DE68924645T2 - ADMINISTRATION MACHINE. - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates generally to dispensing machines and, more particularly, to an improved dispensing machine for dispensing cylindrical product containers, such as bottles or cans, in response to selections made by customers.

For dispensing machines of the type under consideration, it is important to maximize storage capacity and minimize the complexity of the dispensing mechanism. The goal is for the product to have as much available internal space as possible, thereby reducing overall size requirements.

A problem with many conventional machines is that they use a significant number of switches and associated wiring, as well as a complicated dispensing mechanism. For example, multiple selection machines often rely on multiple motor or solenoid-operated dispensing mechanisms. Such switches and mechanisms not only take up valuable space, but they also add significantly high maintenance costs to the machine.

The organization of the storage space is also important in terms of efficient use of space. The simplest and most efficient way of storing is to use vertical column storage, but this often causes problems due to the weight of the product. Therefore, some machines use inclined shelf arrangements or serpentine arrangements, which reduce the effect of gravity. but is often associated with a reduction in simplicity or storage space.

Conventional dispensing machines lack versatility in conveniently placing storage spaces for the expected product usage for each selection. In some dispensing machines, this problem is solved by simply adding additional columns to the expected essential selections. Recent inventions have resulted in the use of diversion techniques, which, however, can cause some product to be held in the machine for too long, and can also result in an increase in cost and a decrease in reliability. While the use of expected usage prediction techniques is desirable, the development of dispensing systems that can use these techniques is lacking.

US-A-3 110 417 shows a dispensing machine having vertical storage compartments with a rotatable support member supporting the articles at the compartment exit. The rotation of the support member is controlled by a latch and switch mechanism, the latch being electromechanically actuated.

US-A-3 057 513 shows an actuating mechanism for the dispensing of articles which comprises an endless chain carrying a cam for actuating the release mechanism. The chain is moved in only one direction to ensure that an article is released from each storage compartment. The mechanism does not allow selection between different compartments.

The present invention provides a dispensing machine comprising article storage means including a plurality of storage compartments arranged side by side each compartment being adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent articles, a support means disposed at the end of each compartment and operatively supporting an article in a first position and tending to move to a second position under the weight of the article, a plurality of trigger means, each controlling movement of a respective support means between the first and second positions for triggering an article, actuating means for actuating a selected one of said trigger means and permitting rotation of the associated support means, and control means for said actuating means, characterized in that said actuating means includes an elongate member extending between the trigger means and having an indexing device positionable adjacent a selected one of the trigger means to actuate a selected one of the trigger means, the elongate member being a reversible endless member.

This dispensing machine in particular provides efficient product storage capacity by reducing the space requirements for the switching and dispensing mechanism. In this machine, the switching has been essentially eliminated and the dispensing mechanism has been simplified by minimizing the requirements for multiple electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids through the use of conventional drive mechanisms.

In an advantageous embodiment, the control means includes a position detection means which monitors the movement of the index device of the stretched component during operation.

In an advantageous embodiment, each support means has a star shape that is substantially smaller than the dispensed article.

It is advantageous if each support has a three-pointed star shape.

In an advantageous embodiment, each trigger means includes rotatable means secured to and rotating with the support means and engagement means including spaced means engageable with said rotating means, one of said spaced means being movable out of engagement with said rotating means and the other of said spaced means being simultaneously movable into incipient engagement with said trigger means to determine the amount of rotation of said rotating means.

It is advantageous that each trigger means includes a switch means fixed to one end of an associated support means and rotatable with said support means and pawl means pivotally disposed adjacent to said switch means and movable into and out of engagement with that switch means to permit rotation of said support means.

In an advantageous embodiment, each switching means is integrated with its associated support means.

It is advantageous that each storage compartment includes generally aligned first and second sections, each section being adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent articles, each support means including a plurality of support elements operatively supporting an article in each compartment section, each release means including a switching means having a plurality of teeth and a latch means, said switching teeth being at least twice the number of support elements on the support means, and an escrow means means) is arranged below said support means and the first compartment area and provides a holding position for the delivery of said articles in said first compartment area in sequence with said articles in said second compartment area.

The dispensing machine of this embodiment allows selection between storage departments, and releases an item from each area of a department to ensure that old stock is dispensed first from the department when it has been refilled.

It is advantageous that the storage compartments are essentially vertical columns.

It is advantageous that the axis of rotation of each support means is arranged within the associated, substantially vertical column.

It is advantageous that each column has a lower end and a member disposed at said lower end for constricting the outlet and for directing said articles onto said associated support means.

Advantageously, the endless element is a drive element comprising engagement means, means for moving said endless element in a direction of movement and for effecting a temporal reversal of the direction of movement of said engagement means, and means for preventing engagement of said engagement means with said triggering means in a direction of movement but allowing effective engagement of said triggering means by said engagement means in said temporal reversal of said direction of movement.

It is advantageous that each trigger means includes a first engagement means and that the actuating means endless element a second engagement means and means for moving said endless member in a direction of movement and for providing a temporal reversal of the direction of movement of said second engagement means and means for precluding effective engagement of said second engagement means with said first engagement means in a direction of movement but allowing effective engagement of said first engagement means due to said second engagement means in said temporal reversal of said direction of movement.

