GB2112983A - Vending machine control system with malfunction bypass - Google Patents

Abstract

A vending machine control system for a multiple column vending machine which has electric dispensing mechanism drives (70) individual to the columns; the system having momentary selection switches (60) for selecting a product from each column by energizing the corresponding drive through a selection path during the initial portion of a dispensing cycle; having carrier switches (81) individual to the columns and actuated by the drives for maintaining a relay (40) in a condition wherein the selection switches are energized during such initial portion, each carrier switch cancelling such condition of the relay by opening the connection and, substantially simultaneously with such cancelling, energizing the corresponding drive to complete the remaining portion of the dispensing cycle. The control also having bypass switches (151) individual to the columns and actuated by the drives each bypass switch serving to restore such connection substantially immediately after the connection is opened by the corresponding carrier switch so that, if a malfunction stalls the drive of one column during such remaining portion of the cycle the relay (40) can subsequently be maintained in such condition allowing products to be selected and dispensed from other columns. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Vending machine control system with malfunction bypass Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine control system with malfunction bypass, and more particularly to such a system for use with a multiple column vending machine to control the dispensing mechanism of each column when a product individual to the column is selected, the system serving to bypass a column in which such mechanism fails to complete a dispensing cycle and to allow subsequent selection and dispensing of products from other columns of the machine.

Multiple column vending machines for dispensing a plurality of products, such as canned soft drinks of different types, are well known.

Typically, each column dispenses a corresponding product and has a mechanical dispensing mechanism. Such a machine has a system controlling a cycle of each mechanism during which an item is dispensed from the corresponding column after sufficient funds are provided to the machine, typically in the form of coins. In order to prevent dispensing several items, although funds for only one item have been inserted, each cycle necessarily has a portion during which a product cannot be selected for vending during a subsequent cycle. The dispensing mechanism of each column is subject to malfunction, as when a can is improperly stored in a storage apparatus of the column. It is evident that a malfunction which stalls the mechanism during such period of the dispensing cycle will render the machine inoperative although only one column has, in fact, malfunctioned.As a result, various control systems for multiple column vending machines have been devised to bypass a malfunctioned column after an initial portion of its dispensing cycle. However, a malfunction during this initial portion will still disable the entire machine. While certain such control systems are effective, they are relatively complicated and, to this extent, relatively expensive and subject to failure due to the number of components. Further, any reduction in the length of such initial portion, relative to the entire cycle and to such length in prior art vending machine control systems, is highly desirable.Such a reduction is desirable because a machine so disabled cannot be a source of profit until it is manually serviced, such servicing usually being relatively infrequent and only after a period of time in which it is expected that the supply of products in the machine normally would be nearly exhausted.

In prior art multiple column vending machine control systems which bypass a malfunctioned column, it is known to activate a "sold-out" signal individual to the malfunctioned column as an indication that the product corresponding to the column is not available, such indication being given although the machine is not empty of such product.

One example of a malfunction lockout system for a multiple column vending machine has a cam which is rotated by an electric drive for the dispensing mechanism of a column of the machine and which moves through a cycle corresponding to a dispensing cycle of the mechanism. The cam actuates suitable switches to establish an initial portion of the cycle in which the drive is energized through a customer actuated product selection switch and in which a subsequent dispensing cycle cannot be initiated.

The cam then actuates the switches to establish a remaining portion of the cycle in which a malfunction of the column is bypassable to allow the machine subsequently to vend products from other columns. Unlike the system of the subject invention, this prior art system requires that each dispensing cycle have an intermediate portion which is between such initial portion and remaining portion. In this intermediate portion, although the selection switch no longer energizes the drive, a malfunction in one column can result in the entire machine being disabled. The circuit includes a "cam hold" switch individual to each column to establish this intermediate portion.

In another prior art example of a vending machine control system having a bypass for a jammed vending motor, the bypass is controlled by a motor actuated switch which is actuated by the magnetic field of the motor and by a thermal overload protector therefor instead of by a cam.

The system includes cam operated switches which provide an initial portion and a remaining portion of a dispensing cycle corresponding functionally to the above described initial and remaining portions of a cycle of a dispensing mechanism of the first example given above.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a control system for a multiple column vending machine in which each column is adapted to dispense a corresponding product and is subject to possible malfunction during such dispensing, the system having a bypass for such malfunction and comprising:: A. credit means having a vend condition corresponding to the deposit of sufficient funds for vending a product and a cancel condition corresponding to the cancellation of credit; B. a plurality of electrically energizable selection means, each selection means individually corresponding to one column and having a customer selected momentary condition; C. a plurality of electrically powered drive means individually, operatively and mechanically connected to the columns, each drive means having a dispensing cycle by which a product is dispensed from the corresponding column, progress of such means through the cycle being stalled by such malfunction;; D. a plurality of circuits individually related to the column, each circuit including (1) selection conductor means for energizing the corresponding drive means for the corresponding selection means in response to the momentary condition of such selection means, (2) carrier switching means having a vend condition for maintaining the credit means in the vend condition thereof during an initial portion of the dispensing cycle while the corresponding drive means is energized in response to the momentary condition of the corresponding selection means and having a drive condition for energizing the drive means immediately subsequent to said momentary condition and during the remaining portion of such a cycle and for transitioning the credit means for the vend condition thereof to the cancel condition immediately subsequent to said momentary condition, and (3) bypass switching means having a cancel condition for transition of the credit means from the credit condition to the cancel condition and a bypass condition for maintaining the credit means in the vend condition thereof subsequent to such transition when such vend condition occurs and when the first switching means is in the drive condition due to such malfunction; and E. a plurality of actuating means individually related to the columns for actuating the carrier switching means and the bypass switching means of the corresponding circuits, each actuating means being driven by the corresponding drive means in a cycle corresponding to the dispensing cycle thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic electrical and mechanical diagram of a vending machine control system with malfunction bypass embodying the principles of the present invention, the system being depicted in a standby condition and with conventionally represented elements for three columns of such a machine.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the system of Fig. 1 is a condition existing in a vending cycle subsequent to the condition of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the system in a third condition which is subsequent to the condition of Fig. 2.

