System for controlling access to and segregating dispensed...

Details System for controlling access to and segregating dispensed... System for controlling access to and segregating dispensed...

2007-08-21

2010-12-28

Waggoner, Timothy R (Department: 3651)

Data processing: generic control systems or specific application

Specific application, apparatus or process

Article handling

C700S242000, C700S244000, C221S097000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07860605

ABSTRACT:
In one embodiment, a system for controlling access to and segregating dispensable items comprises a vending machine that contains the dispensable items to be vended. The vending machine includes an access control mechanism responsive to selection of one of the dispensable items for causing the vending machine to activate and vend the selected item. Transaction information associated with each of the vended items is stored in memory. The vending machine further includes a port on an exterior of the machine and adapted to receive items previously vended from the vending machine for return. A repository is located on the interior of the machine and operably connected to the port for quarantining the returned items, whereby the returned items are separated from the items to be vended. A sensor may be provided for sensing the returned items and causing the system to update transaction information to indicate that the sensed item has been returned to the machine.

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