GB1276189A - Article release device having ball lock and indexing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

1276189 Article dispensing apparatus VENDO CO 3 Oct 1969 [11 June 1969] 48611/69 Heading A4T In a dispenser, cans A stacked in a chute 20, Fig.1 with their edges supported between rails 28, 30 move by gravity to exit 32 under the control of a four bladed rotary release paddle 48 indexed by a solenoid 58, 62, 64, pivoted at 60 to a crank 56. The paddle is carried on spindle 46, Fig. 10 or 146, Fig.9, to which is pinned at 185 a rotor 86, 186 having four holes 189 through which pass ball bearings 88, 188. Within the rotor is a control collar 87, 187 with four locking lugs 91, 191 connected to the crank 56, 156, whereby when spring 66 holds the crank against stop 65, the lugs push the balls through the holes into recesses 90, 190 in a fixed casing 54, 154. Energizing the solenoid turns crank 56, 156 and collar 87, 187 to release the balls whereby the weight of cans rotate the paddle to release the first can. Turning of the crank actuates a credit cancelling switch via lever 70 whereby spring 66 returns the crank and relocks the balls, the pawl and ratchet 67 and 92 or 167 and 192 positively moving the paddles if the weight of cans is insufficient. A pivoted lever 78 rises when the chute is empty and operates a sold out sign and switches. Two chutes may be controlled by two paddles staggered by 45 degrees and on the same spindle, the indexing mechanism having eight holes and lugs whereby articles are dispensed alternatively from each chute.