Fiy. 4 is a diagram of the system in a condition for bypassing one of the columns which has malfunctioned.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment In Fig. 1 is shown a vending machine control system, indicated generally by the numeral 10, with malfunction bypass. The system embodies the principles of the subject invention and is depicted together with associated elements of a multiple column vending machine. The machine is represented as having three substantially identical columns 11, 12, and 1 3. The columns are conventionally represented since the system is for use with a vending machine having columns of any suitable construction and since there are several well-known structures utilized for such columns. The system has three circuits 1 5 which are individually related to the columns and are substantially identical.It is to be understood that the system is adaptable, by varying the number of such circuits, for use with a vending machine which is similar to that represented but which has some other number of such columns.

Schematically, such additional columns and corresponding circuits are disposed between columns 12 and 13 as indicated by conventionally represented, broken conductors therebetween.

Each of the columns 11, 12, and 13 has a storage apparatus 20 for storing a plurality of items of products to be vended one at a time by the machine. Typically, the items stored in each column are cans of soft drinks and all of the cans stored in one column contain the same product.

Each storage apparatus has a sold-out actuator which is represented by the dash line 21 and is of well-known construction. This actuator has alternate positions corresponding to the apparatus being empty of any item to vend and to the presence of at least one such item in the apparatus. Each column also has a dispensing mechanism 25 for dispensing the items stored in the corresponding storage apparatus. The mechanism is represented as being driven by a shaft 26 which undergoes one revolution to dispense one such item, each revolution thus defining a dispensing cycle. The cycle commences at a standby condition of the mechanism, each mechanism being understood to be in such condition in Fig. 1.As is well known, such a mechanism of a machine for vending cans or the like is subject to malfunction during a dispensing cycle with resultant jamming of the mechanism so that the cycle thereof is not completed and the shaft does not complete the corresponding revolution. Such a malfunction is due, for example, to improper positioning of cans in the storage apparatus. The structure of the dispensing mechanism and the relation of the shaft is that such a malfunction is not likely during an initial portion of the cycle, but is relatively more likely during the remaining portion of the cycle. If such a malfunction occurs in one column, typically the machine must be serviced to clear the malfunction.It is, of course, desirable that the machine not be entirely disabled by such a malfunction in one column and the control system 10, therefore, provides for continued vending from other columns and provides an indication to the customer that the product of the malfunctioned column is unavailable.

A vending machine provided with the system 10 has a coin mechanism 30 which is momentarily actuated by the deposit of coins totaling at least sufficient funds for the vending of one item. The coin mechanism is of any suitable type, typically a well-known type having an external terminal 31 which is, in effect, connected to a coin return electromagnet 32 or to a correct change signal 33 by a switch 34. The electrical elements of the coin mechanism function in a well-known manner and will not be further described herein except to note that deenergization of the electromagnet results in the return of deposited coins.

The vending machine also has a source 35 of electrical energy. The source is symbolically represented and has two terminals, one terminal being connected to the system by lines representing conductors and the other terminal being represented by a ground symbol.

The system 10 has a credit relay 40 of any suitable construction. This relay has a control terminal 41 which, when energized, results in the relay assuming a vend condition indicated by the numeral 42 in Figs. 2 and 4. The relay is in a cancel condition, indicated in Figs. 1 and 3 by the numeral 43, when this terminal is deenergized.

The relay has a first or selection switch 45 which is closed in the vend condition and is open in the cancel condition. This relay has a second switch having a common terminal 46, a coin mechanism terminal 47, and a latch terminal 48. The latch terminal is directly connected to the control terminal. In the vend condition, the second switch connects the latch terminal to the common terminal and disconnects the coin mechanism terminal from the common terminal, these connections being reversed in the cancel condition, The credit relay thus closes the first switch and a connection between the latch terminal and the common terminal when the control terminal is energized and the relay is in the vend condition, and the relay opens this switch and such connection in the cancel condition.

The system 10 includes a vend switch 50 which is operably connected to the coin mechanism 30 by an actuating connection symbolically indicated by the dash line 51. The vend switch is momentarily closed by the connection when the coin mechanism is momentarily actuated by deposit of sufficient funds. The vend switch has a common terminal, which is connected directly to the source 35 by a conductor 52; has a normally open terminal 53, which is momentarily closed and thereby connected to the source when the switch is so actuated; and has a normally closed terminal 54 which is connected to the source when the switch is not so actuated. The normally open terminal is directly connected to the control terminal 41 of the credit relay 40 by a conductor 56.The vend switch is thereby connected between the source and the control terminal so that the control terminal is momentarily energized through the vend switch when the coin mechanism is momentarily actuated by such deposit and so that the vend condition 42 of the credit relay corresponds to such coin deposit.

