Vending machine
device · 1883 · Electric age
A machine that dispenses goods for a coin; Heron had a prototype.
What it is made of
- Lever — has part. A coin presses a lever that opens the dispenser.
- Spring — has part. A spring holds the dispenser.
Principles and materials it uses
- Cast iron — is made of. Early vending machines were cast iron.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Heron’s aeolipile — was inspired by. Heron described both a holy-water dispenser and the aeolipile; the dispenser is the prototype of the vending machine.
- Parking meter — evolved into. A payment machine.
What it is a kind of
- ATM — includes. A dispensing machine.
- Coffee vending machine — includes. A vending machine.
- Arcade machine — includes. A coin-operated machine.