It is advantageous that the actuating means comprises a reversible electric motor which drives the endless means.

It is advantageous that each support means is formed from a rod having a substantially uniform cross-section.

It is advantageous that the switching means is a ratchet wheel formed integrally with said rod and having a plurality of switching teeth with uniform spaced intervals and that the pawl means is a locking member having spaced-apart gripping elements sequentially engageable with said teeth.

Advantageously, each support means has a three-ray star design and each switching means contains six teeth.

In a further embodiment, each vertical column has first, second and third column sections, each column section being adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent substantially cylindrical articles, each rotatable support means supporting articles in said first, second and third sections, and each of said first column sections comprising a first transfer member disposed beneath said support means and each of said second column sections includes a second transfer member disposed beneath said support means and shorter than said first transfer member, said first and second transfer means providing holding positions for delivery of said articles in the first and second column sections sequentially with each other and with said articles in said third column sections.

In an advantageous embodiment of this embodiment, each support means has a three-ray star formation and each switching means contains nine teeth.

In a further embodiment, each vertical column includes a third section adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent substantially cylindrical articles, each rotatable support means including a coaxial independent support section supporting articles in said third column regions, each of the independent support sections including an associated trigger means including switch means fixed to one end of each said independent support section, and an independent actuating means is provided for said independent support section.

In an advantageous embodiment of this embodiment, each support means including the independent support region has a three-beam star formation, wherein each switching means attached to said support means in said first and second column sections includes six teeth and each switching means attached to the support section in the third column section has three teeth.

Distracting means preventing effective engagement between said index means and said latch means, may have ramp means on one of said means engageable with the other of said means to flex said endless drive member.

In another form, the deflecting means includes a fixed ramp means disposed adjacent to the endless member and engageable by said indexing means to bend said endless member.

The deflecting means allowing effective engagement between said indexing means and said pawl means may include tongue means on one of said means and claw means on the other of said means adapted to receive said tongue means.

The switching means may comprise a ratchet integrally formed with said rod at one end thereof, having a plurality of outwardly directed teeth, and wherein the pawl means may comprise an escapement sequentially engageable with the teeth.

In another embodiment, the indexing means includes an indexing wheel integrally formed at one end of the rod and having an inner portion having a plurality of outwardly directed inner teeth and an outer portion having a plurality of inwardly directed outer teeth arranged in alternating relationship with the inner teeth to define a cam path, and wherein the pawl means includes a biased toggle member having a cam follower engageable with the inner and outer teeth within the cam path.

Advantageously, an emptying detector is provided which comprises a first member pivotally mounted on the article storage means adjacent each column of articles in an elevation for engaging and substantially maintaining an article in a first position when at least one article is at that elevation and for pivoting substantially away from said one position when all articles are below that elevation, and indicator means responsive to said pivoting movement.

In one embodiment, the emptying detector comprises a first member pivotally mounted to the article storage means adjacent each article column and comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being arranged at a height to engage an article and to maintain it substantially in a first position when at least one article is at that height and to pivot to a second position when all articles are below that height, a second member pivotally mounted to said latch means and movable with the latch means and comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being occupied by the second portion of the first member and being pivotally movable due to the second portion of the first member when the first member pivots to said second position, and indicator means responsive to said movement of the second portion of the second member resulting from movement of the first member together with movement of the latch means, which results from the intervention by the index means.

In an advantageous embodiment, the indexing means can be engaged with the second portion of the second component in order to create the indexing means.

In another embodiment, the indexing means includes a rod having a plurality of spaced apart pins selectively extending through the second portion of the can be coupled to the second component and can be moved with the second component.

The described dispensing machine is equipped with a dispensing mechanism that is ideally suited to use sophisticated predictive techniques for expected usage, reducing replenishment and preserving product freshness and preventing depletion of those products that are frequently selected.

The product storage capacity can be further increased by independent front and rear storage of the vertical columns.

An efficient electromechanical emptying device is provided, which is independent of an initial product number.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein

Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the administration machine,

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of operations,

Fig. 3 is a plan view taken along line 3 - 3 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a cross-section along line 4-4 of Fig. 3 showing the dispensing action in a first column section,

Fig. 5 is a cross-section along line 5-5 of Fig. 3 showing the dispensing action in a second column section,

Fig. 6 is an end view taken along line 6 - 6 of Fig. 3 showing the trigger mechanism in a holding position,

Fig. 7 is a similar view to Fig. 6 showing the trigger mechanism in a trigger position,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the trigger mechanism,

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the movement of the trigger activating mechanism,

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a modified administration machine,

Fig. 11 is a rear end view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 10 illustrating a third column section delivery mechanism in a holding position,

Fig. 12 is a plan view of another modified administration machine,

Fig. 13 is a cross-section along line 13 - 13 of Fig. 12, illustrating delivery in a first column section,

Fig. 14 is a cross-section taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 12 showing a delivery into a second column section,

Fig. 15 is a cross-section along line 15 - 15 of Fig. 12 showing delivery into a third column section,

