US2728434A

US2728434A - Coin mechanism and change maker embodying said mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2728434A
Application number: US199699A
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin W Fry
Original assignee: National Vendors Inc
Current assignee: National Vendors Inc
Priority date: 1950-12-07
Filing date: 1950-12-07
Publication date: 1955-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 1972-12-27

Description

Dec. 27, 1955 B. w. FRY 2,728,434

CKOIN MECHANISM AND CHANGE MAKER EMBODYING SAID MECHANISM Filed Dec. 7, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet l FIGI.

2,728,434 COIN MECHANISM AND CHANGE MAKER EMBODYING SAID MECHANISM B. W. FRY

Dec.` 27, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec.

FIGL

MANI' B. W. FRY

Dec.y 27, 1955 COIN MECHANISM AND CHANGE MAKER EMBODYING SAID MECHANISM Filed Dec. 7, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG] FIGQ.

B. W. FRY

Dec. 27, 1955 COIN MECHANISM AND CHANGE MAKER EMBODYING SAID MECHANISM Filed Dec. 7, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent() COIN MECHANISM AND CHANGE MAKER EMBODYING SAID MECHANISM Benjamin W. Fry, Ladue, Mo., assignor to National Vendors Inc., St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application December 7, 1950, Serial No. 199,699

12 Claims. (Cl. 194-10) This invention relates to coin mechanisms and change makers embodying said mechanisms, and more particularly to mechanisms for coin-in-slot devices which are adapted to control operations in accordance with the number and/or denomination of coins inserted, and also more particularly to change makers utilizing such mechanisms.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of an improved and simplified coin mechanism for coin-in-slot devices, such as change makers or vending machines, adapted reliably to control a variety of operations, such as a change-making operation, or a vending operation, or a total-amount-registering operation (registration of the total value of one or more coins inserted), in accordance with the number and/or denomination of coins inserted, and the provision of an improved simplified change maker incorporating the improved coin mechanism of the invention adapted, for example, automatically to issue nickels in change for dimes or quarters. In its broadest aspect, the coin mechanism of this invention comprises a first coin chute for coins of a first denomination, and a second coin chute for coins of a second denomination. Associated with these is an electric motor and a switch controlling the motor, and means actuated by a coin of the first denomination travelling in the first chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a predetermined period of time, and actuated by a coin of the second denomination travelling in the second chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a period of time substantially equal to the product of the first-mentioned period of time and the ratio of the monetary value of coins of the second denomination to the monetary value of coins of the first denomination. For example, the first coin chtite may be for dimes and the second for quarters. A quarter travelling in the quarter chute will hold the switch closed for two and one-half times (the ratio of twenty-five cents to ten cents) as long as a dime travelling in the dime chute will hold the switch closed. As used in the change maker of this invention, the motor of the coin mechanism is employed to actuate a coin dispensing mechanism a number of times corresponding to the denomination of an inserted coin to dispense the proper number of coins of smaller value in change. For example, where the first coin chute is -a dime slot and the second coin chute a quarter chute, and nickels are to be dispensed in change, upon insertion of a dime the motor will be energized such a length of time as to actuate the coin dispensing mechanism to dispense two nickels, and upon insertion of a quarter, the motor will be energized two and one-half times as long thereby to actuate the coin mechanism to dispense live nickels. Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations ot` elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

Cil

2,723,434?. Patented Dec. 27, i955 ice In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

Fig. l is a view in end elevation of a change maker of this invention embodying a coin mechanism of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of Fig. 1 as viewed from the right side of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially on line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical fragmentary section taken generally in the plane of a quarter chute and looking to the left as viewed in Fig. 1; i

Fig. 5 is an ideal section taken substantially on line 5 5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an ideal section taken substantially on line 6 6 of Fig. 4; s

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken generally in the plane of a dime chute looking to the right as viewed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective of a coin-actuated switch-operating latch member;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 9 9 of Fig. 2; s

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a modification in respect to the coin-dispensing mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of Fig. 10 as viewed from the right side of Fig. 10; Y

Fig. 12 is a horizontal section taken on Fig. 1l;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 13 13 of Fig. l0; and,

Fig. 14 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 14 14 of Fig. 11.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Illustrated in the drawings and hereinafter described is an automatic change maker incorporating as a subcombination thereof the novel coin mechanism Vof this invention, the latter being useful per se in apparatus other than change makers for effecting operations other than change-making operations, as will be mentioned later following the ensuing detailed description. The change maker, as herein illustrated, is adapted to dispense United States five-cent coins, i. e., nickels, in change in response to insertion of either United States ten-cent or twenty-tive cent coins, i. e., dimes and quarters, and the coin mechanism per se, as herein illustrated, is one that controls operations in response to insertion of dimes and quarters. However, it will be understood that the herein-disclosed principles are applicable to mechanism for handling United States coins of other denominations (for instance pennies or half dollars), or even to mechanisms for handling foreign coins, and, as applied to a change maker, for issuing coins of one denomination in change for coins of other' denominations having values which are whole multiples of the value of a coin of said one denomination.

Referring to Figs. 1-9 of the drawings, a change maker embodying the invention is shown generally to comprise a first coin chute 1 for coins of one denomination, specifically dimes D, and a second coin chute 3 for coins of a second denomination, specificallyquarters Q. It is also shown to comprise an electric motor 5 connected in a power circuit including a switch 7. Reference character 9 generally designates means actuated either by a dime travelling in the dime chute for holding the switch closed for a predetermined period of time (by way of example, about one second), and actuated by a quarter travelling in the quarter chute line 12-12 of for holding the switch closed about two and one-halt times that long (two and one-half being the ratio of of dimes). Reference character 11 generally designates a change 4dispenser comprising 4two 'magazines -13 and 14, for nickels, the dispenser being automatically actu-v ated in response to insertion of a dime to dispense two nickels, and in response to insertion `of'a. quarter to dispense live nickels.