The circuits 1 5 have individual, customer actuatable selection switches 60 which correspond to the respective products dispensed by the columns 11 through 13. Each such selection switch has a common terminal 61: has a momentary terminal 62 which is connected to its common terminal while the switch is actuated by a customer; and has another terminal 63 which is connected to the common terminal when the switch is not so actuated. The common terminal of the selection switch corresponding to column 11 is connected through the selection switch 45 of the credit relay 40 to the normally closed terminal 54 of the vend switch 50 by a conductor 65.The common terminals of the selection switches corresponding to the columns 12 and 1 3 are, respectively, connected sequentially and in series with such other terminals of the selection switches corresponding to the columns 11 and 12 by conductors 66. It is evident that the conductors 65 and 66 connect the source 35 through the first switch 45 of the credit relay to the customer actuable selection switches for energization of the latter switches from the source when the relay is in the vend condition 42. It is also evident that the vend relay disconnects the customer actuated selection switches from the source when this relay is in its cancel condition 43. When each switch 60 is energized and is actuated, it thus provides a momentary condition in which its momentary terminal is energized.Since the selection switches are connected in series, it is evident that, if more than one switch is manually actuated, only one product can be selected. This point will be the product corresponding to the lowest numbered one of the columns 11 through 13 having its associated selection switch actuated, since the selection switches corresponding to all of the higher numbered columns are deenergized when such one of the switches is actuated.

Each circuit 1 5 has a symbolically represented electric drive 70. The drive has a motor which is energized by a terminal 72 and is operatively connected to the corresponding dispensing mechanism 25. Typically such connection is by a shaft 74, which extends from and rotates with the corresponding shaft 26. Each drive is thus individually operatively and mechanically connected to the corresponding column. The shaft of the drive is an element which moves through a dispensing cycle corresponding to the dispensing cycle of such mechanism and which drives the mechanism in such cycle when the corresponding terminal 72 is energized.It can be seen that the shaft of each electric drive has a predetermined movement of one revolution during a dispensing cycle, this movement being incomplete when a malfunction of the dispensing mechanism occurs during the above-identified remaining portion of the mechanism cycle and stalls progress of the drive through the cycle.

Each circuit 1 5 has a carrier switch 80. Each carrier switch has a vend condition 81, such switch corresponding to column 11 being in the vend condition in Figs. 1 and 2. Each carrier switch also has a drive condition 82, the vend switch corresponding to column 11 being in the drive condition in Figs. 3 and 4. Each carrier switch is selectively actuatable between these conditions and has a common terminal 83, a vend terminal 84, and a drive terminal 85. In the vend condition the common terminal and the vend terminal are connected, the common terminal and the drive terminal being disconnected. In the drive condition the common terminal and the drive terminal are connected while the common terminal and the vend terminal are disconnected.

Each circuit 1 5 has a bypass switch 90. Each such switch is selectively actuatable between a closed or bypass condition, indicated by the numeral 91 for the bypass switch corresponding to column 11 in Figs. 1 and 4, and an open or cancel condition indicated by the numeral 92 for such switch in Figs. 2 and 3. Each circuit has a pair of conductors 93 which connect the terminals of its bypass switch individually to the common terminal 83 and to the vend terminal 84 of its carrier switch 80. The bypass switch is thus connected between these terminals of the carrier switch so that these carrier switch terminals are electrically connected in the closed condition of the bypass switch. It is apparent that the carrier switch and the bypass switch of each circuit are connected in parallel by the conductors 93.

The system 10 has a first vend conductor 95 which directly connects the common terminal 83 corresponding to the column 11 to the source 35.

The system has a pair of second vend conductors 96 which connect the vend terminals 84 corresponding to the columns 11 and 12, respectively and individually, to the common terminals 83 corresponding to the columns 12 and 13. A third vend conductor 97 is connected to the vend terminal 84 of the carrier switch 80 corresponding to the column 13 and extends, as represented in the figures, parallel to a fourth vend conductor 98 which is connected to the common terminal 46 at the relay 40.

The third and fourth vend conductors are selectively electrically connectible in a manner to be described and are assumed to be so connected for the present. It can be seen that the vend conductors, 95 through 98, define a series connection from the source through the carrier switches 80 and/or the parallel connected bypass switches 90 and through the latch terminal 48 of the credit relay 40 to the control terminal 41 thereof. It is apparent that such series connection extends from the source successively through the common terminal and the vend terminal of each carrier switch so that the series connection is opened when any carrier switch is in its drive condition 82 and the corresponding bypass switch is in its open condition 92.However, this series connection is closed when the credit relay is in its vend condition 42 and when there is a connection between the common terminal and the vend terminal of each of the carrier switches. Such a connection is established at each carrier switch either in response to the vend condition 84 of the switch or in response to the closed condition 91 of the bypass switch 90 corresponding to the carrier switch.

Each circuit 1 5 has a first sold-out switch 110 and a second sold-out switch 112, these switches being actuated together by the actuator 21 and thus operably connected to the corresponding apparatus 20. Each first switch is closed when there is an item available for vending in the corresponding storage apparatus 20 and is open when the apparatus is empty. The first sold-out switches are connected in parallel between the vend conductors 97 and 98. As a result, the above-identified series connection defined by the vend conductors 95 through 98 can be completed when at least one of the columns 11 through 1 3.

has an item available to vend. Conversely, this connection cannot be completed to energize the terminal 46 of the credit relay 40 when all of the columns are empty. When this connection cannot be completed, the terminals 47 and 31 cannot be energized so that the coin return electromagnet 32 is always deenergized and all deposited coins are returned.

Each second sold-out switch 112 has a common terminal 11 5, a product available terminal 11 6, and a sold-out terminal 11 7. The second sold-out switch is operated by the corresponding actuator 21 so that the common terminal is connected to the product available terminal and is disconnected from the sold-out terminal when an item of a product is stored in the apparatus and so that the common terminal is disconnected from the product available terminal and is connected to the sold-out terminal when the apparatus is empty of all such items.

Each circuit 1 5 has a sold-out signal 120, represented as an incandescent lamp. This signal is electrically energizable, as will subsequently be described, to indicate to a customer that the corresponding storage apparatus 20 is empty of items for vending by associated mechanism 25.