Fig. 16 is an end view taken along line 16 - 16 of Fig. 12, illustrating the release mechanism in a holding position,

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 6, illustrating a depletion detection mechanism,

Fig. 18 is a cross-section along line 18 - 18 of Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 17, illustrating a modified emptying detector mechanism in an inoperative state,

Fig. 20 is a similar view to Fig. 19 and shows the modified emptying mechanism in an operating state,

Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing a modified operation sequence

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary view of another modified administration machine,

Fig. 23 is an end view taken along line 23-23 of Fig. 22 showing the dispensing mechanism in a holding position,

Fig. 24 is a similar view to Fig. 23, showing the dispensing mechanism in a dispensing position,

Fig. 25 is a cross-section along line 25 - 25 of Fig. 23,

Fig. 26 is a cross-section along line 26-26 of Fig. 23,

Fig. 27 is a cross-section along line 27 - 27 of Fig. 23 and

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the path of the actuating mechanism.

Referring now by reference numerals to the figures and first to Figs. 1 and 3, the dispensing machine 10 includes a frame 12 which, in the embodiment shown, is divided into eight storage compartments 1 to 8 by end walls 14 and 18 and by intermediate partition walls 16. In the embodiments shown, the compartments are substantially vertical. As shown in Fig. 3, the columns 1 to 8 are of sufficient depth to form front sections 1a, 2a, 3a, etc. and rear sections 1b, 2b, 3b, etc. so that each column can accommodate two cylindrical articles or containers C, such as cans or bottles, back to back. Each of the columns 1 to 8 is of sufficient width to accommodate staggered vertical rows of the containers 10. The frame 12 also includes front and rear panels 20 and 22 connecting the partition walls 16; a front protective plate 24 is spaced from the front panel 20 by spacers 26, and side panels 28 and 30 interconnecting the rear panel 22 and the front guard panel 24. Panels 20 and 24 cooperate to provide a housing for the container dispensing mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 32 and described later. The frame 12 includes a hopper portion H which guides the containers C dispensed by the dispensing mechanism to the consumer.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, it will be understood that dividing plates 16 defining columns 1 to 8 are rolled at their lower end to form a transverse flange 34 which receives elongated bolts 35 and that above the column exit defined by said flanges, each of the plates 16 includes a sloped member 36 secured, for example, by welding. The transverse members 36 effectively confine the column and define the outlet path of the containers C therein, said members 36 including an upper ramp portion 38, a vertical portion 40 and a lower sloped portion 42. Below the transverse member 36 is a support plate 50 having an upper portion 52 extending between and connected to the front and rear plates 20 and 22 and, in the front portion of the column only, a curved transfer portion 54.

The containers pass through the column exit by means of a three-beam turnstile member 60 located below each column, which is axially rotatably disposed between the rear plate 22 and the protective plate 24 and cooperates with the retainer 50 to provide a turnstile system. In the embodiment shown, the turnstile member 60, which has a substantially star-shaped configuration, includes three points 61, 63 and 65 separated by concave surfaces 66 and which are so compatibly formed to accommodate a container C. The turnstile members 60 are freely rotatably mounted between the rear plates and guard plates 22 and 24 by means of shaft stubs 68 and 69. The turnstile members provide support means for the containers and the axis of rotation of the members is located within the column and laterally offset from the center of weight of the containers supported. The result of this is that the turnstile members tend to rotate under the weight of the containers.

In the turnstile and restraint assembly shown in Figures 3-5, the three-beam turnstile 60 extends through the front and rear columns, for example, column sections 2a and 2b, and each turnstile carries two containers C. The upper portion 52 of the restraint 50 also extends through the front and rear columns, but the lower, transfer portion extends only through the front column section 2a. Accordingly, containers C1a and C1b, C2a and C2b are axially aligned in the front and rear column sections. Containers C1a and C1b, C2a and C2b and C3a are shown in solid lines in a first position and in dashed lines in a second position. One hundred twenty degrees (120º) of movement of the turnstile portion 60 is required to dispense container C.

In Figs. 4 and 5, the turnstile projection 65 holds containers C2a and C2b in the front and rear sections of columns 2 in their position shown by solid lines. In Fig. 4, the turnstile projection 61 cooperates with the transfer area 54 to hold container C3a in the position shown by solid lines.

If the turnstile component 60 is allowed to rotate sixty degrees (60º), i.e. to the position shown in the dashed line, the container C3a is delivered and containers C2a and C2b both move to the position shown in dashed line where they are supported by turnstile projection 65 and retaining member 52. If turnstile member 60 is allowed to rotate a further sixty degrees (60º), container C2a will move to the position previously occupied by container C3a and will be held by turnstile member 60 and cooperating transfer area 54 in the front column section. Container 2b, however, will be delivered since no transfer area is provided in the rear column section. Therefore, containers C are alternately delivered from each column section for each sixty degrees (60º) of rotation of turnstile member 60, but one hundred twenty degrees (120º) of movement is necessary to dispense a container from the same column.

The output mechanism which controls the rotation of the turnstile member 60 from a first position in which it is supported by the turnstile member to a second position associated with the output will now be described with particular reference to Figures 6 to 8.

