US2280323A - Vending machine - Google Patents

Description

" April 21, 1942." F. F. TQNE VENDING MACHINE Fil ed Sept. 25, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEYS.

F. F. TONE VENDING MACHINE Filed Se pt. 25, 1959 April 21, 1942. N

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR.

f a'ize,

ATTORNEYS.

April 21, 1942. F, F, TONE 2,280,323

VENDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. fiederz'ci 75m ATTORNEYS.

April 21, 1942.

1-. F. T ONE VENDING MACHINE Filed Sept. '25, 1939 s Shets-Sheet 4 3 v INVENTOR. f7" 15% a; v? Y ATTORNEY 3.

mil 21, 1942. F. F. TONE VENDING MACHINE Filed Sept. 25, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. BY fledera'okf 1572a,

ATTORNEYS.

' m z y 2 2153 April 21, 1942. F, E. TONE 2,280,323

' VENDING momma Filed-Sept. 25, 1939 -6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Apr. 21, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VENDING MACHINE Frederick F. Tone, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Kalva Vendors, Ino., Chi Illinois cage, 11]., a corporation of Application September 25, 1939, Serial No. 296,459

18 Claims.

a. point outside where they are delivered to the purchaser.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a new and improvedvending machine which is adapted to dispense articles in a'vertical position, and included further is the provision of a new and improved vending machine having a a door normally 'closed and held by a' mechanism which is adapted to be actuated by one of the articles vended in order to release the door for operation. Still anotherobject is the provision of a new and improved vending machine including a door mechanism adapted to be released by the article to be vended and which during a portion of the vending operation is adapted to have the action of the parts reversed so that the releasing means becomes an ejecting means for pushing the article from the machine to a vended position.

Likewise among the objects of my invention is the provision of a vending machine which can be maintained at a predetermined temperature either cold or warm and which is provided with a revolving delivery platformincluding portions forming a door, the edges of which-are sealed in normal position and which is designed to rotate with great rapidity whenever an article is placed upon the platform.

As an object also is the provision of an auxiliary power means for operating. the delivery platform independently of a motor used to drive a conveyer for conducting articles thereto, the auxiliary power means being set for operation by the conveyer power means and being provided with an adjusting device for varying the rapidity with which the platform can be operated. a

A further object is the provision of an'electric coin operated vending machine wherein operation of a conveyer for articles to be vended is initiated by the deposit of a coin but wherein said operation is halted before the final delivery of the article by means of switches operating in connection with a delivery platform provided for the purpose of shutting ofl the conveyer power means and successively operating'a coin collecting mechanism for depositing the 'coin in a purse,

the several operative means being so arranged 55 that they become immediately reset as the delivery platform is returned to an initial Position. A further object still includes the provision of time operated cut-out switches which will'render the vending device completely inoperative,

returning the coin to the purchaser whenever improper conditions exist such as an empty condition of the machine or a jammed condition wherein some mechanical part or other might become so inoperative as to prevent proper operation of the machine. 7

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device whereby the objects contemplated are attained,- as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims "and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an outside perspective View of the vending machine casing.

Figure 2..is an enlarged horizontal section of the dispensing portion of the machine taken on the line 2-2 of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a vertical developed section through the dispensing portion of the device taken on theIineL-IofFigurez' Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view of a switch plate forming part of the dispensing portion of the device taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the dispensing mechanism shown in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a top view of the dispensing mechanism partly in section taken on the line 6-8 of Figure 3 showing the delivery platfomi in another position.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of the dispensing platform with the platform shown in dispensing or ejecting position. i

Figure 8 is a side view of the switch pl te taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a horizontal cross section of part of the dispensing portion of the device taken on the line 3 -3 of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a phantom view of the delivery platform showing an adjustment for a spring power means for driving-it. a

Figure 11 is a vertical enlarged rear view of a coin mechanism for operating the machine.

Figure 12 is a vertical side view of the coin mechanism shown in Figure 11, on a large scale.

Figure 13 is a wiring diagram of the device.

The vending machine here chosen to illustrate the invention consists in general of a refrigerated casing as shown in Figure 1 provided with a coin mechanism at one end and a delivery platform at the other. The device as shown is designed for vending bottle goods or similar con-,

tainers in a vertical position.

In operation, after a coin is dropped into the coin mechanism a circuit is closed. causing oporation of a motor which drives a conveyer bringing up a single bottle which is deflected to a position upon a delivery platform.

The movement of a bottle to the platform shifts a switch mechanism causing operation of the conveyer to discontinue and at the same time initiates operation of an auxiliary mechanism which rotates the delivery platform rapidly from a bottle receiving position to a bottle dispensing position approximately 180 degrees from the receiving position. In the dispensing position mechanism comprising part of the delivery platform pushes the bottle from the platform to a delivery balcony on the outside of the casing and immediately after this operation the delivery platform returns to its initial or normal position.

During rotation of the delivery platform from bottle receiving to bottle dispensing positions a switch is actuated by movement of the platform which causes collection of the coin previously deposited. If for any reason the conveyer is empty a time switch is operated which cuts out operation of the device after a predetermined time has elapsed causing the coin deposited to be returned to the would-be purchaser in a specially provided coin return box.

Under other circumstances if the machine should jam in open position, for example, the purchaser would be enabled to collect his purchase but could not reach into the machine and extract any bottles other than the single bottle purchased. Under these conditions a second time operated switch is placed in operation which renders the mechanism inoperative.

Under such conditions it is customary to provide a warning light of some kind so that the service man will be prompted to examine the machine, correct the difiiculties and reset the time operative switches so that the vending operations can be resumed.

Among the mechanisms provided for accomplishing the results described there is included a conveyer of particular design, the construction and operation of which is more completely described in a co-pending application, Serial No. 199,098, filed March 31, 1938. For this reason only a small portion of the conveying device is shown here and that particularly in Figure 2.

The vending machine is designed to be mounted within a casing 5, which for some purposes may be considered a portion of the framework, provided with suitable compartments, not shown, for a refrigerating machine and a reservoir of containers such as bottles or cans to be dispensed. On the left side of the casing as viewed in Figure l is mounted a housing 6 for a coin mechanism and on the right side is shown the outer portion of a casing 1 housing a delivery mechanism. The casing is provided with a top 8 which can be lifted to give access to the upper portion of the interior and a door 9 at the side giving access to operating parts of the device within, and a supplemental storage compartment.