More specifically, there is shown at 15 a vertical mechanism plate carrying the component parts of the change maker. A multiple-coin chute assembly generally designated 17 is mounted parallel to and spaced from one face vof the plate Yby means of spacers 19. The coin chute assembly 17 consists of a 'central relatively thickvertical 'plate 21 Jhaving recesses in its faces forming the dime and quarter chutes 1 and 3, with relatively thin -

cover Iplates

23 and 25 fastened `in position over the faces `of the central plate and rccwering the recesses in the latter. The coin chute assembly `has a circular opening '27 in which lis located a lcoin-driving means in the form of a stepped resilient coin-driving roller or wheel 29. This is tix-ed on 'a horizontal shaft 31 tournalled in spaced bearing plates 33 held in spaced-apart relation lby spacers l35, which together with plates 33 form ya cage, Athe cage being carried "by the coin 'chute assembly 17. The `plates 33 Acarry "the motor 5 which, as illustrated, is of a conventional type having 'a shaft 37 which is driven through a combination 4armature and magnetic clutch element indicated at 38, the clutch being energized whenever the vmotor is energized. The purpose in using .a motor -of this type is to Vinsure lquick stopping of `the shaft 37 upon opening `of the switch 7.

The shaft 37 is geared to drive the Wheel 29 through a speed-'reducing gear train generally designated 39, the gears of the train being carried by shafts journalled in the bearing plates 33. The wheel is driven clockwise as viewed in Figs. 2 and 4.

'The coin-driving wheel is formed -of rubber or like suitable resilient material with two side-by-

side steps

41 and 43 on -two different diameters. The step 41, hereinafter referred to as the dime step, is located in the plane of the dime `chute 1 and is adapted to engage a dime ledgewise Vand drive it downward through the dime chute. Step 43, which is located in the plane of the `quarter chute 3, 'is adapted to engage a quarter edgewise and .drive -it downward through the quarter chute 3. The dime and quarter chutes 1 and 3 have upper vert-ical entrance or inlet portions designated 45 and 47, respectively, which are disposed side-by-side, and which are so located with respect to the coin-driving wheel that a dime dropping through the inlet 45 of' the dirne chute will be wedged between the dime step 41 and the narrow vertical wall 49 of the dime chute lying across the dime chute from the step 41, and a quarter dropping through the inlet 47 of the quarter chute will be wedged between -the quarter step 43 and the narrow vertical wall 50 of the quarter chute lying across the quarter chute from the step 43. Walls 49 land 50 are coextensive, being formed by integral ridges remaining on plate 21 after the coin-chute forming recesses have been milled.

A dime dropping through the inlet 45 of the dirne chute, or a quarter dropping through the inlet 47 of the quarter chute, actuates a coin-actuated switch-operating lever 51. This lever extends from the switch into the space between the coin chute assembly 17 and the mechanism plate 1S and has a finger 53 at its free end which extends forward into an arcuate slot 5S cut in the coin chute assembly, i. e., cut in all three of

plates

21, 23 and 25. The finger 53 is long enough to extend transversely across both the dirne and quarter chutes 1 and 3. The lever 51 is adapted to close the contacts of switch 7 when swung downward from its generally horizontal retracted circuit-breaking position illustrated in .solid lines in Fig. 4 by either a dime or a quarter dropping downward in the

respective chute inlet

45 or 47. Lever 51 is normally biased to its retracted position (which is determined by engagement of the finger 53 with the upper -end of the Varcuateslot 55) by spring means within the switch casing, the spring bias being light enough readily to be overcome by the weight of a dirne bearing on the finger 53. The switch 7 and the pivotal axis of the lever 51 are so positioned that the lever may swing downward to the dotted line circuit-making position illustrated in Fig. 4 wherein the finger 53 is in a retracted, chuteclearing position at the lower end of the slot S5 t'o allow a coin to travel on by the iinger. The arcuate slot 55 is cut on an arc centered the pivotal axis of lthe lever 51, and extends downward far enough and curves so that its lower end is just below the lower edges of

chute walls

49 and 50. The arrangement is such that whenever a coin, either a dirneior a quarter, is inserted, the lever 5l is swung down to close the switch 7, thereby energizing the motor S to drive the coin-driving wheel 29.

A coin selector 57 of known type such as disclosed in my U, S. Patent 2,292,628, is mounted on the plate 15 above the multiple coin chute assembly with its coin outlets above the upper and inlet ends of the dime and quarter chutes. Coins deposited in the change maker drop into the inlet of the coin seector. They then travel through the latter, which functions in a known manner to feed dimes into the dime chute, quarters into the quarter chute, and to eject any slugs or coins of improper dcnornination through a slug outlet S9 so that they are not fed into the dirne or quarter chutes. Slugs or `coins ejected through the slug outlet drop through a vertical chute 61 and into a receiver 63 located at the lower end of the plate i5 which delivers them through an opening 65 lin plate 15 to a chute 67 on the other side of plate 15 for return to the customer.

The means gcneraily designated 9 actuated by a dime travelling in the dime chute for holding the switch 7 closed for a predetermined period of time, and actuated by a quarter travelling in the quartet' chute for holding the switch 7 closed for two and one-half times the period of time that a dime holds the switch closed, comprises a latch member or lever 69 pivoted to swing on a horizontal pivot 'itl parallel to the axis of the wheel 29 and located adjacent the upper right corner of the coin chute assembly as viewed in Fig. 4. The lever 69 extends down from thc pivot on the outside of the coin chute assembly and, at its lower end, has a shoe 71, hereinafter referred to as its dime shoe, which extends into the dime chute 1 through a slot below the lower edge of the wall L59 and below the lower end of the slot 55, the shoe 71 being opposed to the dime step 41 for the wheel 29. The lever 69 also has a shoe 73, hereinafter referred to as its quarter shoe, extending into the quarter chute 3 alongside the dime shoe 71 through a slot below the lower edge of the wall Sil, the shoe 73 being opposed to the quarter step 43 of the wheel 29. The quarter shoe 73 proiects considerably further into the quarter chute 3 than the dime shoe 71 projects into the dime chute. The

shoes

71 and 73 have curved

upper edges

75 and 77, respectively, facing the steps 4l and 4.3 of the wheel 29, for engagement by coins being driven by the wheel.

