell of the item carrier, positioned adjacent the strut, from the platform. The strut may be positioned so that it is aligns with an outer extension of the outer shell of the item carrier. When an item carrier positioned on a platform is advanced away from the platform toward a strut, the outer extension of the outer shell may abut the platform. Abutment of the outer extension against the platform may disallow any additional movement of the outer shell away from the platform. The segment of the outer extension that abuts the platform may be positioned on a bottom of the outer shell. 
     The struts may be first struts. The partition may include second struts. 
     The second entryway may not include the first struts and the first entryway may include the second struts. The first entryway may include the second struts and the second entryway may include the first struts. Neither of the entryways may include struts. 
     The second struts may extend across a width of the first entryway. Each of the second struts may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of one of the platforms. The second struts may each define an angled opening. The angled opening may provide clearance for an outer extension of an outer shell of an item carrier. The angled opening may extend across a width of a second strut. This clearance may permit withdrawal of an item carrier, including both the inner and outer shells, from the platform. The item carrier may be positioned on the platform adjacent the second strut. 
     The angled opening may be a first angled opening. The item carrier may be a first item carrier. Some of the second struts may define a second angled opening. The second angled opening may be positioned above the first angled opening. The second angled opening may provide clearance for an outer extension of an outer shell of a second item carrier. The second angled opening may extend across the width of the second strut. 
     The outer extension of the first item carrier may be positioned on a bottom of the outer shell. The outer extension of the second item carrier may be positioned on the top of the outer shell. 
     A second strut may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. A second strut may include a third elongated member extending between a first side of the first elongated member and a second side of the second elongated member. A second strut may define a passageway extending between the first and second elongated members. 
     A block may be positioned in the passageway. The block may be inserted into the passageway. The block may be of monolithic construction with the first, second and third elongated members. 
     A temperature sensor and/or a through-beam sensor may be positioned on the block. The angled opening may be positioned on the block. When the angled opening is a first angled opening, the second angled opening may also be positioned on the block. 
     The block may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The PCB may be positioned on the block inside the insulated enclosure. The PCB may include a temperature sensor. 
     The through-beam sensor may be positioned at an end of the angled opening proximal to the platform. The through-beam sensor may detect removal of an item carrier from the platform and onto the second strut. The through-beam sensor may include a transmitter and a receiver spaced apart from the transmitter across the angled opening. A beam maintained between the transmitter and the receiver may be cut when an outer extension of an item carrier is advanced into the angled opening. 
     One or more of the second struts may include the PCB and/or the temperature sensor. One or more of the second struts may include the through-beam sensor. Some of the second struts may not include the PCB and/or the temperature sensor. 
     The apparatus may include an elevator. The item dispensing mechanism may include the elevator. The apparatus may include a roll-up panel. The roll-up panel may be formed from plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polyurethane (“PU”), polyethylene (“PE”) or any other suitable flexible, cleanable plastic or other material. 
     The roll-up panel may have a working end fixed at the elevator to the elevator. In operation, the roll-up panel may to seal the second entryway when the elevator is not in use. Sealing the second entryway may disallow air flow between the insulated enclosure and the access cabinet. 
     The partition may define a first U-shaped channel. The first U-shaped channel may extend along a first length of the second entryway. The partition may define a second U-shaped channel. The second U-shaped channel may extend along a second length of the second entryway. A first edge of the roll-up panel may extend along the first U-shaped channel. A second edge of the roll-up panel may extend along the second U-shaped channel. 
     The roll-up panel may include a vinyl material. The U-shaped channel may include an ultra-high molecular weight polymer. Edge of the panel may slot into the channel to form a tortuous or labyrinthine path to provide flow resistance between the panel and the channel. 
     The storage frame may include two or more of the platforms. Each platform may support the item carriers. The partition may include two or more status displays. The status displays may be positioned at intervals along a length of the first entryway. Each status display may be adjacent one of the platforms. Each status display may be associated with the adjacent one of the platforms in a database. One or two indexing buttons may be positioned adjacent each status display. 
     When the door is opened, each status display may be configured to display data identifying a status of one of the items carrier positioned on a platform adjacent the corresponding status display. Exemplary status data is listed in Table 7 below. The item carriers for which data is displayed on the status displays may be positioned on the platform such that they are removable from the storage frame through the first entryway. 
     The item carriers for which data is displayed may be the item carriers that are positioned for removal through the second struts. Only one item carrier at a time may be positioned for removal through a second strut. 
     The apparatus and methods may include apparatus for vending an item. The apparatus may include the housing. The housing may include the partition. The partition may be positioned in the housing. The partition may extend between the housing first side and the housing second side. The second side may be opposite the first side. The partition may separate the storage cabinet from the access cabinet. The partition may define the first entryway and the second entryway. The storage cabinet may be insulated. 
     The apparatus may include the storage frame. The storage frame may be positioned in the storage cabinet. 
     The apparatus may include the door. When the door is in a closed state, the door may cover the first entryway. When the door is in a closed state, the door may reduce air flow between the storage cabinet and the access cabinet. When the door is in a closed state, the door may seal the first entryway such that air cannot flow between the storage cabinet and the access cabinet. When the door is in a closed state, the door may not seal the first entryway. 
     The apparatus may include the item dispensing mechanism. The item dispensing mechanism may include the elevator, gripper, platform, and additional apparatus detailed herein. The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition. The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition adjacent the second entryway. The item dispensing mechanism may be configured to dispense an item from the storage frame. The dispensing may include moving the item from the storage frame into the access cabinet. 
     The partition may define the partition first face and the partition second face. The thickness of the partition may extend between the partition first face and the partition second face. 
     The partition first face may be positioned in the access cabinet. The partition first face may include the door. Hinges of the door may be coupled to the partition first face. The partition first face may include the item dispensing mechanism. The item dispensing mechanism may be coupled to the partition first face. 
     The partition second face may be positioned in the storage cabinet. 
     The apparatus may include the elevator. The item dispensing mechanism may include the elevator. The apparatus may include the roll-up panel. The roll-up panel may have a working end fixed at the elevator to the elevator. In operation, the roll-up panel may be configured to seal the second entryway when the elevator is not in use. 
     The storage frame may include the platforms. The partition may include the struts. Each strut may extend across a width of the second entryway 
     The partition may include the struts. Each strut may extend across a width of the second entryway. Each strut may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of one of the platforms. The strut may be positioned adjacent the platform such that the strut restricts withdrawal of an outer shell of the item carrier, positioned adjacent the strut, from the platform. The strut may be positioned so that it is aligns with an outer extension of the outer shell of the item carrier. When an item carrier positioned on a platform is advanced away from the platform toward a strut, the outer extension of the outer shell may abut the platform. Abutment of the outer extension against the platform may disallow any additional movement of the outer shell away from the platform. The segment of the outer extension that abuts the platform may be positioned on a bottom of the outer shell. 
     The struts may be first struts. The partition may include second struts. 
     The second entryway may not include the first struts and the first entryway may include the second struts. The first entryway may include the second struts and the second entryway may include the first struts. Neither of the entryways may include struts. 
     The second struts may extend across a width of the first entryway. Each of the second struts may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of one of the platforms. The second struts may each define an angled opening. The angled opening may provide clearance for an outer extension of an outer shell of an item carrier. The angled opening may extend across a width of a second strut. This clearance may permit withdrawal of an item carrier, including both the inner and outer shells, from the platform. The item carrier may be positioned on the platform adjacent the second strut. 
     The angled opening may be a first angled opening. The item carrier may be a first item carrier. Some of the second struts may define a second angled opening. The second angled opening may be positioned above the first angled opening. The second angled opening may provide clearance for an outer extension of an outer shell of a second item carrier. The second angled opening may extend across the width of the second strut. 
     The outer extension of the first item carrier may be positioned on a bottom of the outer shell. The outer extension of the second item carrier may be positioned on the top of the outer shell. 
     A second strut may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. A second strut may include a third elongated member extending between a first side of the first elongated member and a second side of the second elongated member. A second strut may define a passageway extending between the first and second elongated members. 
     A block may be positioned in the passageway. The block may be inserted into the passageway. The block may be of monolithic construction with the first, second and third elongated members. 
     A temperature sensor and/or a through-beam sensor may be positioned on the block. The angled opening may be positioned on the block. When the angled opening is a first angled opening, the second angled opening may also be positioned on the block. 
     The block may include a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The PCB may be positioned on the block inside the insulated enclosure. The PCB may include a temperature sensor. 
     The through-beam sensor may be positioned at an end of the angled opening proximal to the platform. The through-beam sensor may detect removal of an item carrier from the platform and onto the second strut. The through-beam sensor may include a transmitter and a receiver spaced apart from the transmitter across the angled opening. A beam maintained between the transmitter and the receiver may be cut when an outer extension of an item carrier is advanced into the angled opening. 
     One or more of the second struts may include the PCB and/or the temperature sensor. One or more of the second struts may include the through-beam sensor. Some of the second struts may not include the PCB and/or the temperature sensor. 
     The partition may define a first U-shaped channel. The first U-shaped channel may extend along a first length of the second entryway. The partition may define a second U-shaped channel. The second U-shaped channel may extend along a second length of the second entryway. A first edge of the roll-up panel may extend along the first U-shaped channel. A second edge of the roll-up panel may extend along the second U-shaped channel. 
     The storage frame may include two or more of the platforms. Each platform may support the item carriers. The partition may include two or more status displays. The status displays may be positioned at intervals along a length of the first entryway. Each status display may be adjacent one of the platforms. Each status display may be associated with the adjacent one of the platforms in a database. One or two indexing buttons may be positioned adjacent each status display. 
     When the door is opened, each status display may be configured to display data identifying a status of one of the items carrier positioned on a platform adjacent the corresponding status display. Exemplary status data is listed in Table 7 below. The item carriers for which data is displayed on the status displays may be positioned on the platform such that they are removable from the storage frame through the first entryway. 
     The item carriers for which data is displayed may be the item carriers that are positioned for removal through the second struts. Only one item carrier at a time may be positioned for removal through a second strut. 
     The apparatus may include a plenum. A top of the plenum may be coupled to a roof of the storage cabinet. A fan and a cooling mechanism positioned inside the plenum. A fan and a heating mechanism may be positioned in the plenum. An air purifier may be positioned in the plenum. One or more temperature sensors may be positioned in the plenum. 
     The fan may be configured to pull air up from a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The passageway may be a hollow opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The fan may push air between an outer radius of the frame and the enclosure toward a bottom of the enclosure. The fan may pull the air up from the passageway and then push the pulled-up air down toward the bottom of the enclosure. 
     A bottom of the plenum may define an opening. The bottom of the plenum may be positioned above, and spaced apart from, the top face of the storage frame. The opening may be positioned above the passageway. 
     A bottom of the plenum may include a fixed conduit. The fixed conduit may be fixed to the bottom of the plenum. The fixed conduit may extend from the bottom of the plenum toward the top face of the storage frame. The fixed conduit may not abut the storage frame. The fixed conduit may be fixed in space and may not move. 
     A top face of the storage frame may include a rotating conduit. The rotating conduit may be fixed to top face of the storage frame. The rotating conduit may extend from the top face of the storage frame toward the plenum. The rotating conduit may not abut the plenum. In operation, the rotating conduit may rotate together with the storage frame. 
     A length of the first conduit may be positioned adjacent a length of the rotating conduit. Space between the first and second conduits may define a tortuous passageway. The tortuous passageway may be such that, for air outside the fixed and rotating conduits, a flow resistance along the tortuous pathway is greater than a flow resistance down towards a bottom of the insulated enclosure. The difference in flow resistance may be obtained when, in operation, the fan is pulling air up from the passageway and pushing the air through sides of the plenum. 
     The first conduit may be a first fixed conduit. The bottom of the plenum may include a second fixed conduit. The second fixed conduit may be fixed to the bottom of the plenum. The second fixed conduit may be positioned within the first fixed conduit. The second fixed conduit may extend from the bottom of the plenum towards the top of the storage frame. The second fixed conduit may not abut the storage frame. The rotating conduit may be positioned between the first fixed conduit and the second fixed conduit. Space between the first and second fixed conduits and the rotating conduit may define a tortuous passageway. The tortuous passageway may be such that, for air outside the fixed and rotating conduits, a flow resistance along the tortuous pathway is greater than a flow resistance down towards a bottom of the insulated enclosure. The difference in flow resistance may be obtained when, in operation, the fan is pulling air up from the passageway and pushing the air through sides of the plenum. 
     The apparatus may include bearings. The bearings may be positioned between the fixed conduit and the rotating conduit. 
     The bearings may be positioned between the rotating conduit and the second fixed conduit. 
     A space extending between the fixed conduit and the rotating conduit may be empty. 
     A space extending between the rotating conduit and the second fixed conduit may be empty. 
     The fixed conduit may be tubular. The rotating conduit may be tubular. The fixed conduit may be concentric with the rotating conduit. 
     The first and second fixed conduits may be tubular. The first and second fixed conduits may be concentric with the rotating conduit. 
     A thermal standoff area may extend between a roof of the housing and a top of the insulated enclosure. This area may be a substantially empty area transected by mounting blocks. The mounting blocks may extend between the top of the insulated enclosure and the roof of the housing. Each mounting block may be fixed to a metal bar that extends along, and is bolted to, a bottom face of the roof of the housing. Two or more mounting blocks may be fixed to one of the bars. Two or more bars may extend across the bottom face of the roof of the housing. Each mounting block may extend through the roof of the insulated enclosure. A top of the plenum may be coupled to the mounting blocks. 
     The bottom of the plenum may be coupled to the storage frame. A bearing collar may couple the bottom of the plenum to the top face of the storage frame. The bearing collar may be fixed to the plenum. The bearing collar may be fixed to the storage frame. The opening may be positioned above the passageway. The bearing collar may allow for rotation of the storage frame when a position of the plenum is fixed. 
     The plenum may include a first opening. The first opening may be positioned on a first side of the plenum. The plenum may include a second opening. The second opening may be opposite the first opening. The second opening may be positioned on a second side of the plenum. The first and second sides may extend between the top of the plenum and the bottom of the plenum. The fan may push air between an outer radius of the frame and the enclosure toward a bottom of the enclosure. 
     The apparatus may include a storage frame positioned within the insulated enclosure. A top face of the storage frame may include a ridge. The ridge may be circular. The ridge may extend around a top platform of the storage frame. The ridge may protrude above the top platform. 
     The storage cabinet may include the first elongated member. The first elongated member may support the first coupling mechanism. The storage cabinet may include the second elongated member. The second elongated member may support the second coupling mechanism. The second elongated member may be positioned opposite the first elongated member. 
     The first elongated member may extend along a first side of the storage cabinet. The second elongated member may extend along a second side of the storage cabinet. The second side may be opposite the first side. 
     The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the first coupling mechanism. The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the second coupling mechanism. 
     The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the first coupling mechanism. The ridge may be slidingly and removably coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may exert a radially inward force on the ridge. The second coupling mechanism may exert a radially inward force on the ridge. The ridge may be coupled to the first coupling mechanism only via the exerted force. The ridge may be coupled to the second coupling mechanism only via the exerted force. 
     The only direct point of contact between the top face of the storage frame and the insulated enclosure may be between the ridge and the first and second coupling mechanisms. Thus, the only stabilizing force exerted on the top portion of the storage frame may be the forces exerted on the ridge by the first and second coupling mechanisms. Other than the ridge, the top face of the storage frame may not be subject to any stabilizing forces. 
     The ridge may circumscribe a space. The space may be empty. 
     The first coupling mechanism may include a first wheel. The second coupling mechanism may include a second wheel. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the first and second wheels. The wheels may be disposed diametrically opposite each other relative to a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. 
     The second coupling mechanism may include a third wheel. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the third wheel. The first, second and third wheels may be spaced apart from one another along the ridge at about 120 degrees equal lengths of arc along the ridge. 
     The first coupling mechanism may include two or more wheels. The second coupling mechanism may include two or more wheels. The ridge may be slidingly engaged with the wheels included in the first and second coupling mechanisms. 
     The apparatus may include a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may be positioned underneath the storage cabinet. The apparatus may include a plate to couple the storage frame to the rotation mechanism. The apparatus may include any other suitable item to couple the storage frame to the rotation mechanism. 
     The housing may include a façade. The façade may include a customer interface and a vend depot for pick-up of a dispensed item. In operation, opening the façade may turn off the rotation mechanism. 
     The apparatus and methods may include apparatus for dispensing an item. The apparatus may include an elevator. The elevator may be configured to vertically translate adjacent a storage frame. The apparatus may include an insulated enclosure. The insulated enclosure may be disposed about the storage frame. The insulated enclosure may include a roll-up panel. The roll-up panel may include a panel traveling end that travels with the elevator. 
     The panel traveling end may be fixed at the elevator to the elevator. 
     The apparatus may include tensioning rigging. The tensioning rigging may be configured to maintain tension in the roll-up panel between a roll of the panel and the panel traveling end as the elevator translates. 
     The apparatus may include a roller. The roller may be configured to turn the roll. The rigging may include a cable. The cable may have a cable traveling end that travels with the panel traveling end. The cable may have a cable fixed end that is fixed at the roller. 
     The apparatus may include a rigging direction controller. The controller may be vertically fixed relative to a base of the storage frame. The controller may be vertically fixed at a position below the base of the storage frame. The controller may include a pulley that is configured to redirect the rigging. 
     The roll may be led to the roller in a first rotational direction around the roller. The rigging may be led to the roller in a second rotational direction around the roller. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. 
     Rotation of the roller may pay out one of the roll-up panel and the rigging. The rotation may take up the other one of the roll-up panel and the rigging. 
     The tensioning rigging may include a spring disposed in series with the roll-up panel. 
     The roller may include a cylindrical spool for rolling the roll. 
     A sum of a first length, of the panel, and a second length, of the rigging, may define a working length. The first length may extend along the panel between the roll and the panel traveling end. The second length may extend along the rigging between the rigging traveling end and the tapered spool. When the elevator translates from a parked position below the bottom platform of the storage frame to a service position at a top platform of the storage frame, the working length may exhibit a stretch. The stretch may be a stretch that is no more than 5%. Table 1 lists illustrative maximum stretches. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative maximum stretches. 
               
               
                 Illustrative maximum stretches 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                     5% 
               
               
                     4% 
               
               
                     3% 
               
               
                     2% 
               
               
                     1% 
               
               
                   0.5% 
               
               
                   0.4% 
               
               
                   0.3% 
               
               
                   0.2% 
               
               
                   0.1% 
               
               
                 &lt;0.1% 
               
               
                 Other suitable illustrative 
               
               
                 maximum stretches 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When the elevator translates from a parked position below the bottom platform of the storage frame to a carrier station. of the storage frame, the rigging may exhibit a change in tensile stress. The change may be a change that is no more than 5%. 
     Table 2 lists illustrative maximum changes. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative maximum changes. 
               
