US1653679A

US1653679A - Vending machine

Info

Publication number: US1653679A
Application number: US647552A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert B Varble
Original assignee: ABRAM L ZENT
Current assignee: ABRAM L ZENT
Priority date: 1923-06-25
Filing date: 1923-06-25
Publication date: 1927-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 1944-12-27

Description

Dec. 27, 1927.

Filed June 25. 1923 v"i Sheets-Sheet 1 EE M W T a M v R R a a 7 0 m a. M Q m g M w m m M u 5 w m m m mm m .2 w l \W\\\\\\\ Om TAQ J 2 2?.

A. B. VAR BLE Dec. 27, 1927.

VENDING MACHINE Filed June 25, 1923 '7 SheetsSheet 2 ALBERT B. VARBLE.

A. a. VARBLE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 25, 1925 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 ZlmuMoz ALBERT B. VARBLE.

Dec. 27', 1927.

A. B. VARBLE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 25, 1923 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 'luveMo c A1 55/7 75. V/IRBLE.

Dec. 27, 1927.

1,653,679 A. B. VARBLE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 25. 1925 v Sheets-Shet 5 Dec. 27, 1927.

AB. VARBLE VENDI NG MACHI NE Filed June 25, 1923 Sheets- -sheet 6 ALBERT B. V/IRBLE.

attouwq Dec. 27, 1927. v 7 1,653,679

A. B. VARBLE VENDING MACHINE Filed June 25.. 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 lgm'vcntoz ALBERT B, V/l PBLE.

gu k

Patented Dec. 27, 192.7.

llhllTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT B. VAR-ELIE, OF DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOB T ABRAM L. ZENT, OF DAYTON,

OHIO. I

VENDING MACHINE.

Application filed June 25, 1923. Serial No. 647,552.

liver st or other artichn: of any one of a or aiL oi denominations or kinds at the op on ot the purchaser. I

' further object O]: the invention is to provide a machine oi? this kind which will he sir ole in its construction, positive in its opera-c l and can he produced at a relatively lowcost.

tlther objects of the invention will appear as the mechanism is described in detail.

in the accompanying drawings 1 is a front elevation, partly in section, of a machine embodying my invention showing a portion only of the cabinet; Fig. 2 is a rear hand end of the machine, as shown v 6 is a detail view of the coin oh c connecting device; Fig. 7 is a secalien on the line 'ZT of Fig. 5; rtical section taken on the line lUOlilllg; 'n the direction of the detail sectional view or supporting shaft showing the manountinp; the yokes thereon; Fig. 10 l 1 view of the coin controlled c011 nection between the actuating device and the controlling device, SllOWlng the connection established lor delivering ten cents worth of star s; Fig. 10 is a detail; Fig. 11 is a c i tional view t similar view showing the connection estabthe same; and Fig. 17 is a detail view of the actuating arms andtheir controlling cams for this modified form of the device. Fig. 18 is a detail view of one of the roller supporting yolies and its actuating cam.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention and have shown the same as comprising a main frame consisting of

end members

1 and 2 connected one vto the other by tie bars 3, 4-, and 5, and by a front plate 6. This main frame is mounted upon a base 7 and is enclosed in a casing S, a portion of the rear wall of which is movable and constitutes a closure 9 by means of which access may be had to the interior of the casing. Means are provided for supporting within thiscasing a plurality of strips of postage stamps, or other articles connected in strips, which are tobe vended. l fhile the machine is designed primarily for vending postage stamps it will be understood thatiit may be utilized for dispensing various articles which are connected one to the other in the form of elongated strips or Webs such, for exampla as tickets and savings certificates. The term stan1p or stamp strip asherein used is intended to include not only postage lar articles.

The present machine is designed to deliver at the option of the purchaser a selected number of stamps oil a selected denomination. To this end the machine is provided with means for supporting therein strips of stamps of different denominations, in the presentinstance one cent stamps and two cent stamps, and is provided with separate coin controlled. mechanisms for controlling the delivery ol stamps of the respective denominations. These mechanisms are mounted on the main frame and, as shown in Fig. l, the mechanism for controlling the delivery of one cent stamps is at the right hand end oi the machine and the mechanism for controlling the two cent stampsis at the left hand end of the machine. The controlling mechanisms are substantially identical with the exception that the mechanism for controlling the delivery of one cent stamps has means for controlling two strips of stamps while the mechanism for the two cent stamps is designed to control but a single strip of stamps. Each coin controlled mechanism comprises a vertically arranged coin chute 10 having a forward extending portion ll stamps but any such simi- Lil whichcinnnnluicates with a slot in the front wall of the casing it. through whirlrthc coins may be deposited in the coin chute.

