US1241877A - Vending-machine. - Google Patents

Description

L. M. PARKHURST VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE'30. I910. RENEWED SEPT- l6, 19l6.

Patented Oct. 2,1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET! awue/nton MVMM ihw A 3 L. M. PARKHURST.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 30. l9l0- RENEWED SEPT. 16, I9I6- 1,241,877. Patented Oct. 2,1917.

4 SHEE] S-SHEET 2.

L. M. PAR'KHURST.

VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 30. l9l0. RENEWED SEPT. 16, 1916- 1,241,877. Patented Oct. 2,1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

L. M. PARKHURST. VENDING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED was so. me. RENEWED SEPT. 16. ms.

Patented 001;. 2, 1917.

4 snzns-suszr 4 fame/Mom ZGWFWW,QAM

UN 1TB STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LAYTON M. PARKI-IU'RST, 0F INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, ASSIGNOR, BY ME SNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO GEORGE E. PITTS, TRUSTEE, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

VENDING-MACHINE.

"Original application filed March 31, 1908, Serial No. 424,3'04. Divided and this 1910, Serial No. 569,750. Renewed September 16, 1916.

To all "whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LA'YTON M. PARK- l-i'URST, a citizen of the United States,'residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vendin' Machines, of which the following is a speci cation, reference being had therein to the ac'coi'np'anying drawings.

This invention relates to a serving or vending apparatus, preferably controlled by a coin.

One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that will deliver a stamp or ticket from a continuous roll and always provide for the severance thereof from the roll at or along the adjoining edges of two stamps or tickets.

Another object of theinvcntion is to provide improved mechanism for feeding and delivering the strip from the roll.

This application is a division of an application filed by me on the 31st day of March, 1908, Serial No. 421,301; accordingly I have illustrated and described my invention as adapted to the vending of postage stamps, but such illustration and description is not to be considered in any sense as limiting the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of a machine embodying my invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view, enlarged, of the casing. showing the door thereof open, and one of the "ending units detached, the coverfor the latter being also open.

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the upper part of one of the units, through the walls of the unit casing and showing the vending apparatus and coin control apparatus in elevation.

Fig. 4: is a side elevation of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5-5, Fig.

Fig. 6 is 'a section on line 6-6, Fig.

Fig. 7 is a section on line 7-7, Fig.

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8 8, Fig.

F ig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view on. the line 9--9 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a section on line 10-10, Fig. 4.

Fig.1l is a detail view.

Fig.12 is a fragmentary sectional view ra-s through the coin slot.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

application filed J1me 3o, Serial m. 120,558.

Fig. 13 is a transverse section on line 13 1 3 of Fig. 1. a

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 3, but looking at the side opposite to that shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 15 is a detail view of the coin arrester.

in the drawings, 1 indicates as an entirety, a suitable housing orca's'ing adapted to receive one or more stamp vending units 2, three such units being illustrated.

The casing consists preferably of a bottom wall 3, side walls 41 and 5, a top wall 6, a front wall 7 and a rear wall 8, suitably hinged to one of the other walls. The units 2 are arranged side by side and each intend ed to carry and vend a given number of stamps. The units may be provided with stamps of different denominations.

Each unit 2 includes a box or casing 14,

preferably made of metal and rectangular in form. This box comprises side walls 15, 15, a front wall 16, top and bottom walls 17. 18, and a rear w'all 19 which is detachable or movable to permit accesst'o the box. The detachable rear wall 19 may be fitted to the side walls in any suitable manner. For illustration I have shown the side walls carrying at their rear edges outwardly extending transverse ribs 15. 'At each side the rear wall 19 is flanged, as indicated at 19', and longitiulinally grooved at 19 to receive one of the ribs 1.5 on aside wall. At its upper end therear wall 19 preferably carries an inwardly turned lip 19 arranged to overlap the top wall 17 of the box. The bottom wall may be extended rearwardly at 18 beyond the side walls, and the rear wall 19 may be recessed at 19 to it over the ex,- tcnsion 18'. A suitable'loc'k 20 is emplo ed for locking the detachable wall of "the box in position.