As shown in Fig. 8, each spider member 60 extends through the front panel 20 and is provided at its front end with a coaxially mounted and integrally formed ratchet wheel 70 which rotates with the spider member 60. The ratchet wheel 70 includes a plurality of radially extending teeth 71-76, six (6) in the illustrated embodiment, and a circular rear plate 77. A ratchet member or pawl 80 is pivotally mounted adjacent the ratchet wheel 70 by means of a pivot pin 81 extending between the front wall 20 and the guard plate 24. The ratchet member 80 is generally arcuate and includes lugs 82 and 84 which are engageable with the ratchet wheel teeth 74 and 76, respectively. in the position shown. At its upper end, the arresting member 80 includes a socket 86 which provides a seat for the lower end of a spring 88 and said spring is provided at its upper end with an abutment in engagement with the effect of bringing the nose 82 into engagement with the uppermost tooth 74.

At its lower end, the arresting member 80 includes a protruding portion 92 which forms a first engagement means engageable by a reciprocal indexing finger 94 which provides a second engagement means. As a result, the turnstile members and the release mechanism cooperate to block the dispensing of containers from the columns.

In the embodiment shown, the indexing finger 94 is fixedly mounted, for example, by rivets, to a chain 100. The inverted ramp formation of the underside 96 of the member 92 provides a detection means and cooperates with the upper side 98 of the member 94 in terms of the flexibility of the chain 100 to allow the finger 94 to pass under the arresting member 80 when the chain 100 moves clockwise to point A (Figs. 6 and 7), but causes the projecting member to engage and move the arresting member when the chain moves in the other direction, counterclockwise from point A through point B to point C (Fig. 9). More specifically, the claw-like configuration of the finger opening 102 provides a ramped surface on the underside which receives the tongue-like configuration of the projecting member tip 102 such that counterclockwise movement of the finger 94 below point B pivots the arresting lug 82 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 24 so that the spider member 60 rotates under the weight of a container until the second tooth engages the second lug, as shown in Figure 6.

Further movement of finger 94 from C toward B in a clockwise direction results in an opposite pivoting of the arresting member while biasing spring 88 so that nose 82 engages the next tooth, resulting in a total rotation of ratchet wheel 72 of sixty degrees (60º).

In the illustrated embodiment, a total rotation of one hundred twenty degrees (120º) is necessary to dispense a container C, so that the front and rear containers in a column are released sequentially as the turnstile member 60 and ratchet wheel 70 are rotated at sixty degree (60º) intervals.

In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the chain 100 has two indexing fingers 94 and 95 mounted thereon at diametrically opposite points, whereby an index finger is always accessible on the upper track. The chain is arranged around a drive gear 103 and a tension gear 105 and is driven by a reversible motor M. As shown in Fig. 3, the drive gear 103 is fixedly mounted on a drive shaft 106 which is rotatably arranged between the guard plate 24 and a support arm 108, said shaft being driven by a motor M by means of bevel gears 112 and 114 which are carried by the motor shaft 110 and the drive shaft 106, respectively.

The motor M is controlled by a control system 200 shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 2. Essentially, the drive chain 100 is moved clockwise to move one or both fingers, e.g. finger 94, adjacent the arresting member 80 (Fig. 6) of a selected column 1-8 by a motor control 202 in response to initiation of the product selection 204 by the customer. The product selection may be controlled by a coin or may be credit controlled or alternatively may be adapted to a free mode of operation. Data in the drive chain motion accumulator 206 provides information to the motor controller 202 as well as the position of the index finger 94. This information together with the output from the product selector 204 is compared by the motor controller 202 to advance the index finger 94 to the precise correct position through the medium of the motor M, motor shaft 106, gear 103 and chain 100. When this position has been reached, the motor controller 202 causes the index finger 24 to reciprocate and activates the selected output mechanism pawl 80.

More specifically, the drive chain motion accumulator 206 stores a numerical value representing the location of the index fingers 94 and 95 at all times. The motion of the chain 100 is sensed by sensing the rotation of the gear drive shaft 106 by a shaft encoder which provides output pulses in accordance with its rotation and represents one method of providing drive chain position detection 207. Other methods include, for example, a tooth sensor using a Hall Effect device or optical couplers, or using an optical detector circuit to sense the motion of the chain links. The starting point for accumulating chain motion is provided with a drive chain index detector 208 which monitors index fingers 94 and 95 with a Hall Effect device to provide a reset pulse output to drive chain motion accumulator 206 whenever an index finger is at a starting point.