Each circuit 1 5 includes a conductor arrangement for energizing its sold-out signal 1 20 and the corresponding drive 70. This arrangement includes a selection conductor or first drive conductor 126. This conductor electrically interconnects the momentary terminal 62 of the corresponding selection switch 60, the signal, and the common terminal 11 5 of the corresponding second sold-out switch 112. The conductor arrangement includes a second drive conductor 127 which interconnects the sold-out terminal 11 7 of such switch to the corresponding conductor 96, thereby connecting the sold-out terminal to the vend terminal 84 of the corresponding carrier switch 80.It can be seen that, when the storage apparatus 20 of one of the columns 11 through 13 is empty, the signal 120 corresponding to the column is energizable from the associated vend terminal through the associated second drive conductor 127; the terminals 11 6 and 11 5 of the associated second sold-out switch, and the associated first drive conductor 126 when such vend terminal is energized from the source 35. The vend terminal of each column is so energized through the first vend conductor 95, and through any second vend conductors 96 corresponding to lower numbered columns. Under these circumstances, an energized sold-out signal serves to indicate that its corresponding column is empty in a manner well known in vending machines. The conductor arrangement also includes a third drive conductor 128 which electrically interconnects the terminal 72 of the drive 70, the product available terminal 11 6 of the corresponding second sold-out switch, and the drive terminal 85 of the corresponding carrier switch 80.

It is apparent that each drive 70 is energizable by only two paths, these paths being established by the corresponding circuit 1 5. One of these paths includes the first drive conductor 126 of the circuit and extends through this conductor from the momentary terminal 62 of the corresponding selection switch 60. The path continues through the corresponding second sold-out switch 1 12, when an item is stored in the corresponding apparatus 20 so that this switch connects its terminals 11 5 and 116, and through the third drive conductor 1 28. This path is opened and the drive disconnected from the selection switch when the apparatus is empty thereby preventing customer selection of an unavailable product.The other of these paths energizes the drive in response to the drive condition 82 of the corresponding carrier switch 80 and extends through the third drive conductor 1 28 from the drive terminal 85 of such switch to the terminal 72 of the drive. This other path thus energizes the drive of each of the columns 11 through 13 when the common terminal 83 of the corresponding carrier switch is energized through the first vend conductor 95 and through any second vend conductors 96 corresponding to lower numbered columns.

The system 10 has cams 140 individually related to the columns 11 through 13, each cam serving to actuate the carrier switch 80 and the bypass switch 90 of the corresponding circuit 1 5.

Each cam has a lobe 141 and is mounted on the shaft 74 of the corresponding drive 70 for rotation therewith. The cam is thus motivated by the shaft in a circular path indicated by the arrow 1 42 and corresponding to the dispensing cycle of the corresponding dispensing mechanism 25. The path commences at a standby position 143 of the cam which corresponds to the above identified standby position of the dispensing mechanism.

Each lobe is associated with an actuator 145 for the corresponding carrier switch 80 and an actuator 146 for the corresponding bypass switch, these actuators being represented by dash lines.

The representation of the cams and actuators in the figures is largely symbolic since these elements may be of any suitable constructions which results in these switches being actuated in a sequence to be described. Typically and as represented in the figures, the actuators occupy relatively small and equal angular portions of the path of the cam, and the angular width of the lobe along the path is approximately double that of each actuator. The actuators are disposed in relation to the cam so that the carrier switch actuator is engaged by the lobe immediately after the lobe engages the bypass switch actuator and so that, in the standby position, the lobe has engaged the bypass switch actuator but has not yet engaged the carrier switch actuator.Each actuator 145 is connected in any suitable manner to the corresponding carrier switch 80 so that this switch is in its vend condition 81 when the actuator is engaged by the lobe and is in its drive condition 82 when the actuator is not so engaged.

The actuator 146 is connected to the bypass switch 90 so that this switch is in its closed condition 91 when such actuator is not engaged by the lobe and is in its open condition 92 when such actuator is so engaged.

Since the cams 140, the actuators 145 and 146, the carrier switches 80, and the vend switches 90 are arranged in the manner just described, the pair of these switches of each circuit 1 5 are actuated sequentially through four conditions 151 through 154 as the cam moves along the path 142. The first condition 1 51 corresponds to the standby position 1 43 of the corresponding cam and is the condition of these switches corresponding to all of the columns 11 through 13 in Fig. 1. These switches corresponding to columns 11 and 13 in Fig. 2 and to column 11 in Fig. 4 are also in such first condition. In the first condition each cam actuates the corresponding carrier switch to its vend condition 81 and actuates the corresponding bypass switch to its closed condition 91.In the second condition 152, which is the condition of the pairs of such switches corresponding to column 12 in Fig. 2 and to column 13 in Fig. 4, the actuators of the carrier switch and of the bypass switch are both engaged by the lobe. The carrier switch thus remains in its vend condition while the bypass switch assumes the open condition. In the third condition 153, the condition of these switches of column 12 in Fig. 3, the actuator of the carrier switch remains engaged by the lobe while the lobe has disengaged the actuator of the bypass switch. The carrier switch thus assumes the drive condition while the bypass switch remains in its open condition.In the fourth condition 154, which is the condition in Fig. 4 of such switches corresponding to column 12, neither switch is engaged by the lobe so that the carrier switch remains in the drive condition while the bypass switch assumes its closed condition.

Because of the arrangement of the cam 140 and actuators 145 and 146, the first condition 1 51 is of relatively short duration once the drive 70 is energized and a dispensing cycle commences. The second condition 1 52 and the third condition 1 53 are also of relatively short duration, while the fourth condition 1 54 subsists for a substantially longer time and corresponds to the portion of a dispensing cycle in which a malfunction of the dispensing mechanism is most likely to occur.

Since the first three conditions are of short duration, the second, third, and fourth conditions are each entered substantially immediately after the preceding condition is entered.