The inside of each safety box 14- is 'divided into an upper and a lower compartment by means fa slide mrqtfoi-m 21 su ported by ribs 92, 22 on the side walls of the box. The lower one of these compartments may serve as a cash receptacle. The upper 'c'ohi partment is subdivided into two parts by a vertically disposed partition 23, preferably carried by the platform 21. Upon one side of this partition 23 is arranged the stamp feed mechanism of the unit, and upon the other side the coin controlled mechanism for actuating the'stamp feed mechanism.

Of the stamp feed mechanism, 24 is a stamp box preferably secured to or formed integral with the partition 23 and extending at one side thereof. 25 is an arbor or shaft, preferably stationary, upon which may be mounted a roll 26 of postage stamps. 27 is a guard plate axially recessed at 27 and fitted loosely upon the arbor 25. 28 is a stamp strip guide carried by the guard plate 27. This guide preferably consists of two pins 28, 28*, extending inwardly from the guard plate 27 and arranged to have directed between them the strip of stamps fed from the roll of stamps 26 within the box. 29 is a transverse slot through the top of the box 24, through which the stamp strip is led. As the guard plate 27 is loose upon the shaft 25, the guide 28 is free to play back and forth slightly within the box 24 and readily accommodates itself to the stamp strip so as to prevent the stamp strip engaging with and rubbing and wearing against one ofthe edges of the walls of the slot 29. 30 is a cover or end plate for the stamp box fitted onto the screw threaded end of the shaft 25.

31 is a stamp cylinder. 32 is a shaft or stud extending laterally from the stamp cylinder, preferably formed integral therewith, andmounted in a bearing 38 in the partition 23. This bearing is formed through the partition 23 with an annular boss 31 thereon, which latter is fitted into an annular recess 31 in the stamp cylinder. 34, 35, 36 are peripheral grooves in the said stamp cylinder which at each side is slightly flanged as indicated at 87. At regular intervals these flanges are notched or recessed, as indicated at 38, the notches being spaced apart onthe said flanges the distance occupied by one of the stamps to be vended on the periphery of the stamp cylinder. Across the periphery of the stamp cylinder are ar ranged. lines of strip piercers or perforating points 39, each lme adjacent to a pair of notches 88 which are opposite to each other i on the stamp cylinder. These lines of perporating points 39 are, likewise, spaced apart on the periphery of the stamp cylinder the distance occupied by one stamp on the periphery of the cylinder.

40 are pressure rolls for laying the strips of stamps evenly over the periphery of the stamp cylinder and between the flanges 37 thereon, and also for pressing the stamp strips over the perforating points 39 so as to cause the latter to pierce the strip. Each of these pressure rolls 40 is loosely mounted on a transverse'shaft 41 carried by a frame 42. This frame 42 is normally pressed upwardly so as to force the pressure rolls against the periphery of the stamp cylinder by means of a flat spring 43, one end of which is secured to the bearing plate 42 and the other to a lug or projection 44 carried'by the partition 23. Each pressure roller'40 has a peripheral groove 40 adapted to receive one after the other, as the stamp cylinder is-rotated step by step, the perforating points on the periphery of the stamp cylinder which are in the same vertical plane spring secured at one end to the guard plate 45, and at its otherend to a lug or projection 48 on the partition 23, this spring tending normally to press the guard plate downwardly against the flanges on the stamp cylinder. Beneath the guard plate 45 is arranged a supplemental spring guard 49 having spring members 49, each arranged in the vertical plane of one of the peripheral grooves 34, 35, 36 on the stamp cylinder and adapted to maintain the stamp strip pressed firmly against the periphery of the stamp cylinder. These spring fingers 49 are connected at their lower ends to a guard plate 49 interposed between the end 45 .of the guard 45 and the pressure rollers 40. This plate 49 rests lightly at either side upon the flanges 37 on the stamp cylinders, and prevents the stamp strip 26 from riding up on either of said flanges and getting out of proper adjustment. The guard 45 prevents thesprmg lingers 49 from getting out of position.