Postage stamps whenfurnishedin strips are usually wound in rolls and in these draw ings I have shown three rolls of stamps, 12, ill; and Li, loosely lllOUIlteLlOll a shaft l5 extending lengthwise of the machine and, 111 the present instance, monntedin brackets 16 on the forwardly extending portions 11 of the coin chutes. One of these rolls, 12, consists of two cent stamps and the other two rolls, 13 and 14, consist of one cent stamps. The web or strip of stamps iscarried from each roll downwardly through a suitable guideway 17, which, as here shown, is formed between the front plate 6 of the main frame and a supplemental plate 18 rigidly secured thereto and spaced therefrom by projections 19 which also serve to divide the space between the

plates

6 and 18 into three separate guideways. Preferably the rear wall of the guideway, that is, the wall adjacent to the gummed side of the stamps is serrated or provided with longitudinal ribs 20 having narrow contact edges with which the stamps engageand to which they are not likely to adhere. Near the lower end of each guideway 17 is a pair of

feeding rollers

21 and 22, the roller 21 being preferably providedywith a rubber facing. The rollers 21 for the several strips of stamps are preferably operated in unison and, as here shown, they are rigidly secured to a shaft 23 journaled in bearings 2s of the main frame andprovided with means for rotating the same. In the present instance, one end of the shaft 23 extends through one of the end walls 8 of the casing and has secured thereto an operating handle or crank 25. i The second feed "roller 22 of each pair constitutes a pressure roller and the several rollers 22 are independently movable into and out of operative relation with their corresponding positively driven rollers 21. As here shown. each roller 22 mounted onthe forward arm 26 of a yoke 27 which is pivotally mounted at its upper end on a shaft 28 extending lengthwise of 'the main fame and mounted in the

walls

1 and 2 thereof. Each yokeis acted upon by a spring which tends to move the same and the roller 22 carried thereby. forwardly and into operative relation with thecorresponding feed roller 21. As here shown. a coil spring 29 is interposed between the rear arm 30 of the yoke and the tie bar t of the main frame. This spring preferably adjustable and to accomplish this I have mounted in the tic bar 4 a screw threaded stud or pin 31 having on its inner end a collar 32 against which the end of the spring 29 bears. By adjusting the position of this stud or pin on the main frame the tension of the spring may be regulated, to vary the pressure of the roller :22

against the roller 21. Extending lengthwise of the main frame and between the two arms of the several yolics 27 is a cam shaft 3'3 and rigidly secured to this shaft and ad- .jacent to each yoke is a cam ill adapted to act upon the rear arm of the yoke and force the same rearwiu'diy against the tension of the spring :29. In the present instance. a screw threaded stud 35 adjustably mounted in the rear arm of the yoke and has its i11- ner end tapered to engage the cam projection 34. By adjusting the stud 33 with relation to the yoke arm the amount of movement llllllill'l'GCl to the roller 22 may be regulated. The cam shaft 33 is driven from the shaft of the feed rollers and to this end the latter shaft has secured thereto a gear 36 which meshes with a gear 37 which is secured to the cam shaft The gears are. in the present instance, of such a ratio that the feed rollers 21 will make one and one quarter revolutions for each complete revolution of the cam shaft; this being, done to cause the stamp strips to be advanced the desired distance upon each complete revolution of the "am shaft. The pressure rollers are preferably locked normally in their retracted or inoperative positions and the locking means is of such a. character that the pressure rollers for the two cent stamps and for the one cent stamps are separately locked and can be separately released. To this end the yoke 27 of the two cent stamp roller is carried by a sleeve 13? mounted on the shaft flfl as shownin Fig. 9, and journuhrd in the end member 2 of the main frame the sleeve forming the bearing for the shaft and having movementrelatively thereto. The yokes 27 for the respective pressure rollers for the one cent stamps are carried by sleeves 38 and 35), respectively, the sleeve 38 being rigidly secured to the shaft 255 and the sleeve 39 being loosely mounted on the shaft 28, thus permitting the two pressure rollers for the one cent stamps to have movement relatively one to the other to enable them to be properly adjusted. In order that the intermediate yoke 27 carried by the sleeve 39 may be locked in its retracted position 1 have provided the sleeve 3!) with an upwardly extending arm 4-0. the upper end of wh ch lies in front of an obliquely extending arm 41 extending upwardly from the sleeve :38 so that when the sleeve 38 is roclml in a direction to retract its pressure roller the arm ll will engage the arm 4:0 and cause the retraction of the pressure roller carried by the intermediate yokefQT. The relation of the arms ll) and 41 may be regulated by means of an adjustable screw 42 mounted in one of the arms and arranged to engage the other. Iligidly secured to the shaft 528 at one end of the main frame is an arm 4-3 and rigidly secured to the yoke for the sleeve T37 is an arm 44. ee Figs: ll and i2).

