Dispensing And Programming Device And Methods For Electronic Transmission Devices

A method for dispensing a transmission device by an automatic dispensing device storing a plurality of transmission devices, the method comprising:

• receiving vehicle information;
• determining a transmission device type;
• determining a transmission device protocol;
• retrieving one of the plurality of transmission devices from a bay of the automatic dispensing device based on the determined transmission device type and the determined transmission device protocol;
• placing the retrieved transmission device in a shielded cavity;
• transmitting a signal into the shielded cavity to program the transmission device;
• and
• dispensing the programmed transmission device.

An automatic dispenser for use in storing and selectively dispensing electronic transmission devices comprising, the dispenser comprising:

• a plurality of storage bays operable to temporarily store a predetermined type of a plurality of transmission devices;
• an electromagnetically shielded cavity in communication with the plurality of storage bays;
• a processing apparatus comprising:
• a processor;
• and
• a memory data storage device including an information database of transmission device types and transmission device communication protocols;
• a receiver;
• a transmitter;
• and
• a human machine interface operable to receive information relating to the plurality of transmission devices;
• a reading module operable to individually read indicia of the plurality of transmission devices;
• an actuator operable to engage a predetermined one of the plurality of transmission devices from a predetermined one of the plurality of storage bays and transfer the transmission device to the shielded cavity;
• a programming module operable to program a transmission device positioned in the shielded cavity, the programming operable to transmit a data signal into the shielded cavity to one of program a transmission device or configure a transmission device;
• and
• a delivery tray in communication with the shielded cavity operable to receive the programmed or configured transmission device and allow access to a user to remove the programmed or configured transmission device from the automatic dispenser.