Patent ID: 8235247

Claim:
A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising: a kiosk; a storage container that comprises an enclosed container configured to contain a plurality of the articles and configured to be readily removable from the kiosk; a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user; wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and wherein each article is retained in a package and the retainer comprises, for each package, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the package hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the package contacting the projection, thereby releasing the package.