               
                 Illustrative maximum changes 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                     5% 
               
               
                     4% 
               
               
                     3% 
               
               
                     2% 
               
               
                     1% 
               
               
                   0.5% 
               
               
                   0.4% 
               
               
                   0.3% 
               
               
                   0.2% 
               
               
                   0.1% 
               
               
                 &lt;0.1% 
               
               
                 Other suitable illustrative 
               
               
                 maximum changes 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The roller may include a tapered spool. The tapered spool may be configured to receive the rigging. 
     The roller may define a rolling axis. The tapered spool may define a taper. The taper may be coaxial with, and rotationally fixed to, the rolling axis. 
     As the roller rolls, the roll may change in diameter. As the roller rolls, an active diameter of the tapered spool may change to maintain the working length. As the roller rolls, the active diameter of the tapered spool may change to maintain the tensile stress. 
     The tapered spool may define a helical groove that moves the active diameter along the tapered spool as the roller turns. 
     The enclosure may include a vertical track along a translation path of the elevator. The enclosure may include a vertical track alongside the translation path. The vertical track may guide an edge of the roll-up panel as the elevator translates. 
     The vertical track may be a first vertical track. The edge may be a first edge. The enclosure may include a second vertical track along the translation path of the elevator. The second vertical track may guide a second edge of the roll-up panel as the elevator translates. 
     The enclosure may define a vertically elongated opening. The translation of the elevator may cause the panel to change the size of the opening. 
     The storage frame may include a vertical linear array of stocking stations defined between adjacent platforms. A stocking station may include a receptacle station. The elevator may be configured to move the panel traveling end to expose a selected stocking station while covering stocking stations between the roll and the selected stocking station. 
     The elevator may be configured to move the panel traveling end to cover all of the stocking stations. 
     The roll-up panel may be a first roll-up panel. The apparatus may include a second roll-up panel. The second roll-up panel may extend away from the elevator in a direction away from the first roll-up panel. When the elevator translates, the first roll-up panel may cover stocking stations in a first direction away from the elevator. When the elevator translates, the second roll-up panel may cover stocking stations in a second direction away from the elevator. While the elevator is translating, the first and second roll-up panels may define a gap. The gap may translate with the elevator. The gap may be sized to provide access to a stocking station for service by the elevator. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for vending an item. The method may include gripping an item carrier supported by a storage frame. An inner shell of the item carrier may be gripped. The method may include extending the item carrier to uncover an orifice on a bottom of the carrier. The method may include releasing the item through the orifice onto an elevator platform. The inner shell of the item carrier may be extended. The outer shell of the item carrier may remain on the platform. 
     The gripping may include clamping a jaw onto the item carrier. The jaw may include parallel bars that are actuated to come together. A motor may be configured to drive the jaws together to cover a span of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 20 or more mm linear motion. The span may correspond to a few degrees of angular motion of the motor rotor relative to the motor stator. The motor may be a stepper motor. The motor may be used in a fully energized state. Pole rotation at higher or maximum angular velocity may provide maximum holding torque. The motor holding torque may be sufficient to maintain a grip on the carrier. The jaw may clamp on to the inner shell of the item carrier. The jaws may have opposing recesses or tapers to receive a flange on the carrier shell and hold onto it while drawing the carrier shell away from the storage frame. Table 3 lists illustrative gripping mechanisms 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative gripping mechanisms. 
               
               
                 Illustrative gripping mechanisms 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Mechanical jaw 
               
               
                 Magnetic attraction 
               
               
                 Toggled electromagnetic attraction 
               
               
                 Vacuum 
               
               
                 Other suitable gripping mechanisms 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The extending may include drawing the gripper away from the storage frame. The extending may include holding the item carrier with the storage frame. 
     The holding may include retaining a shell of the item carrier using the storage frame. The shell may be an outer shell. 
     The gripping may include seizing a shell of the item carrier. The shell may include an inner shell of the item carrier. 
     The method may include sensing a weight of the item on the platform. 
     The method may include, in response to the weight reaching a threshold weight, moving the gripper toward the platform to advance the inner shell toward the outer shell. The threshold weight may be a fraction of the item weight. 
     The method may include, after the releasing, contracting the item carrier. The contracting may include advancing the gripper toward the storage frame. The contracting may include advancing the inner shell into the outer shell, the outer shell being positioned on the platform. 
     The method may include, during vending, not removing the outer shell from the storage frame. 
     The contracting may include resisting the item carrier with the storage frame. The resisting may include detaining a shell of the item carrier using the storage frame. The resisting may include contacting the shell against an end of a channel defined by the storage frame. The resisting may include contacting the shell against an abutment disposed within a channel defined by the storage frame. The resisting may be applied to an outer shell. 
     The contracting may include covering an orifice. The orifice may be the orifice of the inner shell. The contracting may also include covering the orifice of the outer shell. 
     The method may include updating a status indicator on the storage frame in response to the releasing. 
     The method may include, in response to the weight reaching a threshold weight, positioning the platform adjacent a delivery port. The method may include moving the item off the platform through the port. The moving may include tilting the platform. The method may include directing the item down a chute. The chute may be integral to the delivery port. The chute may include a tortuous path such that the item can reach a vend depot adjacent a user access door, but a user cannot reach the top of the chute. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for vending an item. The method may include accepting in a storage frame an item carrier. The item carrier may have a wirelessly readable carrier data record. The carrier data record may be over-writable. The carrier data record may include information about the carrier. Table 4 lists illustrative information about the carrier. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative information about the carrier. 
               
               
                 Illustrative information about the carrier 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Height 
               
               
                 Width 
               
               
                 Length 
               
               
                 Volume 
               
               
                 Number of bays 
               
               
                 Unique carrier identification number 
               
               
                 Number of dispense events 
               
               
                 Other suitable information 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The carrier may bear an item. Table 5 lists illustrative categories of items. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative categories of items. 
               
               
                 Illustrative attributes 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Consumer goods 
               
               
                 Perishable items 
               
               
                 Pharmaceutical products 
               
               
                 Medical devices 
               
               
                 Medical device—pharmaceutical 
               
               
                 combinations 
               
               
                 Jewelry 
               
               
                 Weapons 
               
               
                 Currency 
               
               
                 Electronics 
               
               
                 Automobile keys 
               
               
                 Residential, commercial rental property keys 
               
               
                 Legal document pickup (deeds, titles, etc.) 
               
               
                 Objects of art 
               
               
                 Other suitable categories 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The method may include obtaining wirelessly the carrier data record at a receiver supported by a vending assembly that includes the storage frame. The receiver may be positioned on the elevator. The method may include, after dispensing the item, reaccepting in the storage frame the item carrier. The receiver may be in electronic communication with the vending assembly computing unit. The item carrier may be reaccepted when the item carrier is removed from the storage frame, loaded with a new product, and then returned to the storage frame. 
     After carriers are loaded onto the storage frame, the receiver may scan the carrier to identify which carriers are present in the frame, and in which receptacles the carriers are present. The receiver may systematically scan all the carriers in the storage frame. The receiver may scan only the carriers that were accessed since a previous scan. In the scan, the receiver may be held at a given level on the storage frame while the storage frame rotates to expose all of the carriers on a platform to the receiver. The receiver may translate vertically through one or more of the levels which the storage frame is still. The computing unit may then index the storage frame angularly to a next set of receptacles for scanning of corresponding carriers by the receiver. After the scanning, the computing unit may transmit to the remote server an inventory of carriers, a partial inventory of carriers, or an updated inventory of carriers. The remote server may provide inventory information to the user. The computing unit may be a computing unit that is not configured to provide the inventory information or item data records directly to the user. 
     Wireless data may be transmitted using hardware and protocols of one or more technologies such as RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Infrared, Wi-Fi, UHF, Zigbee or any other technology. 
     A service person may use a scanner to scan a wirelessly readable carrier data record. The data record may be a RFID tag or any other suitable data record described herein. The scanner may then display text such as ‘now load your product.’ The service person may then select an item and scan a wirelessly readable item data record. The data record may be a 1-D bar code, a 2-D barcode, or any other suitable data record. The service person may then place the item into the carrier. If the carrier has a partition, the scanner may then display text such as ‘now load a second product.’ If the carrier does not have a partition, the scanner may then display text such as ‘now select another carrier to load.’ 
     The item may bear a wirelessly readable item data record. The data record may be a 2-dimensional bar code, a 3-dimensional bar code, or any other suitable data record. Table 6 lists illustrative elements that may be present in an item data record. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative elements that may be present in an item data record. 
               
               
                 Illustrative elements 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Item type (e.g., hair brush, vaccine needle, raw meat) 
               
               
                 Item price 
               
               
                 Item weight 
               
               
                 Item price per unit weight 
               
               
                 Item length 
               
               
                 Item price per unit length 
               
               
                 Item size 
               
               
                 Item diameter 
               
               
                 Item volume 
               
               
                 Item dosage 
               
               
                 Item brand 
               
               
                 Item date 
               
               
                 Manufacture date 
               
               
                 Shipped from factory date 
               
               
                 Stocked on storage frame date 
               
               
                 Expiration date 
               
               
                 “Best if used by” date 
               
               
                 Illustrative elements 
               
               
                 Item country of origin 
               
               
                 Item value (for pre-paid items) 
               
               
                 Other suitable elements 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The vending assembly may be a vending assembly that is not configured to read the item data record. The vending assembly may rely entirely on a server that is remote from the vending machine to provide data other than data in the item carrier data record. The server may be in “the Cloud.” 
     The item may be a first item. In the reaccepting, the item carrier may bear a second item; and the wirelessly readable carrier data record may be changed. 
     The method may include providing the carrier data record to a remote server. “Server” may include a one server, two servers, or any number of servers. The method may include receiving, in response to the providing, the item data record. 
     The method may include storing the data record in machine-readable memory supported by the assembly. The accepting may include receiving the carrier through the first entryway. The method may include changing a status display adjacent the first entryway in response to a change inside the item carrier. Table 7 lists illustrative statuses that may be communicated by the display. The illustrative statuses may be status data. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative statuses. 
               
               
                 Illustrative statuses 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Empty 
               
               
                 Replace item carrier 
               
               
                 Salable stock 
               
               
                 Replace stock now 
               
               
                 Replace stock within n days (wherein n is a number) 
               
               
                 Recalled 
               
               
                 Remove for transfer to different vending assembly 
               
               
                 Other suitable statuses 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The change may correspond to placement of the first item in the item carrier. The change may correspond to removal of the first item in the item carrier. The change may correspond to a date of the first item. The change may correspond to surpassing of a limit by the date. 
     The dispensing may include dispensing the first item through the second entryway. 
     The method may include, between the accepting and the dispensing, shifting a receptacle of the frame from the first entryway to the second entryway. 
     The method may include receiving from the server the item data record of the item. 
     The method may include generating a signal, at the entryway, indicating performance of the accepting. 
     The method may include mapping the carrier data record to a location coordinate of the storage frame. 
     The method may include providing the carrier data record to a remote server. The method may include receiving, in response to the providing, the item data record. 
     The method may include logically merging the location coordinate and the item data record. “Logically merging” may include combining data into a combined record, adding data from one record to another record, establishing a link between the two records, or any other suitable logical merging. 
     The method may include storing the location coordinate and the item data record in machine-readable memory designated for the vending assembly. 
     The machine-readable memory may be local to the vending assembly. The machine-readable memory may be structurally attached at the vending assembly to the vending assembly. 
     The vending assembly may be one of a plurality of vending assemblies. The one vending assembly may store in memory a logical merging of the storage location and the item data record. Of the plurality of vending assemblies, the one vending assembly may be the only one that stores in local memory the merging of the storage location and the item data record. 
     The location coordinate may correspond to a height dimension of the frame. The location coordinate may correspond to an angular dimension of the frame. 
     The method may include updating a dispense counter in the item data record. 
     The method may include applying to the item the item data record. Table 8 lists illustrative technologies for applying the item data record to the item. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative technologies. 
               
               
                 Illustrative technologies 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Barcode (sticker) 
               
               
                 Barcode (print) 
               
               
                 2D barcode (sticker) 
               
               
                 2D barcode (print) 
               
               
                 Near field communication (“NFC”) chip 
               
               
                 Illustrative technologies 
               
               
                 Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) circuit 
               
               
                 Ultra-High Frequency communication 
               
               
                 Other suitable technologies 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The method may include logically merging the item data record with the carrier data record. The method may include transmitting, to the remote server from the vending assembly, a logical merging of the item data record and the carrier data record. 
     The method may omit recording the logical merging in machine-readable memory that is local to the vending assembly. 
     The method may include receiving, at the vending assembly, from the remote server, an instruction to dispense contents of the item carrier. The instruction may identify the item carrier. The instruction may be an instruction that does not identify the item. The instruction may be an instruction that does not include information that is present in the item data record of the item. 
     The method may include, based on the mapping, shifting the storage frame to align the item carrier with an item dispense station in the vending assembly. The method may include, based on the mapping, translating the elevator to align with the item carrier. 
     The method may include, based on one or more of the mapping, item weights and sensed mechanical parameters, shifting the storage frame and the elevator along paths that dispense one or more items in a desirable manner. The desirable manner may be an energy efficiency. The desirable manner may be an order fulfillment speed. 
     A processor onboard may use the mapping and item weights to calculate theoretical power requirements to angularly shift the storage frame to bring an item carrier to the elevator entryway. The processor onboard may use the mapping and item weights to calculate theoretical power requirements to vertically shift the elevator to the receptacle at which the item carrier is disposed. The processor onboard may be included in the vending assembly computing unit. 
     A processor onboard may use the mapping and item weights to calculate theoretical top speeds for angularly shifting the storage frame to bring an item carrier to the elevator entryway. The processor onboard may use the mapping and item weights to calculate theoretical top speeds to vertically shift the elevator to the receptacle at which the item carrier is disposed. 
     A sensor onboard the storage frame may sense electrical current required to angularly shift the storage frame to bring an item carrier to the elevator entryway. A sensor onboard the storage frame may sense electrical current required to vertically shift the elevator to the receptacle at which the item carrier is disposed. 
     A processor onboard the storage frame may select between a least cost path and a highest speed path. The selection may be made based on a time-between orders from users. When the time-between orders is low, demand may be high, so highest speed path may be selected to provide prompt customer service. 
     The desirable manners may be applied to a single order for one item. The processor may select a most efficient or a speediest delivery item location when more than one item satisfies the order and is in inventory. The desirable manners may be applied to an order for more than one item. The processor may select shifting paths is a most efficient or a speediest overall sequence between different locations of the items to fulfill the order. Paths to each item in the order may be selected similarly to when an order is placed for one item. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for vending an item. The methods may include ranking the item, relative to other items in a mapping of the storage frame, based on a dispense cost for the item. The dispense cost may be calculated based on an angular displacement from a current location of the item to dispensing entryway. The dispense cost may be calculated based on a distribution of item weights in the mapping, their moment, and angular speeds and accelerations associated with the paths. The dispense cost may be calculated based on a height displacement of the elevator from a current location of the elevator to the platform where the item is located. 
     The cost may be calculated as dispense time based on path length, frame velocity, and elevator velocity. 
     The method may include releasing the item from the container onto the elevator. The method may include sensing a weight of the item on the elevator. The method may include comparing the weight from the sensing to an item weight from the item data record. The weight may be received by the vending assembly computing unit from the remote data center. The weight may be stored at the vending assembly computing unit. The method may include, in response to the weight from the sensing reaching a threshold weight, moving the elevator to a dispense chute. 
     The threshold weight may be a fraction of the item weight. Table 9 lists illustrative fractions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative fractions 
               
               
                 Illustrative fractions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 0.1 
               
               
                 0.15 
               
               
                 0.2 
               
               
                 0.25 
               
               
                 0.3 
               
               
                 0.35 
               
               
                 0.4 
               
               
                 0.45 
               
               
                 0.5 
               
               
                 0.55 
               
               
                 0.6 
               
               
                 0.65 
               
               
                 0.7 
               
               
                 0.75 
               
               
                 0.8 
               
               
                 0.85 
               
               
                 0.9 
               
               
                 0.95 
               
               
                 0.96 
               
               
                 0.97 
               
               
                 0.98 
               
               
                 0.99 
               
               
                 1 
               
               
                 Other 
               
               
                 suitable 
               
               
                 fractions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The accepting may include guiding an extension of the item container using a channel defined by the frame. The extension may be a first extension. The channel may be a first channel. The accepting may include guiding a second extension of the item container using a second channel defined by the frame. 
     The method may include pressing the extension against a wall of the channel to retain the item carrier in the receptacle. 
     The accepting may include providing in the channel a detent to prevent the item carrier from entering a length of the channel. 
     The shifting may include rotating the frame about a vertical axis of the frame. The shifting may include retaining in fixed position relative to the vertical axis the first entryway. The shifting may include retaining in fixed position relative to the vertical axis the second entryway. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for vending an item. The method may include receiving at the remote server, from an item deployment process, an item data record and a corresponding item carrier data record. The item deployment process may include a manufacturing process. The item deployment process may include an item distribution process. The item deployment process may include scanning the item data record and the carrier data record with a mobile scanner. The item deployment process may include wirelessly transmitting the records from the scanner to the server. 
     The method may include receiving at the remote server, from the vending assembly, the carrier data record. The method may include transmitting, from the server to the vending assembly, the item data record. 
     The item data record may include an item weight. 
     The method may include receiving at the server, from a user, an order for an item. The method may include identifying at the server a candidate item carrier at the vending assembly that corresponds to the order. 
     The method may include, when the candidate item carrier is a first candidate item carrier, identifying at the server a second candidate item carrier that corresponds to the order. Each of the first and second candidate item carriers may include a respective item data record including an item date. The method may include selecting at the server from the first and second candidate item carriers one having the earliest item date of the carriers. The method may include transmitting from the server to the vending assembly an instruction to dispense content from the carrier having the earliest item date. 
     The instruction may be an instruction that does not include information from the item data record. 
     The method may include transmitting from the server to the vending assembly an instruction to dispense content from the item carrier. The instruction may be an instruction that does not include information from the item data record. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for vending the item. The method may include stocking at least two items. Each of the items may have a different value of a sale term. The sale term may include an item weight. Table 10 lists illustrative sale terms. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative sale terms. 
               
