Capsule feeding apparatus for beverage vending machine

An apparatus for feeding capsules in beverage vending machines, said apparatus comprising:

• a storage chamber adapted to hold the capsules in a random arrangement;
• pick-up means for picking up the capsules;
• a capsule transfer device provided with one or more compartments for the capsules;
• at least one unloading conveyor for unloading the capsules;
• wherein, between said storage chamber and said at least one unloading conveyor, said apparatus comprises:
• a first orientating device adapted to orientate the capsules according to at least a substantially horizontal-axis position;
• and
• a second orientating device adapted to arrange the capsules according to a substantially vertical-axis position,
• wherein one of said first and second orientating devices comprises at least a portion which is movable relative to the other of said first and second orientating devices, and
• wherein said first orientating device comprises:
• a first member provided with a plurality of dividing elements defining a plurality of open cavities, each of the plurality of open cavities being capable of accommodating one or more of the capsules;
• and
• a second member comprising a plurality of first apertures arranged in a position facing said one or more compartments.