Operation The operation of the described embodiment of the subject invention is believed clearly apparent and is briefly described at this point. Initially, it is assumed that the various elements of the system 10, the columns 11 through 13, and the coin mechanism 30 are in their respective conditions shown in Fig. 1. In this configuration the vend switch 50 is in its normal condition so that its normally open terminal 50 is in its normal condition so that its normally open terminal 53 is not energized. Also the carrier switches 80 and the bypass switches 90 of each circuit 1 5 are in the first condition 1 51 and all of the first sold-out switches 110 are closed.The above-identified series connection to the control terminal 41 of the credit relay 40 is thus partially complete from the source 35 through the conductors 95 and 96, the carrier switches and the bypass switches in parallel, the conductor 97, the first sold-out switches in parallel, and the conductor 98. The credit relay is, however, deenergized and has assumed its cancel condition 43 since its control terminal is denergized. This terminal is deenergized because such series connection is open within the relay between its terminals 46 and 48. As a result, the selection switches 60 are deenergized, because the switch 45 of the credit relay is open, so that it is not possible for a customer to initiate a vend cycle under these conditions.

If sufficient coins are now deposited in the coin mechanism 30, the vend switch 50 is actuated momentarily and connects its terminals 53 and 54, so that the control terminal 41 of the credit relay 40 is momentarily energized through the conductor 52, the vend switch, and the conductor 56. When the relay is energized it assumes its vend condition 42, connecting its terminals 46 and 48 and completing the series connection which was described in the previous paragraph as being open between these terminals. The path of this connection is in heavy lines in Fig. 2 and is indicated therein by the numeral 1 60. Such energization of the relay results in its being maintained in the vend condition, although the vend switch returns immediately to its normal position and opens the connection through itself to its control terminal from the source 35.When the credit relay is in its vend condition prior to the actuation of any selection switch by a customer, the selection switches 60 are all energized from the source in response to such vend condition.

Such energization is accomplished through the conductor 52, the normally closed terminal 54 of the vend switch, the switch 45 of the credit relay and the conductors 65 and 66.

In Fig. 2 the system 10 is depicted in a state in which the product corresponding to column 1 2 has been selected by momentary actuation of the selection switch 60 corresponding to this column.

It is seen that the drive 70 for this column is energized from the source 35 in response to the momentary condition of such switch through a path which is also in heavy lines in Fig. 2 and is indicated by the numeral 1 62. This path includes, successively, the conductor 52, the terminal 54 at the vend switch 50, the switch 45 of the credit relay 40, the conductor 65, the terminals 61 and 62 of such selection switch, the drive motor conductor 126, the second sold-out switch 112, and the third drive conductor 128. When this drive is initially energized, the corresponding carrier switch 80 and bypass switch 90 are in their first condition 1 51.However, as soon as the drive is energized, the shafts 74 and 26 rotate, moving the cam 140 from its standby position 143 along the path 142 so that these switches assume their second condition 1 52 substantially immediately after such energization. Although the bypass switch corresponding to the column 12 assumed its open condition 92 when it and the corresponding carrier switch assumed their second condition 152, the credit relay 40 remains energized and in its vend condition 42 because the carrier switch remains in its vend condition 84 and the path 1 60 is not opened.

As the drive 70 continues to rotate the cam 140, the third condition 1 53 of the carrier switch 80 and the bypass switch 90 is entered, this condition being shown in Fig. 3 for the elements associated with column 12. When the third condition is entered the carrier switch assumes its drive condition 82 opening the connection between its terminals 83 and 85. The series connection from the source 35 to the credit relay 40 provided by the path 1 60 shown in Fig. 2 is thereby opened since the bypass switch is still in its open condition 92. The credit relay 40 is thus deenergized and, accordingly, resumes its cancel condition 43. The open condition of the bypass switch thus provides for transition of the vend relay to the cancel condition. It can be seen that the credit relay 40 is deenergized, as just described, shortly after it is energized.As a result the period of energization of this relay is minimized and its life is thereby lengthened. When the cancel condition is resumed all of the selection switches 60 are deenergized by the opening of the switch 45. The energization of any one of the drives 70 by the corresponding one of these selection switches in response to the above defined momentary condition of such switch, in which the switch is energized and its terminals 61 and 62 are connected, is thereby terminated. Such deenergization and such termination of such momentary condition occur, of course, substantially simultaneously with the deenergization of the relay and its transition to the cancel condition. The transition of the relay to the cancel condition is thus immediately subsequent to such momentary condition, and it is apparent that the carrier switch is actuated to its drive condition at the termination of such momentary condition. It can be seen that such deenergization of the selection switches by the credit relay assuming its cancel position prevents the energization of any drive means by the corresponding selection switch 60 until the vend relay subsequently resumes its vend condition 42.

When a carrier switch 80 assumes its drive condition 82 as just described, it terminates such momentary condition of the corresponding selection switch 60 by opening the series connection of the path 1 60 to the vend relay 40.

Substantially simultaneously, the carrier switch energizes the corresponding one of the drives 70 from the source 35 through a portion of this same connection. Such energization thus is immediately subsequent to the momentary condition and, as will be seen, exists during the remaining portion of a cycle of the corresponding dispensing mechanism 25. It is evident that such energization of such one drive occurs through the vend conductor 95 and through the one or more vend conductors 96 disposed between the common terminal 83 of the carrier switch 80 which is actuated to the drive condition 82 to energize the drive. Such energization also occurs through any other carrier switch and any bypass switch 90 which are, respectively, in the vend condition 81 and the closed condition 91, and which are connected between such common terminal and the source 35 by such conductors.In Fig. 3, for example, the carrier switch corresponding to the column 12 is in the drive condition and is energized through a path 1 65 which is in heavy lines and is to the left of column 1 2. This path extends sequentially from the source through the conductor 95, in parallel through the carrier switch 80 and the bypass switch 90 corresponding to column 11, and through the one of the conductors 96 between these columns.

