The present invention relates to vending machines, in particular to vending machines for vending discrete products, such as confectionery (sweets and candies). We describe a vending machine for dispensing discrete products, wherein the vending machine comprises at least one storage container for products to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly in communication with the storage container; wherein the storage container includes a plurality of baffles to support products within the container and direct flow of products from the storage container to the dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing cylinder mounted for rotation within the machine and the dispensing assembly includes indexing means adapted to cause stepwise rotation of the dispensing cylinder. Preferably, the indexing means comprises at least one indexing disc associated with the dispensing cylinder and the dispensing assembly further comprises an actuator arm associated with the or each indexing disk, the actuator arm being mounted for reciprocal motion.

A vessel for a vehicle may include a housing configured for connection with said vehicle and configured to receive a plurality of consumer items. The vessel may include a cover connected to the housing. The cover may include a closed position in which the cover restricts vehicle occupant access to the plurality of consumer items and/or may include an open position in which the cover permits vehicle driver access to the plurality of consumer items. A width of the housing may be less than or substantially equal to a distance between seats of said vehicle. A vessel may include a connecting member connected to the housing and configured to connect the housing with a center console of said vehicle. A vessel may include one or more lights disposed in the housing and configured to illuminate the plurality of consumer items.

A vessel for a vehicle may include a housing configured for connection with said vehicle and configured to receive a plurality of consumer items. The vessel may include a cover connected to the housing. The cover may include a closed position in which the cover restricts vehicle occupant access to the plurality of consumer items and/or may include an open position in which the cover permits vehicle driver access to the plurality of consumer items. A width of the housing may be less than or substantially equal to a distance between seats of said vehicle. A vessel may include a connecting member connected to the housing and configured to connect the housing with a center console of said vehicle. A vessel may include one or more lights disposed in the housing and configured to illuminate the plurality of consumer items.

A prescription handling system that takes filled prescription containers in an automated pharmacy and places them into a package for shipment is described. The handling system includes an inflow to feed containers to a turntable and a robot moves containers from the turntable to a container placement section, which places the containers in a pocket of a package for shipping. Each container for a prescription order is tracked to ensure that only associated containers are packaged together.

A prescription handling system that takes filled prescription containers in an automated pharmacy and places them into a package for shipment is described. The handling system includes an inflow to feed containers to a turntable and a robot moves containers from the turntable to a container placement section, which places the containers in a pocket of a package for shipping. Each container for a prescription order is tracked to ensure that only associated containers are packaged together.

An improved dispenser unit for dispensing bulk food items, including a cabinet having at least one hopper having a drum with product compartments, a deflector and flexible gate valve, a dispense assembly, and a control system. The dispense assembly may or may not include one or more belts and/or sensors. The product compartments include flexible and/or elastic membranes, which dynamically change the effective product storage volume within a compartment, and eliminate rigid or semi-rigid pinch points between the drum and drum compartment. A product flow divider may be positioned above the receiving container in the dispense assembly, said divider configured to cause the dispensed product to divide into two or more flow streams into the receiving container. The receiving container may be vibrated or oscillated.

An improved dispenser unit for dispensing bulk food items, including a cabinet having at least one hopper having a drum with product compartments, a deflector and flexible gate valve, a dispense assembly, and a control system. The dispense assembly may or may not include one or more belts and/or sensors. The product compartments include flexible and/or elastic membranes, which dynamically change the effective product storage volume within a compartment, and eliminate rigid or semi-rigid pinch points between the drum and drum compartment. A product flow divider may be positioned above the receiving container in the dispense assembly, said divider configured to cause the dispensed product to divide into two or more flow streams into the receiving container. The receiving container may be vibrated or oscillated.

An improved dispenser unit for dispensing bulk food items, including a cabinet having at least one hopper having a drum with product compartments, a deflector and flexible gate valve, a dispense assembly, and a control system. The dispense assembly may or may not include one or more belts and/or sensors. The product compartments include flexible and/or elastic membranes, which dynamically change the effective product storage volume within a compartment, and eliminate rigid or semi-rigid pinch points between the drum and drum compartment. A product flow divider may be positioned above the receiving container in the dispense assembly, said divider configured to cause the dispensed product to divide into two or more flow streams into the receiving container. The receiving container may be vibrated or oscillated.

The present application and the resultant patent provide a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a rotary internal transport system within the temperature controlled compartment so as to dispense a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed therein.

The present application and the resultant patent provide a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a rotary internal transport system within the temperature controlled compartment so as to dispense a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed therein.