               
                 Illustrative sale terms 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Item type (e.g., hair brush, vaccine needle, raw meat) 
               
               
                 Item price 
               
               
                 Item weight 
               
               
                 Item price per unit weight 
               
               
                 Item length 
               
               
                 Illustrative sale terms 
               
               
                 Item price per unit length 
               
               
                 Item size 
               
               
                 Item diameter 
               
               
                 Item dosage 
               
               
                 Item brand 
               
               
                 Item date 
               
               
                 Manufacture date 
               
               
                 Shipped from factory date 
               
               
                 Stocked on storage frame date 
               
               
                 Expiration date 
               
               
                 “Best if used by” date 
               
               
                 Item country of origin 
               
               
                 Item volume 
               
               
                 Item value (for pre-paid items) 
               
               
                 Other suitable sale terms 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The items may be stocked, in a storage frame defining a two-dimensional orthogonal array of receptacles, along a dimension of the array. The method may include receiving an electronic order for a selected item of the items. The method may include converging an elevator with a receptacle corresponding to the item. 
     The stocking may be a stocking that does not include a precondition requiring that a receptacle be reserved for an item having a predetermined sale term value, provided that the receptacle be sized to accommodate the item. 
     The stocking may be a stocking that does not include a precondition requiring that a receptacle be reserved for an item having a predetermined sale term value range, provided that the receptacle be sized to accommodate the item. 
     The dimension may be a first dimension. The method may include stocking at least two items, each having a different value of a sale term, in the storage frame, along a second dimension of the array. 
     A dimension of the dimensions may be a circumferential dimension. A dimension of the dimensions may be an axial dimension. 
     The method may include deriving a sale term from a product of other sale terms. The derived sale term may include a product of item volume and item price per unit volume. The derived sale term may include a product of item length and item price per unit length. The derived sale term may include a product of item strength and item price per unit strength. 
     The apparatus and methods may include a method for distributing a fluid to the item carriers lodged in the storage frame defining an axial direction and a radial direction. Table 11 lists illustrative fluids. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative fluids. 
               
               
                 Illustrative fluids 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Air 
               
               
                 Water 
               
               
                 Nitrogen 
               
               
                 Oxygen 
               
               
                 Helium 
               
               
                 Other suitable illustrative fluids 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The method may include distributing the carriers outside of a conduit that circumscribes a vertical axis of the storage frame. The method may include flowing the fluid past the carriers and through the conduit. The fluid may flow through the passageway extending through the conduit along the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. The method may include adjusting a temperature of the fluid. The method may include returning the fluid to the carriers through a clearance space between the storage frame and an insulated enclosure enclosing the storage frame. 
     The flowing may include advecting the fluid in the axial direction through a tubular section of the conduit. The tubular section may extend along the passageway. The section may hold apart adjacent platforms between which item carriers are lodged. The advecting may be an advecting that does not include passing the fluid between an interior wall of the sections and an exterior surface of an axially disposed spindle around which the storage frame rotates. 
     The advecting may include passing the fluid between an interior wall of the sections and an exterior surface of an axially disposed spindle around with the storage frame rotates. 
     The section may be of a plurality of tubular sections of the conduit. Each section of the plurality may hold apart adjacent platforms between which carriers are lodged. The flowing may include advecting the fluid in the axial direction through all sections of the plurality. The advecting may be an advecting that does not include passing the fluid between an interior wall of the sections and an exterior surface of an axially disposed spindle around which the storage frame rotates. The advecting may include passing the fluid between an interior wall of the sections and an exterior surface of an axially disposed spindle around which the storage frame rotates. 
     Table 12 lists illustrative numbers of sections in the plurality. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative numbers of sections in the plurality. 
               