The arms 43 and l-l constitute locking arms and each is provided at its lower end with a pin to arranged to be engaged by a nose or projection 46 extending upwardly from a second locking arm et'T mounted on a stud 4'8 carried by the adjacent end inei'nber of the mainframe. The positions of the locking arnis l? are controlled by means of levers 49, mounted on the shaft 50 at the rear low t portion of the machine and extending forwardly to positions adjacent to the pressure rollers. 'l. he forward ends of the levers til are connected by means of links 51 with the respective locking arins -il7. A spring- 52 acts on each lever 4-9 to more the same upwardly and thereby hold the locking arm 45? in its operative position. lVhen the pressure rollr is in its operative position the pin +l on the locking arm it will lie in the path of the nose 46 and when the arms? inoves iqjiwardly the nose will engage the pin and will remain in this position until the yoke has been retracted by the action of the cam 34, when the nose l6 will spring in front of the pin l5 and lock the arm as, theyolte 28, and pressure roller in their retracted positions. The pressure rollers are released from the locking device the action of the coin controlled mechanism which will be hereinafter described.

The amount of movement in'ipartedto the stamp strips by the feed rollers is positively controlled by means of a controlling device having parts such as spring; actuated pins, adapted to enter openings formed in the strip between the adjacent articles. In the case of postage stamps these openings are in the form of a transverse series of perforations, while in tickets they frequently take the form of notches in they lateral edges of the strip. Each controlling device, as here shown, COHlPtli-IES a frame or head 53'carried by an arin 54 which ispivotally mounted on a shaft 55 extending lengthwise of the main fran'ie in front of the guideways 17. b lidnhly mounted in the frainc fi are a plurality of pins 56 which are yield-ably supported therein that they will be retracted by contact with an unperforated portion of the strip. in the present construction the sine or head is provided with a series of e uidewa vs 57 in which are mounted a corresponding plurality of plnngers 58 each carrying one of the pins 56. Springs 59 confined in the respective guideways between the plungers 58 and the ends of the guideways serve to press the pins outwardly, but these springs are very light and permit the pins to be easily retacted, Preferably the pins are greater in number than the man ber of perforations between adjacent stamps and are spaced apart a distance less than the distance between the adjacent perforations of the stamp strip. Consequently there will always be two or more pins in line with the perforations in the stamp strip regardless of any lateral displacement of the strip with relation to the controlling device. The controlling device mounted for movement ahout'tl ands oftlie shaft 55 and the walls the gnideivaysoi are provided with openll-he controlling device held normall in its innermostposition with the pins to inthe perforations of the stamp strip and when the machine is to be operated the controlling device for the strip of stamps, automatically withdrawn to release the stamp strip and is'retained in its retracted posi lion until the stamp stip has been advanced apprrmiinalely the desired distance,but be fore the ip has completed its movement the controlling device is again moved ini to permit the pins 56 to enter the guidewardly and the pins 56 brought in contact \vitlrthe face of the strip. The pressure of the pins against the face of the strip will not appreciably affect its forward movement and as soon as the row of perforations is brought into line with the controlling device two or more of the pins 56 will enter said perforations, thus positively checking the inoven'ient of the stamp strip. Thefjcontrolling devices for the stamps of different denoininatioi is are separately controlled and to this end the arms 54 of the controlling devices for the two one cent stamp strips are rigidly connected with the shaft 55 and are actuated therel'iy, while the controlling device for the two cent stainp strip is rigidly secured to a sleeve 60 loosely mounted on the shaft 55 and journa'led in a hearing (it in the main frame. This sleeve alsocons stituting a bearing for the adjacent end of the shaft 55, the two parts being freely ro- 1 v tatable relatively one to toe other. Rig dly secured to the shaft 55 and the sleeve 60, beyond the

respective frame members

1 and 2, are arms 62 which are acted upon by sprn'igs 63 to move the controlling devices inwardly either lever 49 is moved downwardly, as will hereinafter appear, the corresponding controlling device will be moved outwardly into its inoperative position, as shown in Figs, lOandll. h