The conveyer comprising an endless chain is indicated by the numeral III. This is operative to the dotted line 14' in Figure 2 to a delivery balcony l6 likewise shown in Figures 1 and 2.

For initiating operation of the device there is provided a coin mechanism included in the housing 6 shown at the left of Figure 1 including conventional parts such as coin selecting device 18 which selects good coins for deposit into a coin mechanism 20. The time operated switch devices of conventional design are enclosed in a box 22 and all of the operative parts are connected in an electric circuit, the diagram of which appears in Figure 13.

In order to understand the operation of the vending mechanism selected to illustrate the invention a portion of the conveyer mechanism will be included which is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. Power is supplied from a motor 25 in the electric circuit which operates through a gear reducer 26 connected by suitable gear to a stub shaft 21. The stub shaft 21 in turn is connected by means of a sleeve 28 and pins 29 to a supporting shaft 30 journalled in a bracket 3| which is supported by a frame 32 comprising a. casting supporting the major portions of the delivery part of the mechanism. The supporting shaft is directly and positively rotated by the motor. Keyed to the supporting shaft is a sleeve 33 including a sprocket wheel 34.

conduit articles to be vended to a delivery plat- A shaft 35 is mounted at one side of the supporting shaft 30 in parallel relation thereto and is provided at the bottom end with a sprocket wheel 36 joined in operation to the sprocket wheel 34 by a drive chain 31 shown in Figure 3. The shaft 35 is suitably mounted within a bracket 38 and extends upward a substantial distance.

A drive sprocket 39 having a sleeve portion 40 is rotatably mounted upon the shaft and has a downward extending sleeve portion 39' keyed to the sprocket 36 by a pin 36'. The pin is carried by the shaft 35 and is held upward in place by means of a coiled spring 4! positioned within the sleeve 40 and retained in place by a felt packing 42 and packing nut 43. The drive sprocket 39 is permitted to shift axially upon the shaft 35. In addition a bracket 44 and an upper sprocket arm 45 are mounted with sleeve portions surrounding the shaft 35 and rotatable relative to the drive shaft. These sleeve portions can likewise be shifted endwise a slight amount when moved against the drive sprocket 39 for the purpose of permitting them to be properly mounted upon the vending machine even though the parts of the machine to which they may be attached might be slightly out of alignment in a vertical or horizontal direction.

The upper sprocket arm 45 has mounted thereon an idler sprocket 46 shown in Figure 2 which is designed to bear against the endless conveyer chain l0 and hold it in position against the drive sprocket and in proper position with relation to the delivery platform. The sprocket .is secured to the sprocket arm by means of a suitable shaft 41 and other structural essentials mechanism include opposite side walls 49 which are curved at alternate ends 50 for guiding the bottles or cans around comers. A deflector vane 5| is stationarily mounted upon the frame in the path of bottles carried along the 'conve'yer adjacent the delivery platform.

-In operation when the motor is started by dropping a coin into the device the conveyer is driven by means of the sprocket Just described thereby causing the conveyor to cease further operation.

After cans or bottles are delivered upon a delivery platform the mechanism set in operation releases the platform from an initial or bottle re ceiving position whereupon it is rotated about its vertical axis an angular distance substantially 180 degrees at which point the can or bottle is ejected onto the delivery balcony It. Meanwhile the platform continues rotating until it returns to an initial position.

The delivery platform The rotating delivery. platform consists generally in a lower hollow disc 55 rotatable about the supporting shaft 30 and an upper hollow disc 56 in which is secured a shaft 51 mounted in a portion 58 of the frame for permitting the upper disc to rotate about a vertical axis. The upper and lower hollow discs are connected together by a rigid arcuate door 59 of some insulating material which extehds approximately 180 degrees about the perimeter of the hollow discs forming together with the discs a rotating platform and door. It is significant that the rearward side I! of the door is nearer the center of the platform than the forward side II". This is so that if the end bottle remaining chances to be urged forward against the door during rotation the outside wall of the door will recede from contact with the article and permit unrestricted rotation. The frame in turn is secured to a vertical base 54 attached to the casing in which is an opening coincident with a rectangular opening it in the casing somewhat larger than the can or bottle to be vended. The opening 60 is immediately adjacent. the delivery balcony l5. This opening 50' is designed to be normally closed by the arcuate door 59 which is slightly wider and higher than the opening. In order to seal the edges of the opening there are provided flexible strips BI and 52 which rub against the arcuate door as it turns permitting rotary movement but closing the space between the edges of the opening and door so as to seal the opening between the inside refrigerated space within the casing and the atmosphere.

Power for driving the delivery platform is supplied by an auxiliary power means, such. as the coiled spring 63 shown in Figure 3 and also in mounted came of the clutch plates provides a friction contact with the other. These details are best shown in Figure 8.

, Shown above the upper clutch plate is a coiled spring 10 pressed against it by the central portion of the lower hollow disc 55 thereby urging the friction surfaces of the respective clutches together.

In normal position the delivery platform is releasably held in the position shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the supporting shaft Ills rotated by the motor the lower clutch plate 58 is likewise positively rotated which by reason of the clutch engagement rotates the upper clutch plate 65. As shown in Figure 9, the upper clutch plate is is anchored to the end 81 of the coiled spring and the spring will therefore be wound up since the lower hollow disc." being a part of the delivery platform is prevented from moving.

In order that the spring may not be overwound a stopis provided for the upper clutch plate which consists of an abutment H at the outer edge of the upper clutch plate and a pin 12 anchored in'and extending downwardly from the underside of the lower hollow disc.

After the upper clutch plate has been rotated an angular distance slightly less than 360 degrees from the normal position shown in Figure 9, in a abutment 'll will be driven against the opposite side of the pin 12 forcing the upper clutch plate to cease rotation. In view of the fact that the 1 lower clutch plate continues to be positively driven by the supporting shaft to and the motor, the lower clutch plate will merely slide around the friction surface between itself and the upper clutch plate, thereby continuing to rotate while the upper clutch plate is stopped at a maximum tension position for the spring. When this operation has been completed the spring is set all ready to rotate the delivery'platform whenever the platform is released for a delivery operation.