Since the drive 70 of a column undergoing a dispensing cycle remains energized, as just described, when the corresponding switches 80 and 90 assume the third condition 153, the corresponding cam 140 continues to rotate so that the switches assume their fourth condition 1 54. This condition is shown in Fig. 4 for such switches of column 12 and is distinguished from the third condition by the bypass switch 90 being actuated to its closed condition 91. It should be noted that, in Fig. 4, the cam is depicted as having rotated beyond its position at which the switches enter their fourth condition although the switches remain in this condition.Such assumption of the fourth condition occurs substantially immediately after the third condition wherein the carrier switch 80 was actuated to the drive condition 82 and wherein the momentary energized condition of the selection switches 60 was terminated. Such closure of a bypass switch restores the series connection of the path 1 60 from the source 35 to the terminal 46 of the credit relay 40 by bypassinc the corresponding carrier switch.

It is now assumed that a malfunction of the dispensing mechanism 25 of column 12 occurs and stalls the corresponding shaft 26 with the dispensing cycle incomplete and with the carrier switch 80 and the bypass switch 90 in their fourtP condition 1 54 as represented in Fig. 4. It can be seen that, if a vending machine control system similar to the system 10 did not include such a bypass switch, a connection corresponding to the path 1 60 to a relay corresponding to the credit relay 40 would be open so that this relay could nol maintain itself in a condition corresponding to the vend condition 42. A vending machine with such a system would not, therefore, have its switches corresponding to the selection switches 60 energizable and would be entirely disabled.

However, with a vending machine provided with the system 10 of the present invention the connection of the path 1 60 is complete to the credit relay, the system thus having a bypass for such a malfunction and providing for the vending of products from a dispensing mechanism other than that in which the malfunction occurred.

Therefore, with the system 10, deposit of sufficient funds subsequent to such malfunction in one column results in the credit relay 40 being maintained in its vend condition subsequent to its transition to the cancel condition 43 during the dispensing cycle of the malfunctioning column.

The credit relay is so maintained although the carrier switch 80 of such column remains in its drive condition because the cycle of the dispensing mechanism 25 of the column is incomplete.

When it is desired, after such a malfunction in one of the columns 11 through 13, to dispense a product from another of the columns, the system assumes a condition typified by its condition in Fig. 4. In this figure, column 1 3 is represented as commencing a dispensing cycle and column 12 is represented as having malfunctioned as above described. It will be noted that the selection switch 60 corresponding to column 1 3 is in its momentary position. The drive 70 of this column is thereby energized because the credit relay 40 is maintained in its vend condition 42 through the path 1 60 which is completed through the bypass switch 90 corresponding to the malfunctioned column 12.It will be noted that a connection through this bypass switch serves to energize the drive 70 corresponding to column 1 3 when the carrier switch and the bypass switch corresponding to column 1 3 subsequently enter their third condition 1 53 and their fourth condition 154 and when this drivs is no longer energized by the momentary condition of the corresponding selection switch 60. It is apparent that such energization of the drive of column 1 3 occurs from the source 35 through the carrier switch and the bypass switch corresponding to column 11 and through the bypass switch corresponding to column 12. It is also apparent that these three switches are connected between the source and the common terminal of the carrier switch corresponding to column 13 by the first vend conductor 95 and the pair of the second vend conductors 96 which extend, respectively, between the circuits 15 of columns 11 and 12 and between these circuits of columns 12 and 13.

However, if there is no malfunction of a dispensing mechanism 25 during its dispensing cycle, the corresponding drive 70 continues to rotate the associated shafts 26 and 74 and cam 140 until the cycle is complete. The cam is then substantially in its standby position 143 so that the corresponding carrier switch 80 and bypass switch 90 assume their first condition 1 51: The bypass switch thus remains in its closed condition 91 while the carrier switch returns to its vend condition 81, disconnecting the corresponding third drive conductor 128 from the path 160 and thereby deenergizing the drive so that such shafts cease to rotate and the dispensing mechanism and the cam remain in their respective standby conditions. The system 10 is thereby restored to its condition depicted in Fig. 1 in which a dispensing cycle is completed and in which there is no malfunction.

As each dispensing mechanism 25 and the associated cam 140 go through their respective cycles, the corresponding circuit 1 5 energizes its sold-out signal 120, although the corresponding storage apparatus 20 is not empty, in a manner and for a purpose now to be described. Referring to Fig. 2, wherein the carrier switch 80 and the bypass switch 90 corresponding to column 12 are in their second condition 152, it is seen that the corresponding sold-out signal is energized, as indicated by the numeral 170. This signal is energized through the momentary terminal 62 of the corresponding selection switch 60 and first drive conductor 126.In Figs. 3 and 4, wherein this carrier switch and bypass switch are depicted, respectively, in their third condition 1 53 and their fourth condition 154, it is seen that the sold-out signal remains energized as indicated by the numeral 1 71. The signal remains energized since the carrier switch is in its drive condition 82 so as to energize the third drive conductor 128 and the corresponding drive 70. Because the corresponding apparatus 20 is not empty, the second soldsut switch 112 connects the energized third drive conductor to the first drive conductor through the terminals 11 6 and 11 5, energizing the sold-out signal although the column is not empty.As a result, if a malfunction occurs in one of the columns 11 through 13, when the switches 80 and 90 thereof are in their third or their fourth condition, and stalls the drive 70 of the column, the corresponding sold-out signal remains energized. The fourth condition exists during the longest portion of a vend cycle, the above described remaining portion, and this is the portion of a cycle during which a malfunction in one of the columns is bypassed by the system 10.