50 is a deflecting plate for directing the stamps away from the stamp cylinder 31 and .out of the unit which carries them. It preferably consists of a piece of spring metal having a plurality of fingers 50, each arranged to enter one of the peripheral grooves 34, 35, 36 in the stamp cylinder, so that the free ends of these fingers will be beneath the free end of the stamp strip as the latter is rotated on and fed forward with the stamp cylmder. 51 is a transverse lug or extension carried by the partition 23 and to which the said stamp deflecting plate 50 is secured.

The coin controlled mechanism mounted upon the opposite side of the partition from the feed mechanism is connected thereto through the shaft Any suitable form of coin controlled mechanism maybe adapted for feeding the stamps. The form of coin controlled mechanism illustrated comprises a ratchet wheel 58 and an operating arm 64 that is provided with a pivoted pawl 66 adapted to engage with the ratchet 58. 52 indicates a ratchet "bracket 91 I 5 and adapted to normally force the rod -the said strip.

wheel fixed to or formed integral with the ratchet 58. 56 indicates 'a lever provided with a dog 55 which engages the ratchet 52 and locks it and the ratchet 58 against movement. 57 indicates a spring which holds the dog 55 normally in engagement with the ratchet 52. 72 indicates coin engaging arms carried by the arm 64 and adapted to engage a coin which is inserted through the slot 99 and falls down the chute 78. 88 indicates a lever pivoted in the casing and provided with a handle S8 adapted to engage with the arm 64 to operate the coin-controlled apparatus after a coin is inserted through the slot 99. As shown in the drawings, the easing or housing 1 preferably carries as many hand operating levers 88 as there are units in the case-one for each unit.

As the coin controlled apparatus forms no part of this invention, further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

- I have found it desirable to provide each unit or section 2 with an automatically ac tuat'ed safety attachment for preventing the introduction into the coin passageway 78 of a coin or coins after the unit is exhausted of stamps, or when the stamp strip breaks between the stamp box 24 and the stamp cylinder 31. Of this safety attachment, 91 is a bracket carried by the partition 23. 92 is a bell crank lever pivotally connected at 92 to an arm on the said bracket. 93 is a stop rod pivotally connected "at 93 to one arm of the bell crank lever 92, and having its other end extending loosely through a hole 93 in the partition 23, and arranged to be projected into and withdrawn from the coin passageway 78 at or adjacent the entrance 99 thereto. 94 is a rod pivotally connected at 94: to the other arm of the bell. crank lever 92, and extending through a passageway 91. in the bracket 91. and having secured to its free end a bearing block 95 carrying a pivotally mountedanth friction roller 96. 97 is a coil spring encircling the rod 9%, interposed between the and the bearing frame or block 9-1. rearwardly so as to project the rod 3 across the coin passageway 78. 98 is a bracket preferably secured to the stamp box 24: and having an upwardly extending wall 98 with a hole 98 therethrough in line with the aii'ti-friction roller 96, and through which the latter may be projec ed. Normally, when the unit is in readiness for operation and the stamp strip extends from the stamp box 24 to the stamp cylinder 31, the roller 96 rests relatively lightly against Should the end of the stamp strip pass the said roller, or the strip be severed between the stamp box and thestamp cylinder, or the strip in anywise be removed from between the said roller andthe slot 98 in the bracket 98', the spring 97 will-force the rod 94 rearwardly; as a result of this operation, the roller 96 will enter the slot 98", and the bell crank lever 92 will be rocked so as to project the rod 93 across the mouth of the coin passageway 78.

The front wall 16 of each unit 2 is cut away at 100 to allow for the delivery of the stamps from the units. The front wall 7 of the casing 1 is provided with as many openings 101 through it as there are units 2 or spaces for them within the casing. Each of these openings 191 is preferably arranged to expose both the coin slot 99 and the stamp delivery opening 100 of a unit.

In operation, a roll of stamps 26 is placed upon the arbor 25 in the stamp box 24. and the outer end of the stripof stamps is directed upwardly and out through the slot 29 in the top of the stamp box, and between the stamp cylinder '31 and the pressing rolls 40. The guard plate 27 is placed in position with the stamp strip leading between the guides 28, 2E3 on the guard plate, and the cover 30 of the stamp box is then placed in position. In directing the stamp strip onto the stamp cylinder and between it and the pressure rollers 40, care should be taken to have the perforating points on the stamp cylinder, which are projected into the grooves 40 on the pressure rollers 40, pierce the stamp strip on the transverse line of connection between two stamps of the strip. The release rod 56 may be then thrown so as to withdraw the locking'pawl 55 from the periphery of the locking cam 52, and the stamp cylinder may be rotated until the free edge of the first stamp of the strip appears at the cutting knife 46. The machine is then ready for operation and may be inserted into its box or case and the latter placed in its proper position in the casing or housing 1.