In initial or normal position the delivery platform is held by a suitable latch means so that it cannot be rotated from a loadingposition to a vending position. When the proper mechanism has been set into operation for vending an article, the article, such as the bottle or can previously referred to, is pushed upon the platform and in being so pushed moves a lever arm extending across the platform which when rotated -mechanism includes a vertically: mounted rod 15 Figure 9, stationarily secured at the outer end to the lower hollow disc 55 by means of an anchor 54.

An upper clutch plate 65 is mounted rotatably rotatable at the lower end 15 in the lower hollow disc 55 and at the upper end 11 in the upper hollow disc 56. The rod is provided at a point approximately midway between the ends with a lever arm 18 somewhat curved in design as shown in Figures 2', 6 and 7 projecting over the platform.

As indicated by the full and dotted lines, respectively, the lever arm is adapted to swing or pivot between the full line position shown in Figure 2, and the dotted line position there shown.

At the top 11 of the rod above the point where it is journalled in the upper hollow disc a cam device I8 having a curved face 18' is non-rotatably fixed so that itrotates when the rod is rotated. In initial or normal position shown in Figure 5 the latch means is operative to prevent the platform from rotating. This latch means consists of a notch or recess 80 in the periphery of the upper hollow disc 68 and a hook-like arm 8| which carries upon it a roller 82 mounted upon a spindle 88 which is positioned for engagement with a shoulder I4 forming a side of the recess 86, thereby preventing clockwise movement of the platform. The hook-like arm 8| in turn is pivotally mounted upon a bracket 84 by means of a pin 86 in such a manner that it can swing about the pin 86 in a horizontal plane.

In operation the latch means by engagement normally of the roller 82 with the shoulder 14 holds the platform against the clockwise rotating force exerted by the auxiliary power spring 63 In this position there is no bottle or can upon the platform.

The arm 8| is resiliently held in latch position by a coiled spring 86 which is attached at a point 81 to a stationary portion of the frame.

As soon as a bottle or can is forced upon the platform by operation of the conveyer the lever arm 18 is swung from the full-line position shown in Figure 2, which is the same as the dotted-line position shown in Figure 5, to the dotted position shown in Figure 2, which is the same as the dotted-line position in Figure 6. In this last position the cam face 19 pushes the roller 62 out of engagement with the shoulder 14 and since there is then nothing to hold the platform from rotating the spring acts to rotate the platform substantially 360 degrees and during the rotation it passes through the position shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows the ejecting or vending position of the platform and in this position a mechanism operates to reverse the direction of pivoting of the lever arm 18 so that instead of being actuated by a bottle or can it moves the bottle or can'to actually push it from the platform. The movement is accomplished by a cam 88 positioned upon the underside of the portion 58 of the frame provided with a curved cam face 89.

Working with the cam is a .roller 96 which is rotatably mounted on one side of the cam device 19. Figure 5 shows the lever arm 18 and cam 19 indicated by dotted lines in normal position. In this position also the arm 8| engages the shoulder 14 and prevents the platform from being rotated. As evidenced by Figures 6 and 7, when a container I4 is forced on the platform by the container behind it the lever 18 is rotated and moves the cam device 18 toward the position shown in Figure 6 by rotation of the rod 15. An instant later when a bottle or can is positioned on the platform all the way the cam face I9 shifts the arm 8| out of contact with the shoulder 14 and the roller 82 rides on a cam face I09, being held thereby out of contact with the campIB. Since there is no force tending to return the cam to its normal position operative at this stage of rotation the cam and the lever 18 remain in the rotated position and the container or bottle remains in place on the platform during the first part of its rotation. However, when the platform by rotation reaches the position shown in Figure '7, the cam device 18 and accompanying roller will be at the opposite side. Here the roller 80 will engage a point 8| of the cam 88 and-begin to roll up the curved face 89. By rolling along the face 89 the camdevice 19 is itself pivoted clockwise about the axis of the rod which supports it,

' a direction opposite to that moved when the container was forced against the lever arm 18, and

the lever arm is then forceably moved in a clock-' wise direction thereby forcing the bottle or can from the platform in a direction from the center outwards as viewed in Figure 7. In this ejecting or delivery position of course the arcuate door is in a position away from the opening 68 leaving the opening 8|! unobstructed so that the bottle or can is readily ejected through the opening upon the balcony IS. The last described movement takes place usually with extreme rapidity but not with greater force than necessary to rather gently slide the can from the platform to the balcony. p

The platform is rotating all the time under force of the auxiliary power spring 63 so that immediately following the ejection of the bottle or can the platform continues rotation back to an initial or normal position shown by the dotted lines in Figure 5, and the full lines in Figure 2. With the bottle or can moved by the pivoting of cam device clockwise, the cam device is removed from its position blocking the recess and when the recess continues its rotation to a position again opposite the roller 82 that roller will be pulled into the recess by the coiled spring 86 and the platform will then be ready for a second vending operation.

When the automatic rotating platform device is used to vend articles from refrigerated casings wherein the casing is kept at a very low temperature it is highly desirable that it work very rapidly in order that the opening 60 may remain open for as short a space of time as possible. It therefore becomes advisable to provide some means for determining the wind-up tension of the auxiliary power spring 63 so that it may rotate the platform with the desired rapidity. Accordingly,- the series of projections 66 previously described is provided, anyone of which may be engaged with the end 61 of the coiled spring. For making the adjustment the pin 12 is made removable by placing it upon theend of a threaded screw which has a screw driver slot 96 in the top and which can be inserted threadably through a hole in the lower hollow disc 55 from its top. When an adjustment is to be made upon the spring for either tightening it or loosening it the pin 12 is removed. This of course withdraws the pin out of contact with the abutment 1|.

It will of course be obvious that with the provision of six projections 86, tension on the spring may be adjusted to gradations of V8 of the increase in tension made possible by a complete revolution in a tightening direction. When the spring is not quite tight enough the screw 95 is withdrawn which withdraws the pin 12 from contact with the abutment 1|. Then the delivery platform is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 9 and 10 until, for example, the hook end 61 of the spring slides over and engages the projection 66 next along in a clockwise direction from the projection 66 with which it is shown in engagement in Figure 9.