In the preferred embodiment, the electronic control system uses a microprocessor, but it may also include a logic gate circuit.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, a deeper frame 312 is used, which creates an additional third set of column sections 1c, 2c, 3c and the like. The front two column sections 1a, 2a, 3a etc. and 1b, 2b, 3b etc. are essentially as described with respect to Figures 3 to 7. However, in this modified structure, additional individual turnstile members 360 are provided, each of which is independently rotatable relative to the turnstiles 60. As shown, each turnstile member 360 is attached to a rear guard plate 324 by means of a stub shaft 369 and a common shaft 368 is used to mount the turnstile members 60 and 360 to the intermediate wall 321. A second chain 100 is provided which is fixedly mounted to the rear end of an extended drive shaft 306 via a second gear 103. As shown in Figure 11, the turnstile member 360 is substantially identical in cross-section to the turnstile member 60. The arresting member 380 is also substantially identical except that it is mounted in a mirror image. However, the ratchet wheel 370 and the transfer plate assembly are different. The ratchet wheel 370 includes only three (3) teeth since only one column section is operated by the index finger at a time. In addition, no comparable transfer plate section is provided and each engagement of the index finger 94 with the pawl 80 results in rotation of the ratchet wheel 370 and spider member 360 by one hundred twenty degrees (120º). Moreover, the dispensing action is substantially similar to that described with respect to the rear column section 2b illustrated in Figures 3-5.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 12 to 16. This embodiment also includes a deeper frame 412 to create a third set of column sections 401c, 402c, 403c, etc. The two front Column sections 401a, 402a, 403a, etc. and 401b, 402b, 403b, etc. are substantially as described with respect to Figs. 3 through 7. However, the spider member 460 is extended to extend into the third column section and is mounted to the rear wall 422 via a shaft stub 468.

As shown in Fig. 13, the turnstile member 460 is substantially identical in cross-section to the turnstile member 60. The restraining member 480 is also substantially identical to the restraining member 80. However, the ratchet wheel 470 and the retaining member are different. The ratchet wheel 470 includes nine (9) teeth 471 through 479 because all three column sections, e.g. 402a, 402b and 402c, are operated by the same index finger. The retaining transfer plate 454 in the front column is substantially the same as that in the front column section of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 through 7 and there is no transfer plate in the rear column section. However, a shortened transfer plate 455 is provided in the second or intermediate column section.

As already discussed with respect to the embodiment described in Figures 3 to 7, a one hundred twenty degree (120º) rotation of a turnstile member 460 is necessary to release a container C. Similarly, each reciprocating movement of the finger moves the turnstile forty degrees (40º) and as a result containers C are released sequentially in the first, second and third column sections, e.g. 402a, 402b and 402c.

With the turnstile 460 having rotated only to the position shown in Figs. 13 to 15, containers C1a, C1b and C1c are axially aligned. Containers C2a, C2b and C2c are axially aligned in a corresponding manner. Also, containers C3a, C3b and C3c are aligned axially, with C3c being aligned only momentarily as it is at the point of leaving the position shown in Fig. 15 to be dispensed since the third column section 402c has no transfer plate. With the next forty degree (40º) rotation of the spider member 460, container C3b is dispensed as it is no longer retained by the shortened transfer plate 455. At the same time container C3b is dispensed, container C3a moves from the position shown in Fig. 13 to be retained by the lowest portion of the transfer plate 454 and is dispensed with the next forty degree (40º) rotation.

17 and 18 illustrate a modified release mechanism that includes an empty detection mechanism 500. This mechanism essentially consists of two cooperating elements, namely a container sensing arm 502 and a pivot trigger 504. The container sensing arm includes an upper portion 506 that is disposed within a slot 509 disposed in the cross member 36 and a lower portion 510 that is configured to be engageable with the trigger 504. The upper and lower portions 508 and 510 are connected by a shaft 512 which is mounted on a pair of supports 514 for pivotal movement of the sensing arm 502. The trigger 504 also includes an upper portion 516 and a lower portion 518 and is pivotally attached to the arresting member by a pivot shaft 520. The lower portion 518 is bent to form a tongue 522.

When the column of containers C is at a higher elevation than the upper portion 506 of the sensor arm, the upper portion is forced by the containers into the position shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 17 and the lower portion urges the trigger tongue 522 to disengage from the index finger 94. When the column of containers C has been emptied to a substantially sufficient low elevation, the sensor arm is automatically moved counterclockwise according to gravity, allowing the trigger 504 to pivot clockwise to the position shown in solid lines. In this position, the tongue 522 acts as an extension of the inhibiting tongue 92 and is urged by the index finger 94 prior to its normal engagement with said inhibiting tongue 522. This engagement is sensed and stored by a control system to limit or prevent additional administration.

A modified emptying detection mechanism 600 is shown in Figures 19 and 20. This mechanism is similar to that described above in that it includes a container sensor arm 602 and a trigger 604 pivotally mounted on the arresting member 80. However, the trigger 604 is selectively engageable with an independent spring loaded rod 650 provided with a spring loaded switch means 640 and a plurality of pins 651 to 658.

The container sensor arm 602 is pivotally mounted on the member 36 and includes an upper portion 606 engageable with the containers C and a lower portion 608 engageable with the trigger 604. The trigger 604 also includes an upper portion 616 and a lower portion 618 and is pivotally mounted on the arresting member 80. The trigger of the lower portion 618 is bent in shape to form a hook. When the column of containers C is higher than the sensor arm 602, the upper portion 606 is urged by the containers C to the position shown in Fig. 19 and the lower portion 608 urges the trigger hook 680 away from the rod pin. 658. When the container column C has been sufficiently emptied, the sensor arm 602 moves counterclockwise automatically under the influence of gravity, allowing the trigger 604 to pivot clockwise to the position shown in Fig. 20 where the hook 618 engages and actuates the rod 650 and switch 640 as the rod 650 moves with clockwise movement of the arresting member 80 under the engagement of the index finger 94. This engagement is detected and stored by the control system to limit or prevent additional administration of the release mechanism.