As illustrated, the lever 69 consists of two blades, one of which is shaped to have the dime shoe 71 and the other of which is shaped to have the quarter shoe 73, the blades being riveted together at 79 and also at the pivot 7i?, with spacers therebetween to hold them spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of the dime chute 1 and the quarter chute 3. The lever 69 is biased by a spring 81 to swing clockwise on its pivot 7) as viewed in Fig. 4 so that shoes 71 and '73 are biased to swing toward the wheel 29. It is adapted to be swung iu the opposite direction against the bias of the spring 81 by any coin being driven along by the wheel 29. A dime being driven along by the wheel engages the dirne shoe 71 to move this shoe outward away from the wheel, and a quarter being driven along by .the wheel 29 engages the shoe 7 3 -to move this shoe outward away from the wheel. When a dime gramm rides off the end of the shoe 71 or a quarter rides off the end of the shoe 73, the spring 81 returns the lever 69 and the

shoes

71 and 73 to their nt rmal released position illustrated in solid lines in Fig. 4, wherein the spacing of dime step 41 and dime shoe 71 is less than the diameter of a dime, and the spacing of quarter step 43 and quarter shoe 73 is less than the diameter of a quarter. The lever 69 carries a latch hook 83 adapted for engagement with the finger 53 of the lever 51 when the lever 51 is brought to its lower dotted line circuit-making position illustrated in Fig. 4 and when the lever 69 is brought to its dotted line latching position illustrated in Fig. 4. The hook $3 extends from the lever 69 into the space between the coin chute assembly 17 and the plate 15.

The above-described arrangement is such that as a dime drops through the inlet 45 of the dirne chute 1, it engages the finger 53 and swings the lever 51 downward to close the switch 7. This completes the circuit for motor 5, and the latter is energized to drive the wheel 29, which rotates clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4, counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 7. The wheel 29 is rotating by the time the dirne, falling freely in the inlet 45 of the dime chute 1, comes into engagement with the periphery of the dime step 41 of the wheel 29. This engagement occurs before the finger 53 reaches the lower end of the slot 55. As soon as the dirne engages the step 41, it is driven downward in the dime chute 1 by the wheel 29 at a speed determined by the speed of the Wheel and continues to swing the lever 51 until the latter reaches its dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 4. Thereupon the dirne passes on by the finger 53. However, just before the finger 53 reaches the lower end of the arcuate slot 55, it engages the upper edges of the inner end portions of the

shoes

71 and 73, and thereby swings the lever 69 clockwise as viewed in Fig. 7 to the point where the latch hook S3 engages behind the finger 53. The lever 69 is maintained in this switch-latching position by the dime riding on the edge 75 of shoe 71 until the dime rides off the end of the shoe 71, and despite the fact that the dime has passed on by the finger 53, the latter is latched in position at the lower end of the arcuate slot 55 by the latch hook 83 until the dirne has ridden off the end of the shoe 71. As soon as this occurs, spring S1 returns the lever 69 to the solid line position illustrated in Fig. 4, whereupon the finger 53 is released and the lever 51 springs back upward under the spring bias in the switch 7. Thus, the switch 7 opens as soon as the dime has ridden off the end of the dime shoe 71, and this deenergizes and stops the motor. It

will be seen that the motor has been energized from the r time 'the dime, falling in the inlet 45 of the dime chute l, swung lever 51 downward far enough to close the switch 7 to the instant when the dime rode off the end of the dime shoe 71.

Similarly, a quarter falling in the chute.3 engages the finger 53 and this swings lever 51 downward thereby to Vclose the switch 7 and energize the motor 5. With the motor energized, the wheel 29 is driven clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4. The quarter falls freely until it cornes into engagement with the quarter step 43 of the wheel 29. Thereafter it is driven around by the wheel at a speed determined by the speed of the wheel. Engagement of the quarter with the quarter step 43 occurs before finger 53 is driven all the way downward in the arcuate slot 55. As the quarter is driven around by the wheel 29, it continues to move the finger 53 downward in the arcuate slot 55 until the finger reaches the lower end of the slot. However, before the finger 53 reaches the lower end of the slot 55, it engages the upper edges vof the inner end portions of the

shoes

71 and 73, and thereby swings the lever 69 outward against the bias of the spring 81. This brings the iatch hook 83 into latching engagement with the finger 53. 'Although the quarter passes on by the finger 53 once the latter has reached the lower end of the slot 55, finger 53 is maintained inlet 47 of the quarter i latched in the lower end of the slot until the quarter has ridden off the end of the quarter shoe 73, due to the lever 69 being held in its outer position by the quarter riding on the edge 77 of shoe 73. As soon as the quarter rides off the end of shoe 73, spring 81 returns the lever 69 to its released position, whereupon the finger 53 is released and lever 51 springs back upward. Thus, the switch 7 opens as soon as the quarter has ridden off the end of the quarter shoe 73, and this deenergizes and stops the motor. It will be seen that the motor has been energized from the instant the quarter, falling in the inlet 47 of the quarter chute 3, swung lever 51 downward far enough to close the switch 7 to the instant when the quarter rode off the end of shoe 73.

The length of the dime shoe 71 in the direction along the length of the dime chute is such in relation to the length of the quarter shoe 73, also in the direction along the length of the quarter chute', that the switch is held closed approximately two and one-half times as long by a quarter as by a dime. Thus, the motor is operated in response to insertion of a quarter for a period of time which is approximately two and one-half times the period for which it is operated in response to insertion of a dirne. The result is that the wheel 29 turns two and one-half times as much in response to insertion of a quarter as it does in response to insertion of a dime. 'In the case of the apparatus herein illustrated, the timing affected by the

shoes

71 and 73, taking into account the speed of the motor 5, the speed reduction effected by gear train 39, the 'diameter of wheel steps 41 and 43, and the diameter of dimes and quarters, is made such that wheel 29 ro' ytates approximately two-fifths revolution in response to insertion of a dime and one full revolution in response to insertion of a quarter. Dimes riding off the dime shoe 71 and quarters riding off the quarter shoe 73 drop out of the respective coin chute 1 or 3 into a coin box 85. This box is supported on a bracket 87 secured to the plate 15 with itsopen upper end just under the exit ends of the coin chutes.