               
                 Illustrative numbers 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 2 
               
               
                 3 
               
               
                 4 
               
               
                 5 
               
               
                 6 
               
               
                 7 
               
               
                 8 
               
               
                 9 
               
               
                 10 
               
               
                 11 
               
               
                 12 
               
               
                 13 
               
               
                 14 
               
               
                 15 
               
               
                 16 
               
               
                 17 
               
               
                 18 
               
               
                 19 
               
               
                 20 
               
               
                 21 
               
               
                 22 
               
               
                 23 
               
               
                 24 
               
               
                 &gt;24 
               
               
                 Other 
               
               
                 suitable 
               
               
                 numbers 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The flowing may include passing the fluid through an aperture in a wall of the section. 
     The method may include regulating a rate of flow through the aperture by reducing a size of the aperture. The reducing may include shifting a tube that is concentric with the section and includes a fluid flow region and a fluid obstruction region corresponding to the aperture. The tube may function as a static damper. The fluid obstruction region may reduce a cross-sectional area of the aperture that is available to conduct the fluid. 
     The shift may include a rotational shift about the vertical axis. The tube may be internal the section. The tube may be external the section. 
     The method may include, using the tube, setting for each of the sections an area available to conduct fluid through an aperture in the section. 
     The setting may include establishing a sequence of the areas that increases from a first of the sections to a second of the sections. The setting may include establishing a sequence of the areas that increases monotonically from a first of the sections to a second of the sections. The first section may be a bottommost section of the plurality. The second section may be a topmost section of the plurality. The first section may be a topmost section of the plurality. The second section may be a bottommost section of the plurality. 
     The method may include rotating the conduit about the vertical axis. The rotating may turn the storage frame about the axis. The method may include, circulating the fluid with the item containers lodged in the frame by rotating the frame. 
     The method may include driving rotation of the storage frame adjacent a first vertical end of the storage frame. The method may include stabilizing the storage frame, at an outer perimeter of a vertically opposite end of the storage frame, against wobbling about the axis during the rotation. The stabilizing may include contacting a ridge positioned on top face of the storage frame against the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism. 
     The stabilizing may include providing radially inward force from the vending assembly against a ridge that runs along the outer perimeter. 
     The returning may include flowing the fluid from an end of the conduit and past the ridge. 
     The method may include flowing the fluid through a chiller. The chiller may include an evaporative coil. The method may include flowing the fluid through a heater. The method may include flowing the fluid through a dehumidifier. The method may include irradiating the fluid. The irradiating may be performed with an antibacterial wavelength of light. The fluid may flow through the plenum. The treatment of the fluid may occur within the plenum. 
     Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods in accordance with the principles of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that structural, functional and procedural modifications or omissions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Some embodiments may omit features shown and/or described in connection with the illustrative apparatus. Some embodiments may include features that are neither shown nor described in connection with the illustrative apparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may be combined. For example, one illustrative embodiment may include features shown in connection with another illustrative embodiment. 
     Embodiments may involve some or all of the features of the illustrative apparatus and/or some or all of the steps of the illustrative methods. 
       FIG. 1  shows illustrative arrangement  100  for vending an item such as item T to a user such as user U. Arrangement  100  may include plant  101 , distribution channel  103 , data record scanner  107 , item carrier  109 , vending assembly  105  and remote data center  111 . In  FIG. 1 , arrows indicate illustrative material transfer channels, and line segments indicate illustrative information transfer channels. 
     Vending assembly  105  may include the vending assembly computing unit. The vending assembly computing unit may include a processor with memory. The computing unit may store item carrier data, mapping data, temperature data read by the temperature probes, and any other data described herein as being generated locally within the vending assembly. The vending assembly computing unit may provide functionality to the kiosk customer interface positioned on the façade of the housing. 
     Plant  101 , distribution channel  103 , data record scanner  107 , vending assembly  105 , remote data center  111  and user U may be in communication with communication network N. Network N may include any wide area network, local area network, cell telephone network, radio frequency network, optical network or any other suitable wired or wireless network. 
     Plant  101  may include one or more plants. The plants may be collocated or distributed geographically. The plants may manufacture or prepare item I for distribution. Distribution channel  103  may include any suitable form of transportation. Distribution channel  103  may transport item Ito vending assembly  105 . Vending assembly  105  may be a vending assembly included in a plurality of vending assemblies. Some of the vending assemblies may be collocated. Some of the vending assemblies may be geographically distributed. Data record scanner  107  may read an item data record from item I and a carrier data record from an item carrier such as item carrier  109 , and transmit them to data center  111 . Item I may be placed in item carrier  109 . Item carrier  109  may then be loaded into vending assembly  105 . 
     User U may query inventory of the vending assemblies. User U may reserve, with data center  111 , item I in any one of the plurality of vending assemblies, for later pickup. User U may place an order with data center  111  for item I. User U may place the order via user U&#39;s communication device D. User U may place the order via a user interface at vending assembly  105 . If communication between vending assembly  105  and network N is unavailable, user U may place the order at vending assembly  105  with vending assembly  105 . 
     Data center  107  may include one or more servers. The servers may be collocated or distributed geographically. 
       FIG. 2  shows apparatus for vending an item. The apparatus may include vending assembly  200 . The apparatus may include housing  205 . Housing  205  may define the exterior of the apparatus. Storage cabinet  211  and access cabinet  213  may be positioned inside housing  205 . Housing  205  may surround storage cabinet  211  and access cabinet  213 . 
     Storage cabinet  211  may be temperature controlled. Air inside storage cabinet  211 , when it is temperature controlled, may be cool, frozen, warm, or hot. When storage cabinet  211  is temperature controlled, storage cabinet  211  may be referred to alternately herein as an ‘insulated enclosure.’ Storage cabinet  211  may not be temperature controlled. 
     Storage frame  203  may be positioned in storage cabinet  211 . Storage frame  203  may store item carriers. Each item carrier may store one or more items. 
     Housing  205  may include façade  201 . Façade  201  may couple to housing  205  to form part of housing  205 . Façade  201  may include branding that identifies a company whose items are stored in the housing. 
     The façade may include customer interface  207 . Customer interface  207  may interface with a customer and/or a customer&#39;s mobile device. Customer interface may be in communication with remote data center  111  via communication network N. The façade may include vend depot  209 . Vend depot  209  may receive an item dispensed from an item carrier stored in storage frame  203 . The dispensing of item I from an item carrier may include removing item I from within storage cabinet  203 , passing item I through access cabinet  213 , and dispensing item I into vend depot  209 . A customer may retrieve item I by lifting a door positioned on vend depot  209 . When item I is dispensed to the customer, the item carrier supporting item I in the storage frame may remain in the vending assembly. 
       FIG. 3  shows storage frame  301  positioned in storage cabinet  307 . Storage frame  301  is illustrated supporting multiple item carriers  305 . Each item carrier  305  may store one or more items. 
     Storage frame  301  may be mounted on rotation mechanism  313 . Rotation mechanism  313  may rotate storage frame  301  clockwise and counterclockwise. Angled legs  317  positioned adjacent rotation mechanism  313  may support the weight of storage frame. 
     Plenum  309  may be positioned above storage frame  301 . Plenum  309  may pull air up from a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis of storage frame  301 . Plenum  309  may include an evaporator coil. Plenum  309  may include a heating element. Plenum  309  may include a fan. The fan in the plenum may blow air down the exterior of storage frame  301  to a bottom of storage cabinet  307 . Plenum may pull air up along the passageway by creating a low-pressure environment within the passageway. The low-pressure environment may be created by blowing air out of the plenum. As air passes through the plenum, the plenum may change the temperature of the air. 
     A top face of storage frame  301  may include ridge  312 . Wheels  311  may engage ridge  321 . Wheels  311  may slidingly engage ridge  312 . Wheels  311  may define the second coupling mechanism. Wheels  311  may be fixed to the second elongated member (not shown). The second elongated member may extend between first side  323  of the storage cabinet and second side  325  of the storage cabinet. 
       FIG. 4  shows illustrative components  400  of a frame assembly. The frame assembly may be configured to rotate about longitudinal axis L SF . When the components of the frame assembly are assembled, they may define a passageway. The passageway may extend along longitudinal axis L SF . An inner face of conduits may define the passageway. An inner face of the conduits and an inner face of the platforms may define the passageway. An inner face of a platform may be defined by a central aperture, such as central aperture  411 . The passageway may be circumscribed by the assembled conduits and passageways. 
     Components  400  include first platform  401 . First platform  401  may be constructed from high density polyethylene or any other suitable material. First platform  401  includes channel  423 . Channel  423  extends between central aperture  411  and a perimeter of first platform  401 . First platform  401  may include a plurality of channels  423 . First platform  401  includes channel  425 . Channel  425  extends between central aperture  411  and a perimeter of first platform  401 . Channel  425  is shorter than channel  423 . First platform  401  may include a plurality of channels  425 . 
     Rotation about axis L SF  may move any one of channels  425  or  423  to a desired position. For example, rotation may align channel  423  with a gripper such that an inner shell of an item carrier seated in channel  423  may be moved to release item I contained within the inner shell. 
     First platform  401  includes depression  417 . Depression  417  may receive a dowel, such as dowel  415 . 
     Components  400  include conduit  407 . Conduit  407  may be constructed from commercial Schedule-40 PVC pipe or any other suitable schedule pipe or material. 
     Conduit  407  includes first aperture  413 . First aperture  413  may be aligned with central aperture  411  such that fluid carried by conduit  407  may flow through central aperture  411 . 
     A body of conduit  407  includes second aperture  413  and third aperture  414 . Conduit  407  may include any suitable number of apertures. Apertures in conduit  407  may facilitate circulation of a fluid, such as air, between components  400 . 
     Components  400  include second platform  403 . Second platform  403  includes groove  427 . Second end  416  of conduit  407  may mate with groove  427 . Conduit  407  includes cut out  418 . Cut out  418  may be configured to mate with a protrusion  3301  (shown in  FIG. 33 ) in second platform  403 . Mating of the protrusion and cut out  418  may prevent rotation of conduit  407  about longitudinal axis L SF  when second end  416  is positioned in groove  427 . Mating of the protrusion and cut out  418  may ensure proper placement and alignment of the platforms during assembly. 
     Components  400  include third platform  405 . Each of platforms  401 ,  403  and  405  may include one or more features shown in connection with one of platforms  401 ,  403  and/or  405 . For example, first platform  401 , second platform  403  and third platform  405  may each be identical. 
       FIG. 5  shows components  400  assembled in frame assembly  500 .  FIG. 5  shows platforms  401  and  403  spaced apart from each other by conduit  407 . Platforms  403  and  405  are spaced apart from each other by conduit  409 . 
       FIG. 5  also shows dowel  415  providing support to the spacing apart of platform  401  from platform  403 . 
       FIG. 5  also shows illustrative fluid flows  501  and  503 . Fluid flows  501  and  503  shows that fluid surrounding frame assembly  500  may be drawn into the conduits via the apertures in the conduits. Fluid surrounding frame assembly  500  may be drawn into the conduits by an axial fan that pulls fluid up through the passageway extending through an assembly of stacked conduits (e.g.,  506 ,  407  and  409 ). The passageway may extend through a center of the stacked conduits. 
     Conduits may include a shutter (not shown). The shutter may be constructed from PVC material. The shutter may change a size of apertures in each conduit. For example, shutters may adjust the size of apertures such that conduit  506  has the smallest size apertures and conduit  408  has the largest size apertures. The shutters may be passive shutters that are not adjustable. 
     Fluid flow  505  shows that fluid drawn into the conduits may flow through the platforms and out of a central aperture in top-most platform  510 .  FIG. 5  also shows ridge  512 . Ridge  512  may be used to support frame assembly  500  without obstructing fluid flow  505 . 
       FIG. 6  shows illustrative components  600  of a storage frame. Components  600  include bottom-most platform  609 . Components  600  include rods  605 ,  603  and  601 . Other embodiments may include one, two, four, five or any suitable number of rods. 
       FIG. 6  shows that first end of rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may be secured to plate  607 . Rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may extend through the conduits and between the platforms. Rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may extend through the passageway extending through, and circumscribed by, the conduits and the platforms. Rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may be any suitable length. An illustrative length may be five feet, five and a half feet, six-feet, six and a half feet, seven feet, or any other suitable length. Plate  607  may be braced by bottom-most platform  609 . A second end of rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may extend through central aperture  614  of top-most platform  410 . 
       FIG. 6  shows that a second end of rods  605 ,  603  and  601  may each include threaded segment  613 . Bracket  1101  (illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) may fit around central aperture  614  of top-most platform  510 . Bracket  1101  may include an opening for each of the ends of the rods. The bracket may not obstruct central aperture  614 . A nut (not shown) may be threaded onto each of threaded segments  613  until it abuts bracket  1101 . Two nuts may be used (see description of  FIG. 11  below). Tightening the nuts may apply tension to rods  605 ,  603  and  601  and compression to the platforms and conduits between top-most platform  510  and bottom-most platform  609 . Tightening the nuts may apply tension to rods  605 ,  603  and  601  and compression to the platforms and conduits between plate  607  and bracket  1101 . 
     The compression may maintain a shape of a storage frame, such as storage frame  500  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The compression may provide an axial force to prevent slippage and de-coupling of the components. The compression may secure a position of first platform  401 , conduit  407 , second platform  403 , conduit  409  and third platform  405  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A conduit may be constructed from Schedule-40 PVC pipe which provides strength that may withstand the axial compression due to the tensioning of rods  605 ,  603  and  601 . Schedule-40 PVC pipe may also be typically dimensionally controlled in the manufacturing process on the outside diameter. A mating feature, such as a groove, may be formed in a platform that allows off-the-shelf Schedule-40 PVC pipe to be cut to desired length. The cutting may be controlled such that the cuts in the Schedule-40 PVC pipe are substantially perpendicular to a length the piping. Such cuts may allow platforms and conduits to be stacked. Such cuts may allow compression to be applied in a direction substantially parallel to axis L SF  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). After tightening rods  605 ,  603  and  601 , stacked platforms and conduits may form a monolithic structure. 
     It is to be understood that although  FIG. 6  shows three rods  605 ,  603 ,  601 , a fourth rod may also be positioned on plate  607  such that each of the rods are circumferentially spaced about a midpoint of plate  607 . All features discussed above to three rods are applicable to embodiments with four, or more, rods as well. 
       FIG. 7  shows illustrative storage frame  700 . Storage frame  700  includes ridge  512 . Ridge  512  may act as a brace for controlling a position of the upper part of storage frame during rotation about axis L SF . Bottom platform  609  may be coupled to a drive mechanism that rotates storage frame  700 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , air or other fluid may flow through conduits (e.g.,  407  and  409 ) along axis L SF . Ridge  512  allows for bracing without obstructing fluid flow through the conduits. 
     As storage frame  700  rotates, ridge  512  provide a surface for bracing storage frame  700  and preventing wobbling or other imbalance due to a load carried by storage frame  700 . 
     Storage frame  700  also includes platforms  701 ,  703 ,  705  and  707 . Storage frame  700  includes conduits  709 ,  711 ,  713 ,  715  and  717  that space platforms apart from each other. Each of conduits  506 ,  709 ,  711 ,  713 ,  715  and  717  may include one or more features of conduit  407 . Collectively, conduits  506 ,  407 ,  409 ,  709 ,  711 ,  713 ,  715  and  717  may allow a fluid, such as air, to flow from bottom-most platform  609 , up a passageway extending along L SF , and out of a central aperture of platform  510 . A storage frame may include any suitable number of platforms and conduits. 
       FIG. 8  shows illustrative features of platform  401 . Platform  401  includes a plurality of channels  423 . Platform  401  includes a plurality of channels  425 . Features  800  show that platform  401  includes depressions  809  and  807  adjacent to channels  423 . Depressions  809  and  807  are configured to receive a rubber stopper. 
       FIG. 8  shows central aperture  411 . Central aperture  411  may allow fluid carried by a conduit to flow through platform  401 . Central aperture  411  may circumscribe the passageway. Platform  401  includes groove  811 . A tubular conduit, such as conduit  506  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) may fit into groove  811 . Platform  401  also includes mating feature  813 . A conduit may include a corresponding feature configured to fit into mating feature  813 . Mating feature  813  may be configured to prevent a conduit from rotating within groove  811 . Tensioning rods  601 ,  603  and  605  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) may apply compression that keeps a conduit in groove  811 . 
     Channels  423  include guide segments  801 . Guide segments  801  may include a mouth that is wider than a width of channels  423 . Guide segments  801  include an exit that is the same width as the width of channels  423 . Guide segments  801  also include a tapered section that transitions between the mouth and the exit. 
     Guide segments  801  may provide a wider opening to receive an extension of an item carrier. After the extension is inserted into the mouth, the tapered section may guide the extension through the exit and into a channel  423 . Channels  425  also include guide segments  803 . Guide segments  803  may include one or more features of guide segments  801 . 
     Platform  401  includes depressions  417 . Depressions  417  may be configured to receive a dowel, such as dowel  415  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Depressions  417  may provide a friction fit for dowel  415 . 
       FIG. 9  shows illustrative features  900  of face  902  of platform  401 .  FIG. 9  shows that channels  425  have length  903 .  FIG. 9  shows that channels  423  have length  901 . Length  901  may be greater than length  903 . Face  902  may be an upper face of platform  401 . 
       FIG. 10  shows illustrative features of face  1002  of platform  401 . Faces  902  and  1002  may be parallel to each other. A thickness of platform  401  may extend between faces  902  and  1002 . A vector normal to face  902  may point in an opposite (e.g., rotated 180°) direction to a vector normal to face  1002 .  FIG. 10  shows that face  1002  includes channels  1003 . Channels  1003  have length  903 . Face  1002  includes channels  1005 . Channels  1005  have length  901 . Face  1002  may be a lower face of platform  401 . 
     Channels  423  or  425  in face  902  may be configured to receive a first extension segment of an item carrier. The first extension segment may be positioned on a bottom of the item carrier. Channels  1003  or  1005  in face  1002  may be configured to receive a second extension segment of the item carrier. The second extension segment may be positioned on a top of the item carrier.  FIG. 10  shows that face  1002  may not include depressions  805 ,  807  or  809  for receiving rubber stoppers. 
       FIG. 10  also shows that channels  1005  include guide segments  1008 . Channels  1003  include guide segments  1009 . Guide segments  1008  and  1009  may include one or more features of guide segment  801 . For example, guide segments  1008  and  1009  may each include a mouth, exit and a tapered section. 
     Face  1002  also includes depressions  1007 . Depressions  1007  may be configured to receive a dowel, such as dowel  415  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Depressions  1007  may provide a friction fit for dowel  415 . 
     Face  1002  includes groove  1011 . A tubular conduit, such as conduit  407  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) may fit into groove  1011 . Face  1002  also includes mating feature  1010 . A conduit may include a corresponding feature configured to fit into mating feature  1010 . Mating feature  1010  may be configured to prevent a conduit from rotating within groove  1011 . Tensioning rods  601 ,  603  and  605  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) may apply compression that keeps a conduit in groove  1011 . 
       FIG. 11  shows illustrative top portion of platform  510 . Platform  510  may be a top-most platform of the illustrated storage frame. A top face of platform  510  may not include channels. A bottom face of platform  510  may include channels  1107  for receiving an outer extension of an item carrier supported by platform  401 . 
     Platform  510  may include ridge  512 . Ridge  512  may be positioned on platform  510 . Ridge  512  may be positioned on the top face of platform  510 . Ridge  512  may have height  1105 . Ridge  512  circumscribe area  1103  on platform  510 . Area  1103  may not be supported by any support mechanism in the vending assembly. Area  1103  may not be in direct physical contact with any apparatus included in the vending assembly. 
     Ring-shaped bracket  1101  may be positioned on the top face of platform  510 . Ring-shaped bracket  1101  may receive threaded-portions of rods (such as rods  601 ,  603  and  605  and, optionally, a fourth rod) that extend through the passageway. The threaded tips of the rods may pass through four holes defined by bracket  1101 . 
     A set of two nuts may be screwed onto the threaded tips of the four rods protruding above bracket  1101 . The first nut may be used to control the axial clamping force by being tightened to certain torque spec. The second nut may buck up the first nut up to stop it from loosening over time. The second nut may be a jam nut. 
     Ring-shaped bracket  1101  may be a clamping plate. Plate  607  may also be a clamping plate. During assembly, force may be applied between ring-shaped bracket  1101  and plate  607 , for example, by screwing a nut into each of the tips of threaded rods extending through the conduits of the storage frame (such as rods  601 ,  603  and  605 ). This clamping force may supply each platform with sufficient friction to provide angular alignment of the platforms and the conduits and to withstand slippage of the platforms and the conduits away from the longitudinal axis of the storage frame. 
     The apparatus may include a fourth threaded rod. The fourth threaded rod may be spaced circumferentially apart from each other about a midpoint of plate  607 . The fourth threaded rod may extend through the passageway. 
       FIG. 12  shows illustrative choke tube  1200 . Choke tube  1200  may be disposed inside a passageway extending through conduits  1205  (e.g. conduits  506 ,  407  and  409 ). Choke tube  1200  may be rotatable about axis L SF  inside the conduits. The passageway may run inside choke tube  1200 . Choke tube  1200  may include fluid flow region  1201 . Choke tube  1200  may include fluid obstruction region  1203 . Positions of apertures are shown in broken line. Positions of occluded regions of the apertures are shown in solid black to signify occlusion by obstruction region  1203 . Positions of open regions of the apertures are shown in white to signify openness for flow. Edge  1207  of fluid flow region  1201  is shown on a (cylindrical) slant relative to axis L. The slant may establish a flow distribution among the apertures. Apertures further away from the fan positioned in the plenum may be provided with more open area to balance against drag from structures along the flow path, which is longer than the path to the apertures closer to the fan. 
     Fluid flow region  1201  may have parallel edges instead of a slanted edge. 
     Choke  1200  may be segmented into separate bands. Each band may correspond to a conduit (e.g.,  506 ,  407 , and  409 ). Each band may correspond to a section of a conduit. 
     A conduit (e.g.,  506 ,  407 , and  409 ) may include more than one aperture (see, for example, apertures  413  and  411  of conduit  407 ). A choke may include a fluid flow region for each of the apertures. A choke may include a fluid obstruction region for each of the apertures. 
     A “hollow” conduit may include a choke. 
       FIG. 13  shows storage cabinet  1323 . Storage cabinet  1323  may be positioned in housing  1319 . Storage cabinet may surround storage frame  611 . Storage frame  611  may support a plurality of item carriers  1301 . 
     Partition  1317  may extend across housing  1319  to separate storage cabinet  1323  from access cabinet (not shown). Partition  1317  may define partition first face  1331  and partition second face  1333 . Partition first face  1331  may be positioned in the access cabinet. Partition second face  1333  may be positioned in the storage cabinet. Thickness  1329  may extend between partition first face  1331  and partition second face  1333 . 
     Storage frame  611  may be positioned in storage cabinet  1323 . A top face  1327  of storage frame  611  may include ridge  701 . Ridge  701  may be slidingly and removably coupled to the first coupling mechanism and the second coupling mechanism. 
     Elongated member  1309  may extend between first side  1321  of storage cabinet  1323  and second side  1303  of storage cabinet  1323 . First side  1321  may be opposite second side  1303 . Elongated member  1309  may include a coupling mechanism for supporting top face  1327  of storage frame  611 . The coupling mechanism may be wheels  1311  and  1313 . Wheels  1311  and  1311  may be slidingly engaged with ridge  701  and provide to ridge  701  an inward radial force to support storage frame  611 . 
     Elongated member  1305  may extend between first side  1321  of storage cabinet  1323  and second side  1303  of storage cabinet  1323 . Elongated member  1305  may include a coupling mechanism for supporting top face  1327  of storage frame  611 . The coupling mechanism may be wheel  1307 . Member  1315  may be removably coupled to elongated member  1305 . Member  1315  may support wheel  1307 . Wheel  13071  may be slidingly engaged with ridge  701  and provide to ridge  701  an inward radial force to support storage frame  611 . 
     Plenum  1325  may be positioned above storage cabinet  1323 . A bottom of plenum  1325  may be spaced apart from top face  1327  of storage cabinet  1323 . A bottom of plenum  1325  may not be in direct physical contact with top face  1327 . An empty space may extend between bottom of plenum  1325  and top face  1327  of storage frame  611 . 
     A bottom of plenum  1325  may be coupled to top face  1327  via a bearing collar. 
     Plenum  1325  may circulate a fluid, such as air, in storage cabinet  1323 . Plenum  1325  may regulate the temperature of the air in storage cabinet  1323 , as described herein. 
       FIG. 14  shows a different view of apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14  shows storage cabinet  1323  with side  1303  not shown. In  FIG. 14 , rails  1405  and  1407  are illustrated. Rails  1405  and  1407  may be structural mounting surfaces for  1309  and  1305 . 
     A thermal standoff area may exist between the roof of the insulated enclosure and a roof of the housing. A top of the plenum may be connected to the roof of the insulated enclosure by mounting blocks that extend through the thermal standoff area and are bolted into the roof of the insulated enclosure. 
     The bottom of plenum  1325  may not be in direct contact with top face  1327  of storage cabinet  1323 . A bottom face of plenum  1325  may include a fixed conduit (see, for example,  FIG. 58A  below). The fixed conduit may be a rotary coupling conduit. The fixed conduit may be circular, or any other suitable shape. The fixed conduit may be fixed in space and may not move. 