Another modified embodiment of the trip mechanism is shown in Figures 22-27. This embodiment utilizes a substantially identical spider assembly 860, but in combination with an integrally formed compound ratchet 870 and pawl 880. Compound ratchet 870 includes an inner portion 871 having three (3) outwardly directed teeth 872, 873 and 874 and an outer portion 875 having three (3) inwardly directed teeth 876, 877 and 878 circumferentially disposed between teeth 872, 873 and 874. Inner and outer portions 871 and 875 each cooperate to define a grooved cam-like path. The pawl 880 is pivotally mounted between the front plate 20 and the guard plate 24 by means of a pin 881 and has a bell arm configuration including a first arm 882 and a second arm 884 extending from a common hub 886. The first arm 882 is laterally offset from the second arm 884 as shown in Fig. 25 and includes a right angle extending cam follower 888 at its distal end which is engageable with the teeth of the inner and outer portions of the ratchet wheel 870. The second arm 884 is forked at its lower end to spread the chain 100 which is provided with a pair of transverse lugs 894 forming an indexing member which is fixedly disposed and forms lateral projections on each side of the chain. The second arm 884 includes a base 887 which receives a spring 889 which extends between the second arm and an abutment 900 disposed on the guard plate 24 by means of fasteners 902 and has a spring receiving base 904.

The abutment 900 also includes forked legs 906 which form a first ramp surface 908 and a second ramp surface 910. The indexing member 894 is wider than the opening defined by the forked legs 906 and, as shown in Figure 23 by the solid line, engages the first ramp surface 908 and is carried downward due to the flexibility of the chain 100 to pass under the abutment through the forwardly extending portion 912 below the pawl 880. When the chain is released from the abutment 900, it returns to its original position of travel as shown in Figure 24. It is to be understood that the reversing movement of the chain from A-B causes the indexing member to engage the second arm 884 of the pawl 880, assisted by the second ramp surface 910, causing said pawl to rotate to position C and rotate its cam follower 888 clockwise and out of engagement with the inner tooth 874. With the removal of the stop provided by the cam follower 888, the ratchet wheel 870 rotates counterclockwise until it engages the inner tooth 874. When the direction of the chain 100 is again reversed, the indexing member 894 moves out of engagement with the second pawl arm 884, causing said pawl to rotate in a counterclockwise direction so that the cam follower 888 moves out of engagement with the inner tooth 874, and following further rotation of the ratchet wheel 870, it moves into engagement with the outer tooth 877. Therefore, the reciprocal movement of the chain 100 drives the ratchet wheel 870, in two sixty degree steps, through a one hundred and twenty degree angular movement. This modified construction operates in other respects essentially as has already been reported for the embodiments already described.

Fig. 21 is another block diagram similar to Fig. 2 and depicts a modified control system 700 that includes a stepper motor SM which, when pulsed by a stepper motor controller 702, moves the chain 100 by a precise, predetermined small amount for each pulse. Prior to the initiation of a product selection 704 by a customer, the motor SM is continuously pulsed to the chain index finger 94 which is sensed by the drive chain index sensing 708. Depending on the product selected, the exact number of pulses required to move the chain to the position of the chain index finger 94 in the corresponding position adjacent to the selected inhibiting member 80 is then determined. The stepper motor controller 702 is then pulsed to cause the stepper motor SM to introduce the reciprocal motion into the index finger 94 as the proper amount to operate the inhibiting member 80.

With regard to the loading of the front and rear areas of the columns, it is to be understood that the front areas are to be loaded from the front and the rear areas from above.

It is to be understood that the term "dispensing machine" as used herein includes both cash and credit card vending machines.

Some embodiments of the administration machine have been described in detail above and those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. Other modifications are possible, for example, the compartments could be inclined rather than vertical. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of this invention to the embodiments described and illustrated above. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims.

Claims (32)

