Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a vending machine that includes an enclosure having at least two bin elements, each structured to store an article.

<CIT> describes a vending machine that includes optional modules.

<CIT> describes article display shelves each comprising a plurality of article storing compartments arranged vertically and laterally, the article storing compartments each holding a plurality of articles.

<CIT> describes a merchandise dispensing system for storing and dispensing food products, consumables, and beverages may include a plurality of modules.

<CIT> describes a modular vending machine, of the type dispensing cold or not cold packaged edible items.

<CIT> describes a distribution installation for products arranged in compartments with transport means for transferring the products from said compartments to a dispensing hatch.

<CIT> describes a vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products.

<CIT> describes an article storage/dispensing device for a vending machine.

The invention provides a product dispenser and a method for dispensing a product as specified in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims. One aspect of the present disclosure permits a modular vending machine including a control module with a user interface, a payment system, vending controllers, and one or more vending cabinets that store products to be vended. Each cabinet can have a separate controller that can interact with the central controller. In another aspect, the modular vending machine can have a single controller located in the central control module. The controller can control all components in the vending cabinets. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a product dispenser can include a central module including a user interface and a product pickup area, a first product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a first interior area, a second product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a second interior area, a first product transport mechanism positioned within the first interior area to receive a first product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet and deliver the first product to the product pickup area, and a second product transport mechanism positioned within the second interior area to receive a second product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the second product storage cabinet and deliver the second product to the product pickup area, and including a first product orientation mechanism to orient the first product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. In an aspect the first product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the first product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the first product transport mechanism. The first product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the first product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the first product into a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can include a first pivot connecting the portion to the product pickup area, a second pivot connecting a control arm to the portion, and a third pivot connecting the control arm to a motorized slider.

In another aspect, the product dispenser can include a second product orientation mechanism to orient the second product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. The second product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the second product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the second product transport mechanism, and the second product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the second product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the second product.

In an aspect, the product dispenser can include a first product positioner to orient the first product onto the first product transport mechanism such that a bottom of the first product is positioned closer to the central module than a top portion of the first product. The product dispenser can include a second product positioner to orient the second product onto the second product transport mechanism such that a bottom of the second product is positioned closer to the central module than a top portion of the second product. The first product positioner can be attached to one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet, and the second product positioner can be attached to one of the plurality of product shelves in the second product storage cabinet. The first product positioner and the second product positioner can be non-motorized.

In a further aspect, the product dispenser can include a third product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a third interior area, and a third product transport mechanism positioned within the third interior area to receive a third product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the third product storage cabinet and deliver the third product to the product pickup area. The third product can travel through the second product storage cabinet via the second product transport mechanism to deliver the third product to the product pickup area. In another aspect, the third product storage cabinet can include a product pickup area. The third product can be delivered to the product pickup area in the third product storage cabinet rather than the product pickup area in the central module.

In another aspect, a product dispenser can include a central module including a user interface and a product pickup area, a first product storage cabinet including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a first interior area, a first product transport mechanism positioned within the first interior area to receive a first product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet and deliver the first product to the product pickup area, and a first product orientation mechanism to orient the first product in the product pickup area in a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can have a transfer position where a portion of the first product orientation mechanism spans a space between the product pickup area and the first product transport mechanism. The first product orientation mechanism can have a pickup position where the portion of the first product orientation mechanism extends into the product pickup area to orient the first product into a vertically upright orientation. The first product orientation mechanism can include a first pivot connecting the portion to the product pickup area, a second pivot connecting a control arm to the portion, and a third pivot connecting the control arm to a motorized slider.

In another aspect, a method for dispensing a product can include transmitting a first electronic signal to a control system based on a first user selection on an electronic user interface, moving a first product transport mechanism into a first vertical position to receive a first product from a first storage shelf based on the first electronic signal, moving the first product transport mechanism into a first vertical delivery position to deliver the first product into a pickup area, moving a first product orientation mechanism into a transfer position to receive the first product from the first product transport mechanism, and moving the first product into the pickup area. The method can include transmitting a second electronic signal to the control system based on a second user selection on the electronic user interface, moving a second product transport mechanism into a second vertical position to receive a second product from a second storage shelf based on the second electronic signal, moving the second product transport mechanism into a second vertical delivery position to deliver the second product into the pickup area, moving a second product orientation mechanism into a transfer position to receive the second product from the second product transport mechanism, and moving the second product into the pickup area. The method can include moving the first product orientation mechanism into a pickup position to orient the first product in a vertically upright orientation in the pickup area, and moving the second product orientation mechanism into a pickup position to orient the second product in a vertically upright orientation in the pickup area.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.

Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.

The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

Vending machines are used to store and deliver products (e.g., beverages and/or food in bottles, cans, boxes, etc.) to consumers. Conventional vending machines often deliver the products by dropping the products into a pick-up space where the consumer opens a hinged door, for example, to retrieve the product. Presenting the product to the consumer in a vertically upright orientation, rather than dropping the product, would improve the quality of the product and result in a better user experience.

Accordingly, in some embodiments a modular vending machine can include a control module that can include a user interface, a payment system, vending controllers, and one or more vending cabinets that store products to be vended. Each cabinet can have a separate controller that can interact with the central controller. Each of the vending cabinet, and the central control module can be manufactured, packaged, shipped separately from factory, and then connected and installed together at the destination field location. In another aspect, a single controller can be centrally located in center control module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the control module can include a pickup area where the product from each cabinet can be delivered to, and the area is accessible by consumer to pick up all products purchased. The vending cabinets do not require a dedicated area for product to be picked up by consumer. With this solution, multiple products from different cabinets can be selected by a consumer and vended, though the central user interface, which provides the options of beverage, food, etc., or combinations of different products. This solution makes it easier for a consumer to pick up a product, because all products are delivered to one area. In addition, this product pick-up area is located at a level higher than the current vending machines, which make it easier for consumer to pick up the product without bending.

In some embodiments, the storage system is modular. In some embodiments, the storage system comprises one or more shelves. In some embodiments, the plurality of shelves forms a grid of product storage areas. In some embodiments, each shelf is configured to dispense vending products. For example, each shelf may be angled downward so that gravity pulls vending products out of the shelf. As another example, each shelf may include a mechanism to dispense vending products, such as a springloaded product pusher. In some embodiments, each shelf comprises a gate that keeps the vending products on the shelf until the vending machine is ready to dispense the vending product. In some embodiments, a spiral or corkscrew shaped motorized wire that can rotate one full turn in order to dispense a single item from the vending machine in response to a user input.

In some embodiments, each vending cabinet can include a product transport system that delivers the product to a pickup area in the control module. The product transport system interacts with the vending system and other components to dispense, transport, and present vending products to consumers in a vertically upright orientation. In some embodiments, the interactions are primarily mechanical, thus reducing the complexity of the vending machine and reducing the need for service and maintenance. The product transport system can include an elevation system driven by motor. The motor can be controlled by a controller in the vending cabinet. The elevation system can be moved up and down vertically to catch a product vended from the product storage shelves. The elevation system can include a transfer belt driven by another motor.

In some embodiments, the side walls of the central control module, and the side wall of the vending cabinets can include openings through which the product packages can pass through. The storage shelves in each vending cabinets are also controlled by motors to push the products selected from the shelf to the elevation system.

In some embodiments, a consumer can select multiple products through a user interface. The controller in the control module can send instruction to the controls in the vending cabinets. The controllers in the vending cabinets can then send signal to motors of the shelf based on the selection, to push the product out of the shelf. The elevation system can be driven by the motor which receives signals from the controller to move to the shelf, based on the product selection, to catch the product package from the shelf. After the package travels onto the elevator, the belt can start moving, driven by its dedicated motor which received signal from the controller. The package on the belt can then be transferred by the belt to the opening on the side wall. The gate that normally covers the opening will be opened, controlled by motor, to allow the package to go through. At the same time, a product orientation mechanism in the control model around the pick-up area can tilt downward to ensure a smooth movement of the package from the vending cabinet to the pick-up area. Once the product travels into a pick-up area pocket a vertical position lower than the elevation system belt, the package orientation mechanism can rotate back to vertical and further into the pick-up area to orient the product into a vertically upright position. In some embodiments, the controller in the center control module can directly control the mechanisms in the vending cabinets.