The movements of the controllingdevices into their inoperative and. operative positions and the timing; of these movements are controlled by suitable coin controlled, niecln fit) anism, it being remembered that there are separate coin controlled mechanisms for the one cent stamps and for the two cent stamps. These coin controlledmechanisms are identical in construction and operation and each is adapted to receive either a nickel or a dime. The mechanism is of such a character t-hht when a dime is deposited in one of the coin chutes and the mechanism operated the purchaser will receive either four two cent stamps or eight one cent stamps according to the denomination ofthe chute which he has selected. If "a nickel is placed in either chute the purchaser will either receive two two cent stamps or four one cent stamps according to the denomination he has selected. It will be noted that the present machine is designed to sell stamps at a profit but it will be obvious that the mechanism can he readily adjusted to sell stamps or other. articles at their face value. Each coin controlled mechanism comprises an actuating device which is operated from the cam shaft 33 and is operatively connected with the con trolliiig deviceby a coin controlled member which is connected with the controlling device and which may be connected withthe actuating device in either of two positions, depending upon whether the coin deposited was a five cent coin or a ten cent coin. This actuating device 'is here shown as an arm 68 rigidly secured to a shaft'69 mounted in the rear portion of the machine and is provided at its forward end with two depending

fingers

70 and 71. Rigidly secured to the shaft 69 is an arm 72 extending downwardly and having at its lowerend a contact roller 73 arranged to be engaged by a cam 7i secured to the cam shaft 33. The arrangement is such that the contact. of the cam with the arm 72 will rock the shaft 69 ahout its axis and move the actuating arm 68 downwardly. The actuating arm 68 is connectedwith the controlling device by means of a coin controlled member here shown in the form of an arm 75 pivotally mounted at its lower end on the lever 49 and having at its upper end a lateral projection 76 adapted to be moved into line with either of the fingers 7 O or 71 of the actuating arm. This arm 75 is provided with an offset portion 77 to permitit to pass alioutthe canrshaiit 33 and is also provided with a forwardly extending portion or finger 78 adapted to enter the vertical coin chute 10. A spring 79 acts upon the arm 7 5 to move the samenormally to its rearmost position in which position the finger 78 will project into the coin chute and extend into the path of any coin which may be deposited in the chute. The arm 75 is preferably guided between guide members 80 and is hereshown as provided with a rearward projection 81 constituting a stop to limit its rearward movement. When the armis in its rearinost position with the finger 78 projecting into the coin chute the projection or stud 76 at the upper end there of will be out of alinement with both lingers 70 and 71 of the actuating arm and conse quently the movement of this arm will not be transmitted to the controlling device and the stamp strip will not be released. Alter the coin has been deposited in the chute and rests on the finger 78, asshown in Fig. .6, the crank operated, thus impartingnlove m'entboth to the cam shaft 33 and to the positively driven feed rollers 21 but inasmuch as the pressure rollers 22 are locked in their inoperative positions the feed rollers do not function. The cam shaft 32:) is provided with a cam projection or finger 82 ar ranged to engage the arm 75 and move the same forwardlyagainst the tension of the spring 7 9, thus witlulrawing the finger 78 from the coin chute and permitting the coin to move downwardly onto a stop 83 which projects through one of the side walls of the chute. The arrangement of the stop 83 is such that the coin resting upon the same will he supported in the path of the finger. 78 01 the arm 75 and when the cam projection 82 has moved out of engagement with the arm 75 and the latter is permitted to move rearwardly under the influence o t the spring 79 the linger 78 will engage the coin and check the movement of the arm in a position determined by the diameter of the coin. It the coin is a ten cent coin the arm will be positioned with the projection 7 6 in line with the finger of the actuating arm 68 and if the coin is a nickel the arm 7 5 will be positioned with the projection 76 in line with the other finger 71. oi the actuating arm. Should a penny he dropped into the chute the arm will he positioned "midway between the