1. A dispensing machine (10) comprising article storage means including a plurality of storage compartments (1-8) arranged side by side, each compartment (1-8) being adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent articles (C), a support means (60) arranged at the end of each compartment (1-8) and which in use supports an article (C) in a first position and which under the weight of the article (C) tends to move to a second position, a plurality of trigger means (32), each controlling movement of a respective support means (60) between the first and second positions for triggering an article (C), actuating means (100) for actuating a selected one of said trigger means (32) and permitting rotation of the associated support means (60), and control means (200) for said actuating means (100), characterized in that said actuating means (100) includes an elongated member (100) extending between the actuating means (32) and having an indexing device (94, 95) positionable adjacent a selected one of the actuating means (32) to actuate a selected one of the actuating means (32), the elongated member (100) being a reversible endless element (100). 2. Administration machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means (200) includes a position detection means (207) which, in operation, monitors the movement of the index device (94, 95) of the elongated member. 3. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each support means (60) has a star configuration (61, 63, 65) which is substantially smaller than the dispensed article (C). 4. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each trigger means (32) includes rotatable means (70) attached to and rotating with the support means (60) and engaging means (80) including spaced means (82; 84) engageable with said rotating means (70), one of said spaced means (82; 84) being movable out of engagement with said rotating means (70) and the other of said spaced means (82, 84) being simultaneously movable into incipient engagement with said trigger means (32) to determine the amount of rotation of said rotating means (70). 5. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each storage compartment (1-8) includes generally aligned first and second sections (1a, 8a; 1b-8b), each section (1a-8a; 1b-8b) being adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent articles (C), each support means (60) including a plurality of support elements (61, 63, 65) which, in use, support an article (C) in each compartment section (1-8), each trigger means (32) including an indexing means (70) having a plurality of teeth (71-76) and a pawl means (80), said indexing teeth (71-78) being at least twice the number of support elements (61, 63, 65) on the support means (60), and an escrow means (54) is below said support means (60) and the first Department area (1a - 8a) and causes a holding position for the delivery of said articles ( C ) in said first article ( C ) in said first department area (1a - 8a) one after the other with said articles ( C ) in said department area (1b - 8b). 6. Administration machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the endless element (100) is a drive element (100) having engagement means (94, 95), means (M, 103, 105, 106, 110, 112, 114) which move said endless element (100) in a direction of movement and perform a temporal reversal of the direction of movement of said engagement means (94, 95), and means (96, 98, 102, 104) which prevent the engagement of said engagement means (94, 95) with said trigger means (32) in a direction of movement, but allow the effective engagement of said trigger means (32) by said engagement means (94, 95) in said temporal reversal of said direction of movement. 7. Administration machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage compartments (1 - 8) are substantially vertical columns (1 - 8). 8. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each trigger means (32) includes a switch means (70) fixed to one end of an associated support means (60) and rotatable with said support means, and pawl means (80) pivotally disposed adjacent to said switch means (70) and movable into and out of engagement with said switch means (70) to permit rotation of said support means (60). 9. Administration machine (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that each switching means (70) is integrated with its associated support means (70). 10. Administration machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each support means (60) has a three-pointed star shape (61, 63, 65). 11. Administration machine (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the axis of rotation of each support means (60) is arranged within the associated, substantially vertical column (1 - 8). 12. Delivery machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each trigger means (12) includes a first engagement means (80, 92) and the actuating means endless element (100) includes a second engagement means (94, 102), means (M, 103, 105, 106, 110, 112, 114) for moving said endless element (100) in a direction of movement and for creating a temporal reversal of the direction of movement of said second engagement means (94, 95) and means (96, 98, 102, 104) for excluding the effective engagement of said second engagement means (94, 95) with said first engagement means (80) in a direction of movement, but allowing the effective engagement of said first engagement means (80) due to said second engagement means (94, 95) in said temporal reversal of said direction of movement. 13. Administration machine (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating means (100) includes a reversible electric motor (M) which drives the endless means (100). 14. Administration machine (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that each support means (60) is formed from a rod (60) having a substantially uniform cross-section with a three-pointed star shape (61, 63, 65). 15. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the switching means (70) is a switch wheel (70) integral with said rod (60) and having a plurality of switching teeth (71-76) with even spaced intervals, and in that the pawl means (80) is an escapement (80) having spaced gripping elements (82, 84) that are sequentially engageable with said teeth (71-76). 16. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that each column (1-8) has a lower end and a member (36) arranged at said lower end to constrict the outlet and to direct said articles (C) onto said associated support means (60). 17. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the article storage means (1-8) includes a plurality of substantially vertical columns (1-8), each column (1-8) being adapted to receive cylindrical articles (C), each support means (60) being elongated and including a plurality of support elements (61, 63, 65), the triggering means (32) including a switch means (70) fixed to one end of each support means (60) and rotatable with said support means (60), and pawl means (80) pivotally disposed adjacent said switch means (70) for controlling rotation of the support means (60) between the first and second positions associated with the dispensing of an article (C), the endless member (100) being a drive member (100) having an index member (94, 95) arranged thereon, means (M, 103, 105, 106, 110, 112, 114) for moving said endless member (100) in a direction of movement to ensure that said index member (94, 95) is arranged adjacent to a selected latch means (90) and to ensure a temporal reversal of the direction of movement of said index member (94, 95), and deflecting means (96, 98, 102, 104) for preventing the effective engagement of said index member (94, 95) with said latch means (80) in a direction of movement but preventing the effective to permit engagement of said latch means (80) in said temporal reversal of said direction of movement such that said indexing member (94, 95) moves said latch means (80) into and out of engagement with said control means (70). 18. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that each vertical column (1-8) includes a first section (1a-8a) and a second section (1b-8b), each column section (1-8) being adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent, substantially cylindrical articles (C), each rotatable support means (60) supporting articles (C) in said first and second column sections (1a-8a, 1b-8b), and each of the first column sections (1a-8a) includes a transfer member (54) located below said support means (60) and providing a holding position for delivery of said articles (C) in said first column section (1a-8a) sequentially with said articles (C) in said second column section (1b - 8b). 19. Administration machine (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that each support means (60) has a three-ray star formation (61, 63, 65) and each switching means (70) contains six teeth (71 - 76). 20. Delivery machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that each vertical column (401 - 408) includes a first, a second and a third column section (401a - 408a, 401b - 408b, 401c - 408c), each column section (401 - 408) is adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent, substantially cylindrical articles (C), each rotatable support means (460) supports articles (C) in said first, second and third sections (401a - 408, 401b - 408b, 401c - 408c), and each of said first column sections (401a - 408a) includes a first transmission component (454), which is located below said support means (460) and each of said second column sections (401b - 408b) includes a second transfer member (455) located below said support means (460) and is shorter than said first transfer member (454), said first and second transfer means (454, 455) creating holding positions for delivery of said articles (C) in said first and second column sections (401a - 408a, 401b - 408b) sequentially with each other and with said articles (C) in said third column sections (401c - 408c). 21. Administration machine (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that each support means (460) has a three-ray star formation (61, 63, 65) and each switching means (470) contains nine teeth (471 - 479). 22. A dispensing machine 10 according to claim 18, characterized in that each vertical column (1-8) includes a third section (1c-8c) adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent substantially cylindrical articles (C), each rotatable support means (360) includes a coaxial independent support section (360) supporting articles (C) in said third column regions (1c-8c), each of the independent support sections (360) includes an associated trigger means (32) including switching means (370) fixed to one end of each said independent support section (360), and an independent actuating means (100) is provided for said independent support section (360). 23. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that each support means (360) including said independent support portion (360) has a three-ray star configuration (61, 63, 65), each switching means (70) attached to said support means (60) in said first and second column sections (1a - 8a, 1b - 8b) includes six teeth (71 - 76) and each switching means (370) attached to said support section (360) in said third column section (1c - 8c) includes three teeth (371, 373, 375). 24. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the deflecting means (96, 98, 102, 104) prevent effective engagement between said indexing means (94, 95) and said latch means (80) includes ramp means (96) on one of said means (80) engageable with the other of said means (94) to flex said endless drive member (100). 25. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the deflecting means (96, 98, 102, 104) permits operative engagement between said indexing means (94, 95) and said latch means (80) includes tongue means (104) on one of said means (80) and claw means (102) on the other of said means (94) adapted to receive said tongue means (104). 26. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the deflecting means (894, 900, 908) prevent effective engagement between said indexing means (894) and said latch means (880) includes a fixed ramp means (908) disposed adjacent to said endless member (100) and engageable over said indexing means (894) to flex said endless member. 27. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the support means (60) is formed from a rod (60) having opposite ends and having a substantially uniform cross-section with a three-pointed star formation (61, 63, 65), the indexing means (70) includes a indexing wheel (70) integral with said rod (60) at one end thereof and has a plurality of outwardly extending teeth (71-76), and the pawl means (80) includes a biased arresting member (80) sequentially engageable with said teeth (71-76). 28. Administration machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the support means (860) is formed from a rod (860) having opposite ends and a substantially uniform cross-section with a three-ray star formation (61, 63, 65), wherein the switching means (870) includes a switching wheel (870) integrally formed at one end of said rod (860), having an inner portion (871) having a plurality of outwardly facing inner teeth (872-874) and an outer portion (875) having a plurality of inwardly facing outer teeth (876-878) arranged in alternating relationship with said inner teeth (872-874) to define a cam path, and the pawl means (880) includes a biased toggle member (882, 884) having a cam follower (888) engageable with said inner and outer teeth (872-874, 876-878) within said cam path. 29. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that an emptying detector (500, 600) is provided including a first member (502, 602) pivotally mounted to the article storage means (1-8) adjacent each column of articles (C) at an elevation for engaging and substantially maintaining an article (C) in a first position when at least one article (C) is at that elevation and for pivoting substantially away from said one position when all of the articles (C) are below that elevation, and indicator means (504, 604) responsive to said pivoting movement. 30. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that an emptying detector (500, 600) is provided including a first member (502, 602) pivotally mounted on the article storage means (1-8) adjacent each column of articles (C), including a first Section (510, 608) and a second section (51, 68), the first section (506, 606) being arranged at a height to engage an article (C) and to maintain it substantially in a first position when at least one article (C) is at that height and to pivot to a second position when all articles (C) are below that height, a second component (504, 604) pivotally attached to said latch means (80) and movable with said latch means (80) and including a first section (516, 616) and a second section (518, 618), the first section (516, 616) being occupied by the second section (510, 608) of the first component (502, 602) and being engaged by said second section (510, 608) of the first said member (502, 602) is pivotally movable when said first member (502, 602) pivots to said second position, and indicator means (504, 604) responsive to said movement of said second portion (518, 618) of said second member (504, 604) as a result of movement of the first member (502, 602) together with movement of said latch means (80) resulting from engagement by said index means (94, 95). 31. A dispensing machine (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that said indexing means (94, 95) is engageable with said second portion (518, 618) of said second member (504, 604) to provide said indexing means (504, 604). 32. A delivery machine (10) according to claim 31, characterized in that said indicator means (604, 650) includes a rod (650) having a plurality of spaced pins (651 - 658) which are selectively acted upon by said second portion (618) of said second component (604) and are movable with said second component (604).