In some embodiments, a product positioner can be attached onto the shelves, for example, on one side wall of the gate. As the product travels to the belt in the orientation that the bottom of the package is pointing to the product pick-up area of the central module, and the top of the package is pointing away from the central module. This way, the package can be transferred to the central module and can travel into the product pickup area with its bottom first entering the pocket, so it can stand up vertically with the help of the package orientation mechanism in the central module mentioned above.

In some embodiments, sensors (optical, mechanical, etc.) can be utilized in the machine on different mechanisms to ensure the accurate timing and control of the movement of each moving components, to ensure the proper functions.

In some embodiments, multiple vending cabinets can share the same product pick-up area. Alternatively, one or more specific cabinets can include a dedicated product pick-up area on the cabinet in a say similar to the current vending machines. The configuration of multiple vending cabinets including, for example, a refrigerated cabinet and non-refrigerated cabinet, can make it possible to have larger storage capacity, more different types of products (for instance, different temperature requirements, etc.), in an cost efficient way by having one control module, and have different temperature setting in different cabinets with dedicated cooling or heating instruments.

In some embodiments, the product pickup area comprises a pickup area door that isolates the pickup area from outside the vending machine.

The vending products may include drinks, such as bottled water, energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, milks, juices, sports drinks, etc., as well as food, such as chips, granola bars, energy bars, sandwiches, ice cream bars, candy, and other snacks. The vending products may be packaged in different sizes, shapes, and styles. While consumables are primarily discussed herein, the principles disclosed apply to other types of vending products as well. The vending machines disclosed herein may be used in any setting (e.g., school campuses, stores, malls, offices, etc.).

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Referring now to <FIG>, modular vending machine <NUM> includes a center control module <NUM>, a product storage cabinet <NUM>, and a product storage cabinet <NUM>. Center control module <NUM> can include a user interface <NUM> and a product pickup area <NUM>. In one aspect, product storage cabinet <NUM> can be refrigerated and can include products <NUM> within product storage area <NUM> that require refrigeration. In another aspect, product storage cabinet <NUM> can be non-refrigerated and can include products <NUM> within product storage area <NUM> that do not require refrigeration. The configuration of a refrigerated product storage cabinet <NUM> and a non-refrigerated product storage cabinet <NUM> can make it possible to have a vending machine with a larger storage capacity with various products having different temperature requirements.

In some embodiments, a product positioner <NUM> can be attached onto each row of each shelf <NUM>. In one aspect, the product positioner <NUM> can be attached on one side wall of the shelf gate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As the product <NUM> travels from shelf <NUM> to product transport mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), product positioner <NUM> can orient product <NUM> such that the bottom of product <NUM> is oriented closed to the product pickup area <NUM> of the central control module <NUM> and the top of the product <NUM> is oriented furthest away from the product pickup area <NUM> (<FIG>). This way, the product <NUM> can be travel into the product pickup area <NUM> bottom first, so it can be oriented vertically in product pickup area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, control module <NUM> can include a control module chassis <NUM>. Product storage cabinet <NUM> can attach to a first portion of control module chassis <NUM> on a first side of control module <NUM>. Product storage cabinet <NUM> can attach to a second portion of control module chassis <NUM> on a second side of control module <NUM>. Control module <NUM> can include a product transport opening <NUM> in the side wall of control module <NUM> adjacent product storage cabinet <NUM>. Control module <NUM> can include a product transport opening <NUM> in the side wall of control module <NUM> adjacent products storage cabinet <NUM>. Product transport openings <NUM> and <NUM> allow products to be transported from product storage cabinet <NUM> and product storage cabinet <NUM> into pickup area <NUM> in control module <NUM>. In another aspect of the invention, product storage cabinet <NUM> and/or product storage cabinet <NUM> can include a product pickup area.

In an aspect of the invention, the parts and components within product storage cabinet <NUM> can be identical to those in product storage cabinet <NUM>. And because product storage cabinet <NUM> is positioned on the opposite side of control module <NUM>, the parts and components within product storage cabinet <NUM> can be reciprocal in function to those in product storage cabinet <NUM>. For example, while products in product storage cabinet <NUM> move from right to left toward control module <NUM>, products in product storage cabinet <NUM> move from left to right toward control module <NUM>.