In the operation of the device, a coin or coins are introduced through the opening into the coin chute 78, and the handle 88* pressed downward. This movement of the handle 88 operates the arm (31 which latter imparts rotation to the ratchet 58 the distance of one tooth. which will turn the stamp cylinder 31 a distance to deliver one stamp through the stamp discharge opening 100.

My invention contemplates the desirability of vending stamps from what may be considered safety deposit boxes, eachof which boxes or units is readily removable from the main vending case when the stamps in it are exhausted, or for any other purpose; it being the intention that such unit lJP IP turned to a central station, oliic'e or party to be held responsible, not only for the loading of the'units with stamps, but also for the care of the funds or money collected in the units. This system, it will be understood, possesses the great advantage of placing all of the responsibility for the distribution of stamps through the machines and the care of the money taken in return, upon a single individual or central station. The many ad vantages of such a system will be readily appreciated where large installations of the machines are made and have to be maintained. Take for example the use of the machines in connection with a post office department in a large city. The handling of great numbers of stamps is necessitated, and

with all the earlier stamp vending machines of which I am aware, the stamps must be entrusted to some party to be distributed to the machines by actually taking the stamps in rolls of sheets to and putting them in the machines. Also the moneys collected by the machines are taken from boxes or receptacles in the machines by a trusted party for return to the post ofiice department. With my apparatus it is intended that one party or division shall be made responsible for both the filling of the vending and collecting units with stamps, and the removal and care of the money collected in each unit.

All this may be accomplished at a central point, the unitssubstantially safety deposit boxcar-being collected from the various vending cases from time to time and brought to the central point for removal of money collected and refilling with stamps. The keys for the unit sections may all be retained in the possession of the division or party having charge of this work. By thus making one person or division responsible for the maintenance'of the machines, the chances of loss of money and stamps is very greatly minimized over thoseincident to the earlier systems, in which the. stamps in rolls or sheets have to be taken to the vending machines, and loose money taken from the machines. The responsibility placed on the care takers of the vending casings or housmgs and the distributers and collectors of the units is reduced to substantially nothing more than the mere handling of the units or safety deposit boxes themselves. These distributers and collectors never have to touch the stamps or the money collected in the machines; in fact, they could not do so without breaking open the units, which would be a criminal offense.

The coin-actuated and stamp feed mechanism is confined in a relatively small space and consists of a small number of parts, all

of which is quite essential to an apparatus intended to be operated as mine is, namely, that the units from time to time be removed and replaced by others, while the removed ones are being emptied of money and refilled with stamps. All parts of the machine are readily accessible and may be quickly and easily assembled.

My disclosures and description herein are intended to be purely illustrative and not in.

any sense limiting, as many alterations in the construction and many apparently widely differing embodiments of my invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art of making coin controlled apparatus without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Furthermore, while I have herein referred to my invention more particularly as applied for the purpose of vending stamps, it will be understood that it is equally suitable and adaptable for the purpose of vending tickets, or the like. In fact, a machine embodying my invention may be advantageously em ployed for vending railway tickets, theater tickets, or tickets for amusement parks and the like, thereby dispensing with the services of ticket sellers, who are now generally employed for such purposes.

What I claim is: r

1. In a vending apparatus, the combination of a pin or shaft arranged to support a rolled strip, a' strip guide arranged adja-; cent to the rolled strip and freely movable about the axis of the said pin or shaft, and means for delivering the strip through said guide. 7

2. In a vending apparatus, the combination of a pin or shaft arranged to support a rolled strip, a strip guide arranged adjacent to the rolled strip and comprising a pair of pins arranged parallel to each other said guide strip being freely movable about the axis of the said pin or shaft, and means for delivering the'strip through said guide.

3. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a pin or shaft arranged to support a'rolled strip, and a strip guide arranged to be engaged by the strip and freely movable about the axis of said pin or shaft.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a pin or shaft arranged to support a rolled strip, an annular member surrounding the rolled strip and formed with an opening through which the strip is delivered, and a guide for directing the strip through said opening, said guide being freely movable about said pin or shaft.

the combination of a support arranged to support a rolled strip, a stationary annular member surrounding the rolled strip and formed with an opening through which the strip is delivered, and a guide for directing the strip through said opening, said guide being freely movableabout said support {)elative to the opening through said mem- 6. In a device of the character described, the combination of a support arranged to hold a rolled strip, a pair of spaced pins projecting parallel to each other and to said support to form guides between which the strip is delivered, and means for supporting said pins to freely move about the axis of said support.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination of a support arranged to hold a rolled strip, a disk loosely mounted on' said support, and a pair of spaced pins projecting parallel .to each other from one face of said disk and forming guides be tween which the strip is drawn.

8. In a vending apparatus, the combination of means for supporting a roll or strip of stamps or tickets, a strip delivery cylinder'formed with a peripheral groove around which the strip when unwound from the roll passes, an arc-shaped spring overlying said groove and arranged to press the strip to the cylinder, and a knife for severing the strip between the adjoining stamps or tickets.

9. In a vending machine, the combination of means for supporting a roll or strip of stamps or tickets, a strip delivery cylinder formed with a peripheral groove and provided with flanges around its opposite edges said groove being arranged between the flanges, means arranged between the said flanges for causing the strip to engage the cylinder therebetween, and means extending into the groove to project the strip away from the cylinder.

10. In a vending machine, the combination of means for supporting a roll or strip of stamps or tickets, a strip delivery cylinder formed with a peripheral groove and provided with flanges around its opposite edges, means for causing the strip to engage the cylinder between the said flanges, an arc-shaped spring overlying the groove and arranged to press the strip to the cylinder, and means extending into the groove to project the strip away from the cylinder.

11. In a vending machine, the combination of means for supporting a roll or strip of material, a strip delivery cylinder formed with a peripheral groove and provided with flanges around its opposite edges, means for causing the strip to engage the cylinder between said flanges, a spring overlying the groove and arranged to press thestrip to the cylinder, and means extending into the groove to project the strip away from the cylinder.

12. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder having notches formed in its opposite edges at predetermined distances apart, means for feeding a strip to said cylinder, means for rotating said cylinder a distance equal to the distance between notches in either edge, and a knife adapted to lie in the notches and engage with thestrip.

13. In a vending machine, the combination of'a stamp cylinder rovided around its opposite edges with anges having notches -of a stamp feed cylinder formed therein at predetermined distances apart, each notch on one flange being ar ranged opposite to a notch in the other flange, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder between the flanges, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the distance between the notches, and a knife adapted to lie in the notches of the flanges and engage with the strip.

14.. In a vending machine, the combination of a stamp cylinder provided around its opposite edges with flanges having notches 'ormed therein at predetermined distances apart, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder between the flanges, means for engaging the strip at points in alinement with said notches, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the distance between the notches, and a knife adapted to lie in the notches ol the flanges and engage with the strip.

15. In a vending machine, the combination having a plurality of peripheral grooves, a guard having a plurality of spring fingers corresponding in number to the number ofperipheral grooves in said stamp cylinder and each arranged to bear upon a strip of stamps upon the cylinder in the vertical plane of one of the said vertical grooves, and means for holding said guard in position.

16. In a vending machine, the combination of a stamp feed cylinder having flanges at either side and a plurality of peripheral gIOOVCS between said flanges, a guard having a plurality of spring fingers corresponding in number to the number of peripheral grooves in said stamp cylinder and each arranged to bear upon. a strip of stamps upon the cylinder in the vertical plane of one of the said vertical grooves, means for holding said guard in position,

and a guide plate for the stamp strip Se cured to the said spring fingers at one end, said guide resting at either side upon the said side flanges of the stamp cylinder.

