Dispenser for product packages

A product package vending system comprising a plurality of modules coupled together by at least one data line, each module comprising:

• a conveyor module having a front and a rear and a top surface for supporting a plurality of product packages arranged in a row, comprising:
• a pusher on the top surface of the conveyor module, movable from a rear position adjacent to the rear of the conveyor module to an empty position adjacent to the front of the conveyor module, for moving the row of product packages along the top surface of the conveyor;
• a controller coupled to the pusher and coupled to the data line;
• a selection input coupled to the controller;
• and
• a pair of row dividers and a roof, located over the conveyor module, forming an enclosure for the plurality of packages in a row,
• the row dividers and roof being arranged such that when a row of product packages is in the enclosure, with the package closest to the front of the conveyor module being in a selection position, only the package in the selection position can be removed by a shopper, all other packages in the row remaining enclosed and unavailable for removal by the shopper;
• such that when the selection input is activated, the controller causes the pusher to move toward the front of the conveyor module, advancing the row of packages until a package is in the selection position, allowing removal of the package;
• the controller in each of the plurality of modules being programmed such that a condition is indicated on the data line for a delay period starting simultaneous with or immediately after the controller causing the pusher to move, and extending for a period of time after the package is in the selection position;
• and
• the controller in at least one module of the plurality of modules being programmed such that the pusher in the module is not moved while a condition is detected on the data line.

A method of vending product packages using at least one module for vending a plurality of product packages, the packages being housed in an enclosed row such that only a single front most package in the row can be removed by a shopper when it is advanced to an at least partially unenclosed selection position within the row, all other packages in the row remaining enclosed such that the remaining packages cannot be removed by the shopper, the module comprising a selection input, a pusher for moving the product packages in the enclosed row, and a queue position sensor for sensing a package is in a queue position, the queue position being such that a package in the queue position is at a forward position in the enclosed row, but not far enough forward for the package to be grasped by a shopper, the method comprising:

• a) accepting an indication on the selection input that the shopper wishes to remove a package;
• b) advancing the row of packages forward by moving a pusher until a package is in the at least partially unenclosed selection position within the row, allowing removal of the package which has been advanced to the selection position;
• c) de-activating the selection input for a delay period starting simultaneous with or immediately after the advancing step (b), and extending for a period of time after the ending of the advancing step (b), such that no further packages can be advanced to the selection position during the delay period;
• d) after the delay period of step (c), advancing the row of packages forward until the queue position sensor senses a package is in the queue position;
• e) after the delay period of step (c), activating the selection input;
• and
• f) repeating the method from step (a) until no more packages remain in the row.