In another aspect of the invention, product storage cabinets <NUM> and <NUM> can include similar and/or different parts and components. For example, product storage cabinet <NUM> and/or product storage cabinet <NUM> can include a product delivery system including an elevation system, an x-y mechanism, and/or a drop system.

Product storage cabinet <NUM> can include a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. Product storage cabinet <NUM> can include a refrigeration system <NUM> to maintain a desired temperature within product storage area <NUM>. Product storage cabinet <NUM> can include a plurality of shelves <NUM> and a plurality of vend mechanisms <NUM> attached to shelves <NUM> to dispense products onto product transport mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, vend mechanisms <NUM> can be a spiral or corkscrew shaped motorized wire that can rotate one full turn in order to dispense a single product <NUM> from the product storage cabinet in response to a user input. In another aspect, vend mechanisms <NUM> dispense products using a push plate and gate mechanism, a motor, a spring, or rely solely on gravity.

Referring now to <FIG>, upon receiving a user selection on the user interface <NUM>, the electronic control module sends a signal to vertical position drive motor <NUM> (<FIG>) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism <NUM> to a vertical position adjacent shelf <NUM> containing a selected product <NUM>. A vend mechanism <NUM> can dispense product <NUM> onto belt <NUM> of product transport mechanism <NUM>. As product <NUM> travels onto belt <NUM>, product positioner <NUM>, discussed above, can orient product <NUM> such that the bottom of product <NUM> is oriented closed to the product pickup area <NUM> of the central control module <NUM> and the top of the product <NUM> is oriented furthest away from the product pickup area <NUM>.

Belt <NUM> can be continuous and can be travel around support <NUM> and pulleys <NUM> in the direction of control module <NUM>. One of pulleys <NUM> can be driven by pulley drive motor <NUM>.

Product transport mechanism <NUM> can include a stationary rear wall <NUM> that prevents product <NUM> from dropping toward the front of product storage cabinet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, product transport mechanism <NUM> includes a hinged ramp <NUM> on a side closest to shelves <NUM>. After product transport mechanism <NUM> is positioned in a desired vertical position, hinged ramp drive motor moves hinged ramp linkage <NUM> attached to hinged ramp <NUM> to move hinged ramp <NUM> toward the desired shelf <NUM> into a delivery position. After product <NUM> travels from shelf <NUM> along hinged ramp <NUM> to belt <NUM>, hinged ramp drive motor moves hinged ramp linkage <NUM> to position hinged ramp <NUM> into a vertical position for easier travel within product storage cabinet <NUM>. In another embodiment, hinged ramp <NUM> maintains the delivery position as product transport mechanism <NUM> moves within product storage cabinet <NUM>. The hinged ramp drive motor moves hinged ramp linkage <NUM> to position hinged ramp <NUM> into the vertical position when product <NUM> travels on belt <NUM>.

Next, vertical position drive motor <NUM> can rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism <NUM> to a vertical position adjacent transfer gate opening <NUM>. Transfer gate <NUM> can move to an open position allowing access to pickup area <NUM>.

Product transport mechanism can include a stationary rear wall <NUM> that prevents product <NUM> from dropping toward the front of product storage cabinet <NUM>.

Next, vertical position drive motor <NUM> can rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism <NUM> to a vertical position adjacent transfer gate <NUM>. Transfer gate <NUM> can move to an open position allowing access to pickup area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, product orientation mechanism <NUM> can include a drawbridge <NUM>, a control arm <NUM>, a motorized slider <NUM>, a first pivot <NUM>, and a second pivot <NUM> (<FIG>). Once product transport mechanism <NUM> is positioned in a vertical delivery position adjacent transfer gate opening <NUM>, motorized slider <NUM> can move to move control arm <NUM> which in turn moves drawbridge <NUM> to a transfer position (<FIG>). In the transfer position, drawbridge <NUM> allows product <NUM> to travel from product transport mechanism <NUM>, across the gap between control module <NUM> and product storage cabinet <NUM>, into pickup area <NUM>. For example, after drawbridge is placed in a transfer position, pulley drive motor <NUM> can rotate to move product <NUM> through transfer gate opening <NUM>, along drawbridge <NUM> into pickup area <NUM>. Once product <NUM> is in pickup area <NUM>, motorized slider <NUM> can move to move control arm <NUM> which in turn moves drawbridge <NUM> into an orientation position to vertically orient product <NUM> in pickup area <NUM> (<FIG>).