17. In a vending machine, the combination with a suitable stamp feed mechanism, of a stamp box for receiving the roll of stamps having a stamp strip delivery slot, a shaft, a guard plate loosely mounted on said shaft, and two pins carried by said guard plate and between which the stamp strip is directed.

18. In a vending machine, the combination of a feeding cylinder having its periphery divided into a number of uniform sections by a plurality of transversely arranged lines of perforating points, and a plurality of rotatable pressure rollers yieldingly pressed against the periphery of said stamp feed cylinder, and each one having a peripheral groove to receive the perforating points on the said cylinder in the same vertical plane therewith.

1,9. In a stamp or ticket vending machine, the combination of a cam, having a plurality of dog engaging surfaces, a dog for engagmg each of said engaging surfaces to lock said camagainst movement, a stamp cylinder having its periphery divided into a plurality of stamp receiving sections corresponding in number to the number of dog engaging surfaces on said cam, connections between the cam and the cylinder whereby the latter may be rotated simultaneously with the cam after the release of the dog, and means for rotating said stamp cylinder when the lock dog is released, the said means comprising an operating member, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism, the said ratchet being provided with teeth equal in number to the stamp receiving sections on the stamp cylinder whereby the latter is moved the distance of one section by the operating member.

20. The combination of a casing or housing, a plurality of units or sections, each adapted to contain articlesto be delivered singly, removably mounted in said casing or housing, a delivery mechanism including a controlling member and a lock and release device therefor in each unit or section, and means for operating the control member in each unit or section upon the release thereof independently of the other control members.

21. In a vending apparatus, the combination of a shaft arranged to support a rolled strip, a fixed wall surrounding said strip and provided with a slot through which the strip is delivered, a strip guide movably mounted within said wall for guiding the strip. through said slot, and means for de livering predetermined portions of the strip.

22. In a vending machine, the combination of a shaft arranged to support a rolled strip, a disk loosely mounted on said shaft, a pair of separated pins projecting parallel to each other from one face of said disk and forming guides between which the strip is drawn, and means for drawing portions of the strip from the strip roll.

23. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder provided with peripheral flanges adjacent to its opposite sides, the said flanges having notches arranged at predetermined distances apart, the notches in one flange being arranged to aline with the notches in the other flange, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the distance between the notches, and a knife having ends bearing on said flanges and arranged to enter the notches and engage with the strip.

24. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder having notches formed therein around one of its edges at predetermined distances apart, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder, means carried by the cylinder for engaging the strip transversely on lines coincident with the said notches, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the distance between the notches, and a severing device having an end adapted to enter each notch and engage the strip transversely in line with said notch.

25. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder having notches formed therein around one of its edges at predetermined distances apart, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder, a series of pins arranged on a transverse line coincident with each of said notches for engaging the strip, means for rotating the cylinder the distance equal to the distance between the notches, and a severing device having an end adapted to enter each notch and engage the strip transversely in line with said notch.

26. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder provided around its opposite edges with flanges having notches formed therein at predetermined distances apart, each notch in one flange being arranged opposite a notch in the other flange, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder between the flanges, series of pins, each 'arranged on a transverse line coincident with two alined notches in said flanges, forengaging the strip on transverse lines, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the dlstance between the notches, and a knife having ends adapted to enter in the notches of the flanges and engage with the strip transversely in line with alined notches 27. In a vending machine, the combination of a cylinder having notches formed therein around one of its edges at predetermined distances apart, means for feeding a strip to the cylinder, means carried by the cylinder for engaging the strip transversely on lines coincident with the said notches, means for rotating the cylinder a distance equal to the distancevbetween the notches, a

severing device having an end adapted to enter each of the notches and engage the strip transversely inline with said notch,

and means for pressing the strip over said engaging means into close engagement with the cylinder.

28. In a vending apparatus, the combination of means for supporting a roll of stamps or tickets, a strip delivery cylinder around which the strip when unwound from the roll passes, said cylinder being formed with peripheral grooves, yieldable members overlying the said grooves and arranged to press the strip against the cylinder, and

' means for severing the strip between the adjoining stamps or tickets.