     The top face of  1327  may include a rotating conduit. The rotating conduit may rotate together with storage frame  611 . The rotating conduit may be circular, or any other suitable shape. The fixed conduit may not be in direct contact with the rotating conduit. A tortuous pathway may extend between the fixed and rotating conduits. The tortuous pathway may create a fluid seal path by limiting or preventing air from being sucked in from a perimeter of the top face of storage cabinet  1323  towards plenum  1325 . Concentric positioning of the fixed and rotating conduits may provide a non-contact configuration, with no weight-bearing properties, low rotational friction, and a highly flow restrictive boundary for air-flow leakage through the rotary conduit boundary walls. This configuration may force a preferred ducting path from the fan inlet to the rotating storage frame. 
     Bearings may be positioned between the rotating conduit and the fixed conduit. 
     The space between the rotating conduit and the fixed conduit may be empty. 
     The bottom of the plenum may include a second fixed conduit (see  FIG. 58A ). 
       FIG. 15  shows illustrative segment  1500  of a storage frame. Segment  1500  includes platform  401 . Conduit  407  is positioned in groove  1011  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Conduit  407  spaces platform  401  apart from platform  403 . Conduit  407  may be positioned in a groove in platform  403 . The groove may include one or more features of groove  811  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) 
       FIG. 15  shows dowels  1501  positioned in depressions  417 . Dowels  1501  include end  1503 . End  1503  includes a first section that is configured to fit into a depression in platform  510 . Dowel  1501  includes shaft segment  1505 . Shaft segment  1505  may have a greater diameter than a diameter of a depression in platform  510 . Shaft segment  1505  may not fit into the depression and thereby support platform  510 . 
     In some embodiments, platform  510  may include an aperture for receiving end  1503 . Shaft segment  1505  may not fit through the aperture and thereby support platform  510 . In some embodiments, end  1503  may protrude through an aperture in platform  510 . A nut may be affixed to the protruding end  1503 . The nut may fix dowel  1501  to platform  510 . 
       FIG. 15  also shows rubber stopper  1510  positioned in one of depressions  809 .  FIG. 15  shows that depressions  1508  do not include a rubber stopper.  FIG. 15  shows that depressions  805  include rubber stoppers  1506 . 
     An item carrier may be inserted into a channel. Without rubber stoppers  1510  and  1506 , there would be nothing to prevent the item carrier from sliding out of the channel (e.g., via guide segments  801  or  803 ) when the storage frame rotates about axis LSF. Rubber stoppers  1510  may protrude into channels  423  and interfere with an extension of an item carrier when the extension is inserted into channels  423 . Rubber stoppers  1506  may protrude into channels  425  to interfere directly with the item carrier when it is inserted into channels  425 . Rubber stoppers  1510  and  1506  may be polyurethane tubbing, hard rubber or any other suitable material. 
     When an extension of the item carrier meets rubber stoppers  1510  or  1506 , the rubber stoppers push the extension of the item carrier to one side of channel  423  or  425 . By pushing the extension to one side of a channel, the rubber stopper provides friction that keeps the item carrier in place while the storage frame rotates. The amount of interference and associated friction needed may depend on one or more of a maximum rotational speed of the storage frame, estimated mass of the item carrier and the item it contains. 
       FIG. 16  shows illustrative view  1600  of bottom-most platform  609 . View  1600  shows that a face of platform  609  may not include channels. View  1600  shows that platform  609  may include brace plate  607 . Brace plate  607  may be fixed to platform  609  via three bolts, or any other suitable number of bolts. The bolts may pass through platform  609 , through plate  607 , and into the drive mechanism. 
     Plate  607  may be secured to rods  601 ,  603  and  605  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Rods  601 ,  603  and  605  may extend through the passageway circumscribed by the multiple platforms and conduits. Ends  613  of rods  601 ,  603  and  605  may be secured to bracket  1101  braced by a top-most platform  510  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
     Rods  601 ,  603  and  605  may be tensioned (e.g., by screwing nuts on ends  613 ). Top-most platform  510  may brace bracket  1101 . View  1600  shows that bottom-most platform  609  may brace the plate. By tensioning the rods and bracing the bracket and plate, the multiple platforms and conduits may be held in compression. The compression may hold the multiple platforms and conduits together a unified structure. 
       FIG. 17  shows an illustrative segment  1700  of a storage frame loaded with item carriers.  FIG. 17  shows item carriers  1701  positioned in channels  1707  of platform  401 .  FIG. 17  shows item carriers  1703  positioned in channels  1705  of platform  403 . 
       FIG. 18  shows illustrative outer shell  1800  of an item carrier. Outer shell  1800  includes housing  1801 . Housing  1801  may be constructed from flexible plastic. Housing  1801  includes ribs  1809 . Ribs  1809  may provide stiffness to housing  1801 . Housing  1801  defines outer orifice  1807 . Outer orifice  1807  may be configured to receive an inner shell. Outer shell  1800  defines orifice plane  1802 . 
     Outer shell  1800  includes extension segment  1803 . Extension segment  1803  may be configured to fit into a channel in a platform. Extension segment  1803  may fit into a channel in a first platform. Outer shell  1800  includes extension segment  1805 . Extensions segment  1805  may be configured to fit into a channel in a platform. Extension segment  1805  may fit into a channel in a second platform. The first platform may be spaced apart from the second platform by a conduit. The channel of the first platform and the channel of the second platform may form a receptacle. Extension segments  1803  and  1805  may fit into a receptacle. Outer shell  1800  includes channel  1811 . Channel  1811  may be configured to receive an extension segment of an inner shell. Channel  1811  may include mouth  1817  for receiving the extension segment of the inner shell. Mouth  1817  may be wider than channel  1811 . 
     Outer shell  1800  includes location  1813 . Location  1813  may be configured to display branding information associated with items contained in an item carrier. 
     Outer shell  1800  includes depression  1805 . Depression  1805  may form a protrusion inside outer shell  1800 . The protrusion formed by depression  1805  may be configured to mate with a corresponding depression of an inner shell, when the inner shell is nested within outer shell  1800 . Mating of protrusion formed by depression  1805  and the corresponding depression of the inner shell may retain the inner shell within outer shell  1800 . 
       FIG. 19  shows view  1900  of outer shell  1800 . View  1900  shows channel  1903 . Channel  1903  may be configured to receive an extension segment of an inner shell. View  1900  shows that outer shell  1800  includes extension segment  1901 . Extension segment  1901  may bridge between extension segments  1803  and  1805 . Extension segment  1901  may provide support (e.g., stiffness or rigidity) to extension segments  1803  and  1805 . 
     Extension segment  1803  may be a top extension segment of outer shell  1800 . Extension segment  1805  may be a bottom extension segment of outer shell  1800 . Extension segment  1901  may be a side extension segment of outer shell  1800 . Extension segment  1901  may extend between extension segments  1803  and  1805 . 
       FIG. 20  shows view  2000  of outer shell  1800 . View  2000  shows inside  2001  of channel  1811 . 
       FIG. 21  shows illustrative view  2100  of an interior of outer shell  1800 . View  2100  shows protrusion  2101 . Protrusion  2101  extends into an interior of outer shell  1800 . Protrusion corresponds to what would be a depression, such as depression  1815 , when viewed from an interior of outer shell  1800 .  FIG. 21  shows inside  2103  of channel  1903 . Inside  2103  may be configured to receive an extension segment of an inner shell. 
       FIG. 22  shows another view  2200  of an interior of outer shell  1800 . View  2200  shows first protrusion  2101 . View  2200  shows second protrusion  2201 . Protrusion  2201 , when viewed from an outside of housing  1801 , corresponds to depression  1815 . 
       FIG. 22  shows that housing  1801  includes walls  2209 ,  2203 ,  2205  and  2207 . Walls  2209  and  2203 , in a default position may be parallel to each other. Walls  2209  and  2203 , in a default position may be substantially parallel to each other. Walls  2209  and  2203  may be flexible. Walls  2203  and  2209  may flex such that they are spaced further apart from each other. Walls  2203  and  2209  may flex such that at least one point along height h 0  is wider than width w 0 . Walls  2203  and  2209  may flex such that at least one point along height h is narrower than width w 0 . 
       FIG. 23  shows illustrative inner shell  2300 . Inner shell  2300  may contain item I offered for sale in a vending assembly. Inner shell  2300  includes wall  2301 . Inner shell  2300  includes depression  2307 . Depression  2307  may be configured to receive a protrusion, such as protrusion  2101  or  2201  of outer shell  1800 . When inner shell  2300  is nested within outer shell  1800 , depression  2307  may receive protrusion  2201 . When depression  2307  is mated protrusion  2201 , additional force may be required to separate protrusion  2201  from depression  2307 . Mating depression  2307  with protrusion  2201  may prevent unintentional separation of inner shell  2300  from outer shell  1800 . 
     Inner shell includes extension segment  2303 . Extension  2303  may be configured to fit into channel  1811  of outer shell  1800 . Inner shell includes extension segment  2305 . Extension segment  2305  may be configured to fit into channel  1903  of outer shell  1800 . Extension segments  2305  and  2303  may maintain a position of inner shell  2300  when nested within outer shell  1800 . 
     Inner shell  2300  includes extension segment  2315 . Extension segment  2315  may be used by the grabber to grab onto inner shell  2300  when separating a nested inner shell  2300  from outer shell  1800 . The grabber may grab onto any location located along extension segment  2315 . Extension segment  2315  may include an additional protrusion located at a middle portion of extension segment  2315 . The grabber may brag onto the additional protrusion located at the middle portion of the extension segment  2315 . 
     Inner shell  2300  includes wall  2313 . Wall  2313  includes protruding and recessed surfaces. An RFID tag may be inserted within one or more of the protruding surfaces. The RFID tag may be read by reader positioned outside wall  2301 . 
     Inner shell  2300  includes ribs  2309 . Ribs  2309  protrude into an interior of inner shell  2300 . Wall  2301  may be constructed from a flexible material, such as plastic. Flexibility of wall  2301  may allow inner shell  2300  to contain items larger than a default width w 1  of inner shell  2300 . Ribs  2309  may extend along a height h 1  of inner shell  2300 . Ribs  2309  may provide strength to wall  2301 . 
     Ribs  2309  may provide a channel for air to escape if items contained within inner shell  2300  take up the entire space within inner shell  2300 . Ribs  2309  may prevent the creation of a vacuum within inner shell  2300 . A vacuum may prevent item I from being removed from within inner shell  2300 . Ribs  2309  may also break up the otherwise flat surface on an interior of wall  2301 . Ribs  2309  may prevent a flat or smooth surface of item I from sticking to an interior of wall  2301  when the item is damp or wet. 
     Inner shell  2300  includes rib pair  2311 . Rib pair  2311  provides a channel, inside wall  2301  for holding a divider. The divider splits and interior of inner shell  2300  into two chambers. In some embodiments, an inner shell may include two or more dividers. A different item may be contained in each chamber. Release of item I stored in a particular chamber may be controlled by controlling how far a nested inner shell  2300  is pulled apart from outer shell  1800 . 
       FIG. 24  shows illustrative view  2400  of inner shell  2300 . View  2400  also shows that wall  2313  includes extensions  2403  and  2401  that extend beyond a height of wall  2301 . Extensions  2403  and  2401  may be configured to touch walls  2207  and  2205  of outer shell  1800 . Wall  2313  may also include extensions configured to touch walls  2203  and  2209  of outer shell  1800 . When extensions of wall  2313  touch walls  2207 ,  2205 ,  2203  and  2209  of outer shell  1800 , inner shell  2300  may be fully seated within outer shell  1800 . 
       FIG. 25  shows illustrative view  2500  of inner shell  2300 . View shows inner orifice plane  2502 . Inner orifice plane  2502  is defined by walls that define orifice  2503  and orifice  2505 . Inner orifice plane  2502  is configured to be oriented perpendicular to outer orifice plane  1802  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) when inner shell  2300  is nested within outer shell  1800 . 
     View  2500  shows divider  2501  positioned within rib pair  2311 . Divider  2501  separates orifice  2503  from orifice  2505 . Divider  2501  may create two distinct holding chambers within inner shell  2300 . 
       FIG. 26  shows illustrative view  2600 . View  2600  shows a data record  2603  positioned underneath a first protruding surface of wall  2313 . View  2600  shows data record  2601  positioned underneath a second protruding surface of wall  2313 . Data records  2601  and  2603  may be RFID tags. Data records  2601  and  2603  may be any suitable data records described herein. 
     An inner shell may include one data records  2603  and  2601 . An inner shell may include both of data records  2603  and  2601 . Data records  2603  and  2601  may be the same. Data records  2603  and  2601  may be different. 
     View  2600  shows extension segment  2315  positioned along a center line of inner shell  2300 . Extension segment  2315  may be referred to as a front extension segment. 
     Each inner shell may include a front extension segment positioned along the inner shell&#39;s center line. Uniform positioning of the front extension segments on different sized item carriers may allow the gripper to be configured to grasp each item carrier&#39;s front extension segment at the same position despite variations in item carrier depth and/or width (see, for example,  FIGS. 33-37 ). Uniform positioning of the front extension segments on different sized carriers may result in constant alignment between receptacles defined by the platforms and item carrier&#39;s front extension segments, despite variations in item carrier depth and/or width (see, for example,  FIGS. 33-37 ). 
       FIG. 27  shows illustrative view  2700  of inner shell  2300 . View  2700  shows rib pair  2311  protruding into an interior of inner shell  2300 . View  2700  shows rib pair  2311  holding divider  2501  in position between first orifice  2503  and second orifice  2505 . 
     View  2700  shows ribs  2309  protruding ( 2709 ) into an interior of inner shell  2300 . View  2700  shows extensions  2711  and  2713  of wall  2314 . Extensions  2711  and  2713  may be configured to touch walls  2203  and  2209  of outer shell  1800  when inner shell  2300  is fully nested within outer shell  1800 . 
     View  2700  shows default width w 1  of inner shell  2300 . Default width w 1  may increase or decrease due to a flexibility of walls  2301  and  2715 . Default width w 1  may increase when walls  2301  and  2715  are flexible and an item I is positioned inside inner shell  2300  having a width greater than default width 
     View  2700  shows tapered segments  2703  and  2701 . After a nested inner carrier  2300  is pulled all the way out of outer shell  1800  for dispensing of an item I retained in inner carrier  2300 , inner shell  2300  may need to be reinserted into outer shell  1800 . Tapered segments  2701  and  2703  act as a rough alignment guide for inserting inner carrier  2300  into outer shell  1800  after being completely removed. Inner carrier  2300  includes extension segment  2305  that is configured to fit into channel  1903  of outer shell  1800 . Mating of extension segment  2305  and channel  1903  may secure inner shell  2300  when it is nested within outer shell  1800 . 
       FIG. 28  shows illustrative item carrier  2800 . Item carrier  2800  may include inner shell  2300  fully nested within outer shell  1800 . Together inner shell  2300  and outer shell  1800  may be referred to as an item carrier. The item carrier shown has a length L 1 . 
       FIG. 29  shows view  2900  of the item carrier shown in  FIG. 28  without wall  2313  of inner shell  2300 . View  2900  shows that wall  2205  of outer shell  1800  provides a floor for the chambers within inner shell  2300  accessible via orifices  2503  and  2505 . 
       FIG. 29  also shows that inner shell  2300  may be dimensioned to nest snugly within outer shell  1800 . For example, N 1  and N 2  show that in a nested configuration, outer shell side wall  2203  may positioned closely to, or touching, inner shell side wall  2715 . 
       FIG. 30  shows view  3000  of the item carrier shown in  FIG. 28  without wall  2205  of outer shell  1800 . View  3000  shows that outer shell  1800  includes tapered segments  3001  and  3003  that form a stop for tapered segments  2701  and  2703  of inner shell  2300 . View  3000  also shows extension segment  2305  of inner shell  2300  seated in channel  1903  of outer shell  1800 . View  3000  shows a mating of  2101  and  2707  that retains inner shell  2300  and outer shell  1800  in a nested configuration. 
       FIG. 30  also shows that when inner shell  2300  is nested within outer shell  1800 , ribs  2309  may leave air gaps between inner shell  2300  and outer shell  1800 . Ribs  2309  may also create air gaps between inner shell  2300  and outer shell  1800 . Ribs  2309  may protrude into an interior of inner shell  2300  and space any items contained within inner shell  2300  apart from side walls  2715  and  2301 . 
       FIG. 31  shows illustrative item carrier  3100 . Item carrier  3100  may include one or more features of the item carrier shows in  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 31  shows that item carrier  3100  has length L 2 . Length L 2  may be shorter than length L 1  (shown in  FIG. 28 ). Item carrier  2800  may be configured to be positioned in channel  423  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) having length  901  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Item carrier  3100  may be configured to be positioned in channel  425  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) having length  903  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). 
       FIG. 32  shows view  3200  of inner shell  3103  of item carrier  3100  being partially separated from outer shell  3101  of item carrier  3100 . The partial separation exposes orifice  3201  and a storage chambers of item carrier  3100  for holding an item. In some embodiments, item carrier  3100  may only have one chamber. In some embodiments, item carrier  3100  may include dividers for creating two or more storage chambers within item carrier  3100 . 
       FIG. 33  shows an exemplary arrangement  3300  of item carriers  3100  and  2800  on platform  401 . In arrangement  3300 , all channels on platform  401  are filled with outer extensions of item carriers. All short channels are filled with outer extensions of item carriers  3100 . All longer channels are filled with outer extensions of item carriers  2800 . 
     Conduit  407  may include protrusion  3301 . Protrusion  3301  may be pressed into a slot on a platform during fabrication. Protrusion  3301  may be permanently affixed to the platform on the top of the platform. A second protrusion may be fixed to a bottom of the platform (not shown). Protrusion  3301  may be positioned directly above the second protrusion along a height of the conduit. During assembly, protrusion  3301  may provide “keying” for the conduits (e.g., conduit  407 ) which has cut outs (e.g., cut out  418 ). This may ensure that conduit  407  can only be installed onto platforms in one orientation. When a subsequent platform is placed on top of conduit  407 , this subsequent platform can only be installed in the same orientation as the previous platform. Usage of protrusions such as  3301  may thus allow control of the radial position of each shelf so they all match up and are consistent along a height of the storage frame. Consistency between the platforms may result in the radial positions of channels on one platform aligning with the radial positions of channels on the other platforms. 
       FIG. 34  shows an exemplary arrangement of item carriers on a platform. In  FIG. 34 , all available channels are filled with item carriers  3401 . An exemplary platform may include  26  channels to support  26  item carriers  3401 . Exemplary platforms may include any other suitable numbers of channels. Item carrier  3401  may be item carrier  3100 . Item carrier  3401  may have one or more features in common with item carrier  3100 . 
       FIG. 35  shows another exemplary arrangement of item carriers on a platform. In  FIG. 35 , all available channels are filled with item carriers. In  FIG. 35 , channels are supported by equal numbers of item carriers  3501  and item carriers  3503 . Each item carrier  3501  is positioned between two item carriers  3503 . Each item carrier  3503  is positioned between two item carriers  3501 . An exemplary platform may include  26  channels to support  13  item carriers  3501  and  13  item carriers  3503 . Exemplary platforms may include any other suitable numbers of channels. 
     Item carrier  3501  may be item carrier  3100 . Item carrier  3501  may have one or more features in common with item carrier  3100 . Item carrier  3503  may be item carrier  2800 . Item carrier  3503  may have one or more features in common with item carrier  2800 . 
       FIG. 36  shows another exemplary arrangement of item carriers on a platform. In  FIG. 36 , some of the channels are filled. Channels that are not filled are covered by a wide bottom of wide item carrier  3605 . In  FIG. 36 , channels are filled with item carriers  3601 ,  3603  and  3605 . Each of item carriers  3601 ,  3603  and  3605  have different dimensions. The different dimensions of the item carriers may be used to accept different sized items. 
     The platform for supporting the item carriers illustrated in  FIG. 36  may include  26  channels. The platform may include any other suitable number of channels. As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , wide and short carriers  3605  may positioned about a center of the platform such that their weight is radially distributed as evenly as possible about the center of the platform. 
       FIG. 37  shows another exemplary arrangement of item carriers on a platform. In  FIG. 37 , some of the channels are filled. Some of the channels are covered by a wide bottom of wide item carrier  3701 . In  FIG. 37 , channels are filled with item carriers  3701 ,  3703  and  3705 . Each of item carriers  3701 ,  3703  and  3705  have different dimensions. The different dimensions of the item carriers may be used to accept different sized items. 
     The platform for supporting the item carriers illustrated in  FIG. 37  may include  26  channels. The platform may include any other suitable number of channels. As illustrated in  FIG. 37 , wide and long item carriers  3705  may positioned about a center of the platform such that their weight is radially distributed as evenly as possible about the center of the platform. 
       FIG. 38  shows illustrative apparatus  3800 . Apparatus  3800  includes stoppers  3801 . Stoppers  3801  have been inserted into channels  423  in platform  401 . Stoppers  3801  shorten channels  423  such that they have a shorter length  903  of channels  425 . Stoppers  3801  fill a segment of channels  423  such that an extension of an item carrier cannot be inserted further into channel  423 . 
       FIG. 39  shows shortening member  3900 . Shortening member  3900  has an aperture  3903  that slips over a conduit, such as conduit  407 . When shortening member  3900  may be positioned on face  902  of platform  401 . When shortening member  3900  lies on face  902 , edge  3901  may stop an extension of an item carrier from being inserted further into channel  423 . Length L 3  may be uniform around a circumference of shortening member  3900 . Length L 3  may be varied to provide different shortening distances for different channels  423  on face  902 . A single shortening member  3900  may include varying lengths L 3  about a perimeter of shortening member  3900 . 
       FIG. 40  shows illustrative façade  4000 . Façade  4000  may couple to the housing to form part of the housing. Façade  4000  may include branding positioned anywhere on façade  4000 . An exemplary position for branding may be top portion  4009  of façade. The branding may include any suitable information, such as information identifying a company whose items are stored within the housing. 
     Façade  4000  may include customer interface  4001 . Customer interface  4001  may interface with a customer and/or a customer&#39;s mobile device. Customer interface  4001  may be in communication with remote data center  111  and the vending assembly computing unit. Façade  4000  may include payment processing device and/or card reader  4007  and keypad  4005 . Façade  4000  may include vend depot  4003 . Vend depot  4003  may receive an item dispensed from the storage frame. The dispensing of an item from an item carrier may include removing the item from the storage cabinet, passing the item through the access cabinet, and dispensing the item into vend depot  4003 . A customer may retrieve the item by lifting a door positioned on the vend depot. 
     Façade  4000  may include retractable bag hooks  4011 . A customer may use one or more retractable bag hooks  4011  to hold their bags as they load their items into the bags.  FIG. 41  shows a different view of façade  4000  illustrated in  FIG. 40 . Sides of the housing may fit into corners  4101  of façade  4000 . Façade may include barcode scanner  4109  for reading coupons and ID barcodes displayed on mobile devices. Barcode scanner  4109  may support scanning of 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional barcodes. 
     Vend depot  4003  may include opening  4103 . Opening  4103  may pass between the access cabinet and vend depot  4003 . Opening  4103  may allow for a dispensed item to pass from access cabinet and into vend depot  4003 . 
     Vend depot  4003  may include door  4105 . Door  4105 , when opened, may give a customer access to an item positioned in vend depot  4003 . Opening door  4105  may simultaneously restrict or seal off access to the access cabinet. 
     Platform  4107  may be integral to, and extend away from, façade  4000 . Platform  4107  may support customer interface  4001 , vend port  4003 , and other apparatus included in façade  4000 . 
       FIG. 42  shows illustrative housing  4200  for vending an item. Housing  4200  may include roof  4201 , façade  4000  (illustrated above at  FIGS. 40 and 41 ) and side  4209 . Side  4209  may comprise two or more panels. Side  4209  may include panel  4207 . Panel  4207  may enclose a portion of the access cabinet. Side  4209  may include panel  4203 . Panel  4203  may enclose a portion of the storage cabinet. When the storage cabinet is temperature controlled, panel  4203  may be insulated. Side  4209  may include panel  4205 . Panel  4205  may be positioned below the storage cabinet. Panel  4205  may enclose a portion of the rotation mechanisms. Housing  4200  may include a second side opposite side  4209 . The second side may have the same features as side  4209 . The second side may have one or more features in common with  4209 . Housing  4200  may include vent  4211 . 
       FIG. 43  shows a face of partition  4307  positioned in the access cabinet. Partition  4307  may define first entryway  4309  and second entryway  4311 . A door (not shown) may be coupled to partition  4307  such that the door, when closed, covers first entryway  4309 . When the storage cabinet is temperature controlled, the door, when closed, may seal first entryway  4309 . The door may seal first entryway  4309  so that air cannot pass between the storage cabinet and the access cabinet. 
     Partition  4307  may be formed from first panel  4337 , middle panel  4341 , and second panel  4344 . First panel  4337 , middle panel  4341 , and second panel  4344  may be fixed together to form partition  4307 . 
     Partition  4307  may be formed from a single sheet of material. 
     Partition  4307  may include status displays  4323 . Middle panel  4341  may include status displays  4323 . Status displays  4323  may extend along, and between, lengths of the first and second entryways. Each status display  4323  may be positioned adjacent item carriers arranged on one of the platforms included in the storage frame inside the storage cabinet. Each status display  4323  may be associated with the one of the platforms. Each status display  4323  may be configured to display information about an item in an item carrier that, at the time of the display, is removable from the platform associated with the status display. The item may be removable from the platform through the first entryway. 
     Status display  4323  may be associated with platform  4305 . Item carrier  4301  may be removable from platform  4305  through first entryway  4309 . Thus, when the door is open and the item carriers are in the illustrated configuration, status display  4323  may display information relating to an item within item carrier  4301 . 
     Status displays may display information stored locally on the vending machine in the vending assembly computing unit. Status displays may display information retrieved from remote data center  111 . 
     Partition  4307  may include index buttons  4335  and index buttons  4333 . Index buttons  4335 , when pressed, may move the storage frame to the left. Index buttons  4333 , when pressed, may move the storage frame to the right. After the storage frame is finished rotating, status displays  4323  may update their displayed information to correlate with item(s) in a different item carrier that is now removable from its associated platform. 
     Status displays  4323  may display the information only when the door is opened, revealing the first entryway. 
     The second entryway  4311  may include first U-shaped channel  4321  and second U-shaped channel  4319 . Edges of the roll-up panel may be seated in channels  4321  and  4319 . 
     Partition  4307  may include struts  4407  extending across the first entryway (shown in  FIG. 44A ). Each strut  4407  may be positioned adjacent a platform on the storage frame. Each strut  4407  may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of a platform on the platforms. Each strut  4407  may include an angled opening aligned with an extension extending along a bottom of an outer shell of an item carrier on the adjacent platform. When an item carrier is withdrawn through the first entryway, the angled opening may provide clearance for the extension so that the entire item carrier, including the inner and outer shell, can be removed through the first entryway. 
     Partition  4307  may include struts extending across second entryway  4311 , such as strut  4317  and strut  4325 . Each of the struts may be positioned adjacent a platform on the storage frame. Each strut may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of a platform on the platforms. Each strut may be positioned such that it is aligned with an extension extending along a bottom of an outer shell of an item carrier on the adjacent platform. When an item carrier is withdrawn through the second entryway, the extension on the bottom of the item carrier&#39;s outer shell may abut a strut. This may stop any further motion of the outer shell away from the platform on which the item carrier is seated. 
