Beverage dispensing machine and method of operation thereof

摘要

A dispensing machine (2) is used to disperse plastic water bottles (22) and the like, preferably of a size ranging from approximately one litre to approximately two litres or even larger. The machine can be used to dispense other products in containers as long as the containers are shaped to roll along a shelf. The machine has a vertical channel (18) containing paddles (20) where each paddle supports only some of the containers in the channel when the channel is filled with containers. The paddles move simultaneously to gently lower the containers one space at a time when the machine is activated. <IMAGE>