A device is provided for storing elements, each element including a first wireless communication unit. The device includes at least two drawer units each including: a drawer including a bottom defining at least one location for receiving an element; for each location, at least one second wireless communication unit including an antenna having a radiation-zone field, each antenna having a first state in which the antenna is activated and a second state in which the antenna is deactivated; and a data-processing unit able to control the activation and deactivation of the antenna of each second communication unit according to a control law.

A support component for a storage cabinet includes an elongate bar; and a resilient leg formed in the upper surface of the bar and extending between two opposite sides of the bar. The resilient leg includes an engagement protrusion.

In vending machines that dispense food and other products, it is known to have machines that dispense stored food and other products. In this invention, selected prepackaged foods can be stored in the frozen or cold state and then prior to dispensing to the end-user, it is thawed or warmed by an internal heating process to serving temperature for customer consumption. The machine is segmentally divided both horizontally, to separate the operating machinery from food storage for hygienic and servicing reasons, and vertically, to create interchanging of the size of the modular product dispensing outlet elevator columns for adaptability to the dimensions of the stored product. Included in the design is an internal storage compartment with a mechanism that dispenses prepacked condiments that are coordinated to the selected product. This design of a vending machine may include an audiovisual screen for advertisement along with another section that identifies the available product with its calorie content. The top of the machine may have display signage that can be internally lit with color changing lights. Provisions for unattended dispensing to persons with disabilities are included by virtue of voice activated and guidance features, and illuminated and tactile surfaces.

Provided herein are automated time and space efficient item dispensing systems having a plurality of storage compartments and one or more adjustable grippers, for fast and accurate automatic dispensing of items or sets of items.

Provided herein are automated time and space efficient item dispensing systems having a plurality of storage compartments and one or more adjustable grippers, for fast and accurate automatic dispensing of items or sets of items.

A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and a method of storing and retrieving pharmaceutical containers from the system. The system includes a pharmaceutical storage and retrieval and a controller operatively coupled to the device to control storage and retrieval functions of the device. The device includes a gantry assembly, a shelving assembly, a user access assembly, and a user authorization system that function in a coordinated manner to carry out the storage and retrieval functions of the device.

A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and a method of storing and retrieving pharmaceutical containers from the system. The system includes a pharmaceutical storage and retrieval and a controller operatively coupled to the device to control storage and retrieval functions of the device. The device includes a gantry assembly, a shelving assembly, a user access assembly, and a user authorization system that function in a coordinated manner to carry out the storage and retrieval functions of the device.

Disclosed is a bucket, including a bucket body having inner cavity, a power assembly and a driving assembly. The power assembly is configured to detachably mate with the power input member of a storage column of a vending machine, to supply power for the power input member. The driving assembly is connected to the power assembly and is configured to drive the power assembly to move back and forth in a set direction. Also disclosed is a vending machine.

Disclosed is a bucket, including a bucket body having inner cavity, a power assembly and a driving assembly. The power assembly is configured to detachably mate with the power input member of a storage column of a vending machine, to supply power for the power input member. The driving assembly is connected to the power assembly and is configured to drive the power assembly to move back and forth in a set direction. Also disclosed is a vending machine.

A self-vending beverage distribution station is disclosed. The station is housed inside an aircraft or vehicle monument having a counter surface and delivery points set thereinto, the counter supported by forward and rear structural walls which define an interior compartment. The station can accommodate multiple mobile beverage dispensing carts secured therein, each cart capable of dispensing a variety of canned beverages. The station includes beverage dispensing systems connected to the beverage carts. The beverage dispensing systems include a selector for retrieving selected cans from the cart, conveyors for transferring the selected cans to a can lift, and linear actuators for transporting the cans upward to the delivery points for collection by the requesting users or consumers. Control systems within the dispensing station receive user requests and coordinates operations of the beverage dispensing systems.