     Struts extending across the first entryway, such as struts  4407 , may be referred to in the alternative as permissive struts. Struts extending across the second entryway, such as struts  4317  and  4325 , may be referred to in the alternative as blocking struts. 
     Strut  4317  may be positioned such that, when item carrier  4303  is advanced away from the platform on which it is seated, an extension extending along a bottom of item carrier  4303  will abut strut  4317 . This abutment may prevent any further motion of an outer shell of item carrier  4303  (which includes the extension) through the second entryway and away from the platform on which it is resting. 
     Strut  4325  may be positioned such that, when item carrier  4327  is advanced away from the platform on which it is resting, an extension extending along a bottom of item carrier  4327  will abut strut  4325 . This abutment may prevent any further motion of an outer shell of item carrier  4327  (which includes the extension) through the second entryway and away from the platform on which it is resting. 
       FIG. 44  shows U-shaped channel  4401  and U-shaped channel  4403 . U-shaped channels  4401  and  4403  may receive edges of the roll-up panel. 
       FIG. 44  also shows strut  4405 . When the gripper clasps on to extension  4307  of item carrier  4313  and starts to pull item carrier  4313  away from platform  4315 , an extension on a bottom of outer shell  4311  may abut strut  4405 . This abutment may prevent additional movement of outer shell away from platform  4315 . However, strut  4405  may provide clearance for inner shell  4309  to advance across strut  4405  and into the access cabinet. Advancement of inner shell  4309  into the access cabinet while restricting movement of outer shell  4311  may allow for dispensing of item I in inner shell  4309  through an orifice defined by a bottom face of inner shell  4309 . 
       FIG. 44A  shows illustrative strut  4407 . Strut  4407  may extend across a width of first entryway  4309 . Strut  4407  may be positioned adjacent platform  4423  of a storage frame. Strut  4407  may be positioned adjacent to, and not come into contact with, platform  4423 . Clearance between strut  4407  and platform  4423  may be sized such that when the storage frame is rotated, there is no abutment between the storage frame, or items stored on the storage frame, and strut  4407 . Exemplary clearance may be 8 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, or any other suitable value. 
     First entryway  4309  may include a plurality of struts  4407 . Each strut  4407  included in the plurality may extend across a width of first entryway  4309 . Each strut  4407  may extend across the width of first entryway  4309  so that, when a storage frame is positioned in the storage cabinet, each strut is adjacent one of the platforms on the storage frame. 
     Strut  4407  may include angled entryway  4409 . Angled entryway may include first side  4421  and second side  4419 . First side  4421  and second side  4419  may together define walls of angled entryway  4409  such that angled entryway  4409  guides an outer extension positioned on a bottom of an item carrier into channel  4425  onto platform  4423 . Strut  4407  may include angled entryway  4437 . Angled entryway  4437  may include first side  4415  and second side  4417 . First side  4415  and second side  4417  may together define walls of angled entryway  4437  such that angled entryway  4437  guides an outer extension positioned on a top of an item carrier onto a channel on a bottom of platform  4423  (not shown). 
     Strut  4407  may include a through-beam sensor. The through-beam sensor may be an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor or any other suitable sensor. The through-beam sensor may comprise first element  4413  and second element  4411 . First element  4413  may be a transmitter and second element  4411  may be a receiver. First element  4413  may be a receiver and second element  4411  may be a transmitter. 
     A beam emitted by the through-beam sensor may be broken when an item carrier is removed from platform  4423 . The beam may be broken by an outer extension of an item carrier entering angled entryway  4409 . The beam of light may be visible light. The beam of light may be infrared light. 
     When the through-beam sensor detects that an item carrier has been removed, the through-beam sensor may transmit this data to the vending assembly computing unit. A motion controlled encoder may continually map an angle of the storage frame. Knowledge of the angle of the storage frame and the position of the channels on the storage frame may enable the computing unit to know from which channel on platform  4423  the item carrier was removed. 
     When the through-beam sensor detects that an item carrier has been removed, the vending assembly may store this data locally at the vending assembly on the vending assembly computing unit. The data may also, or instead, be transmitted to the remote data center  111 . After the door hinged to the first entryway is closed, an inventory scan may be initiated. 
     The scan may only scan item carriers located on positions for which the through beam has been tripped. The scan may scan all the item carriers in the storage frame. The scan may read the item carrier data record on each of the item carriers. The data may then be sent to remote data center  111 . The data may be stored locally on the vending assembly computing unit. 
       FIG. 44B  shows strut  4407 . Strut  4407  may include first elongated member  4435  and second elongated member  4433  spaced apart from first elongated member  4435 . Strut  4407  may include third elongated member  4431 . Third elongated member  4431  may extend between a first edge of first elongated member  4435  and a second edge of second elongated member  4435 . The first, second and third elongated members may together define channel. 
     Strut  4407  may include block  4429  positioned inside the channel. Block  4429  may include first side  4421  and second side  4419 , defining walls of angled entryway  4409 . Block  4429  may include first side  4415  and second side  4417 , defining walls of angled entryway  4437 . Block  4429  may include printed circuit board (“PCB”) chip  4427 . PVC chip  4427  may include temperature sensor  4429 . Temperature data read by temperature sensor  4429  may be stored locally by the vending assembly computing unit. 
     When the first entryway includes a plurality of struts  4407 , each strut being positioned adjacent a platform on a storage frame, the vending assembly computing unit may be able to track a temperature adjacent each of the platforms via temperature sensors  4409  embedded in struts  4407 . Measured temperature data may be used to determine when to rotate the storage frame to reduce or eliminate temperature stratification inside the storage frame. 
       FIG. 45  shows illustrative vending assembly  4500 . Vending assembly  4500  may have one or more features in common with one or more of vending assemblies  105 , (shown in  FIG. 1 )  200 ,  300 , and any other vending assembly illustrated and described herein. Vending assembly  4500  is illustrated from the front side with the façade removed. Vending assembly  4500  may include door  4501  for loading item-filled carriers. Vending assembly  4500  may include partition  4503  for maintaining an environment inside the storage cabinet. Partition  4503  may include second entryway  4505  for dispensing items from the insulated enclosure to elevator  4507 . Elevator  4507  may include a gripper (not shown) for manipulating an item carrier to release an item onto platform  4508 . The gripper may be mounted on controller box  4506 . (An elevator in  FIGS. 48-50  is illustrated in more detail.) 
     Roll-up panel  4509  may cover some or all of second entryway  4505  that is not being used for dispensing from carrier station  4541 . Roll-up panel  4509  may extend and retract from roller  4511  (right-hand support not shown). Elevator  4507  may be translated up and down along track  4513  by sliding engagement of trolley  4515  with track  4513 . Motor  4517  may drive the translation by engagement of a drive wheel or cog with track  4513 . 
     Elevator  4507  may support crosspiece  4519 . Roll-up panel  4509  may be attached to crosspiece  4519  at roll-up panel end  4521 . 
     As elevator  4507  translates downward, crosspiece  4519  may draw roll-up panel  4509  down from roll  4523  as roll  4523  rotates counterclockwise (viewed from the right). Roll-up panel  4509  may be held flush against entryway  4505  at the top  4525  of entryway  4505  by guide cylinder  4527 . Roll-up panel  4509  may be held flush against entryway  4505  by vertical tracks  4529  and  4531  that run along edges of entryway  4505 . Crosspiece  4519  may hold roll-up panel  4509  flush against the edges and may support roll-up panel  4509  in span across the entryway between the edges as roll-up panel end  4521  moves translates or is at rest at a carrier station. 
     Rigging  4533  may be fastened to elevator  4507 . Rigging  4533  may be fastened to roll-up panel end  4521 . Rigging  4533  may be redirected to roller  4511  by pulley  4535 . Rigging  4533  may be led to roller  4511  on an opposite side of roller  4511  from the side to which roll-up panel  4509  is led. When roller  4511  pays out from roll  4523 , roller  4511  takes up on rigging  4533 . Rigging  4533  may reduce slack in roll-up panel  4509 . Rigging  4533  may maintain tension in roll-up panel  4509 . Rigging  4533  may help maintain roll-up panel  4509  in a flat form that conforms to entryway  4529 . Rigging  4533  may include along its length a spring (not shown). The spring may help reduce slack. The spring may help maintain tension. 
     Roller  4511  may include tapered spool  4537 , to which rigging  4533  is led. Tapered spool  4537  may be fixed against rotation relative to roller  4511 . Tapered spool  4537  may be monolithic with roller  4511 . As roller  4511  pays out roll-up panel  4509 , roll  4523  will decrease in diameter. Thus, as elevator  4507  moves away from roller  4511 , the angular velocity of roller  4511  will increase. Tapered spool  4537  compensates for the increased angular velocity by moving rigging  4533  to a smaller diameter to avoid taking up rigging too quickly and overstressing roll-up panel  4509 . Tapered spool  4537  may include helical groove  4539 . Helical groove  4539  may be configured to maintain rigging  4533  in a single-layer wrap during payout and takeup. The helix of helical groove  4539  may be configured to move the payout or takeup point of rigging  4533  to a higher or lower diameter to compensate for the changing angular velocity of roller  4511 . The diameter at which a center of thickness of the panel separates from the roll during payout or takeup of the roll is a roll “working diameter.” The diameter at which a center of thickness of the rigging separates from the tapered spool during payout or takeup of rigging  4533  is a tapered spool “working diameter.” 
     As elevator  4507  translates upward, crosspiece  4519  may draw rigging  4533  down from roller  4511  as roll  4523  rotates clockwise (viewed from the right). Roll-up panel  4509  may be held flush against entryway  4505  at the top  4525  of entryway  4505  by guide cylinder  4527 . Roll-up panel  4509  may be held flush against entryway  4505  by vertical tracks  4529  and  4531  that run along edges of entryway  4505 . Crosspiece  4519  may hold roll-up panel  4509  flush against the edges and may support roll-up panel  4509  in span across the entryway between the edges as roll-up panel end  4521  moves translates or is at rest at a carrier station. 
     When roller  4511  takes up at roll  4523 , roller  4511  pays out rigging  4533 . Rigging  4533  may reduce slack in roll-up panel  4509 . Rigging  4533  may maintain tension in roll-up panel  4509 . Rigging  4533  may help maintain roll-up panel  4509  in a flat form that conforms to entryway  4529 . 
     As roller  4511  takes up roll-up panel  4509 , roll  4523  will increase in diameter. Thus, as elevator  4507  moves toward roller  4511 , the angular velocity of roller  4511  will decrease. Tapered spool  4537  compensates for the decreased angular velocity by moving rigging  4533  to a larger diameter to avoid losing tension in roll-up panel  4509 . Tapered spool  4537  may include helical groove  4539 . Helical groove  4539  may be configured to maintain rigging  4533  in a single-layer wrap during payout and takeup. The helix of helical groove  4539  may be configured to move the payout or takeup point of rigging  4533  to a higher or lower diameter to compensate for the changing angular velocity of roller  4511 . 
     In the configuration shown, platform  4508  of elevator  4507  is positioned at height h 1  above floor  4541  of vending assembly  4500 . Edge  4512  of crosspiece  4519  is positioned at height h 2  above floor  4510 . Open window  4543  is positioned at carrier station  4541 . h 1  is higher than h 3 , the bottom of partition  4503 . 
       FIG. 46  shows vending assembly  4500  with elevator crosspiece  4519  at h 1  such that roll-up panel  4509  covers all carrier stations, including bottom carrier station  4541 . 
       FIG. 47  shows illustrative roll-up panel arrangement  4700 . Roll-up panel arrangement  4700  may have one or more features in common with apparatus shown in  FIG. 45 . 
     Roll-up panel  4709  may extend and retract from roller  4711  (right-hand support not shown). 
     Crosspiece  4719  may be fixed to an elevator such as  4507  (shown in  FIG. 45 ). Roll-up panel  4709  may be attached to crosspiece  4719  at roll-up panel end  4721 . 
     As the elevator translates downward, crosspiece  4719  may draw roll-up panel  4709  down from roll  4723  as roll  4723  rotates clockwise (viewed from the left). 
     Rigging  4733  may be fastened to elevator  4707 . Rigging  4733  may be fastened to roll-up panel end  4721 . Rigging  4733  may be redirected to roller  4711  by control  4735 . Rigging  4733  may be led to roller  4711  on an opposite side of roller  4711  from the side to which roll-up panel  4709  is led. When roller  4711  pays out from roll  4723 , roller  4711  takes up on rigging  4733 . Rigging  4733  may reduce slack in roll-up panel  4709 . Rigging  4733  may maintain tension in roll-up panel  4709 . Rigging  4733  may help maintain roll-up panel  4709  in a flat form that conforms to an entryway. Rigging  4733  may include along its length spring  4715 . Spring  4715  may help reduce slack. The spring may help maintain tension. 
     Roller  4711  may include tapered spool  4737 , to which rigging  4733  is led. As roller  4711  pays out roll-up panel  4709 , roll  4723  will decrease in diameter. Thus, as the elevator moves away from roller  4711 , the angular velocity of roller  4711  will increase. Tapered spool  4737  compensates for the increased angular velocity by moving rigging  4733  to a smaller diameter to avoid taking up rigging too quickly, which may overstress roll-up panel  4709 . Tapered spool  4737  may include helical groove  4739 . Helical groove  4739  may be configured to maintain rigging  4733  in a single-layer wrap during payout and takeup. The helix of helical groove  4739  may be configured to move the payout or takeup point of rigging  4733  to a higher or lower diameter to compensate for the changing angular velocity of roller  4711 . Diameter D 1  is a working diameter (“roll working diameter”) of the  4723  at which a center of thickness of the panel separates from the roll during payout or takeup of roll  4723 . Diameter D 2  is a working diameter (“tapered spool working diameter”) at which a center of thickness of the rigging separates from tapered spool  4737  during payout or takeup of rigging  4733  is a tapered spool “working diameter.” 
     As elevator  4707  translates upward, crosspiece  4719  may draw rigging  4733  down from roller  4711  as roll  4723  rotates counterclockwise (viewed from the left). 
     When roller  4711  takes up at roll  4723 , roller  4711  pays out rigging  4733 . Rigging  4733  may reduce slack in roll-up panel  4709 . Rigging  4733  may maintain tension in roll-up panel  4709 . Rigging  4733  may help maintain roll-up panel  4709  in a flat form that conforms to entryway  4729 . 
     As roller  4711  takes up roll-up panel  4709 , roll  4723  will increase in diameter. Thus, as elevator  4707  moves toward from roller  4711 , the angular velocity of roller  4711  will decrease. Tapered spool  4737  compensates for the decreased angular velocity by moving rigging  4733  to a larger working diameter to avoid losing tension in roll-up panel  4709 . Tapered spool  4737  may include helical groove  4739 . Helical groove  4739  may be configured to maintain rigging  4733  in a single-layer wrap during payout and takeup. The helix of helical groove  4739  may be configured to move the payout or takeup point of rigging  4733  to a higher or lower diameter to compensate for the changing angular velocity of roller  4711 . 
     Supports  4741  and  4743  may support roller  4711 . Supports  4741  and  4743  may be fixed, above the top platform of the storage frame, to the vending assembly. Support  4745  may support controller  4735 . Support  4745  may be fixed, below the bottom platform of the carrousel, to the vending assembly. Supports  4741  and  4743  may be fixed, below the bottom platform of the storage frame, to the vending assembly. Support  4745  may be fixed, above the top platform of the carrousel, to the vending assembly. Roll  4723  and tapered spool  4737  may be provided on separate rollers. Their respective rollers may be mechanically linked by a gear or gears. If the gears cause a difference of rotational direction of roll  4723  and tapered spool  4737 , roll  4723  and tapered spool  4737  may be led from the same side. 
     Fastener  4747  may attach rigging  4733  to crosspiece  4719 . Fastener  4747  may be threadedly engaged with crosspiece  4719 . Turning fastener  4747  may adjust the tension in the working length. Support  4745  may have an adjustable length. Adjusting the length of support  4745  may adjust the tension in the working length. Support  4745  may be configured to be disposed in different positions. Changing the position of support  4745  may adjust the tension in the working length. Leading rigging  4733  at tapered spool  4737  at a different initial working diameter may adjust the tension in the working length. 
       FIG. 48  shows illustrative elevator  4800 . Elevator  4800  may be slidingly engaged with vertical track  4802 . Vertical track  4802 , and apparatus coupled to vertical track  4802 , may together form a structure that may be mounted into the vending assembly. 
     Track  4802  may be mounted onto a frame such as partition  4503  (shown in  FIG. 45 ) in a vending assembly such as vending assembly  105  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), vending assembly  200 , vending assembly  300 , or any other vending assembly described herein. Track  4802  be mounted to a wall of the access cabinet in the vending assembly. 
     Elevator  4800  may include gripper  4804 . Gripper  4804  may engage item carrier  4806 . Carrier  4806  may be lodged in the storage frame. 
     A belt drive motor (not shown) may drive a displacement belt (not shown) that may displace elevator mount  4808  in either direction along track  4802 . The motor may be fixed to the vending assembly. The belt may form a captured loop that runs alongside or within the track. A processor in the vending assembly may provide displacement instructions to the motor. 
     Elevator mount  4808  may support platform unit  4810 . Platform unit  4810  may include platform  4812 . Platform unit  4810  may include platform bracket  4814 . Platform unit  4810  may include linear displacement actuator  4816 . Actuator  4816  may include a trolley (not shown; behind bracket  4814 ). Bracket  4814  may be mounted on the trolley. Actuator  4816  may include electric motor  4818 . Actuator  4816  may include vertical track  4820 . Motor  4818  may translate the trolley along track  4820 . This may displace platform unit  4810  up and down along track  4820  relative to mount  4808 . When elevator  4800  is positioned at a carrier station for engagement with an item carrier. Mount  4808  may be held in place at the station. Platform  4812  may thus be moved up and down relative to a carrier lodged in the storage frame at the station. 
     Elevator mount  4808  may support gripper  4804 . Gripper  4804  may include gripper head  4824 . Gripper  4824  may include support arm  4826 . Support arm  4826  may support gripper head  4824 . Elevator mount  4808  may support linear displacement actuator  4822 . Actuator  4822  may include trolley  4828 . Elevator mount  4808  may support electric motor  4834 . Elevator mount  4808  may support horizontal track  4836 . Motor  4834  may translate trolley  4828  along track  4836 . Trolley  4828  may translate gripper  4804  horizontally toward and away from the storage frame above platform  4810 . Gripper head  4824  may include opposing actuatable jaws  4830 . Jaws  4830  may clamp onto extension segment  4832  of carrier  4806 . Gripper  4804  may displace carrier  4806  horizontally. Gripper  4804  may displace an inner shell of carrier  4806  horizontally. 
     Elevator mount  4808  may support crosspiece  4838 , which may be fixed to an end of a roll-up panel (not shown). 
     The movements of mount  4808 , the trolley in platform unit  4810 , trolley  4828 , jaws  4830 , and the storage frame may be coordinated by a processor local to the vending assembly to perform a dispensing operation on a carrier that is logically mapped to a location in the storage frame. The processor may be part of the vending assembly computing unit. The trolley in platform unit  4810  may have one or more features in common with trolley  4828 . 
     Jaws  4830  are shown engaged with the extension segment. 
       FIG. 49  shows elevator  4800  with trolley  4828  drawn away from inner shell. Jaws  4830  have drawn carrier inner shell  4902  partially out of carrier outer shell  4904  to uncover an opening in the bottom of inner shell  4902 . Item I is partially released from carrier  4806  onto platform  4812 . Platform  4812  is in an initial item receipt position relative to mount  4808 . 
     Platform  4812  may be moved to a lower position to allow more of item Ito be released onto platform  4812 . Elevator  4800  may include a weight sensor (not shown) to detect when platform  4812  bears a threshold weight of item I. The vending assembly processor may receive output from the weight sensor. The vending assembly processor may order a vertically reciprocating movement for platform  4812  to test whether weight of item I is still borne in part by carrier  4806 . The reciprocating movement may cause a measured weight to increase. The processor may initiate the reciprocating movement if lowering platform  4812  results in a decreased weight measurement from the sensor. The processor may continue the reciprocating movement until the threshold weight is reached. The weight sensor may be disposed between mount  4808  and platform  4812 . The weight sensor may be disposed on platform  4812 . The weight sensor may be integrated into platform  4812 . 
       FIG. 50  shows elevator  4800  with item I fully dispensed. Fully dispensing item I may include trolley  4828  being drawn further away from inner shell than in the previous figure (not shown). Fully dispensing item I may include jaws  4830  drawing carrier inner shell  4902  completely out of carrier outer shell  4904  to fully uncover an opening in the bottom of inner shell  4902 . 
     Fully dispensing item I may include jaws  4830  drawing carrier inner shell  4902  partially out of carrier outer shell  4904 . 
     In  FIG. 50 , Item I is completely released from carrier  4806  onto platform  4812 . Platform  4812  is in a lower position, relative to mount  4808 , than the initial item receipt position (shown in  FIG. 49 ). Gripper  4824  may release inner shell  4902 . 
     Elevator  4800  may then be translated to the top of a chute included in a delivery port (shown in  FIG. 61 ). At the top of the chute, elevator  4800  may translate platform  4812  past an interfering “tipper” (not shown). The tipper may include a pin. The tipper may include a projection. The tipper may project from the vending assembly into a translation path of platform  4812 . Relative motion between the tipper and platform  4812 , and interference of the tipper with platform  4812 , may cause platform  4812  to pivot about a hinge and deposit item I into the chute. Elevator  4800  may include a  4 -bar linkage (not shown) under platform  4812  to allow platform  4812  to pivot in response to the interference. Elevator  4800  may include a tray (not shown) under platform  4812 , and hinged to platform  4812  to allow platform  4812  to pivot in response to the interference. Platform  4812  may include a catch (not shown) to provide the interference. 
       FIG. 51  shows illustrative platform  5100  that may be positioned on platform  4812  to receive an item I. Platform  5100  may include edge  5105 , curved portion  5103 , and inner compartment  5101 . Curved portion  5103  may urge a dispensed item I into curved portion  5103 . 
       FIG. 52  shows schematically illustrative arrangement  5200  for frost management for a frozen environment and/or moisture management for a refrigerated environment such as  5201 . Arrangement  5200  may include gap  5202  (shown in one configuration on the left, and a different configuration on the right). 
     Arrangement  5200  may be used inside an item dispensing assembly, such as the vending assembly. Arrangement  5200  may be used inside any other suitable machine. 
     The item dispensing assembly may store the items in a refrigerated environment. The item dispensing assembly may store the items in a frozen environment. The item dispensing assembly may store the items in a heated environment. 
     Arrangement  5200  may include first membrane panel  5203 . Arrangement  5200  may include second membrane panel  5209 . 
     Arrangement  5200  may include gap  5202  between panel  5203  and panel  5209 . Gap  5202  may be created when an item needs to be dispensed from the storage frame or other storage frame. Arrangement  5200  may be such that it does not have a gap when an item is not being dispensed. 
     Arrangement  5200  may include item dismount carriage  5204  assembly that defines and/or is positioned within gap  5202  between panel  5203  and panel  5209 . Carriage  5204  may have one or more features in common with elevator  4507  (shown in  FIG. 45 ). Carriage  5204  may be configured to travel from a first item storage disc to a second item storage disc. The discs may include platforms in a storage frame. Carriage  5204  may include a hood and a cradle. 
     When gap  5202  is positioned adjacent an item storage disc from which an item is to be removed, the item dismount mechanism, such as the gripper, may retrieve the item through gap  5202  and transfer the item to a delivery port. The delivery port may be in series with the chute. The delivery port may be inside a frame. The frame may include a first arm, a second arm and an elongated support. The delivery port may include an elevator. 
     Carriage  5204  may be advanced through gap  5202  prior to removal of an item from the disc. 
     Carriage  5204  may be continually positioned within gap  5202 . 
     Panel  5203  and panel  5209  may each be a thin, flexible curtain. The curtains may be rolled up at a first end of the curtain and at a second end of the curtain. 
     Panel  5203  and panel  5209  may be formed from any suitable material. 
     Arrangement  5200 , when not in use, may be kept above the storage frame of the item dispensing assembly. Arrangement  5200 , when not in use, may be kept below the item dispensing assembly. Arrangement  5200 , when not in use, may be kept adjacent a top portion of the item dispensing assembly. Arrangement  5200 , when not in use, may be kept adjacent a bottom portion of the item dispensing assembly. 
     A first end of the first membrane panel may be mounted above a storage frame in the item dispensing assembly and a first end of the second membrane panel may be mounted below the storage frame in the item dispensing assembly. The second end of the first panel and the second end of the second panel may each be mounted, respectively, on moving structures  5206  and  5208 . Positions of moving structures  5206  and  5208  may be controlled by a controller. The controller may be the vending assembly processor. Moving structures  5206  and  5208  may move the second ends of panel  5203  and panel  5209  up and down along a height of the item dispensing assembly. The moving structure may create a gap between the second ends of panel  5203  and panel  5209  to allow dispensing of an item from the item dispensing assembly. 
     Prior to deployment of arrangement  5200 , an insulated door surrounding at least a portion of the storage frame may move to the side. Movement of the insulated door may provide clearance to arrangement  5200  to move along a height of the item dispensing assembly. Panel  5203  and panel  5209  may substantially cover the revealed portion of the storage frame prior to the movement of the insulated door to avoid airflow into, and out of, the storage frame. 
     A produce cradle and a carrier dismount mechanism may be positioned in gap  5202 . Gap  5202  may be positioned adjacent an item storage disc from which an item must be removed. The carrier dismount mechanism may remove the item from the item storage disc, through gap  5202  and into the product cradle. 
     The item dismount carriage configured to travel from a first item storage disc to a second item storage disc. Arrangement  5200  may include a controller that is configured to control a position of gap  5202  relative to the second item storage disc. 
     The controller may be configured to control a size of gap  5202 . The size of gap  5202  may be constant as arrangement  5200  moves vertically along a height of the item dispensing assembly. The size of gap  5202  may vary as arrangement  5200  extends vertically downwards along the height of the portion of the item dispensing assembly. 
     Arrangement  5200  may reduce air exchange into and out of the insulated enclosure. Air exchange may be reduced by exposing only a portion of the insulated enclosure to air outside of the item dispensing assembly during dispensing of an item. This is desirable at least because thermal convection currents will be established when the insulated enclosure is opened as a result of the temperature difference between the air inside the insulated enclosure and the air in the access cabinet. Entrance of moisture laden air into the insulated enclosure is not desirable at least because the air will condense inside the insulated enclosure forming liquid, if the air is refrigerated, and forming frost, if the air is frozen. 
     One or both of panels  5203  and  5209  may have features in common with apparatus shown in  FIGS. 45-47 . 
       FIG. 53  shows storage frame  5309  positioned in storage cabinet  5301 . Plenum  5311  is illustrated above top face  5317  of storage frame  5309 . Rotation mechanism  5313  is positioned below storage frame  5309 , and motor amplifiers  5315  are positioned on base  5319 . In  FIG. 53 , the first entryway and the second entryway are illustrated. The first entryway may be defined by rectangular frame  5305  extending along a height of storage frame  5309 . The second entryway may be defined by rectangular frame  5303  extending along the height of storage frame  5309 . 
     Rectangular frame  5303  may include struts, such as strut  5307  and the U-shaped channels. Each strut may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of a platform of storage frame  5309  to retain an outer shell of an item carrier (not shown) on the platform while an inner shell of the item carrier is drawn into the access cabinet. 
