GB1072226A - Vending machine, package and method - Google Patents

Abstract

1,072,226. Sales machines. S. O. SCHLAF. Feb. 9, 1965, No. 5660/65. Heading G4V. A coin-freed sales machine comprises a panel 19 on which is mounted a plurality of sales devices, each secured by a nut 34, so as to be readily replaceable. Each unit comprises a sprocket 29 engaged by a common drive chain 28 driven by an electric motor, the sprocket being connectable by a solenoid-operated clutch to a helical spindle 35 passing through apertures. in the tops of merchandize packages 21. The drive has a cam (not shown) engaged by a cam follower 61 operating switches. On insertion of a coin, a vend relay is energized and holds itself on, the drive motor is energized, and a set of selector switches are energized. The customer presses a selector button to operate one switch, which engages the clutch of the selected unit. The cam follower 61 of that unit then closes a switch to hold the motor energized, and deenergizes the vend relay. The motor is energized and the clutch engaged until the cam follower opens a limit switch, after delivery of one package by rotation of the spindle through one revolution or half a revolution, depending on the spindle construction. During a sales cycle, the coin slot is automatically blocked. A member 44, of elongated U-shape in plan, rests on the merchandise, and falls when the spindle is empty, to operate switches which prevent operation of the unit, and results in operation of another unit storing the same merchandise, if any. The delivery end of the spindle may comprise a thin rod journalled in the casing, the aperture in the top of the package 21 being so shaped that the package cannot fall off the spindle, but can fall off thethin rod, whereby the spindle is supported and packages cannot be shaken off its end. The spindle may be twisted flat stock, as shown, or a helical wire with a supporting rod running along its centre, the part of the package above the aperture being held between the wire and rod, Fig. 28 (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, each unit incorporates its own drive motor.