Automated parts dispensing system

Abstract

The automated parts dispensing system and method includes a dispensing device in communication with a parts vending system. The dispensing device is one of the commonly known machine for dispensing parts, tools, foods, novelty items and other such items which generally use a helical coil or robotic delivery system. The particular device disclosed is a carrousel or drum type device. The dispensing device is modified to detect the rotation and position of the drum element and to detect the delivery of parts. The parts vending system controls and monitors the dispensing device or devices to assure proper operation and authorization of users. The user is aided in the requesting for parts by the correlating of vehicle identification number and identified operations or part type. This relieves the user of the task of identifying a particular configuration of part where vehicle models may have variations by vehicle identification numbers, etc. The parts vending system may also be in communication with a dealer management system to account for inventory, billing, status and other management functions, as well as, a bulk fluid management system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.