Merchandise transaction machine and system with emergency operational modes

摘要

A vending machine having an access port through which articles are delivered and returned in connection with keypad selected transactions performed by a robotic transporter programmed through a computer control system, is provided with an emergency storing bin within which articles are accepted for return only during transaction shutdowns caused by those malfunctions of the robotic transporter which persist after it undergoes a recovery process. Those transactions of the transporter, aborted by failure of a scanner to read identification data on returned articles placed in the access port, may be resumed by selective input of such identification data to the computer control system through the keypad.