Each of the two nickel magazines 13 and 14 (these being identical) consists of a long tube having an internal diameter slightly greater than the diameter of a nickel adapted to receive a stack of nickels atwise one on top ofanother. The magazines are of the gravity feed type, being mounted in vertical position on the plate 15 by mean-s of a block 91 at their lower ends and a bracket 93 adjacent their upper ends. The lower ends of the magazines or

tubes

13 and 14 fit in the upper ends of openings in the block 91. The two tubes are arranged closely side-by-side with their axes in a plane perpendicular to the plate 15, tube 13 being closely adiacent the plate. Fixed to the plate 15 below the bottom of the block 91 is av shelf 95. This is spaced below the bottom of the block a distance slightly greater than the thickness of a nickel, but less than twice the thickness of a nickel. The shelf has a flange 97 at its outer edge which extends up alongside the outer side of the block 91 (see Figs. 1 and 9). The bottom of the block, the shelf, the plate 15 and the flange 97 define a guideway for a pair of coin slides 99 and 101 slidably reciprocable on the shelf under the block. The

slides

99 and 101 are arranged side-by-side on the shelf, the former being associated with tube 13 and the latter with tube 14. Their path of reciprocation is horizontal and parallel to the plate 15.

As shown in Fig. 9, the forward ends of slides 99 and 101 (their ends toward the tubes 13 and 14) are formed with

coin notches

103 and 105. Each slide is adapted to slide forward from a retracted position, wherein it is clear of the respective coin opening in the block 91, to push the lowermost nickel of the stack of nickels received in the respective coin notch forward off the end ofthe shelf andy into the receiver 63. Upon return `of the slide to its retracted position, as soon as the notched forward end of the slide clearsthe coin opening .in the block 91, the stack drops to supply Ianother :nickel Yfor being pushed off the shelf upon the .next forward stroke of vthe slide. :In Fig. 9, slide 101 .is illustrated in .retracted position and .slide 99 in a forward position. The mouth of the receiver 63 is located below the forward end of the shelf, i. e., the end over which nickels are pushed off.

The

slides

99 and 101 are actuated to dispense nickels by a mechanism which includes a spur gear 107 (Figs. l, 2 and 6) tixed to the wheel 29 concentric therewith and having a lseries of rollers 109 mounted on bolts 111 spaced at equal intervals `around the face of the gear. As shown, there are ve such rollers spaced 72 apart. Two

pinions

113 and 115 are mounted on shafts 117 and 119 carried by the .coin chute assembly 17 in mesh with the gear .107. A pair of Ybell crank.

levers

121 and 123 are mounted for rocking movement side-by-side on a stud 125 extending horizontally outward from the plate 15 above the rearward ends of the

slides

99 and 101.

Lever 121 has one arm extending downward with a fork e 127 at its lower end straddling a cross-pin 129 on slide 99. The slide and shelf are slotted at 131 (see Fig. 9) to accommodate the fork. Pinion 113 is provided with a crank pin 133. A link 135 connects the crank pin and the `end of the other arm of lever 121, this arm extending in the direction away from the tube 13. Similarly, lever 123 has one arm extending downward with a fork 137 at its lower end straddling a cross-pin 139 on slide 101. This slide and the shelf are slotted at 141 (see Fig. 9) to accommodate the fork. Pinion 115 is provided with a crank pin 143. A link 145 connects the crank pin 143 and the end of the other arm of lever 123, this arm extending in the direction away trom thetube 14.

Crank pins 133 and 143 von pinions 113 and 115 are .180 out of phase. 135 is down (see Fig. 2), and vice versa. When a link is up, the respective slide is in .retracted position, and as it moves down it rocks the respective bell crank counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 2 to move the respective slide forward. When .a link moves upward it rocks the respective ,bell crank clockwise to .retract the respective slide. The arrangement is such that upon each revolution of pinion 113, the slide 99 is moved forward and back through one complete stroke. Upon each revolution of pinion 1.15, the slide 101 is moved forward and back through one complete stroke. Slide 99 moves forward as slide 101 moves backward, and vice versa.

As herein illustrated, the .gear ratio of gear 107 to the

pinions

113 and 115 is such that each of the pinions rotates through onerevolution upon rotation of gear 107 through 2/s revolution. Thus, upon rotation of gear 107 through 2/5 revolution, each of

slides

99 and 101 is moved through one complete stroke, one being rst moved forward and then back, and the other being first moved back and .then forward, to dispense one nickel from each of

magazines

13 and 14. Upon rotation of gear 107 through one complete revolution, each of `

pinions

113 and 115 rotaies through 21/2 revolutions. This actuates the one of the slides that was initially in retracted position first forward, then back, again Lforward and back, and again forward to dispense three nickels from the respective magazine. It actuates the other slide, 'which was initially in forward position, first back, then forward, again back and forward, and .again back, thereby dispensing two nickels from the respective magazine. Thus, since the Wheel 29 andthe gear 107 rotate through 2/s revolution in response to insertion of a dime, and through one complete revolution in response to insertion of a quarter, two nickels are dispensed in change in response to insertion of a dirne and tive nickels are dispensed in change in response to insertion of a quarter.

The rollers 109 are provided for cooperation with a datent 147 adapted to prevent overrun of the gear 107 upon deenergization of the motor 5. The detent is pivoted at 149 on the coin chute assembly and has what amounts Thus, when the link 145 is up, link i' to a wide tapered tooth 151 adapted to iit between two rollers "10.9. lt Ais biased toward engagement with the rollers by a spring 153. When the motor 5 is energized and the gear 107 is being driven, the rollers simply Scam the detent outward and pass on by. Upon deenergization of the motor, however, the tooth 151 latches in between two rollers, and prevents overrun. The gear 107 is so phased with respect to the pinicns that the detent latches in between two rollers upon eachhalf revolution of the pinions between the upper and lower limits-of the throws of the crank pins 133 and 143.

The apparatus also includes means operable in Vresponse to the depletion of the supply of nickels in either 'of

magazines

13 or 14 to return any inserted coins to the customer, to prevent any possibility of a customer receivno change `at all or insufcient change for inserted coins. This means comprises a feeler 155 for magazine .i3 and a feeler 157 for magazine 14. Each of

vfeelers

155 and 157 consists of a length of rod pivoted for swinging movement on a horizontal axis toward and away from the respective magazines in a bracket 159. The

feelers

155 and 157 hang down from the bracket and have fingers 161 and 163 at their lower ends bent toward the

magazines

13 and 14 and reaching into the magazines through slots 165 and 167 at the lower ends of the magazines. The lower ends of the fingers are spaced above the shelf 95 a distance corresponding to the height of a stack of at least tive nickels, i. e., a reserve suicient to make change tor a quarter, the coin of the largest denomination to be accepted by the change maker. The feelers 15S and 157 are biased toward the magazines by

leaf springs

169 and 171, respectively, secured at their lower ends to block 91, and have

lever arms

173 and 175 at their upper ends extending away from the magazines.