Since the clutch disc 65 of which the projections 66 are a part is held relatively stationary due to the inertia of the conveyer and attendant mechanism the tendency will be for the increase in tension of the spring to rotate the lower hollow disc 55 comprising the delivery platform. in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, with the pin 12 withdrawn, the lower hollow disc can be 2,280,833 forcibly rotated in a counterclockwise direction outward by the cam face It urged by a bottle or can placed upon the delivery platform the hook-like arm II is: rotated in a counterclockwise direction as is also the lateral pin ill and movement in that direction, which is from left: to right as viewed in Figure 4, serves to tilt the:

i. switch table: more nearly to a horizontal position.

third or fourthprojection It in advance, for

example, after which the lower disccan be forced rotatably in a counterclockwise direction before replacing the pin I! behind the abutment Obviously, for an increase in tension equal to the rotation of the platform a full 360 degrees it would not be necessary to first turn the disc clockwise at all since instead or advancing the end 81 to a sixth projection which is again the same projection at which it is originally engaged, it is only necessary to withdraw the pin 12, rotate the platforms full360 degrees and then a little bit farther in order to give access to the screw bearing the pin from the outside of the casing, screw the pin into place and then let it be drawn into engagement with the abutment H under the increased tension.

' Switch mechanism In order that the device may be operated by the electric circuit provided for it there is provided a mechanism for tilting a pair of mercury switches and while the description of this portion of the operation has reference to the electrical set-up a description of the mechanical principles involved in tflting the switch table follows here in order that the operation of the electric set-up may be better understood.

A tiltabiy mounted switch table is provided upon which is mounted a -pair of mercury switches normally tilted in one direction wherein oneswitch is closed and the other is open, but which can be tilted about a horizontal axis to another position wherein the open and closed positions of the switches are reversed. The tilting is accomplished by and in timed sequence with the rotation of the delivery platform The tilting mechanism comprises specifically a tiltable switch table Ill, various views of which are shown in Figures 3 through 7. The table has one horizontal pivot pin ill in a downwardly projecting flange I02 on the bracket I4 and another horizontal pivot pin I III in a downwardly projecting flange Ill of the bracket 84 so anranged that an axis through the pivot pin lies in ahorizontal direction permitting the switch table To further tilt the switohtable there is provided a can face I" on the periphery of the upper hollow disc: I. and this cam surface is so fastened that the distance from the surface to the center of rotation is gradually increased from a minimum distance at ill to a maximum distance at H I. As the cam face I" rolls past the roller II the roller is therefore rotated gradually farther in a counterclockwise direction about its own axis. thereby increasing the tilting of the switch plate from a position approximating that ofiFlgure 4 to a position more nearly approximating that shown in Figure 8.

Upon the completion of a 360 degree rotation of the delivery platform the roller 82 again drops into the recess ll moving the hook-like arm I I inaclockwise direction, which thereby serves to return the tilting switch table-to the position shown in Figure 4, which is the initial position for it. Y x

Coin mechanism I Inthe embodiment of the invention here presented the delivery platform is designed for oper- 'ation by a coin controlled mechanism which is connected electrically to other various parts of the device. The coin mechanism itself includes the coin selecting means already referred to, not included as a part of this invention, in which is provided a coin slot I I! which conducts properly selected coins to the coin operated mechanism. The mechanism itself includes, in addition to the coin slot iii located within a portion ll! of the casing, a coinholding member H! which is pivoted about an axisv lit by means of a pivot to be tilted thereabout. The force of tilting is applied through a lateral pin ll! extending in a horizontal direction outwardly from a casting I" which has the hook-like arm 8| attached to it: Below the switch table there is provided a),

tilted in the direction shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, in which position the roller 82 is in the recess 80 provided for it. As the roller 82 is moved III positioned at a slight tilt from the horizonto! as viewed in Figure 11.

In the upper end of the coin holding member is a coin recess ill which in initial position is directly in line with the coin slot Iii. Directly beneath the coin recess in the path of a coin deposited therein from the slot there is an electric switch arm III which lies directly below the recess as well as the coin slot 5 and which is pivoted about a horizontal axis I12. The switch is provided with a projection I23 extending below it adjacent the pivot which is adapted to bear upon one terminal I of a switch herein termed acoinswitch ill and which when rotated moves the terminal I24 in the direction of another terminal iii of the switch in order to close the contact points I. This results by reason of the weight of a coin deposited upon the switch arm.

Subject to certain operation of the device which will be later explained in detail, a cash solenoid I21 is energized which drives a core I28 of the solenoid upward so that shoulder II! on the core is brought into contact with a lower horizontal leg i3! of the coin holding memberon both sides of a slot [3| cut therein. A second projection I3! is provided at the end of the core l2. to prevent the core from dropping downwardly out of contact with the coin holding member upon deenergization of the current through the solenoid.

When the solenoid is energized, the core is forced upwardly as shown in Figure 12, the motion of which tends to tilt the coin holding memher H1 in a clockwise direction about its axis. As the coin holding member is tilted it carries the coin held within the recess I25 to a point at the side of the mechanism whereupon the coin drops by gravity through a passage I33 into a coin purse I34 wherein coins are collected.

In order that, under ordinary operation, a coin may be retained upon the tilted coin switch arm there is provided a second or hold solenoid I35 in which is a core having a portion I35 at the top, a portion I31 at the lower side, designed to rest in retracted position upon a shelf I38.

If for any reason the machine should not function properly there is provided a coin return slot I39 which forms a passage from a point adjacent.

the hold solenoid to a return box I46 at the side of the coin collecting mechanism, as shown in Figure 11, but accessible to a prospective purchaser as shown in Figure l.

The hold solenoid is so positioned in the electric circuit that as soon as the circuit is closed the core is raised extending the portion I36 upwardly into the coin return slot I39, thereby blocking the slot and holding the coin on the coin switch until it is collected by the mechanism described. If for any reason it should be desirable to return the coin to the would-be purchaser a current through the hold solenoid I35 is deenergized permitting the core to drop downwardly out of the return slot I39 whereupon a coin will roll from the coin switch throughthe return slot into the return box I45.

