GB1290958A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1290958 Dispensing articles VENDO CO 8 April 1970 [15 Dec 1969] 16791/70 Heading A4T [Also in Division G4] An article dispensing machine comprises inclined supports 24 each holding lines of articles e. g. 46, 48 thereon by a lower blocking member 32, a lifting unit 66 and an associated flipper 76 for each line for ejecting the lowermost article in that line over the blocking member 32 for gravity discharge, a clutch 94 for each support 24 for operating the lifting units 66, and a power driven reciprocable actuator bar 26 for rotating the clutch plates (128), 130 of a selected support 24 and therefore ejecting a selected article. On coin deposit and depression of a selector button, a solenoid 156 is energized and shifts an actuator 144 to the left, and this rotates clutch plate (128) relative to clutch plate 130 anticlockwise so that a driving element 142 thereon is shifted from the 5.00 o'clock to the 4.00 o'clock position. Simultaneously, a pin 160 on actuator 144 closes a motor start switch 116 which, through an eccentric plate (106), Fig. 3 (not shown) and arm (110) moves the bar 26 upwardly. An extension 120 of the bar rotates drive element 142 to rotate plate (128) counter-clockwise to the upper dotted line position. Plate 130 is rotated therewith through interengaging clutch teeth (136), Fig.9 (not shown). This rotates a shaft 126 and cams 162 thereon. The cam lug 162a engages the proximal cam ear 164 of one lifting unit 66 and rotates the lifting legs 68, (70) upwardly about an axis 64. The flipper 76 carried by the a bar 72 connecting the legs 68, (70) is also moved upwardly to elevate the end article. The flipper leg 86 then engages the upper edge of an opening 84 in the blocking member 32 and pivots about axis 72 to eject the end article. The next article is held back by retainer pins 90, (92) on the legs 68, (70) during return movement of parts 76, 68, (70) by springs 180. As bar 26 moves downwardly, a projection 124 thereon engages the drive element 142 and returns it to its initial position. Each support 24 has five lines of articles and five cams 162 72 degrees apart in sequential order so that articles are vended in sequence across each support 24. Each support 24 includes a member 170 that pivots when a line is empty to operate a sold-out switch 178.