Patent ID: 6926167

Claim:
A machine for dispensing flat objects to a user, comprising: a. a cabinet, having a front, a rear, and a side, capable of containing a plurality of said flat objects in a vertical orientation; b. a dispenser slot opening in said side of said cabinet; c. biasing means tending to push said plurality of flat objects from said rear of said cabinet toward said front of said cabinet; d. at least one drive helix having a helical feed groove, and positioned so that said feed groove engages an edge of the lead carton of said plurality of flat objects and urges it toward said front of said cabinet when said at least one drive helix is rotated; e. an extractor, positioned to engage an edge of said lead carton of said plurality of flat objects and urge it toward said side of said cabinet and through said dispenser slot; f. money accepting means, capable of receiving and counting a specified amount of money; and g. control means, so that when said user deposits said specified amount of money in said machine, said control means causes said at least one drive helix to rotate until said lead carton of said plurality of flat objects is moved past said at least one drive helix, and thereafter said control means causes said extractor to move and push said lead carton of said plurality of flat objects out said dispenser slot, where it can be grasped and removed by said user.