For circumstances wherein more than one coin is dropped at a time into the coin slot it is of course necessarythat only one coin operate the machine at a time. To render this operation certain there is provided at the side of the coin recess in the coin holding member a sloping shelf I4I which when the coin holding member H1 is tilted clockwise as shown in Figure 12 is interposed in the path of the coin slot and remains in that position until the coin holding. member is returned to initial or normal position. Therefore, while the coin holding member is being tilted inorder to deposit the coin in a suitable purse the shelf I4I holds back the next successive coin until th now empty recess is again positioned in alignment with the coin slot after which the next operation takes place.

Electrical operation As has been indicated, all the mechanical parts of the device are designed to be operated by electricity by means of an electrical circuit of a particular sort. This circuit is shown diagrammatically in Figure 13 and includes likewise diagrammatically represented the various mechanical parts of the devic already described in detail. Line wires.I50 supply a suitable current of electricity to the apparatus through fuses I52 and I53 of the customary sort. Wires I54 are connected between the line wires and a compressor motor represented diagrammatically at I55, the latter being provided to supply the proper refrigera tion for the unit. Likewise connected to one of the lin wires is a line I55 which passes through a switch arm I51 and contact points I 58 to a second switch arm I59.

From the switch arm I59 the current passes normally through a second set of contact points I 50 and thence through a line II around to a point I 52 from which the line branches in one direction to a relay I63 and in another direction to a wire I64 from which it is conducted thr ugh a pig tail lead I55 of the customary sort and contact points I65 to a line I51 connected with the conveyer motor 25.

The conveyer motor 25 is the conveyer motor previously referred to which operates the gear reducer 26 and hence the operating parts of the machine. The other connection to the conveyer motor is supplied by a wire I69 in which are contact points I", a pig taillead "I, from which a wire I12 connects through to a line I13 connected with the other line wire through the fuses I52. Thus a circuit is completed from the line wires through the conveyer motor whenever operating conditions permit. The motor, however, is operated by means of the relay I53 and hence control of the motor is exercised through the circuit passing through the relay. .One side of the relay circuit connects to the line wires by means of the line "I previously described and the other side through a line I14 passing through a motor mercury switch I15 and thence through a line I16 to a point I11 adjacent 1 the coin switch II4. When the coin switch is closed connection is made therethrough from the point I11 through the line I13 to the fuses I52 and the corresponding line wire. The switch points I58 and I50 are under'ordinary circumstances continuously closed and therefore when the coin switch I18 is closed by a coin, slug or similar piece deposited as described in connection with the coin collecting mechanism, a circuit is completed through the motor switch and motor relay which properly throws the motor contacts connecting it into the circuit and the motor is thereupon started.

Tilting switch table To provide for the operation described, the motor switch I15 and cash switch I84 are made in the form of conventional mercury switches which include casings supported on the switch table respectively by spring clips I19 and I81. The motor switch in its initial position is tilted so that the wires I14 and I15 enter the bottom and thereby form a closed circuit, while the cash switch is positioned so that the wires I13 and I83 enter the top side of the tilted switch, thereby rendering the circuit through them normally open,

To vary the sensitivity of the cash switch, for example, the spring clip I81 is mounted upon a spring arm I88, the position of which is controlled by an adjusting screw I88 by means of which the tilt of the motor switch can be varied. The cash switch is provided likewise with an adjusting mechanism to vary its tilt operated by an adjusting screw I89.

Likewise, in the circuit there is provided the solenoid I21 designated as the cash solenoid which includes the core I28. On end of the solenoid is connected by means of a wire I82 to the wire I6I and hence to the appropriate side of the line wire. The other end 'of the solenoid is connected through a wire I83 to the mercury switch I84 which has been termed the cash switch, the other side of which is connected to the wire I13 previously referred to.

In normal position the cash switch is open so that the cash solenoid I21 is normally inoperative. Also, in the circuit is the solenoid I35 which is herein described and referred to as the hold solenoid. One end of the hold solenoid is connected through a wi re I65 to the wire I6I and hence to the appropriate side of the line wire. The other end of the hold solenoid is connected through the wire I86 to one side of the coin switch H4 and hence when the coin switch is closed forms a continuous circuit with the wire I" and thereby with the other line wire, thus establishing a circuit through the hold solenoid.

' In operation when a coin or other slug is deposited into the coin selecting mechanism II and finds its way through the coin slot II! to the coin recess III in the coin holding member, it immediately depresses the electric switch arm III which when pivoted about its axis closes the contact points I26. Operation is'initiated by reason of the current passing through the motor relay, thereby starting the motor, since the motor switch I" is initially and normally in a closed position, as shown in the diagram.

At the same time, the coin switch being closed, a circuit is closed through the hoid'solenoid I35 and with this solenoid energized the core including the portion I3. is shifted upwardly against gravity so that said portion I" lies within the path of the return slot I39, thereby immediately blocking the return slot and forcing the coin to remain upon the electric switch arm III.

As soon as the motor starts, the conveyer chain It begins to move and advances the foremost can or bottle to aposition against the deilector II which deflects the can or bottle to a position on the rotating platform where it is pushed against the lever arm I8. As the lever arm I8 is pivoted due to the pushing of the can or bottle, the rod II is rotated in a counterclock- .wise direction moving the cam device I! in a similar direction as previously described, thereby moving the roller 82 out of its position against the shoulder I4 in the recess 80 and with this unlatching movement the delivery platform is released from its initial position.

When the conveyer motor 25 starts, the friction clutch discs 68 and II are rotated immediately, winding up the auxiliary power spring 63 to its maximum position. Therefore, that position having been reached previous to the unlatching of the deliveryplatform, the delivery platformwill, as soon .as the unlatching takes place, be immediately rotated through a delivery or ejecting position and thence onward back to an initial position.

At the same time as, or preferably a small fraction of a second before the cam device I9 pushes the roller and hook-like arm 8| out of,

contact with the shoulder H, the lateral pin III! in the embodiment shown is shifted in a direction from left to right, as viewed in Figures 4 and 8, or counter-clockwise as shown in Figure 5, thereby tilting the switch table I00. With the tilting of the switch table in the direction indicated, in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figures 4 and 5, the'slug of mercury at the low or contact end of the motor switch is shifted to the opposite end breaking the motor contact and operation of'the motor immediaway from the center of rotation, thereby gradually rotating the hook-like arms OI still farther in a counterclockwise direction. The eifect of this further rotation is transformed into a further movement of the lateral pin I" in a direction from left to right, as viewed in Figures 4 and 5.

