In accordance with one embodiment, a vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles for holding units of products, each receptacle operable to hold a respective plurality of units in a series. The vending machine further comprises a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense, from each receptacle,...http://www.google.com.au/patents/US8041453?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8041453 - Method and apparatus for defining and utilizing product location in a vending machine