A lever 177, consisting of a length of rod, is pivoted for swinging movement on a horizontal axis in a bracket 179 at the upper end of the chute 61. Lever 177 is formed with coin-intercepting tingers at 181 and v153 which are adapted to reach into the coin chutes in the coin selector 57 through

openings

185 and 187 when the lever is swung inward toward the coin selector. The lever 177 is also formed with a crank arm 189 (see Fig. 3), and a link 191 connects the crank arm 189 and the

feeler lever arms

173 and 175 in such manner that if either feeler swings into its magazine, its lever arm pulls down the link 191 and thereby swings the lever 177 inward to the position where coin-intercepting

iingers

131 and 183 are entered in coin-intercepting position in the openings and 187. Lever 177 is biased outward by a spring 193, this spring being weaker than either of

leaf springs

169 and 171.

As long as there are more than tive nickels in each of

maagzines

13 and 14, fingers 161 and 163 at the lower ends of the

feelers

155 and 157 are held out of the magazines by the stacks of nickels. Under these conditions, the lever 177 is heid in its outer position by spring 193, iink 191 being raised. Thus, coiu-intercepting lingers 181 and 183 are kept out of the coin chutes in the coin selector so that coins inserted therein may pass to the dime and quarter chutes 1 and 3. When the supply of nickels in either magazine is depleted belowl the reservo determined by the spacing of the lower ends of lingers 161 and 163 `from the shelf 95, the eeler associated with the particular magazine is swung in by its respective leaf spring (169 or 171). The lever arm (173 or 175)'ot the particular feeler swings down and pulls 'down the link 191, thereby swinging lever 77 to its coin-intercepting position against the bias of spring 193 and holding it there. The leaf spring overcomes the bias of spring 193. Thus, as long as there are enough nickels in both magazines to make change for a quarter, coins inserted by a customer can pass on through the coin selector to the dirne and kquarter chutes 1 and 3. However, when the reserve in either magazine is depleted below the number of coins needed to make change for a quarter, the

coinintercepting fingers

181 and 183 are moved into position to return any inserted coins tothe customer.

Operation is as follows:

Assume that a customer deposits a 'dime to obtain two nickels in change. The coin selector 57 deposits the inserted dime in the inlet 45 of the dime chute 1. The dime, falling freely in the dime chute 1, engages the finger 53 at the end of lever 51, closes the switch 7 and thereby starts the motor 5. The dime is then driven downward by the coin-driving wheel 29, the dime being wedged in edgewise between the dime step 41 of the wheel and the dime shoe 71, with the result that the latch member or lever 69 is held outward against the bias of spring 81 in position for latching engagement of its latch hook 83 with the iinger 53 at the end of the switch-operating lever 51 until the dime rides off the end of the dime shoe 71. Thereupon, the lever 69 is released and swings back to its released position under the bias of spring 81 to release the lever 51, thereby opening the switch 7 and deenergizing the motor 5. The motor is operated for a time interval such as to drive the coin-driving wheel 29 and the gear 107 through two-fifths of a revolution. This actuates the nickel dispensing mechanism to dispense two nickels in change as fully described above.

Similarly, assuming that a quarter is deposited by the customer to obtain ive nickels in change, the quarter is deposited in the inlet 47 of the quarter chute 3 by the coin selector 57. In falling freely through the quarter inlet 47, it engages finger 53 and swings the lever 51 downward to close the switch 7. This initiates operation of the motor 5 to drive the coin-driving wheel 29 and the gear 107. The quarter is driven downward in the quarter chute by the coin-driving wheel 29, being wedged edgewise between the quarter step 43 of the coindriving wheel and the quarter shoe 73. The latch member or lever 69 is thus maintained in its outer position against the bias of spring 81 for latching engagement of the latch hook 83 with the iinger 53 on the end of the switch-operating lever 51 until the quarter has ridden ol the end of the quarter shoe 73. Thereupon, the lever 69 returns to its released position under the bias of the spring S1, and hook 83 is removed from latching engagement with the nger 53 so that the switch-operating lever 51 springs back upward to open the switch 7. This stops the motor 5. The motor 5 is energized for such a period of time as to effect rotation of the coin-driving wheel 29 and the gear 107 through one complete revolution. Rotation of the gear 107 through one complete revolution actuates the nickel dispensing mechanism to dispense ve nickels in change, as fully described above.

Figs. 10-14 illustrate a modification in respect to the coin-dispensing mechanism of the change maker, the coin mechanism per se being exactly the same as in Figs. 1 9. As shown, the coin-dispensing mechanism of Figs. 10-14 comprises one nickel magazine designated 195. This is of the gravity feed type, consisting of a long tube adapted to receive a stack of nickels latwise one on top of another. The magazine 195 is fixed in and extends through an opening in a rectangular block or collar 196 which is located about at the center of the length of the tube. This block or collar is pivotally mounted between the mechanism plate l5 and a bracket plate 197 spaced outward from plate by spacers 198, pivots 199 extending from the plates 15 and 197 into bearing openings in the sides of the collar 196. This mounts the magazine 195 for swinging movement about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the wheel 29. The magazine extends generally' vertically for gravity feed of nickels, and its upper end is opened and flared to facilitate insertion of nickels therein. The magazine is biased to swing counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 11 by a tension spring 200 connected at 201 to the plate 15 and at 203 to a rectangular block or collar 205 adjacent the upper e'nd of the tube, the spring tending to hold the magazine in a retracted position in which the magazine is generally vertical determined by engagement of the lower end of the magazine with a resilient stop 207. This stop is mounted 10 ori the inside of one side of a bracket 209 which is C- shaped in plan (see Fig. 12), and which has its base attached to the plate 15, being located just above the receiver 63.