The result of this further movement is a; further tilting of the switch platform and cash,

switch I to a point where the mercury in the switch moves to close the switch and accordingly closes a circuit through the cash solenoid I21. As soon as the cash solenoid I2! is made operative the corev I" of the solenoid is driven upwards'and through its contact with the coin holding member III tilts the member to the dotted position shown in Figure 12.

In tilting the coin holding member moves the coin recess IIII from-left to right as viewed in Figure 12 so that the coin previously held thereon drops from the bottom of the recess and tumbles down the passage III into the purse I24.

In the meantime, the next successive coin in the slot is held there by the sloping shelf Ill designed for that purpose. The energizing of the cash solenoid is instantaneous, moves the coin holding member quickly and instantaneously to a coin collecting position and then as the rotating platform continues to rotate back to an initial position the cash switch is again opened, the cash solenoid deenergized and gravity immediately draws the coin holding member back to its initial or solid line position, as shown in Figure 12, ready for the next operation.

The movement of the tilting switch table which returns the cash switch to an open position likewise returns the motor switch to a closed position ready for the next operation. When the coin holding member is pivoted to a coin collecting position the coin is removed from its position on the electric switch arm which is immediately urged to its initial position by the leaf I24 which is inherently resilient, thereby opening the coin switch Ill by spreading the contact points I26 apart. A breakin the circuit through I the entire device immediately results and deately ceases. There is suillcient inertia of move-- ment of the conveyer to carry the can or bottle just a little bit farther into its position upon the delivery platform sufllcient to completely release the platform, for rotation although the conveyer motor stops a small fraction of a second earlier.

Up to the presently described stage, the metcury switch I84 although tilted to some extent has not been tilted quite sufiiciently to run the mercury in it from the neutral end to the contact end. This additional tilting, however, is accom- 1 plished during rotation of the delivery platform and is provided for by the cam surface I09.

energizes the hold solenoid also so that all of the parts resume their initial positions.

7 If there chances to be another coin immediately behind the first, the cessation of operation of the entire device. would be very short for as soon as the coin recess in the coin holding member resumed its position under the coin slot the next coin in line would immediately drop into it, depress the electric switch arm, close the coin switch, and immediately start operation of the machine again to vend the next can or bottle located upon the conveyer.

Safety features Although the mechanism Just described is sufflcient to completely operate the machine for specific purposes there are provided in the device certain safety features which render it a device better adapted to all sorts of conditions of operation.

Safety features include time operated cut-outs which under certain circumstances will break the circuit through the device rendering it-inoperative until the circumstances causing the break can be remedied. For example, if the machine is empty of bottles or cans the deposit of a coin into the coin mechanism would nevertheless start operation or the conveyer motor and hence operation of the device. It therefore there were no can or bottle on the conveyer there would be nothing to rotate the lever arm It so as to shut off the conveyer motor and it would continue to run interminabiy. No can 'or bottle would be vended and the coin deposited would not be returned to the would-be purchaser. To remedy this there is provided a time operated cut-out designated by the character Aon the wiring diagram and which is included within the box 22. The special mechanism comprising the cut-out A does not form"a portion of this invention except that as an operative structure the presence of a relay operating after the lapse of a predetermined time forms an operative part under certain circumstances.

In operation, when the conveyer is empty current will flow through the conveyer motor through a circuit which includes a wire I90, which carries a portion of the current. Thewire I99 is connected at one end to the motor and at the other end to the cut-out A and thence through a short section I9I through the points I 58 and wire I56 to one of the line wires.

The out-out A is so constructed by means, for example, of a heating element that it will operate only after having been heated for a predetermined length of time, and that length of time is made longer than the time ordinarily required for completion of a vending operation if the conveyer is loaded.

When the conveyer is empty, after the conveyer motor has run for this predetermined length of time the cut-out A will be actuated and separate the contact points ISI by movementof the switch arm I59. Bybreaking contact between the points I! the circuit through the machine will be broken causing the conveyer to stop running, causing all electrically operated devices to be returned to their initial or normal position. Movement of these devices to normal position includes return of the hold solenoid I35 to its normal position, as shown in Figure 11, by gravity, thereby releasing the coin held on the electric switch arm so that it rolls down the coin return slot I99 into the coin return box I" from which it can be extracted by the would-be purchaser.

Once the cut-out A has been actuated, the device cannot be started again until the cut-out has been reset manually by adjusting a device such as a button I92 shown on the outside of the box 22 of Figure 11. This is usually done by the service man who reloads the conveyer with bottles or cans to be vended.

When the cut-out A is actuated as just described, and the points I59 are separated, the

switch arm I5! is released and by means of a light coiled spring I is moved so that contact points I94 and I9! are closed, thereby closing a circuit through a wire I99 which operates an empty light I9'I visible on the outside of the machine, giving notice that the machine is empty and needs reservicing.

Other conditions may arise putting the machine out of order, which-are not due to the conveyer being empty, and to guard against damage as a result a second cut-out designated by the character B in the diagram is included. This cut-out is designed to operate under conditions wherein the motor switch would be opened and consequently no current flowing through the first cut-out A.

This might happen, for example, if the delivery platform were jammed in a partly open position or for a variety of other causes. If the platform were thus jammed the coin would remain on the electric switch arm instead of being collected or returned and hold the coin switch closed. It then an additional number of coins were deposited there would be no action and all of the coins would be retained in the machine.

Under such circumstances current would be continuously flowing through the points I60, the cut-out B and thence through a wire I99 through both cash and hold solenoids, the wire I89 and thence through the coin switch Ill back to the other side of the line.