29. In an apparatus of the character described,'the combination of a casing formed with an opening, a cover for said casing, a vending unit'removably mounted in said casing and comprising a case provided with a cover andformed with an opening, a de livery mechanism mounted in said case and provided with an. operating member, and means carried by the casing and extending through the opening in said case into engagement with said operating member of said delivery mechanism for actuating said operating member.

30. The combination of a strip delivery wheel having a circumferential groove, and transverse rows of pins, the pins of each row arranged on opposite sides of the groove, means acting against'the strip on opposite sides of the groove for pressing it over the pins and in engagement with said cylinder, and a device disposed in the plane of the groove for pressing the strip against the cylinder.

31. The combination of a delivery cylinder, means for supplying a strip of material thereto, means for rotating the cylinder predetermined distances, and means for retaining the strip on the cylinder against movement transversely and circumferentially thereof, said retaining means comprising circumferential flanges and devices on the cylinder and separate devices associated therewith.

32. The combination of a delivery cylinder formed with a circumferential groove and provided with flanges around its opposite circumferential edges, means for supplying a strip of material to the surface of said cylinder between said flanges, means for rotating the cylinder predetermlned distances, and a member arranged in the plane of the groove and operating to maintain the strip against said cylinder.

, In a vending machine, the combination of a support for a strip of material, a de livery cylinder formed with a circumferential groove and provided around its oppo site circumferential edges with flanges, means arranged between the flanges but at opposite sides of the groove for engaging the strip of material, and means extending into the groove to guide the strip away from the cylinder.

34. In a vending machine, the combination of a support for a strip of material, a delivery cylinder formed with a circlnnferential groove and provided around its opposite circumferential edges with flanges, means arranged between the flanges but at one side of the groove for engaging the strip of material, means carried by said support for maintaining the strip of material on said cylinder, and means extending into the groove to guide the strip away from the cylinder.

35. In a vending machine, the combinalion of a support for a strip of material formed with uniformly spaced openings, a delivery cylinder for the strip of material formed with a circumferential groove, said cylinder being provided around its op posite circumferential edges with flanges, outwardly extending members adapted to enter the openings in the strip as the latter engages with said cylinder, said members I being arranged between said flanges, means carried ,by said support for maintaining the strip in engagement with the cylinder between the point of delivery of the strip to the cylinder and the point of discharge of the strip therefrom, and means extending into the circumferential groove in said cylinder to guide the strip away therefrom.

36. The combination of a delivery cylinder, means for supplying a strip of material thereto, means forrotating the cylinder predetermined distances, spaced devices for retaining all portions of the strip on the cylinder against movement transversely thereof, and a device arranged between said spaced devices for pressing the strip toward the cylinder.

557. The combination of a delivery cylinder, means for supplying a strip of material thereto, means for rotating the cylinder predetermined distances, spaced devices for retaining all portions of the strip on the cylinder against movement transversely thereof, and an arc-shaped device arranged between said spaced devices for pressing the strip toward the cylinder.

38. In a vending machine, the combination of a box, provided with horizontal guides arranged above its bottom wall and formed with a delivery opening in its front wall, a horizontally disposed removable slide mounted on said guides and operating to divide the box into upper and lower comnn-talents, a vertical partition fixed to said slide and arranged substantially centrally of said box, feed mechanism mounted on one side of and supported by said partition, and feed controlling mechanism for actuating said feed mechanism arranged on the opposite side of and supported by said partition, whereby said mechanisms are removable with said. slide and partition from the box.

39. The combination of a casing or housin a plurality of units each adapted to contain articles to be delivered singly removably mounted in the casing or housing, a delivery mechanism including a control member therefor in each unit, and means carried by the casing for operating the clelivery mechanism in each unit independently of the delivery mechanism of the other units.

40. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing formed With a delivery opening, a cover or door for operating each delivery mechanism indesald casing arranged to be looked, a series pendently. 10

of vending units removably mounted in said In testlmony whereof I afiiX my signacaslng and each eomprlslng a case provided ture, in the presence of two wltnesses.

5 with a door or cover arranged to be locked LAYTON M. PARKHURST. before the unit is inserted in said casing and Witnesses:

a delivery mechanism mounted Within the HUGE D. MERRIFIELD, case and means carried by the casing for V. L. STINSON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). G.

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