Product acquisition devices and methods for vending machines

This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, catcher and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the catcher through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The catcher is extended in the Z-direction, and lifts the foremost product container from the queue, moving one or more gates out of the way. The catcher then retracts, closing the gate, and the positioning system transports the catcher carrying the product container to a delivery port. The catcher then releases the product container which slides into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the catcher to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.