In an aspect, product orientation mechanism <NUM> can include the same components and can operate in the same manner as product orientation mechanism <NUM>. For example, product orientation mechanism <NUM> can include a drawbridge, a control arm, a motorized slider, a first pivot, and a second pivot (not shown). Once product transport mechanism <NUM> is positioned in a vertical delivery position adjacent transfer gate <NUM>, the motorized slider can move to move the control arm which in turn moves the drawbridge to a transfer position. In the transfer position, the drawbridge allows product <NUM> to travel from product transport mechanism <NUM>, across the gap between control module <NUM> and product storage cabinet <NUM>, into pickup area <NUM>. For example, after drawbridge is placed in a transfer position, pulley drive motor <NUM> can rotate to move product <NUM> through transfer gate <NUM>, along the drawbridge and into pickup area <NUM>. Once product <NUM> is in pickup area <NUM>, the motorized slider can move to move the control arm which in turn moves the drawbridge into an orientation position to vertically orient product <NUM> in pickup area <NUM>.

In an aspect, sensors <NUM> can be attached to a bracket to determine whether product <NUM> has traveled through product transport opening <NUM> into pickup area <NUM> (i.e., a sensor <NUM> can sense the presence or absence of product <NUM> on belt <NUM>). In some embodiments, sensor <NUM> can include an ultrasound sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, pickup area <NUM> can sense when product <NUM> has been removed from pickup area <NUM> (e.g., via sensor <NUM>, such as an ultrasound sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor).

In an aspect, pickup area <NUM> can include a first pocket <NUM> to receive a product from product storage cabinet <NUM> and a second pocket <NUM> to receive a product from product cabinet <NUM> (<FIG>). First pocket <NUM> and second pocket <NUM> can be separated by divider <NUM>.

Control module <NUM> can include a pickup area door <NUM> to cover pickup area <NUM>. Drive motor <NUM> can move linkages <NUM> and <NUM> to move pickup area door <NUM> vertically to allow a user access to pickup area <NUM>. Pickup area door can include a locking mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). Lock mechanism <NUM> can include a tension spring <NUM>, a locking pawl <NUM>, linkage <NUM>, and solenoid <NUM> to prevent unauthorized access to pickup area <NUM>.

Modular vending machine <NUM> can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor that sends an electronic signal to position and initiate the product transport mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> and product orientation mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM>. The electronic control module can provide intelligent control of the modular vending machine system. The electronic control module can control the vertical position of product transport mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> through control of drive motors <NUM> and <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors <NUM> and <NUM> to move product transport mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> to respective vertical positions adjacent a shelf of a selected product <NUM>.

The electronic control module can control the horizontal position of belts <NUM> and <NUM> through control of drive motors <NUM> and <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors <NUM> and <NUM> to move products <NUM> on product transport mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> toward the pickup area <NUM> in control module <NUM>.

The electronic control module can control the position of hinged ramps <NUM> and <NUM> through control of drive motors <NUM> and <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motors <NUM> and <NUM> to move linkages <NUM> and <NUM> to move hinged ramps <NUM> and <NUM> into a product transport position.

The electronic control module can control the position of the drawbridges, e.g. drawbridge <NUM>, in product orientation mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, through control of the motorized sliders. The electronic control module can send a signal to the motorized sliders, e.g., motorized slider <NUM> to move vertically along the control module. The movement of the motorized sliders moves the control arms, e.g., control arm <NUM>, which in turn moves the drawbridges between the transfer position and the pickup position.

The electronic control module can control the position of pickup area door <NUM> through control of drive motor <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkages <NUM> and <NUM>, which in turn move pickup area door vertically between an open position and a closed position.

The electronic control module can control the position of transfer gates <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) through control of transfer gate drives <NUM> and <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drives <NUM> and <NUM> which in turn move transfer gates <NUM> and <NUM> between an open position and a closed position.