The cut-out B under the influence of a thermal unit is adjusted to actuate after a predetermined period of time under circumstances such as just described and when actuated serves to separate .the contact points I69, thereby breaking the circuit through the device and especially through the hold solenoid. Once this solenoid were deenergized the portion I36 of the core would drop back by gravity out of the return slot I39 and the coin on the electric switch arm would immediately roll through the return slot I39 into the return box I40 as would also any other successive coins which might have been deposited after the As thus described it will be evident that the time operated cut-out B will serve to render the entire device inoperative, even though both the motor switch and the coin switch were open, so long as the cash switch might be closed causing current to be supplied to the device, since the circuit through the cut-out B does not depend upon either the closing or opening of the coin or motor switches,

The cut-out Bis likewise provided with a button I99 by means of which it can be manually reset after the jammed or breakdown condition of the machine just described has taken place and is made so for the purpose of requiring the service man to open the machine and thereby become acquainted with the troublesome conditions before he can reset the cut-out B.

As a further precaution where, for example, the neck of a bottle might stick between the edge of a door and the edge of the opening 60, the apparatus is such that the door could be rotated backward by hand a sufilcient amount to permit the bottle to be'extracted whereupon the delivery platform would continue its rotation.

If under somewhat similar circumstances the delivery platform were jammed in an open position without its continuing its rotation back to an initial position, thereby passing the point where the cash solenoid would be energized, the time operated cut-out B would again become operative to disconnect the circuit through the ma chine and thereby,prevent any accidental damage to the electric parts of the device meanwhile rendering the hold solenoid inoperative so that all subsequent coins which might be deposited would be immediately returned to the would-be purchaser.

With the door in open position under any circumstances the interior of the casing is closed oil from the would-be purchaser by the position of the door in front of the bottles or cans still on the conveyer so that it is impossible for anyone to reach through the opening 60 into the interior to extract bottles or cans for which coins have not been previously deposited.

With the safety devices Just described, the ma chine is made so inoperative under an'y but the proper conditions that it will not act to continuously discharge any bottles or cans, preventing the fault which is termed jack-potting, which frequently happens in vending machines .where, when a machine breaks down, it continues to deliver all of the bottles or cans with which it is loaded without any further coins being deposited.

By the precautionary measures thus provided any would-be purchaser is assured of either the delivery of a can or bottle for the coin or else the return of coin to the coin return'box so that no purchaser is ever deprived of the value of his purchase.

article to release the platform for movement through a'dispensing position and return thereof a to initial position.

4. In a dispensing machine for articles including a sealed casing for holding a predetermined temperature and an opening in the side of said casing, thecombination of a' rotating platform in said opening having an arcuate rotating door normally closing said opening, said door having points along thearcuate portion spaced at different distances from the center of rotation, flexible There has thus been provided an electric ac-- I tuated coin controlled vending machine operable in a sealed container to cause the rapid ejection of articles to be vended when operation is ini-' tiated by the article itself, the electric operation of which is so designed that regardless of the condition of the machine a purchaser when depositing a coin of the required denomination will always get one of the articles vended or else the return of his coin. I I

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my device without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified formsof structure, or use of mechanical equivalents, which may be reasonably included within their scope.

Iclaim as my invention:

1. In a dispensing device, a conveyer adapted to receive and carry articles, a delivery. platform initially in loading position, power means for actuating the conveyer, means for deflecting an article from the conveyer to the delivery platform, auxiliary power means for moving said platform to delivery position and returning it to initial position, a retaining mechanism for holding said platform in initial position including a member thereof in the path of said deflected article adapted to be actuated by said article to release said platform for movement to a delivery position.

2. In a dispensing device, a normally motion less conveyer adapted to receive and carry articles, a rotating delivery platform initiallyin a loading position, power means for moving the conveyer, stationary means adjacent the platform for deflecting an article from the conveyer to the platform during operation of the conveyer, auxiliary power means rendered potentially operable by said first power means adapted to move said platform to delivery position and to return the platform to initial position, a retaining mechanism for holding said platform in initial posi tion including a member thereof in the path of said deflected article adapted to be actuated by said article to release said platform for movement to a delivery position and return to said initial position.

3. In a dispensing device, a frame, a conveyer operable in a horizontal plane adapted to receive and carry articles to be dispensed, a delivery platform rotatably mounted on the frame having an article receiving portion thereof substantially sealing strips around the opening, portions of said strips having sliding contact with the sur- .the door is remote from the strip portions to allow rotation of the door, and means for rotating-said platform and door through a dispensing position and back to an initial position.

5. In a dispensing machine for-articles including a sealed casing for holding a predetermined v form and for moving said doorin contact with in said horizontal plane, a deflector operable when the conveyer is in motion to direct said articles from the conveyer to a position on said platform, a delivery balcony substantially on the samehorizontal plane, a latch on the frame, a

temperature, a conveyor in the casing for said form in said opening substantially on the plane of said conveyor, including an arcuate rotating door of insulating material, said door having points along the outside surface located at different distances from the center of rotation and adapted to normally close said opening, said door having continuous rotation in one direction during rotation, resilient sealing strips secured to the casing at the sides of said opening extending inwardly from said sides to a position tangent to and in sliding contact with said arcuate door to allow rotation of said door, said strips comprising a seal for the space between the opening and the door, power means for rotating said plat-.

said strips, and a latch mechanism for the platform having a lever thereon adapted to be actuated by an article behind said sealed door for releasing said platform for rotation to a dispensing position and return thereof to an initial position. I

6. In a dispensing machine for articles, a frame, a combined delivery platform, power means for moving said platform from a loading to adelivery position, latch means for holding said platform in loading position and a lever for releasing said latch means including an arm in said opening having an article receiving member including a door element initially closing said opening, power means initially tending to rotate said platform to a dispensing position wherein said door portion uncovers the opening, a latch element on said platform and a cooperating latch element on the frame for holding said platform in initial position, a lever member mounted pivotally with respect to the latch elements having a portion overlying the platform in its normal position and a portion adjacent said cooperating latch element adapted when pivoted to a secondary position to disengage the latch element and release said platform from initial position for rotation to dispensing position, cam means on the frame and cam means on said lever member cooperable therewith when the platform is in dispensing position adapted to return said lever member to its initial position thereby forceably ejecting the article from the platform and through the opening in said casing.

