GB939406A - Dispensing machine for delivering bulk fuel in measured quantities - Google Patents

Abstract

939,406. Coin freed vending apparatus; weighing apparatus. NOVOTECHNICS Ltd. Sept. 13, 1962 [Oct. 2, 1961], No. 35551/61. Classes 27 and 143. A vending machine transports coal from a hopper 1 to a pivoted scuttle 12 where it is weighed and a measured quantity is held in readiness for a purchaser who can inspect the contents of the scuttle and read its weight through windows 5 and can obtain delivery by inserting coins into slots 8 to release levers 20 projecting from the machine by means of which the purchaser tips the scuttle to pour its contents into shoot 2. As soon as the scuttle 12 is restored after delivery of its contents, conveyer 31 is driven to fill the scuttle in readiness for the next purchase. The scuttle is pivoted on a table 15 raised on legs 16 from the weigh platform of a weighing machine with an indicating pointer 7. The downward pivotal movement of the scuttle and arms 20 propels a chain drive causing the upward displacement of a sliding door which normally closes the shoot 2. The conveyer 31 delivers a larger size of coal until the required weight is nearly achieved, the scuttle being topped up with a smaller size by means of a jigging conveyer 46, Fig. 5, until the right weight is reached. Control circuit.-Insertion of coins frees a pull rod 10 by raising a catch 54. Operation of the pull rod works a cam to operate contacts 56 to energize relay 57 which energizes solenoid 50 to withdraw catch 9 thereby allowing levers 20 to be depressed and the scuttle to be emptied into the shoot 2. Relieved of the contents of the scuttle the weigh beam 49 pivots to open contacts 63 and make contacts 62. When levers 20 return upwards they operate contacts 59 to release the solenoid 50 and re-engage the catch 9. Contacts 60 engaged by the catch 9 operate relay 61 to start conveyer motor 45. As the scuttle fills, the weigh beam 49 reflects until contacts 62 break to stop the conveyer 31 and contacts 63 make to energize relay 64 which starts the jigging conveyer 46. The final position of the weigh beam is determined by a shutter 65 which interrupts light from lamp 66 to photo-cell 67 and by releasing relay 64 stops the jigging conveyer. While the conveyers are in operation a solenoid 75 is released to lock the pull switch 10. Should the photo-cell fail to stop the conveyer, the weigh beam deflects contacts 68 to disconnect the power supply. Power is also disconnected if the hopper is exhausted and the conveyers run beyond a period set by a timer 73. Whenever power is cut off a solenoid 72 releases a flap 71 to close the coin slots 8.