finger

70 and 71 and no connection will be established. Assumingthat the coin in the chute is a dime the lever 75 will have assumed the position shown in Fig. 10 with the stud 76 in line with the finger 70 of the actuatingarm and the further movement oithc cam shaft will cause the cam 74L to act on the arm 7 .2 to rock the shaft (39 and move the actuating arm 68 dou-nwardly. This movement is transmitted through the count-noting arm 75 to the lever l9 and the down an] movement of the lever l9 actuates the locking arm L7 to release the yoke carrying the 'iressure roller 22. thereby permitting this roller to be moved by the action oi the spring 29 into operative relation with the positively driven roller 21.. The downward movement of the lever 49 is transmitted by the link or conncicting bar 65 to the controlling device which is moved outwardly into the position shown in Fig. 10. thereby releasing the stamps and permitting them to be advanced by the feed rollers. By reference to Fig. 6,

it will be noted that when the actiiating loo Lemme arm 68 is in its normal position, that is, its position prior to its operation, the projection 76 on the arm 75 when positioned by a dime will lie close to the finger 70 but when the arm is positionedby a nickel the projection will lie a considerable distance from the finger "1 so that the arm 68 will have an appreciable idle movement before the operation of the lever takes place. Consequently the linger 70 will move the arm 75 downwardly a greater distance than will he finger 7 1. When the arm 75 is moved downwardly by the linger 71, that is, when it ispositioned by a-Vnickel, it is held in its lowered position until. the cam 7 4 has cleared the roller 73 on the arm 72. at which time the actuating arm 68 is released and the arm 75 is moved upwardly by the spring actuated arm 49, thus permitting the controlling device 53 to be moved into engagement with the stamp strip by means of the spring 63. i Vhcn a dime has been inserted in the coin chute the controlling device must be held out of engagement with the stamp strip for a greater length of time and, with the arrangement of parts here shown, the greater movement imparted to the connecting arm 75 by the finger 70 of the actuating arm will cause the lever 49 to move down far enough to permit a pin or locking stud 84 carried by the lever 49 to be engaged by a shoulder 85 on a locking arm 86 which is moved into such engagement with the pin 84 by a spring 87. The controlling device is thereby retained in its inoperative position after the cam T4 has moved out of engagcment with the roller 73 and is retained in this position until the lever 49 is released from the locking device. To accomplish this the locking device or arm 86-hasa trip finger 88. which extendsinto the path of a pin 89 carried by a rotatable part rigidly secured to the cam shaft In the present instance, the pin 89 on one side of the machine carried by the gear 37 and the pin 89 on the other side of the machineis carried by a cam disk 90, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The pin 89 is so arranged that it will move the locking arm 86 into an inoperative position just before the stamp strip completes its forward movement, thus enabling the controlling device to engage the face of the stamp before the line ot perforations is brought into line therewith. W hen the lever 49 is released, either from the cam 74 or from the locking arm 86, the locking arm 47 will move upwardly and the nose 46 thereof will engage the pin 45 on the yoke locking arm 44 and will remain in this position until the cam shaft has further rotated and the cam 34 retracts the yoke and pressure roller, thus moving the pin 45 out of line with the nose 46 and permitting the latter to move into locking relation thereto, in which position retraction of the pressure roller 22. Dur-:

ing this interval the feed rollers will slip on the stamp strip. The pressure exerted on the pressure roller 22 is verylight as it is not necessary to tightlygrip the stamp strip inorder to advance the same. Due to this light pressure of the pressure roller and the rubber facing on the positively driven roller 21 the rollers will slip on the stamp strip without exertingthereon a pull strong enough to damage the same.

The guidcways 17 for the stamp strips terminate just below the feed rollers and at the upper end of a delivery chute 90 which opens through the front wall of the cabinet 8: In the present machine a sin le delivery.

chute receives the stamps from all the guide ways, but obviously a separate chute may be provided for each delivery mechanism if desired. interposed between the upper end of the delivery chute 90 and the lower ends of the several guideways is a suitable cutter for severing from the strip or strips of stamps those stamps which are to be delivered. 111 the present constructlon, a single cutter operates on'the three strips of stamps and if both delivery ll'leC-llitIllSlIls have been simultaneously operated, as can be readily done by inserting a coin in both chutes, the

stamps from all three strips will be severed at one time. As here shown, the cutting device comprises a fixed cutterbar .91 extending transversely to the several guideways and a blade 92'cooperating with the fixed cutting bar and extending for the full length thereof. This blade is secured at one end to vertical shaft 93 1ournaled in suitable bearings on the main frame and acted upon by a spring which tends to hold the blade normally in its lDOPQltliJlVG position. As

here shown, the spring 94 is coiled about the shaft 93 and is connected at one end with a collar 95 which is rigidly secured to the shaft and at the other end with a. fixed part of the mechanism. Rigidly secured to the shaft 98 between its ends is a laterally projecting actuating arm 195 which is pref erablyprovided with a roller 96 arranged to be actuated by the cam 90 on the cam shaft This cam is provided witha short cam 33. projection 97 which is so arranged that after the controlling device has entered the perforations on the stamp str p it will engage theroller 96 and rotate the sha'tt 93 1n a direction to force the cutter blade 92 inwardly [ill ' the coin chute.