     Rectangular frame  5305  may include struts, such as struts  4407  (not shown). Struts  4407  may be positioned adjacent an outer circumference of a platform of storage frame  5309 . Struts  4407  may each include an angled opening to provide clearance for an extension of an outer shell of an item carrier. This clearance may allow for removal of the complete item carrier from the storage cabinet. 
       FIG. 54  shows a sectional view of a bottom portion of the housing (not including the façade) and the partition. The storage cabinet may include bottom  5401 . The access cabinet may include bottom  5319 . Recess  5403  in bottom  5401  of the storage cabinet may hold plate  607  and a rotation mechanism (illustrated in  FIG. 56 ). After the rotation mechanism has been mounted to bottom  5401  of the storage cabinet, spray foam insulation may be applied to all surrounding areas in bottom  5319  without encroaching on the belt and drive system. 
     First entryway  5409  is covered by door  5405 . Second entryway  5407  includes struts such as strut  5411 . First entryway may include struts  4407  (not shown). 
       FIG. 55  shows illustrative pulley arrangement  5500  for rotating a storage frame. Pulley arrangement  5500  may include belt pulley  5702 . Pulley  5702  may include surface  5704  for receiving torque from a belt (not shown). Pins  5706  may include threaded rod. Pins  5706  may secure the storage frame to pulley  5702 . Pulley arrangement  5500  may include shaft  5708  (shown schematically). Shaft  5708  may provide rotational stability to pulley  5702 . Shaft  5708  may bear the weight of the storage frame, carriers, and items. 
       FIG. 56  shows a storage frame rotation mechanism that may include pulley  5702  on bench  5602 . Bench  5602  may support drive pulley  5604 . Drive motor  5606  may provide torque to drive pulley  5604 . Bench  5602  may support tensioning pulley  5608 . A drive belt (not shown) that transfers torque from drive pulley  5604  to pulley  5702  may be led around tensioning pulley  5608 . Tensioning pulley  5608  may be provided with a sensor to detect a broken belt condition. Shaft  5708  may extend into bearing housing  5610 . Plate  5612  may provide support to the storage frame. 
       FIG. 57  shows illustrative vending assembly base  5700 , in part. The view shown is approximately from the right of bench  5602  as shown in  FIG. 56 . Base  5700  may include pulley  5702 , drive pulley  5604 , and other apparatus shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . Angled legs  5716  support bench  5602 . 
     Base  5700  may include thermal pump  5718 . Thermal pump  5718  may include a heat source. Thermal pump  5718  may include a heat sink. Thermal pump  5718  is illustrated as a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may include a refrigerant pump and refrigerant condenser in fluid communication with the evaporator. Thermal pump  5718  may include a controller for communication with the vending machine processor. The processor may provide instructions to the controller to change a rate of refrigerant flow in response to temperature distribution data from the storage frame. 
     The storage frame may include temperature sensors at different sections of the conduit. Temperature sensors may be on struts  4407 . Temperature sensors may be inside the conduit. Temperature sensors may be outside the conduit. Temperature sensors may be on platforms. Temperature sensors may be at any suitable radius of a platform. Temperature sensors may be in an entryway. Temperature sensors may be on struts extending across an entryway. 
     The vending assembly computing unit may receive temperatures from the temperature sensors. The computing unit may use the temperatures to control one or more factors such as speed of the plenum fan, refrigerant flow rate, storage frame circulating fluid flow rate, refrigerant flow rate, and storage frame rotation rate or direction to reduce undesirable temperature distribution conditions among the carriers. 
     The computing unit may detect a temperature stratification. For example, cooler temperatures may be detected in lower regions of the storage frame. A threshold stratification may be one or two degrees (F. or C.). Stratification at or near the threshold may trigger a response from the computing unit. The computing unit may be configured to activate control of one or more of the factors to reduce or eliminate the stratification. 
     As items are loaded or dispensed, the thermal mass distribution of the storage frame may change, even if carriers remain in place after dispensing. The new thermal mass distribution may affect the temperature distribution in the storage frame. 
     Base  5700  may include enclosure foundation  5720 , which may support the enclosure. Base  5700  may include vents such as vent  5722 . Base  5700  may include feet such as  5724  and  5726 . 
     Base  5700  may include motor controllers  5712  and  5614 . One of the motor controllers may control drive motor  5606 . The other may control the elevator motor. Both motor controllers may be controlled by the vending assembly processor. 
       FIG. 57A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of base  5700 . Shaft  5708  bears storage frame weight, and weight of any item carriers supported by the storage frame, at shoulder  5750 . Flange  5752 , which may be conical, of shaft  5708  rests on angle bearing  5754 . Angle bearing  5754  rests on bearing housing  5756 . Bearing housing  5756  rests on angled legs  5716 . Angled legs  5716  rest on vending assembly floor  4541  (shown in  FIG. 45 ). 
     Compression bolt  5758  stabilizes shaft  5708  at the bottom of bearing housing  5756 . Bolt  5758  compresses plate  5760  against angle bearing  5762 . Shaft  5708  may rotate relative to bench  5602 , bearing housing  5756 , legs  5716  and floor  4541 . 
       FIG. 58  shows plenum  5800 . Plenum  5800  may include top  5801 . Top  5801  may be coupled to a roof of the insulated enclosure. Plenum  5800  may include first opening  5805  and a second opening opposite  5805  (not shown). First opening  5805  and the second opening opposite  5805  may be on sides of plenum  5800 . Plenum  5800  may include opening  5803  in a bottom of plenum  5800 . Opening  5803  may be positioned above the passageway extending along a longitudinal axis of the storage frame. 
     A fan positioned in plenum  5800  (not shown) may draw air up from the passageway, through opening  5803  and into plenum  5800 . The fan may then push the air out through opening  5805  and an opening opposite opening  5805  (not shown) and down around an exterior of the storage frame. 
       FIG. 58A  shows concentric placement of fixed conduit  5815  and rotating conduit  5817 .  FIG. 58A  shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of plenum  5800  and storage frame  5811 . Any of the apparatus described herein including a plenum and a storage frame may include the conduits described below. 
     A bottom face of plenum  5800  may include fixed conduit  5815 . Fixed conduit  5815  may be coupled to plenum  5800 . Fixed conduit  5815  may be a rotary coupling conduit. Fixed conduit  5815  may be circular, or any other suitable shape. Fixed conduit  5815  may be fixed in space and may not move. 
     A bottom face of plenum  5800  may also include fixed conduit  5807 . Fixed conduit  5815  and fixed conduit  5807  may be concentric circular ridges, with fixed conduit  5807  positioned inside fixed conduit  5815 . Fixed conduit  5807  may be coupled to plenum  5800  such that it is fixed in space and cannot move. 
     A bottom face of plenum  5800  may not include fixed conduit  5807 . 
     The top face of storage frame  5811  may include rotating conduit  5817 . Rotating conduit  5817  may rotate together with storage frame  5811 . Rotating conduit  5817  may be circular, or any other suitable shape. When rotating conduit  5817  is circular, rotating conduit  5817  may be concentric with fixed conduit  5815  (and, in some embodiments, fixed conduit  5807 ). Rotating conduit  5817  may have a smaller radius than fixed conduit  5815 . Rotating conduit  5817  may have a larger radius than fixed conduit  5807 . Conduits  5815 ,  5809  and  5807  may be coaxial and define the same mid-point. 
     Bearings  5809  may be positioned between fixed conduit  5815  and rotating conduit  5817 . Bearings  5809  may be positioned between rotating conduit  5817  and fixed conduit  5807 . 
     Bearings  5809  may not be positioned between fixed conduit  5815  and rotating conduit  5817 . Bearings  5809  may not be positioned between rotating conduit  5817  and fixed conduit  5807 . 
     A bottom of plenum  5800  may not be in direct contact with storage cabinet  5811 . Fixed conduits  5815  and fixed conduit  5807  may not be in directed contact with storage cabinet  5811 . 
     A tortuous path may exist between fixed conduits  5807  and  5815  and rotating conduit  5817 . The tortuous path may effectively create a fluid seal when the fan is running. The tortuous path may create a preferred ducting path through passageway  5813 , through opening  5803  and out of openings (such as  5805 ) on sides of plenum  5800  when the fan is running. 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 58A  may provide a non-contact configuration between the plenum and the storage frame, with no weight-bearing (between the plenum and the storage frame), low rotational friction and a highly flow restrictive boundary for air-flow leakage through the tortuous path extending between the fixed and rotating conduits. 
       FIG. 59  shows item dispensing assembly  5901 . Item dispensing assembly  5901  may be apparatus for dispensing an item. Item dispensing assembly  5901  may include one or more features of apparatus described herein. 
     Item dispensing assembly  5901  may include a carousel assembly. The carousel assembly may be the storage frame. The carousel assembly may include one or more features of the storage frame. The carousel assembly may store an item, or two or more items. The items may have different sizes and weights. The items may have different prices. The carousel assembly may dispense the items having different sizes, weights and prices. One or more items may be stored in an item container. The item container may be the item carrier. 
     Item containers supported by the carousel assembly may have the same dimensions. Two or more of the item containers may have different dimensions. 
     Two or more items stored by item dispensing assembly  5901  may be stored inside the item carrier. Some or all of the items stored by item dispensing assembly  5901  may be stored in one, two, three, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or any other suitable number of item carriers. 
     The carousel assembly may include an item storage disc  5909 . Item storage disc  5909  may have one or more feature in common with the platform. The carousel assembly include a plurality of item storage discs. The item storage discs may support the items and/or the item containers. The item storage discs may be circular. The item storage discs may be any other suitable shape. Each disc may store two or more items and/or two or more item containers. The item containers may have the same dimensions. Two or more of the item containers may have different dimensions. 
     The discs may be positioned apart from each other along a central axis of the carousel assembly. The central axis of the carousel assembly may be the longitudinal axis of the carousel assembly. In operation, the item storage discs may rotate about the central axis. The central axis may pass through a midpoint of the discs. The item storage discs may be supported by a frame that, in operation, does not rotate about the axis. The item storage discs may be supported by a frame that, in operation, does rotate about the axis. 
     An item storage disc may complement a guide feature on the item container. The guide feature may be the channel described herein. A disc may extend in a direction radially away from the central axis. 
     An item storage disc may include a linear guide. The linear guide may be a channel. The linear guide may complement a guide feature on the item container. The linear guide may extend in a direction radially away from the central axis. 
     A disc may include a guide support face having a radius. The guide support face may terminate at a location no closer to the axis than the radius. The guide support face and the guide feature may include male/female or female/male interlocking extensions for using in removing the item and/or the item container from the disc. 
     Item dispensing assembly  5901  may include frame  5905 . Frame  5905  may include first arm  5913 , second arm  5915 , and elongated support  5917  extending from first arm  5913  to second arm  5915 . Elongated support  5917  may be vertical. Elongated support  5917  may include an elongated viewing frame  5919 . First arm  5913  may be coupled to a top face of the carousel assembly. Second arm  5915  may be coupled to a bottom face of the carousel assembly. An axial member may extend through the discs along the central axis. The axial member may be coupled to first arm  5913  and/or second arm  5915 . 
     The carousel assembly may be supported between first arm  5913  and second arm  5915 . The carousel assembly may have a diameter of 6 feet, 5.5 feet, 5 feet, 4.5 feet, 5 feet, or any other suitable diameter. The carousel assembly may have a diameter of 35 inches, 37 inches, 33 inches, 38 inches, or any other suitable diameter. 
     The carousel may stack onto a drive hub that is located on a bottom of the frame. A sliding collar may secure a top of the carousel to a top of the frame. 
     The assembly may include housing  5911  positioned about the carousel assembly. Housing  5911  may surround the carousel assembly. Housing  5911  may be insulated. Housing  5911  may assist in maintaining a refrigerated or frozen environment within the carousel assembly. Housing  5911  may be coupled to frame  5905 . Housing  5911  may be configured to be coupled to elongated support  5917 . Elongated support  5917  may extend vertically along the carousel assembly. Housing  5911  and frame  5905 , together, may surround the carousel assembly. Housing  5911  and frame  5905 , together, may completely surround the carousel assembly to create an environment in which air enclosed within, and surrounding, the carousel assembly cannot leak out of the assembly. 
     Housing  5911  may be composed of one, two or more segments. The segments may be configured to be positioned about, and to surround, the carousel. Housing  5911  may be coupled to frame  5905 . Housing  5911  may be coupled to frame  5095  using a collar and/or a through pin. The collar may be a clamping collar for compression. The through-pin may be used for alignment. 
     The assembly may include user control  5903  configured to receive from a user a signal. The signal may include a request to dispense an item stored in the carousel. User control  5903  may be included in a kiosk. 
     Item dispensing assembly  5901  may be a modular assembly. Frame  5905 , carousel assembly, housing  5911 , user control  5903  and refrigeration unit  5907  included item dispensing assembly  5901   5901  may be assembled together at a deployment site. The carousel may be assembled from a plurality of stackable item storage discs. Item dispensing assembly  5901 , when disassembled, may fit through a doorway having a width of up to 20 in., 28 in., 30 in., 32 in., 38 in., 40 in., or any other suitable doorway width. 
     An item may be delivered from the assembly into a receptacle using a push/pull mechanism, chute, conveyor, elevator, or any other suitable mechanism. The item may be delivered in a tamper-proof manner. 
       FIG. 60  shows carousel assembly  6005  coupled to first arm  5913  and positioned in enclosure  5911 . Carousel assembly  6005  includes multiple item storage discs  5909 . Carousel assembly  6005  may be rotated by central member  6001 . Carousel assembly  6005  may support a plurality of item carriers  6003 . 
       FIG. 61  shows illustrative apparatus and methods  6100  for dispensing item I from item dispensing assembly  5901  through a delivery port. The delivery port may be integral to frame  5905 . The delivery port may be integral to the elongated support  5917 . The delivery port may be included in the housing and may be integral to the façade. 
     The delivery port may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member spaced apart from the first elongated member to form a channel. The delivery port may guide item I retrieved from within the carousel assembly to receptacle  6119  from which a customer can retrieve item I. A chute within the delivery port may guide the item. Item I may be retrieved from the carousel assembly and placed in the delivery port using an item dismount carriage assembly. 
     A face of the second elongated member may define a wall of the channel and an intermediate delivery port at the opening of a chute. The chute may pass through the second elongated member to the delivery port in the second elongated member. The chute may be shaped to ensure that foreign objects, such as a limb or a physical device, cannot be advanced through the chute into item dispensing assembly  5901 . The delivery port may be outside the channel. The delivery port may include a receptacle outside of the channel and accessible by the customer. The delivery port may move an item into the receptacle, receptacle being separate from the delivery port. 
     An item may be delivered from the assembly into a receptacle using a push/pull mechanism, chute, conveyor, elevator, or any other suitable mechanism. The item may be delivered in a tamper-proof manner. 
     At step  6103  an item I may be dispensed from the carousel assembly and positioned on platform  6113 . At step  6105  platform  6113  may tilt. At step  6107  item I may be angled toward tortuous path  6116 . Step  6107  may illustrate step  6105  at a different angle. At step  6109 , item I may be advancing along tortuous path  5115 . At step  6911 , item I may be received in a bottom portion of delivery port  6117 . Item I may be ready to be advanced through the delivery port and into receptacle  6119 . 
       FIG. 62  shows item I being advanced through opening  6201  in a delivery port and into receptacle  6119 . 
       FIG. 63  shows interlocking door  6303 . Item dispensing assembly  5901  may include interlocking door  6303 . Interlocking door  6303  may be part of structure  6301 . Structure  6301  may be the façade. Structure  6301  may be frame  5905 . 
     Interlocking door  6303  may surround a portion of tortuous path  6115  and/or receptacle  6309 . Interlocking door  6303  may include a first position and a second position. Interlocking door  6303 , in the first position, may cover receptacle  6309  and allow item Ito travel through tortuous path  6115  and into receptacle  6309 . Interlocking door  6303 , in the second position, may simultaneously block tortuous path  6116  from dispensing any more items I and allow customer access to access receptacle  6309  and any items I therein. 
     An item I may be delivered from the assembly into the receptacle using a push/pull mechanism, chute, conveyor, elevator, or any other suitable mechanism. The item may be delivered in a tamper-proof manner. 
       FIG. 64  shows a front portion  6401  of a vending assembly. Front portion  6401  may be a front portion of frame  5905 . Front portion  6401  may be a front portion of the housing, such as a front portion of the façade. 
     Front portion  6401  may include first side  6403 , inner thickness  6404  of first side  6403 , second side  6421 , and inner thickness of second side  6421  (not shown). Front portion  6401  may include dispensing port  6407  and a dispensing station cut-out  6409 . 
     Front portion  6411  may include front portion  6401  and a skin. The skin may be represented by the dotted portions on front portion  6411 . The skin may include an elongated monolithic cover. The cover may be configured to engage the front portion at one or more locations. The cover may define one or more of an elongated viewing port such as inner thickness  6404  and an inner thickness of the second side (not shown), dispensing port  6407  and/or a dispensing station cut-out  6409 . The skin may be removably coupled to the front portion. The front portion may define a first face and a second face opposite the first face along a central axis of the front portion. The second face may, in operation, be positioned adjacent the carousel assembly. The first face may, in operation, be viewable to a customer. The skin may include a set of mechanical features that couple to the second face. The skin may include a set of mechanical features that couple to the first face. 
       FIG. 65  shows apparatus  6500  includes a carousel assembly and an item dismount carriage assembly including hood  6511 , cradle  6509  and track  6507 . Hood  6511  and cradle  6509  may travel along track  6507 . Track  6507  may extend along a height of the carousel. Hood  6511  and cradle  6509  may be each have independent vertical motion along track  6507 . Hood  6511  and cradle may travel along track  6507  from an item storage disc to a delivery port. The delivery port may be integral to a frame of item dispensing assembly  5901 . The delivery port may guide an item to a receptacle accessible to a customer. 
     Cradle  6509  may be shaped to support an item dispensed from disc  6501  and removed from an item container. Disc  6501  may include guide feature  6503 . Cradle  6509  may be shaped to support an item container. The item may be held in an item carrier. Hood  6511  may be shaped to surround the item and/or item carrier supported within cradle  6509 . 
     The item dismount carriage assembly may include a controller. The controller may control movement of hood  6511  and cradle  6509  along the track. The controller may be configured to change a distance, along track  6507 , between hood  6511  and cradle  6509 . The controller may be configured to cause cradle  6509  to rotate to shed an item. The controller may be configured to control rotation of cradle  6509 . Rotation of cradle  6509  may effectuate the removal of an item from within cradle  6509 . The track may include power source  6513 . 
       FIG. 66  shows an illustrative item carrier  6600 . Item carrier  6600  may have features of any item carriers described herein. Item carrier  6600  may be positioned on the item storage disk of item dispensing assembly  5901 . Item carrier  6600  may be positioned on the platform of the storage frame. 
     An item stored by item dispensing assembly  5901  may be stored inside item carrier  6600 . Two or more items stored by item dispensing assembly  5901  may be stored inside item carrier  6600 . Some or all of the items stored by item dispensing assembly  5901  may be stored in one, two, three, five, ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or any other suitable number of item carriers. 
     Item carrier  6600  may include cover  6601  defining a first opening. Cover  6601  may be the outer shell. Cover  6601  may have one or more features in common with the outer shell. Item carrier  6600  may include container  6603 . Container  6603  may be the inner shell. Container  6603  may have one or more features in common with the inner shell. Container  6603  may define a second opening and slidable through the first opening in a first direction to envelop an item I and, in a second direction to release the item I through the second opening. 
     Cover  6601  may include the guide feature configured to follow the guide support face. The guide feature may include extension  6605 , extension  6607  and extension  6609 . 
     Container  6603  may include the guide feature configured to follow the guide support face. The guide feature may include extension  6609 . 
     Container  6603  may be configured to release an item I in a state in which container  6603  is directly engaged with cover  6601 . Container  6603  may be configured to release item I in a state in which container  6603  is not engaged with cover  6601 . 
     The dimensions of item carrier  6600  may be optimized based on the item(s) to be stored within item carrier  6600 . 
     Item carrier  6600  may have a first set of dimensions. Larger item carriers may include dimensions that are a multiple of the first set of dimensions, such as twice as large as the first set of dimensions, three times as large, four times as large, or any other suitable multiple of the first set of dimensions.  FIG. 75 , below, illustrates exemplary different dimensions of item carrier  6600 . 
     Each item carrier may include one or more feature to facilitate release and/or rejection of item(s) I stored within item carrier  6600 . Exemplary features include physical features, container  6603  material, and active features such as a spring. 
       FIG. 67  shows a different view of item carrier  6000 . Container  6603  may include extension  6701 . 
       FIG. 68  shows another view of item carrier  6000 . Container  6603  may include extension  6801 . 
       FIG. 69  shows item carrier  6000  with container  6603  withdrawn from cover  6601  to reveal opening  6903  of container  6603  and item I positioned inside container  6603 . Container  6603  may include flange  6901 . 
       FIG. 70  shows item I being dispensed through opening  6903  of container  6603 . 
       FIG. 71  shows cover  6601 . Cover  6601  may include opening  7010 . Container  6603  may be shaped to be positioned within opening  7010 . 
       FIG. 72  shows container  6603 . 
       FIG. 73  shows illustrative item carrier  7301  that may be positioned on an item storage disc. Item carrier  7301  may include extensions  7305 ,  7307  and  7305 . Item carrier  7301  may additionally include flange  7311 . 
       FIG. 74  shows item carrier  7301  opened. Item carrier, when opened, may define compartment  7401  and compartment  7403 . Item carrier may additionally include recesses/protrusions  7407  and corresponding protrusions/recesses  7405 . 
       FIG. 75  shows an illustrative disc  7501  with different sized item carriers positioned on item storage disc  7501 . Exemplary item carriers positioned on disc  7501  include item carrier  7509 , item carrier  7507  and item carrier  7511 . Item carriers  7509 ,  7507  and  7511  have the same widths but different lengths. Additional exemplary item carriers positioned on disc  7501  include item carrier  7503  and item carrier  7505 . Item carriers  7503  and  7505  have the same widths but different lengths. Another exemplary item carrier includes item carrier  7515 , which has a width greater than the aforementioned item carriers. 
       FIG. 76  is a block diagram that illustrates a computing server  7601  (alternatively referred to herein as a “server or computer”) that may be used in accordance with the principles of the invention. The computer server  7601  may have a processor  7603  for controlling overall operation of the server and its associated components, including RAM  7605 , ROM  7607 , input/output (“I/O”) module  7609 , and memory  7615 . 
     I/O module  7609  may include a microphone, keypad, touchscreen and/or stylus through which a user of server  7601  may provide input, and may also include one or more of a speaker for providing audio output and a video display device for providing textual, audiovisual and/or graphical output. Software may be stored within memory  7615  and/or other storage (not shown) to provide instructions to processor  7603  for enabling server  7601  to perform various functions. For example, memory  7615  may store software used by server  7601 , such as an operating system  7617 , application programs  7619 , and an associated database  7611 . Alternatively, some or all of computer executable instructions of server  7601  may be embodied in hardware or firmware (not shown). 
     Server  7601  may operate in a networked environment supporting connections to one or more remote computers, such as terminals  7641  and  7651 . Terminals  7641  and  7651  may be personal computers or servers that include many or all of the elements described above relative to server  7601 . The network connections depicted in  FIG. 76  include a local area network (LAN)  7625  and a wide area network (WAN)  7629 , but may also include other networks. 
     When used in a LAN networking environment, server  7601  is connected to LAN  7625  through a network interface or adapter  7613 . 
     When used in a WAN networking environment, server  7601  may include a modem  7627  or other means for establishing communications over WAN  7629 , such as Internet  7631 . Internet  7631  may be included in network N (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are illustrative and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. The existence of any of various well-known protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like is presumed, and the system may be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server. Any of various conventional web browsers may be used to display and manipulate data on web pages. 
     Additionally, application program  7619 , which may be used by server  7601 , may include computer executable instructions for inventory management, inventory mapping, item tracking, item ordering and data record merging applications. 
     Computing server  7601  and/or terminals  7641  or  7651  may also be mobile terminals including various other components, such as a battery, speaker, and antennas (not shown). Terminal  7651 and/or terminal  7641  may be portable devices such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone or any other suitable device for receiving, storing, transmitting and/or displaying relevant information. 
     Any information described above in connection with database  7611 , and any other suitable information, may be stored in memory  7615 . One or more of applications  7619  may include one or more algorithms and/or perform any other suitable tasks. 
     The apparatus and methods may be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the apparatus and methods include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, tablets, mobile phones and/or other personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     The apparatus and methods may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
       FIG. 77  shows an illustrative apparatus  7700  that may be configured in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     Apparatus  7700  may be a computing machine. Apparatus  7700  may include one or more features of the apparatus that is shown in  FIG. 76 . 
     Apparatus  7700  may include chip module  7702 , which may include one or more integrated circuits, and which may include logic configured to perform any other suitable logical operations. 
     Apparatus  7700  may include one or more of the following components: I/O circuitry  7704 , which may include a transmitter device and a receiver device and may interface with fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, telephone lines, wireless devices, PHY layer hardware, an keypad/display control device or any other suitable encoded media or devices; peripheral devices  7706 , which may include counter timers, real-time timers, power-on reset generators or any other suitable peripheral devices; logical processing device  7708 , which may compute item data record elements, customer order information, inventory weight distribution, efficient shifting of mechanisms for desirable dispensing manners, and perform other methods described herein; and machine-readable memory  7710 . 
     Machine-readable memory  7710  may be configured to store data records in machine-readable data structures. 
     Components  7702 ,  7704 ,  7706 ,  7708  and  7710  may be coupled together by a system bus or other interconnections  7712  and may be present on one or more circuit boards such as  7720 . In some embodiments, the components may be integrated into a single chip. 
     The chip may be silicon-based. 
     When some or all of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 76 and 77  are present in remote data center  111 , the features may perform different functions. 
     Table 13 lists illustrative remote data center functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative remote data center functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative remote data center functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Maintain database of health of vending assemblies  
               