The lower end of the tube is fixed in an opening in a rectangular block 211. A U-shaped member 215 has its sides xed to those sides of the block 211 which are parallel to the plate 15 and its bottom spaced from the bottom of the block a distance somewhat greater than the thickness of one nickel but less than the thickness of two nickels. The member 215, in conjunction with the bottom of the block 211, defines a guideway 217 of rectangular cross-section, and the bottomaof the mem ber 215 forms a bottom for the magazine. A slide plate 219 is mounted in this guideway for sliding movement relative to the tube 195, but is restrained from linear movement by the sides of the C-shaped bracket 209, the length of the slide plate 219 corresponding to the spacing of the sides of the C-shaped bracket 209. However, plate 219 can partake of the rocking movement of the tube 195. It will be seen from Fig. 1l that as the tube 195 swings clockwise from vertical to an inclined position, the slide plate 219 angles from a horizontal to a slightly inclined position. The slide plate 219 has a circular opening 221 of such diameter as to accommodate a nickel therein located adjacent its left end as viewed in Figs. 11-13. At the left end of the bottom of the member 215 is a notch 223, the outlineof which is a chordal segment of the opening 221.

ln the vertical retracted position of the tube 195, which is indicated in solid lines in Fig. 1l, the slide plate 219 projects outward toward the left side of the lower end of the tube as shown in Figs. 11-13, the plate 219 being substantially horizontal, and the nickel opening 221 in the plate 219 is displaced from registry with the tube. The stack of nickels rests on the slide plate 219. The notch 223 is in registry with the nickel opening 221. When the tube 195 is swung clockvw'se on its pivot away from its retracted position to a position determined by engagement of the lower end of the tube with the left side of the C-shaped bracket 209, this position being illustrated` in dotted lines in Fig. l1, the tube cornes into registry with the nickel opening 221 in the slide plate 219 (noting that the slide plate 219 does not move linearly, being restrained by the sides of the C-shaped bracket 209), and the stack drops down a distance equal to the thickness of one nickel, the lowest nickel of the stack dropping into the nickel opening 221 in the slide plate 219, the stack being held up b y the bottom of the member 215. Then when the tube 195 swings back to its retracted position, as soon as the bottom of the member 215 clears the nickel opening 221, the nickel drops out and falls into the receiver 63. However, the remainder of the stack is held up by slide plate 219.

The magazine 195 is actuated to dispense nickels by `a mechanism comprising a ratchet wheel 225 (substituted for the gear 107) which rotates with the coin-driving wheel 29 and a pawl 227 which is xed to the magazine at its upper end. The ratchet wheel 225 comprises a disc 229 iixed to the wheel 29 concentric therewith and having a series of rollers 231 like rollers 109 mounted on bolts 233 spaced at equal intervals around the disc. As shown, there are five such rollers spaced 72 apart. The pawl comprises a Z-shaped blade, the end of the lower arm of which is secured to the collar 205. The upper arm of the blade reaches over the center of the disc for engagement of its end 235 by the rollers on the disc as they advance toward directly above the center of the disc. The arrangement is such that as the disc 229 rotates through one-iifth of a revolution, a roller 231 engages the end 235 of'the pawl 227 to swing the magazine the bias of spring 200 to the point where the roller rides off the end 235 of the pawl, whereupon spring 200 re# turns the magazine Vto its at-rest vertical position.` It

and pass by their positionv 195 clockwise against will thus be seen that the ratchet, which rotates with wheel 29 through two-fifths of a revolution in response to insertion of a dime, will effect Atwo complete oscillations of the magazine in response to insertion of a dime, thereby dispensing two nickels in change for the dime, and, turning through a full revolution in response to insertion of a quarter, will eiect five complete oscillations of the magazine in response to insertion of a quarter, thereby dispensing yfive nickels in change for the quarter.

The change maker of Figs. lll-14 further includes means operable in response to depletion of the supply of nickels in the nickel magazine 195 to return any inserted coins to the customer, if the reserve in the magazine is not sufficient to make change for a coin inserted. This means comprises a long lever 237 illustrated as being formed of a length of rod, which is pivoted intermediate its ends in a bracket 239 attached to the plate 15 for swinging movement on a horizontal axis parallel to the plate 15 above the pivot aXis of the magazine. A feeler 241 consisting of a length of rod having its lower end bent to form a finger 242 is pivoted at its upper end in the block 196 for swinging movement on a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the lever 237. The feeler is pivoted in the block 196 to swing with the magazine. The finger 242 at the lower end of the feeler is adapted to reach into the magazine through a vertical slot 243 at the lower end of the magazine. The lower end of the finger 242 is spaced from the upper surface of the slide plate 219 a distance corresponding to the height of a stack of at least five nickels, i. e., a reserve suliicient to make change for a quarter, which is the coin of the largest denomination received by the change maker. It is preferred to maintain a reserve of somewhat more than five nickels, for example seven nickels. The lever 237 has a linger 245 at its lower end which extends behind the feeler 241. A lever 247, consisting of a length of rod, is pivoted for swinging movement on a vertical axis in a bracket 249 on the coin selector 57. This lever 247 has an arm 251 below the bracket 249 engaging in front of the upper end of the lever 237, being biased by a leaf spring 253 toward the lever 237. Lever 247 has an upper arm formed with coin-intercepting fingers at 255 and 257 which are adapted to reach into the coin chutes in the coin selector through

openings

185 and 187. When these

fingers

255 and 257 are in coin-intercepting position, they intercept coins travelling through the coin selector and defiect them to the slug outlet 59 for return to the customer.

The above described arrangement is such that as long as there is a sufiicient reserve of nickels in the magazine 195, i. e., at least ve nickels to make change for a quarter, the finger 242 of feeler 241 is held out of the magazine by the stack of nickels. This holds the lever 237 in a position wherein it maintains the lever 247 swung outward to keep the coin-intercepting

fingers

255 and 257 out of the coin chutes in the coin selector so that coins inserted therein may pass to the dime and quarter chutes 1 and 3. The feeler 241 and

levers

237 and 247 are held in such position against the bias of the leaf` spring 253. When the supply of nickels in the magazine 195 is depleted below a required reserve, the finger 242 may then swing into the magazine 195 through the slot `243, thereby allowing the lever 237 to release the lever 247 for movement under the bias of spring 253 to a position wherein the coin-intercepting fingers A255 and 257 reach into the coin chutes in the coin selector. Thus, as long as there are enough nickels in the nickel magazine 195 to make change for a quarter, coins inserted by a customer can pass on through the coin selector to the dime and quarter chutes 1 and 3, However, when the reserve in the nickel magazine 195 is depleted below the number of coins needed to make change for a quarter, the coin-intercepting

fingers

255 and 257 are moved into position to return any inserted coins to the customer.

