A system and method for vending digital video discs is provided. A request is received from a user to complete a rental transaction for a first digital video disc. A database is queried to determine whether a quantity of a set of second digital video discs in a vending inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold. A discount offer notification is presented to the user to rent one of the set of second digital video discs, upon determining that the quantity of the set of second digital video discs exceeds the predetermined threshold. A second request from the user to rent one of the second set of digital video discs is received, and one of the set of second digital video discs is vended to the user.

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.

The present invention relates to an adaptable product storage and extraction tray, intended for being installed in a vending machine having several compartments. The widths of the compartments can be modified in a short time, in a very simple manner and eliminating the need to take out all the products stored in the different compartments to make these adjustments. The tray comprises a base, a front profile, dividing partitions which limit compartments, extractor assemblies, support plates which support the product, where the extractor assemblies, the dividing partitions and the support plates have the possibility of transverse displacement and where the support plates can be transversely coupled to one another and can be separately removed to constantly adjust the width of the compartments.

A hanging rod control device for a display rack includes a mounting member, a rod, a positioning assembly, a release assembly, a driven device, and a drive device. The mounting member is attached to the display rack. The rod has one end secured to the mounting member with items hung from the rod. The positioning assembly is secured to the mounting member and includes a front plate, a rear fastening member, a shaft interconnecting the front plate and the rear fastening member, and a sliding member having teeth. The release assembly is penetrated by both the shaft and the sliding member and includes arms and positioning plates arranged in alternating fashion. The driven device is disposed in the mounting member and includes a cam and a shaft member operatively connected to the cam.

A hanging rod control device for a display rack includes a mounting member, a rod, a positioning assembly, a release assembly, a driven device, and a drive device. The mounting member is attached to the display rack. The rod has one end secured to the mounting member with items hung from the rod. The positioning assembly is secured to the mounting member and includes a front plate, a rear fastening member, a shaft interconnecting the front plate and the rear fastening member, and a sliding member having teeth. The release assembly is penetrated by both the shaft and the sliding member and includes arms and positioning plates arranged in alternating fashion. The driven device is disposed in the mounting member and includes a cam and a shaft member operatively connected to the cam.

A vending machine adapted for dispensing at least one pre-packaged food product includes a microwave oven. The microwave oven includes a magnetron that emits microwave electromagnetic radiation, a housing that defines a microwave cavity for receiving the food product. The housing defines a first opening to allow passage of the pre-packaged food product between outside of the microwave cavity and inside of the microwave cavity. The microwave oven also includes a first chain door that selectively covers the first opening so as to prevent the microwave electromagnetic radiation from escaping the housing through the first opening.

An automatic sandwich maker designed to automate the process of preparing sandwiches, including hamburgers, is included. This automated sandwich maker is designed for use in commercial kitchens, including small commercial kitchens, such as fast-food kitchens. The apparatus and method for automatically making sandwiches overcomes the drawbacks and limitations of the prior art. The individual sandwich process can be controlled by communications interface with a point of sales system. The inventive apparatus and method reduces manpower requirements for restaurants, provides enhanced ingredient control, and improves overall product quality.

An automatic sandwich maker designed to automate the process of preparing sandwiches, including hamburgers, is included. This automated sandwich maker is designed for use in commercial kitchens, including small commercial kitchens, such as fast-food kitchens. The apparatus and method for automatically making sandwiches overcomes the drawbacks and limitations of the prior art. The individual sandwich process can be controlled by communications interface with a point of sales system. The inventive apparatus and method reduces manpower requirements for restaurants, provides enhanced ingredient control, and improves overall product quality.

A vending machine adapted for dispensing at least one pre-packaged food product includes a microwave oven. The microwave oven includes a magnetron that emits microwave electromagnetic radiation, a housing that defines a microwave cavity for receiving the food product. The housing defines a first opening to allow passage of the pre-packaged food product between outside of the microwave cavity and inside of the microwave cavity. The microwave oven also includes a first chain door that selectively covers the first opening so as to prevent the microwave electromagnetic radiation from escaping the housing through the first opening.