VENDING MACHINE USER INTERFACE GUIDE; ELECTRONIC COIN RETURN; AND HINGED DELIVERY BIN

摘要

A system for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction is provided. The system includes a user interface (110) comprising position indicators (120A-120C) to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money into a monetary input (112, 114, 116), make a production selection and confirm the product selection at a customer keypad (124), and retrieve returned money (114, 134). A system for an electrically activated coin return (200) is also provided. The system includes a coin return key (132), a controller (150), a coin receiving mechanism (202), and a coin return motor (204) mechanically coupled to the coin return mechanism and electrically coupled to the controller. A system including a hinged delivery bin (300) is also provided. The hinged delivery bin includes a product receiving area and a hinged joint (302) and is configured to tilt downward from a vending machine (100) about the hinged joint.