From the above, it will be observed that as regards either the change maker of Figs. l-9 or the change maker of Figs. .l0-14, coins of a first denomination (specifically nickels) are issued in change for 4coins of second and third denominations (specifically dimes and quarters), the coins of the second and third denominations having monetary values which are whole multiples (specifically two and five, respectively) of the value of a coin of the first denomination. In each case, the change maker `comprises means holding a supply of coins of the first denomination (

magazines

13 and 14 in the first species, and magazine 195 in the second), and coindispensing mechanism operable in cycles for dispensing a coin of the first denomination from the supply upon each cycle of operation. In the first species, a nickel is dispensed upon each cycle of operation of each of

slides

99 and 101. In the second, a nickel is dispensed upon each cycle of operation of the magazine 195 (each complete oscillation). in each case, the motor is operated in response to insertion of a coin of the second denomination (a dime) for such a period of time as to operate the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of` cycles (two) corresponding to the ratio (two) of value of coins of the second to the first denomination, and is operated in response to insertion of a coin of the third denomination (a quarter) for a different period of time such as to operate the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles (live) corresponding to the ratio (five) of the value of coins of the third to the first denomination.

lt will be understood that the coin mechanism per se, apart from the change dispenser, is useful in itself for eiiecting operations other than change-making operations. For example, it might be used in conjunction with a vending machine to indicate the total value of coins inserted. This might be done by having the motor 5 drive a registering mechanism for registering the amount deposited. It will be seen that since the motor rotates for different time intervals in response to insertion of coins of different value, the interval being proportional to the value of the coin, successive insertion of coins will step the total registering mechanism forward the proper amount in response to insertion of each coin. The coin mechanism might also be used in conjunction with a vending machine to control the vending operation and also to make change at the same time. Utilizing the principles ot the invention, an arrangement might be made, for example, to vend items selling for a nickel, operating in such manner that when a quarter is inserted, the vending machine will dispense one nickel item and also dispense four nickels in change. Other uses of the coin mechanism per se will be readily suggested.

In View of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Coin mechanism comprising a first coin chute for coins of a first denomination, a second coin chute for coins of a second denomination, an electric motor, a switch controlling energization of the motor, a coin driving wheel driven by the motor for driving a coin through a portion of its respective chute, a switch control member having a finger extending across both chutes for engagement by a coin travelling toward the coin driving wheel in either chute, said control member being movable between a circuit-breaking position wherein the finger is positioned for engagement by a coin in either chute, and a circuit-making position wherein the linger is clear of the chutes to allow a coin to travel by the finger, the switch control member being biased to circuitbreaking position, a latch member for the switch control member having a first shoe extending into the first chute and a second shoe extending into the second chute, said shoes being opposed to the coin driving wheel and being of different lengths along the length of the chutes, said latch member being movable between a released position and a latching position and being biased to its released position, and being movable from its released position to latching position by any coin being driven by the coin driving wheel, the coin engaging the respective shoe and holding the latch member in its latching position against its bias until the coin rides off the end of the shoe, the latch member having a detent latchingly engaged with the finger when the linger is moved by a coin to its circuit-making chute-clearing position and the latch member is moved to its latching position.

2. Coin mechanism comprising a dime chute, a quarter chute, an electric motor, a switch controlling energization of the motor, a coin driving wheel driven by the motor for driving a dime or a quarter through a portion of its respective chute, a switch control member having a finger extending across both chutes for engagement by a dime or a quarter travelling toward the coin driving wheel in the respective chute, said control member being movable between a circuit breaking position wherein the finger is positioned for engagement by either a dime or a quarter in the respective chute and a circuit-making position whereinthe finger is clear of the chutes to allow a dime or a quarter to travel by the nger, the switch control member being biased to circuit-breaking position, a latch member for the switch control member having a dime shoe extending into the dime chute and a quarter shoe extending into the quarter chute, said shoes being opposed to the coin driving wheel and the quarter shoe being longer along thelength of the chutes than the dime shoe, said latch member being movable between a released position and a latching position and being biased to its released position, and being movable from its released position to latching position by a dirne or a quarter being driven by the coin driving wheel, the coin engaging the respective shoe and holding the latch member in its latching position against its bias until the coin rides off the end of the shoe, the latch member having a detent latchingly engaged with the finger when the finger is moved by a dime or a quarter to its circuit-making chute-clearing position and the latch member is moved to its latching position.

3. A change maker for issuing coins of a first denomination in change for coins of second and third denominations of monetary values which are whole multiples of the value of a coin of said first denomination, comprising means holding a supply of coins of said first denomination, coin-dispensing mechanism operable in cycles for dispensing a coin of said first denomination from said supply upon each cycle of operation, a rst coin chute for coins of said second denomination, a second coin chute for coins of said third denomination, an electric motor for driving said coin-dispensing mechanism, a switch controlling energization of the motor, means actuated by a coin of said second denomination travelling in said first chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a period of time such as t drive the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles corresponding to the ratio of value of coins of said second denomination to coins of said first denomination, and actuated by a coin of said third denomination travelling in said second chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a different period of time such as to drive the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles corresponding to the ratio of value of coins of said third denomination to coins of said first denomination.

4. A change maker for issuing nickels in change for dimes or quarters, comprising means holding a supply of nickels, coin-dispensing mechanism operable in cycles for dispensing a nickel from said supply upon each cycle of operation, a dime chute, a quarter chute, an electric motor for driving said coin-dispensing mechanism, a switch controlling energization of the motor, means actuated by a dime travelling in the dime chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a period of time such as to drive the coin-dispensing mechanism through two cycles to dispense two nickels, and actuated by a quarter travelling in the quarter chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a period of time approximately two and one-half times as long to drive the coin-dispensing mechanism through five cycles to dispense five nickels.

