Importance

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Abstract

This vending machine includes a housing frame (12) subdivided into vertical columns (1-8) adapted to receive cylindrical articles (C). Elongate, rotatable support members (60) are provided below each column for supporting the column of articles, which tend to rotate under the weight of the articles. A ratchet wheel (70) and pawl member (80) assembly provided at one end of each support member provides a release mechanism controlling rotation of the support member incident to dispensing an article. The release mechanism associated with a selected column is actuated by an indexing member (94) carried by an endless loop (100) driven by an electric motor (M). The indexing member is positioned adjacent one of the pawl members to dispense an article by moving an associated pawl member into and out of engagement with the ratchet wheel in response to customer selection. A depletion detection device (500) is provided, which includes a sensing member 502 adapted to move in response to the article depletion and connected to the pawl member by a trigger (504) operatively connected to a depletion indicator.

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First Claim