Vending machine system

A vending machine system for purchasing a CO2 gas cylinder, the system including a controller in communication with:

• (a) a user interface;
• (b) a payment system;
• and
• (c) an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO2 gas cylinder, said
• system for performing the steps of:
• (a) receiving user input through the user interface;
• and
• (b) if the user input represents a desire to purchase a CO2 gas cylinder, then the system performs the steps of:
• (i) receiving payment from the user through the payment system for a CO2 gas cylinder;
• and
• (ii) the locking system releasing a CO2 gas cylinder located in a one of said bin assemblies for collection by the user,
• wherein each bin assembly in the array includes a tubular chassis shaped to receive and seat therein a CO2 gas cylinder, and
• wherein the locking system of each bin assembly in the array includes a sled that engages the CO2 gas cylinder as it is inserted in to the tubular chassis and translates with respect to the tubular chassis towards a locked position.

A vending machine system for receiving spent CO2 gas cylinders, the system including a controller in communication with:

• (a) a user interface;
• (b) a payment system;
• and
• (c) an array of bin assemblies, wherein each one of bin assemblies is shaped to at least partially receive an end of a CO2 gas cylinder and includes a locking system for releasably securing therein a CO2 gas cylinder, said
• system for performing the steps of:
• (a) receiving user input through the user interface;
• and
• (b) if the user input represents a desire to return a CO2 gas cylinder, then the system performs the steps of:
• (i) receiving an item in one of said bin assemblies;
• (ii) the locking system locking the CO2 gas cylinder in said one of said bin assemblies;
• (iii) issuing a credit to the user through the payment system for return of CO2 gas cylinder without replacement,
• wherein each bin assembly in the array includes a tubular chassis shaped to receive and seat therein a CO2 gas cylinder, and
• wherein the locking system of each bin assembly in the array includes a sled that engages the CO2 gas cylinder as it is inserted in to the tubular chassis and translates with respect to the tubular chassis towards a locked position.