As a result of the above described connections to the sold-out signals, customers are alerted, prior to deposit of coins in the coin mechanism 30, that the product corresponding to a column which has malfunctioned and has been bypassed is not available.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

Claims (10)

1. A control system for a multiple column vending machine in which each column is adapted to dispense a respective product and is subject to possible malfunction during such dispensing, the system having a bypass for such malfunction and comprising: A. credit means having a vend condition corresponding to the deposit of sufficient funds for vending a product and a cancel condition corresponding to the cancellation of credit; B. a plurality of electrically energizable selection means, each selection means individually corresponding to one column and having a customer selected momentary condition;; C. a plurality of electrically powered drive means individually, operatively and mechanically connected to the columns, each drive means having a dispensing cycle by which a product is dispensed from the corresponding column, progress of such means through the cycle being stalled by such malfunction;; D. a plurality of circuits individually related to the columns, each circuit including (1) selection conductor means for energizing the corresponding drive means from the corresponding selection means in response to the momentary condition of such selection means, (2) carrier switching means having a vend condition for maintaining the credit means in the vend condition thereof during an initial portion of the dispensing cycle while the corresponding drive means is energized in response to the momentary condition of the corresponding selection means and having a drive condition for energizing the drive means immediately subsequent to said momentary condition and during the remaining portion of such a cycle and for transitioning the credit means from the vend condition thereof to the cancel condition immediately subsequent to said momentary condition and during the remaining portion of such a cycle and for transitioning the credit means from the vend condition thereof to the cancel condition immediately subsequent to said momentary condition, and (3) bypass switching means having a cancel condition for transition of the credit means from the credit condition to the cancel condition and a bypass condition for maintaining the credit means in the vend condition thereof subsequent to such transition when such vend condition occurs and when the first switching means is in the drive condition due to such malfunction; and E. a plurality of actuating means individually related to the columns for actuating the carrier switching means and the bypass switching means of the corresponding circuits, each actuating means being driven by the corresponding drive means in a cycle corresponding to the dispensing cycle thereof.

2. The control system of Claim 1, in which the actuating means is a cam.

3. The system of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of selection means A. are energized in response to the vend condition of the credit means and B. are deenergized in response to the cancel condition of the credit means, terminating energization of the selection means and thereby terminating the energization of any drive means in response to the momentary condition of the corresponding one of the selection means substantially simultaneously with the transition of the credit means to the cancel condition.

4. The system of Claim 3, wherein each drive means is only energizable by the corresponding selection conductor means and in response to the drive condition of the corresponding carrier switching means.

5. The system of Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the carrier switching means and the bypass switching means of each circuit are connected in parallel and such parallel connected means of the circuits are included in a series connection to the credit means, the connection maintaining the credit means in the vend condition thereof when said connection is complete and the credit means assumes the cancel condition when such connection is open.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein such a malfunction can occur in one column during said remaining portion of the corresponding dispensing cycle preventing completion of the cycle and it is desired to dispense products from another column upon deposit of sufficient funds subsequent to the malfunction in the one column; wherein transition of each carrier switching means to the vend condition deenergizes the corresponding drive means; and wherein each actuating means actuates the corresponding carrier switching means and the corresponding bypass switching means in a sequence wherein: A. when the momentary condition of the corresponding selection means is selected, such carrier switching means is in the vend condition and such bypass switching means is in the bypass condition; B. while the momentary condition of such selection means remains selected, such bypass switching means is actuated to the cancel condition, the credit means being maintained in the credit condition by the vend condition of such carrier switching means; C. at the termination of the momentary condition, such carrier switching means is actuated to the drive condition and opens said series connection so that the credit means assumes the cancel condition;; D. immediately subsequent to the termination of the momentary condition, such bypass switching means is actuated to the bypass position restoring said series connection so as to maintain the credit means in the vend condition upon such a malfunction of one column and such a subsequent deposit; and E. when there is no such malfunction, such carrier switching means is actuated to the vend condition while such bypass switching means remains in the bypass condition, thereby completing a dispensing cycle.