8. In a dispensing machine for dispensing articles in vertical position including a frame, a refrigerated casing having a side opening and a conveyer for delivering articles to said opening, the combination of a vertically positioned rotating platform in said opening adapted to receive said articles one at a time having a vertical portion initially closing said opening, power means initially tending to rotate said platform from initial position to a dispensing position, a latch element on said platform and a cooperating latch element on the casing for holding said platform in initial position, a lever member comprising a vertical rod pivotally mounted adjacent the edge of the platform, a projection extending therefrom into engagement with said latch elements and an arm projecting therefrom over the platform in the path of said articles in its normal position, said arm being subject to movement across the platform upon the movement of an article thereagainst rotating said vertical rod and disengaging said latch elements to release said platform from initial position for rotation to a dispensing position, cam means on the frame and cam means on the lever member cooperable therewith at dispensing position for the door to rotate said rod in reverse direction and being thereby adapted to forceably return said lever member across the platform to its initial position ejecting the article from the platform and through the opening in said casing.

9. In a dispensing machine, a frame, a delivery platform mounted on the frame for movement between a loading and a delivery position, a coiled spring for shifting the platform from one position to another. a power driven clutch means for setting the spring under tension, limiting means for preventing the setting of said spring beyond a predetermined tension and means for latching the platform in one position adapted to be released to permit movement of said platform to another position by said spring.

10. In a dispensing machine, a frame, a delivery platform rotatably mounted on the frame, a coiled spring for rotating the platform, a power driven clutch means for winding up the spring, engaging means on the platform and on one part of the clutch preventing rotation of said one part beyond a predetermined distance to limit the winding up of the spring and means for latching the platform in one position adapted to be released to permit movement of said platform to another position by said spring.

11. In a dispensing machine, a frame, a delivery platform rotatably mounted on the frame, a coiled spring for rotating the platform, a power driven friction clutch for winding up the spring,

adjustable engaging meanson the platform and e on one part of the clutch adapted to be shifted circumferentially to change the point of engagement with relation to spring tension, said means being adapted to prevent rotation of said one part beyond a predetermined distance to limit the winding up of the spring, and means for latching the platform in one position adapted to be released to permit movement of said platform to another position by said spring.

12. In a dispensing machine for dispensing articles including a frame, a casing having an opening at the side thereof, a conveyer and power means for moving the conveyer and advancing articles to the opening and a balcony to receive said articles, the combination of a rotating platform member in the opening comprising a top element pivotally secured to the frame, a bottom element pivotally secured to the frame and a closure element between said top and bottom elements for closing the casing opening, a releasable latch mechanism on the frame and platform member for retaining said member in initial position, a releasing arm adapted to release said latch means, and auxiliary power means for rotating said platform member and door element through an open position and back to the initial position.

13. In a dispensing machine for dispensing articles including a frame, a casing having an opening at the side thereof, a conveyer and power means for moving the conveyer and advancing articles to the opening and a balcony to receive said articles, the combination of a rotating platform member in the opening comprising a top element pivotally secured to the frame, a bottom element pivotally secured to the frame and a closure element between said top and bottom elements for closing the casing opening, a releasable latch mechanism on the frame and platform member for retaining said member in initial position, a releasing arm adapted to release said latch means and auxiliary power means for rotating said platform member and said door element through an open position and return to the initial position comprising a housing on the reverse side of one of said elements, a clutch, a coiled spring in the housing having an end anchored to the clutch and the other end secured to the lower element, another clutch element and a shaft connected with the power means for rotating the first element and tightening the spring preparatory to rotating said platform member to a dispensing position.

14. In a dispensing machine including a frame,

. a casing having a dispensing opening and a conveyer for advancing articles to the opening, the combination of a rotating delivery platform, pivotally mounted in the opening, a supporting shaft for the platform and rotatable with respect thereto, latch means including elements on the frame and on the platform for holding said platform in initial position, a clutch element rotatably mounted on the shaft and a coiled spring securing said clutch element to the platform adapted to be tightened upon rotation of said clutch element with respect to the platform, positive stop elements on the platform and the clutch element for limiting the rotation of said clutch element with respect to the platform thereby determining the maximum tension applied to the spring and a positively driven second clutch element frictionally engaging the first clutch element and adapted to slip against said first clutch element when the positive stop elements are engaged, and releasing means for said latch means adapted to free the platform for propulsion by the spring to a dispensing position and return thereof to initial position.

15. In a dispensing machine including a frame,

a casing having an opening therein and a conveyer for advancing articles to the opening, the combination of mutually rotating parts including a rotating driving member and a rotating platform pivotally mounted in the opening, means for rotating said platform comprising a coiled spring, engaging means on one of said rotating parts attachable tov one end of the spring at different degrees of tension, the other end of said spring being securely attached to the other of said parts, engaging elements positioned respectively one on said platform and another on said rotating member adapted to limit the tightening of the spring for a given adjustment of tension and releasable latch means for holding the platform in initial position during the tightening of the spring at any predetermined tension and for releasing said platform for operation by said spring.

16. In a dispensing machine including a frame,

. tion clutch element on the casing engaging the first clutch element and a power means for retating the first clutch element through the second to tighten the spring, engaging elements one on said platform and another on said first clutch element to limit the tension applied to the spring, one of the engaging elements being retractable from engagement to permit shifting ments being repositionable to engage the other engaging element to maintain a different maximumtension on the spring, and releasable latch means for holding the platform in initial position during operation of the clutch to tighten said spring'and for releasing said platform for operation by said spring.

17. In a dispensing machine for articles, com prising a casing having a delivery opening therein, a conveyer for said articles adapted vto deposit the articles at said opening, a rotating delivery platform at the opening adapted to receive articles for delivery, an actuating member for rotating the platform, and a hollow door on said platform having the rearward side posi tioned nearer the center thereof than the forward side to minimize frictional contact between the door and the article next in line on the conveyer during rotationv of said platform.

18. In a dispensing machine for articles, comprising a casing having a delivery opening therein, a conveyer for-said articles adapted to deposit the articles one by one at said opening, a rotating delivery platform at the opening adapted to receive articles for delivery, an actuating member for rotating the platform, article actuated releasing means on the platform normally re- I taining said platform in loading position, and a curved door adjacent the perimeter of said platform normally closing the opening having the rearward side positioned nearer the center thereof than the forward side to relieve frictional contact between the door and the article next in line on the conveyer during rotation of said platform.

FREDERICK F. TONE.

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