The manner in which a user engages the interface of the beverage dispensing system to select and/or dispense a beverage can vary. <FIG> illustrates an example method for dispensing an available product according to one aspect of the invention.

At step <NUM>, an input screen may be displayed on a user interface <NUM> on control module <NUM>. This may include displaying an initial user input selection (e.g., "touch to start"). In one aspect of the invention, the user interface <NUM> can display an input screen having a beverage input, a food input, and a combination input. The beverage input can present a number of available beverage product to the user. The food input can present the number of food item products to the user. The combination input can present a number of pre-programmed food and beverage combinations to the user.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a type or brand of product may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select a beverage, a food, or a combination beverage and food.

At step <NUM>, based on the user input in step <NUM>, the user interface <NUM> can prompt the user to make a second product selection. For example, if in step <NUM> the user selected a beverage, user interface <NUM> can allow the user to select a food. Alternatively, if the user selected a food, user interface <NUM> can prompt the user to select a beverage. In another aspect, a user can select three or more products on user interface <NUM>. In a further aspect, a user can select four or more products on user interface <NUM>.

In another aspect, user interface <NUM> can hide products that have been vended out, i.e., there are no products left in the machine. For example, user interface <NUM> can hide single products and/or combination products. Alternatively, if a vended out product is selected by the user, the user interface <NUM> can display a message indicating that the product is unavailable.

At step <NUM>, a selection of a second type or brand of product may be received via input from the user. For example, a user may select a beverage or a food based on the prompt in step <NUM>. In another aspect, a user can decline to select a second product and the system can move to step <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, based on the user input in step <NUM>, an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a first product transport mechanism (e.g., vertical position drive motor <NUM> in product transport mechanism <NUM>) to vertically position the first product transport mechanism to receive the first selected product.

At step <NUM>, based on the user input in step <NUM>, an electronic control module can send a signal to a motor in a second product transport mechanism (e.g., vertical position drive motor <NUM> in product transport mechanism <NUM>) to vertically position the second product transport mechanism to receive the second selected product.

In an embodiment, at step <NUM>, the vending machine can transport the first product into the pickup area. For example, the electronic control module sends electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkage <NUM> to move hinged ramp <NUM> into a product transport position. The electronic control module can then send an electronic signal to dispense product <NUM> from shelf <NUM> so product <NUM> can travel along hinged ramp <NUM> onto belt <NUM> on product transport mechanism <NUM>. After product <NUM> travels onto belt <NUM>, the electronic control module sends an electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkage <NUM> to move hinged ramp <NUM> to a vertical position. The electronic control module can send an electronic control signal to vertical position drive motor <NUM> (<FIG>) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism <NUM> to a vertical position adjacent gate <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drive <NUM> to move transfer gate <NUM> to an open position. The electronic control module can also send an electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move product <NUM> on product transport mechanism <NUM> through gate <NUM> and transfer gate <NUM> toward the pickup area <NUM> in control module <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to motorized slider <NUM> to move vertically along the control module to move drawbridge <NUM> into a transfer position so product <NUM> can travel along drawbridge <NUM>. The electronic control module can also send a signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkages <NUM> and <NUM>, which in turn move pickup area door vertically to an open position.

In an embodiment, at step <NUM>, the vending machine can transport the second product into the pickup area. For example, the electronic control module sends electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkage <NUM> to move hinged ramp <NUM> into a product transport position. The electronic control module can then send an electronic signal to dispense product <NUM> from shelf <NUM> so product <NUM> can travel along hinged ramp <NUM> onto belt <NUM> on product transport mechanism <NUM>. After product <NUM> travels onto belt <NUM>, the electronic control module sends an electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move linkage <NUM> to move hinged ramp <NUM> to a vertical position. The electronic control module can send an electronic control signal to vertical position drive motor <NUM> (<FIG>) to rotate and vertically move product transport mechanism <NUM> to a vertical position adjacent gate <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to transfer gate drive <NUM> to move transfer gate <NUM> to an open position. The electronic control module can also send an electronic signal to drive motor <NUM> to move product <NUM> on product transport mechanism <NUM> through gate <NUM> and transfer gate <NUM> toward the pickup area <NUM> in control module <NUM>. The electronic control module can send a signal to motorized slider <NUM> to move vertically along the control module to move drawbridge <NUM> into a transfer position so product <NUM> can travel along drawbridge <NUM>.