5. A change maker for issuing coins of a first denomination in change for coins of second and third denominations of monetary values which are whole multiples of the value of a coin of said first denomination, comprising means holding a supply of coins of said first denomination, coin-dispensing mechanism operable in cycles for dispensing a coin of said first denomination from said supply upon each cycle of operation, a first coin chute for coins of said second denomination, a second coin chute for coins of said third denomination, means for positively driving a coin in either chute along a portion of its respective chute, an electric motor for operating both said coin-driving means and said coin-dispensing mechanism, a switch controlling energization of the motor, means actuated by a coin of said second denomination being driven in said first chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a period of time such as to operate the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles corresponding to the ratio of value of coins of said second denomination to coins of said first denomination, and actuated by a coin of said third denomination being driven in said second chute for holding the switch closed to operate the motor for a different period of time such as to operate the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles corresponding to the ratio of value of coins of said third denomination to coins of said first denomination.

6. A change maker as set forth in claim 5 wherein the means actuated by coins of said second and third denomination comprises a first member engageable by a coin of said second denomination being driven in said first chute and a second member engageable by a coin of said third denomination being driven in said second chute, said members being of different length along the length of 'the respective chutes corresponding to the two different periods of time.

7. A change maker for issuing coins of a first denomination in change for coins of second and third denominations of monetary values which are whole multiples of the value of a coin of said first denomination, comprising means holding a supply of coins of said first denomination, coin-dispensing mechanism operable in cycles for dispensing a coin of said first denomination from said supply upon each cycle of operation, a first coin chute for coins of said second denomination, a second coin chute for coins of said third denomination, an electric motor, a switch controlling energization of the motor, a coin driving wheel driven by the motor for driving a coin through a portion of its respective chute and for operating said coin-dispensing mechanism, a switch control member having a finger extending across both chutes for engagement by a coin travelling toward the coin driving wheel in either chute, said control member being movable between a circuit-breaking position wherein the finger is positioned for engagement by a coin in either chute and a circuit-making position wherein the finger is clear of the chutes to allow a coin to travel by the finger, the switch control member being biased to circuit-breaking position, a latch member for the switch control member having a first shoe extending into the first chute and a second shoe extending into the second chute, said shoes being opposed to the coin-driving Wheel and being of diterent lengths along the length of the chutes, said latch member being movable between a released position and a latching position and being biased to its released position, and being movable from its released position to latching position by any coin being driven by `the coin driving wheel, the coin engaging the respective shoe and holding the latch member in its latchin'g position against its bias until the coin rides off the end of the shoe, the latch member having a detent latchingly engaged with the `finger when the iinger is moved by a coin to its circuitmaking chute-clearing position and the latch member is moved to its latching position, the difference in length of said shoes being such that a coin of said second denomination holds the latch member in latching position `for a period of time such as to operate the coin-dispensing mechanism through a number of cycles corresponding `to 'the ratio of the value of coins of said second denomination to coins of lsaid iirst denomination, and a coin of said third denomination holds the latch member in latching position for a period ottime such as to operate the coindispensing mechanism through 'a number of cycles correspending to the ratio of the value of coins of said third denomination to coins of said first denomination.

8. A change maker as set forth in claim 7 wherein said coin-dispensing mechanism comprises a pair of gravityfeed magazines for coins of said first denomination, and coin-dispensing slides, one yfor each magazine, driven from the coin driving wheel. A

9. A change maker as set forth in claimS wherein said coin-dispensing slides are driven from the coin driving wheel by crank mechanisms with the cranks of said mechanisms 180 out of phase.

l0. A change maker as set forth in claim 7 wherein said coin-dispensing mechanism comprises a gravity-feed magazine for coins of said first denomination mounted for swinging movement, means for dispensing a coin from the magazine upon an oscillation thereof, and means for oscillating the magazine from the coin `driving wheel.

11. Coin mechanism comprising a 'first coin chute for coins of a first denomination; a second coin `chute for coins of a second denomination; an electric motor; means driven by the motor for engaging and positively ldriving -a coin along a portion of the respective chute; a switch controlling -energization of the rn'otor; a control member for the switch biased toward a circuit-breaking position in which it is engageable by a 'coin travelling toward said coin-driving means in either 'chute and being movable against its bias to a circuit-making position in which it is clear of the chutes; and means for holding the switch control member in its said circuit-making position for -a first predetermined period of time 'when moved thereto by a coin of the first denomination, and for holding it in circuit-making position for a second predetermined period of time approximately equal to the product of the first period of time and the ratio of the monetary values of Vcoins of said second and first denominations when moved thereto by a coin of the second denomination, comprising a first member engageable by a Vcoin of the rst denomination as it travels out of engagement with the switch control member and into engagement with 'the coin-driving means, and a second member engageable by a coin of the second denomination as it travels out of engagement with the switch controi member and into engagement with the coin-driving means, said `members being of diierent length along the length of the respective chutes corresponding to the two different periods of time.

12. Coin vmechanism comprising a dirne chute; a quarter chute; an 'electric motor; means driven by the motor for engaging and positively driving a dime or a quarter aiong a portion of the respective chute; 'a switch controlling energization of the motor, a control member for the switch biased toward a circuit-breaking V,position in which it is engageable by either a dime or a quarter travelling toward said coin-driving 'means in the respective chute and being ymovable against its bias to a circuitmaking position in which it is clear of the chutes; and means for holding the switch control member Vin its said circuit-making Vposition for a first predetermined period of time when moved thereto by a dime, and for holding it in circuit-making position for a second predetermined period of time approximately two and one-,half times the first period when lmoved thereto by a quarter, comprising a first member engageable byfa dime as it travels out` of engagement with the switch control member and into engagement with the coin-driving means, and a 'second member engageable by a quarter as it travels out of engagemen't with the switch control member and .into engagement with the coin-driving means, said members being of different length along the length of the respec- -tive chutes corresponding to the two different periods of time.

.References Cited v-in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 509,181 Richmond Nov. 21, 1893 2,275,084 Michaelson Mar. 3, 1942 2,292,965 Osborne Aug. 1l, 1942 2,323,255 Sutherland June 29, 1943 2,366,469 Andres Jan. 2, 1945 2,433,689 Fry Dec. 30, 1947 2,585,718 Adams Feb. 12, 1952