               
                 in plurality of vending assemblies 
               
               
                 Maintain database of item inventory of vending  
               
               
                 assemblies in plurality of vending assemblies 
               
               
                 Maintain database of item data records for display  
               
               
                 to user on website, kiosk 
               
               
                 Receive order from user 
               
               
                 Build order from carrier IDs based on association  
               
               
                 of user order elements with corresponding carrier  
               
               
                 ID&#39;s of carriers that are present on a user-selected  
               
               
                 vending assembly 
               
               
                 Transmit order instruction to vending assembly 
               
               
                 Transmit order instruction having no item data  
               
               
                 record elements to vending assembly 
               
               
                 Transmit inventory information for restocking 
               
               
                 Other suitable functions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When some or all of the features shown in  FIGS. 76 and 77  are present in the vending assembly computing unit, the features may perform different categories of functions. 
     Table 14 lists illustrative computing unit function categories. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative computing unit function categories. 
               
               
                 Illustrative computing unit function categories 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 State- and variable-sensing 
               
               
                 Environmental Management 
               
               
                 Inventory Management 
               
               
                 Computation 
               
               
                 Communication 
               
               
                 Other suitable categories 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 15 lists illustrative state- and variable-sensing functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative state- and variable-sensing functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative state- and variable-sensing functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Detect carrier motion 
               
               
                 Sense temperature 
               
               
                 Sense humidity 
               
               
                 Detect frosting 
               
               
                 Detect angular position of storage frame 
               
               
                 Illustrative state- and variable-sensing functions 
               
               
                 Detect elevation of elevator 
               
               
                 Detect horizontal position of gripper 
               
               
                 Detect vertical position of platform 
               
               
                 Detect airflow in central conduit 
               
               
                 Sense current and voltage in motors 
               
               
                 Detect open/closed state of door 
               
               
                 Sense weight of item on platform 
               
               
                 Detect presence of item at vend depot 
               
               
                 Sense acceleration of storage frame 
               
               
                 Sense acceleration of elevator 
               
               
                 Read carrier data record 
               
               
                 Other suitable sensing and detecting functions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 16 lists illustrative environmental management functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative environmental management functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative environmental management functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Control plenum fan speed 
               
               
                 Control refrigerant pressure 
               
               
                 Control heater power 
               
               
                 Initiate storage frame rotation scheme for forced convection 
               
               
                 Other suitable environmental management functions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 17 lists illustrative inventory management functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative inventory management functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative environmental management functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Scan storage frame for carrier IDs 
               
               
                 Monitor through-beam sensors for carrier load  
               
               
                 and dispense events 
               
               
                 Other suitable inventory management functions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 18 lists illustrative computation functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative computation functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative computation functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Compute dispense pathway of storage frame  
               
               
                 (rotation) and elevator (vertical translation) 
               
               
                 Compute item date information 
               
               
                 Comput item status 
               
               
                 Compute temperature distribution variances 
               
               
                 Compute period, speed, direction of rotation  
               
               
                 of storage pathway for reducing temperature  
               
               
                 distribution variances 
               
               
                 Compute platform motions for receiving item 
               
               
                 Other suitable computation functions 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 19 lists illustrative communication functions. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative communication functions. 
               
               
                 Illustrative communication functions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 With remote data center 
               
               
                 Receive item data record element from remote data center 
               
               
                 Transmit item inventory to remote data center 
               
               
                 Receive instruction from remote data center to dispense item 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Within Vending Assembly 
     Provide instructions to robotic controllers (e.g., translate elevator, translate platform relative to elevator, translate gripper, actuate jaws, rotate storage frame) 
     Update item status display 
     Other Suitable Communication Functions 
     All ranges and parameters disclosed herein are understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number between the endpoints. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more (e.g. 1 to 6.1), and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g. 2.3 to 9.4, 3 to 8, 4 to 7), and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 contained within the range. 
     Thus, apparatus and methods for dispensing an item have been provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described examples, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. The present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.