Although the example method of <FIG> shows a particular order of steps, the exact order of the above steps could change (e.g., step <NUM> could occur prior to step <NUM>), and the modular vending machine could receive additional input from the user before, after, and in between particular steps of the above example method. The order of the steps and/or what input is received during the course of a user's interaction with the vending machine may be dependent on the organization of the user interface.

In another aspect, at step <NUM> user interface <NUM> can display product videos. The product videos can be pictures of pre-combined products options such as one snack/food product and one beverage product. At step <NUM>, a consumer can touch or press on the picture of any combined products. Based on the consumer input at step <NUM>, at step <NUM> the user interface will stop the video and show the product selection page with the selected combined products shown on user interface <NUM> and each product listed along with production information. The product information can include nutritional information, e.g., calories, and product price. The consumer can then proceed with making a payment or can change the selection of products. For example, the consumer can remove one or more of the selected products. The consumer can also add additional products before paying for the items.

In a further aspect, if any product in a pre-combined product option has been vended out, (i.e. no more products are left in the machine), this pre-combined production option will not be shown on the video. The pre-combined product option will also not be shown in the list of available combinations on the user interface.

In another aspect, the dispensing mechanisms in product storage cabinets <NUM> and <NUM> can operate simultaneously to reduce the total transaction time. For example, steps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can occur simultaneously to deliver products <NUM> and <NUM> to product pickup area <NUM> at the same time. In a further aspect, the dispensing mechanisms in each of product storage cabinets <NUM> and/or <NUM> can operate simultaneously to reduce the total transaction time. For example, gate <NUM> and/or transfer gate <NUM> can be opened as product transport mechanism <NUM> travels vertically. In addition, gate <NUM> and/or transfer gate <NUM> can be opened as product transport mechanism <NUM> travels vertically.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an example communication network in which one or more embodiments may be implemented. A vending machine, e.g., modular vending machine <NUM>, can be configured to dispense a product according to a user's selection. For example, a user can approach a vending machine <NUM>, and interact with the vending machine <NUM> to make a selection (e.g., input a code or press a button corresponding to the desired product). In response, the vending machine <NUM> may dispense the selected product. In general, examples of this disclosure relate to a modular vending machine; however, various aspects of this disclosure could be used in a dispenser for other types of products (e.g., electronics or other consumer goods).

Vending machines may be located across different locations or premises. For example, <FIG> illustrates three vending machines: vending machine <NUM>, vending machine <NUM> and vending machine <NUM>.

In a further aspect, vending machines may be connected to a controller. A controller may be centrally located and/or a separate controller may be incorporated into each vending machine. As illustrated in <FIG>, vending machines <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can be configured to receive instructions from vending machine <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and to cause the appropriate vending machine to dispense a selected product. For example, a user may interact with vending machine <NUM> to select a product (e.g., via a touchpad, touch screen, keypad, etc.), instructions for the selected product may be transmitted to controller <NUM>, and controller <NUM> may be configured to dispense a selected product in response to the instructions.

Components of a vending machine may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, and/or additional components suitable for implementing the functions and methods of the vending machine. Software <NUM> may be stored in computer-readable memory <NUM> such as read only or random access memory in vending machine <NUM> and may include instructions that cause one or more components (e.g., processor <NUM>, display, etc.) of a vending machine (e.g., vending machine <NUM>) to perform various functions and methods including those described herein.

A vending machine may communicate with other devices using one or more networks. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, vending machines <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may communicate with server <NUM> via network <NUM> and/or network <NUM>. Network <NUM> and network <NUM> may include multiple networks that are interlinked so as to provide internetworked communications. Such networks may include one or more private or public packet-switched networks (e.g., the Internet), one or more private or public circuit-switched networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network), a cellular network, a short or medium range wireless communication connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, ultra wideband (UWB), infrared, WiBree, wireless local area network (WLAN) according to one or more versions of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard no. <NUM>), or any other suitable network. Devices in communication with each other (e.g., vending machines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, server <NUM>, and/or data repository <NUM>) may use various communication protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), among others known in the art.