7. A control system for a vending machine, the machine having a plurality of mechanisms for dispensing items of a corresponding plurality of products and individually subject to possible malfunction as an item is dispensed; a plurality of electric drives individual to the mechanisms, each drive being electrically energizable to drive the corresponding mechanism in a cycle for dispensing one such item, the cycle commencing at a standby condition of the mechanism and each drive including an element having a predetermined movement during the cycle which movement is incomplete when such a malfunction occurs; a coin mechanism momentarily actuated by the deposit of sufficient funds to vend one such item; and a connection for a source of electrical energy, the control system having a bypass for such malfunctions and comprising: A. a plurality of momentary, customer actuatable selection switches individual to the products, each switch assuming a momentary closed condition when the switch is actuated; B. a credit relay having a control terminal, selection switching means, and latch switching means, the relay assuming a vend condition when said terminal is energized and a cancel condition when said terminal is deenergized and both of said switching means being closed in the vend condition and open in the cancel condition;; C. a vend switch operably connected to the coin mechanism, said switch being normally open and being momentarily actuated to a closed condition when said mechanism is momentarily actuated and being electrically connected between the source and the control terminal of the credit relay so that the control terminal is momentarily energized through the vend switch when the coin mechanism is actuated by such deposit;; D. a plurality of carrier switches corresponding individually to the dispensing mechanisms, each carrier switch having a common terminal, a drive terminal, and a vend terminal and being selectively actuatable between a vend condition in which the common terminal is connected to the vend terminal and dlsconnected from the drive terminal, and a drive condition in which the common terminal is connected to the drive terminal and disconnected from the vend terminal;; E. a plurality of bypass switches corresponding individually to the dispensing mechanisms, each bypass switch being selectively actuatable between a closed condition and an open condition and being connected between the common terminal and the vend terminal of the corresponding carrier switch so that such common terminal and such vend terminal are electrically connected when the bypass switch is in the closed condition; ; F. vend conductor means for establishing a series connection from the source through the carrier switches and the latch switching means of the credit relay to the control terminal thereof, said connection being from the source successively through the common terminal and the vend terminal of each carrier switch so that the series connection is opened when any carrier switch is in the drive condition and the bypass switch corresponding thereto is in the open condition and so that the connection is closed when the credit relay is in the vend condition thereof and when the common terminal of every carrier switch is connected to the vend terminal thereof;; G. selection conductor means for connecting the source through the selection switching means of the credit relay to the selection switches so that the selection switches are disconnected from the source when the credit relay is in the cancel condition and are energizable from the source when the credit relay is in the vend condition thereof; H. a plurality of drive conductor means corresponding individually to the dispensing mechanisms, each drive conductor means connecting the corresponding electric drive to the corresponding selection switch, so that the drive is energizable through such switch when such switch is energized and is in the momentary position, and to the drive terminal of the corresponding carrier switch, so that the drive is energizable through the vend conductor means when such carrier switch is in the drive condition; and I. a plurality of cam means individually corresponding to the dispensing mechanisms for actuating the carrier switches and the bypass switches, each cam means including a cam motivated by said element of the corresponding drive mechanism to move in a path which corresponds to said cycle of the corresponding dispensing mechanism, the path commencing at a standby position of the cam which corresponds to said standby condition of the dispensing mechanism and in which the cam actuates the corresponding carrier switch to the vend condition and the corresponding bypass switch to the closed position, so that, the vend switch being open, the credit relay being in the cancel condition, and the connection of the source to the input terminal of the credit relay being complete from the source through the common terminals and the vend terminals of the carrier switches to the latch switching means of the credit relay, such deposit of funds actuates the vend switch to the closed condition, energizing the control terminal of the credit relay through the vend switch so that the credit relay assumes the vend condition thereof closing the latch switching means and completing said connection so that the credit relay remains in the vend condition and the selection switches are energized through the selection conductor means when the vend switch subsequently opens so that customer actuation of the selection switch connects the corresponding drive to the source through said switch and so that the corresponding cam moves in the path thereof from the standby position actuating the corresponding carrier switch and the corresponding bypass switch in a sequence wherein (1) said bypass switch is actuated to the open position substantially immediately after said cam moves from the standby position, (2) substantially immediately after the bypass switch is so actuated to the open position, said carrier switch is actuated to the drive condition so that said series connection from the source to the control terminal of the vend relay is opened between the common terminal and the vend terminal of said carrier switch and the vend relay assumes the cancel condition opening the selection switching means and deenergizing the connection of said drive means to the source through the actuated selection switch to prevent energization of any other drive means by the selection switch corresponding thereto until the vend relay again assumes the vend condition and so that, substantially simultaneously with such opening of said series connection, said drive is energized from the source through the vend conductor means and through any carrier switch and any bypass switch which is, respectively, in the vend condition and the closed condition and which is connected by such conductor means between the source and the common terminal of said carrier switch actuated to the drive condition, (3) substantially immediately after the carrier switch is so actuated to the drive condition said bypass switch is actuated to the closed condition so that, when such a malfunction subsequently occurs in the corresponding dispensing mechanism and said cycle thereof is incomplete, said series connection is compietable through the corresponding bypass switch so that products are vendable by the other of the dispensing mechanisms although the carrier switch corresponding to the malfunctioning mechanism remains in the drive condition thereof and the cycle of such malfunctioning mechanism is incomplete, and (4) when the cycle of the dispensing means corresponding to said cam is complete and said cam returns substantially to the standby position thereof, said carrier switch is actuated to the vend condition opening the connection from the source to said drive means through the series connection established by the vend conductor and deenergizing said drive means when the corresponding mechanism is substantially at the standby condition thereof.

8. The system of Claim 7, wherein the machine has an apparatus storing a plurality of said items for dispensing by one of the mechanisms; wherein the system further comprises a customer signal, which is electrically energizable to indicate that the apparatus is empty of said items, and sold-out switching means, which has a common terminal, a product available terminal, and a sold-out terminal and is operable connected to the apparatus, for connecting the common terminal to the product available terminal and disconnecting the common terminal from the soid-out terminal when an item is stored in the apparatus and for disconnecting the common terminal from the product available terminal and connecting the common terminal to the sold-out terminal when the apparatus is empty of said items; and wherein the drive conductor means includes: A. a first conductor connecting the common terminal and the signal; B. a second conductor connecting the sold-out terminal and the vend terminal of the carrier switch corresponding to said one of the mechanisms so that, when the apparatus is empty and when such vend terminal is energized from the source through the vend conductor means, the signal is energizable from such vend terminal through the second conductor, the sold-out switch, and the first conductor; and C. a third conductor connecting the drive terminal of such carrier switch and the product available terminal so that the signal is energized from such drive terminal through the third conductor, the sold-out switching means, and the first conductor when the corresponding drive is energized from such drive terminal and when the apparatus is not empty, the signal thereby indicating that the apparatus is empty when the corresponding dispensing mechanism malfunctions at a point in the cycle thereof when such carrier switch is in the drive condition although the apparatus is not empty.

9. The apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said first conductor interconnects the common terminal of the sold-out switching means and the signal to the one of the selection switches corresponding to said one of the mechanisms and wherein the third conductor interconnects the product available terminal and such drive terminal to drive corresponding to said one mechanism, so that the drive is energizable from such selection switch in the momentary condition thereof through the first conductor, the sold-out switch, and the third conductor when an item is stored in the apparatus and the drive is disconnected from such selection switch by the sold-out switch when the apparatus is empty.

10. A controlled system for a vending machine, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.