Server <NUM>, controller <NUM>, and vending machines <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to interact with each other and other devices. In one example, vending machine <NUM> may include software <NUM> that is configured to coordinate the transmission and reception of information to and from server <NUM>. In one arrangement, software <NUM> may include application or server specific protocols for requesting and receiving data from server <NUM>. For example, software <NUM> may comprise a browser or variants thereof and server <NUM> may comprise a web server. In some arrangements, server <NUM> may transmit application data to vending machines, such as software updates to various components of the dispensing system (e.g., updates to the user interface, updates to firmware of the vending machines, updates to drivers of the vending machines, etc.). In one or more arrangements, server <NUM> may receive data from the vending machines, such as data describing the current stock of the vending machine (e.g., a listing of products and the number remaining at the vending machine), operation history and/or usage metrics of the vending machine (e.g. counters tracking the selections of users of the machine), status of the vending machine (e.g., whether any components are working improperly), etc. Server <NUM> may be configured to access and store data in data repository <NUM>, such as data that it receives and transmits in data repository <NUM>. Data repository <NUM> may also include other data accessible to server <NUM>, such as different drink recipes that can be downloaded to vending machines.

<FIG> illustrates an example computing device on which at least some of the various elements described herein can be implemented, including, but not limited to, various components of vending machines (e.g., vending machines <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, modular vending machine <NUM>). Computing device <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM>, which may execute instructions of a computer program to perform, or cause to perform, any of the steps or functions described herein. The instructions may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or memory, to configure the operation of the processor <NUM>. For example, instructions may be stored in a read-only memory (ROM) <NUM>, random access memory (RAM) <NUM>, removable media <NUM>, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, flash card, or any other desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be stored in an attached (or internal) hard drive <NUM>.

Computing device <NUM> may include one or more output devices, such as a display <NUM>, and may include one or more output device controllers <NUM>, such as a video processor. A controller may be centrally located, for example in center control module <NUM>. In another aspect, a separate controller may be incorporated into each product storage cabinet.

There may also be one or more user input devices <NUM>, such as a touch screen, remote control, keyboard, mouse, microphone, card reader, RFID reader, etc. The computing device <NUM> may also include one or more network interfaces, such as input/output circuits <NUM> to communicate with an external network <NUM>. The network interface may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may include a modem (e.g., a cable modem), and network <NUM> may include the communication lines of the networks illustrated in <FIG>, or any other desired network.

The <FIG> example is an illustrative hardware configuration. Modifications may be made to add, remove, combine, divide, etc. components as desired. Additionally, the components illustrated may be implemented using basic computing devices and components, and the same components (e.g., processor <NUM>, storage <NUM>, user input device <NUM>, etc.) may be used to implement any of the other computing devices and components described herein.

Claim 1:
A product dispenser comprising:
a central module including a user interface (<NUM>) and a product pickup area (<NUM>);
a first product storage cabinet (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of product shelves (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned within a first interior area;
a second product storage cabinet (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of product shelves positioned within a second interior area;
a first product transport mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned within the first interior area to receive a first product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the first product storage cabinet and deliver the first product to the product pickup area;
a second product transport mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned within the second interior area to receive a second product from one of the plurality of product shelves in the second product storage cabinet and deliver the second product to the product pickup area (<NUM>),
a hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>), a hinged ramp linkage (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>), a hinged ramp drive motor, and a belt (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the hinged ramp drive motor is configured to move the hinged ramp linkage (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a desired product shelf (<NUM>, <NUM>) into a delivery position; and
wherein the hinged ramp drive motor is configured to, after the first product (<NUM>) travels from the product shelve (<NUM>, <NUM>) along the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the belt (<NUM>, <NUM>), move the hinged ramp linkage (<NUM>, <NUM>) to position the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) into a vertical position for travel within the first product storage cabinet, or
wherein the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to maintain the delivery position as the first product transport mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) moves within the first product storage cabinet (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the hinged ramp drive motor is configured to move the hinged ramp linkage (<NUM>, <NUM>) to position the hinged ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) into a vertical position when the first product (<NUM>) travels on the belt (<NUM>, <NUM>).