and cause it to sever the several stamps which, have been projected beyond the cut' terbar. It will be noted that the cutting edge of the cutter bar 91 is spaced from the operative position ofthe pins 56 of the con trollingdevice a distance equal, in thepresentinstance, to two stamps, thus when the pins have entered the perforations in the strip the perforations at the end of the stamp or stamps which are to be severed are in line witlrthe cutting edge of the cutter bar and the line of severance will be along therow ot perforations between the stamps. The cam 3a is preferably so arranged that the pressure roller 22 will be retracted prior tothe cutting operation,thus leaving the stamp strip free-and avoiding any likelihood of its buckling during the cutting operation. 1

, The stop 83 which supports the coin in the coin chute is carriedb a lever 98 pivotally mounted at its lower end, as shown at 99, and acted upon by a spring 100 which tends to move it inwardly sons to maintain the stop 83 in the path of the coin in The upper end of the lever 98 extends beyond the stop 83 and has an inwardly inclined portion 101 which lies in the path of apin 102secured to the end of the cam shaft 33 and arranged to engage the inclined portion 101 of the lever just prior to the completion of the rotation of the cam shaft thereby forcing the lever outwardly and withdrawing the stop 83 from the. coin chute to permit the coin to drop through the chute and into a suitable coin receptacle. At this time the connecting arm 75 has been released and the finger 78 thereof will enter the coin chute as the coin which has been released drops out of the chute and will thus interruptthe movement of the following coin. In Figs. 6, 10 and 11, I one embodimentot the coin controlled selective mechanism but it will be understood that the principle embodied in this mechanism may take various forms and in Figs. 15, 16 and 17, I have shown second embodiment of the idea. In the second form of the selective mechanism the mechanism substantially the same as that above de scribed but I have added thereto a device adapted to engage the coin in the chute and move the same against the coin controlled member 75, so as to move the latter outward lya distance corresponding to the diameter of the coin and thus position the same with relation to the fingers and 71 of the actuating device 68, the coin controlled member being positioned'on its. outward movement instead; of on its inward movement as above described. The projection on the member. 75, which enters the coin chute, is'

made somewhat shorter in the present inhave illustrated such a length that it extends into the opening in the wall of the, chute but does not enter the passageway; Arranged on the opposite side of the chute and rigidly secured to a shaft 10% is an actuating member or arm 105 having at its lower end a projection 100 adapted to extend into the coin chute and engage the edge of the coin therein. This arm is acted upon by a spring 10? which is of a greater strengtl'i than the spring 79 which holds the coin controlled member in llZS1Il11G1Il'l0Sl3 position and will, therefore, when the arm 1.05 is free to move, exert pressure on the coin and cause the member 7 5 to be moved out *ardly. The actuating member 0' arm 105 is controlled by a cam arm 109, also mounted on the shal t 104, and tends to rock the same in a direction to move the arm 105 outwardly. The cam 108 is so arranged that it will, upon the rotatimi of the shaft first. force the arm outwardly and withdraw the projection from the chute and thereby release the coin and permit the same to drop onto the stop 83. After the coin has been released the cam will release the arm and permit the same to be moved inwardly by the spring shaft 108 which acts on a second 10?, thereby causing the edge of the pro ject-ion 106 to engage the coin and position the coin controlled member 105. In the present construction the projection 10b is provided at its upper edge with a nose 110 and the cam 108 is so shaped that the first portion of the movement thereof will withdraw the body of the projection from the chute but will permit the nose 110 to jiroject into the path of the coin, thereby supporting the same until the stop 83 has been released and permitted to return to its operative position, the mini having a dwell to retain the projection in this position. After the step has returned to .its normal position the cam will impart a further outward movcn'icnt to the projection 106 to release the coin before the arm and projection begin their inward morolVhen the operation has been completed and the coin controlled member T5 released it will be returned to its normal po ition by the spring 70. This movement will be gradual and will be controlled by the arm the latter moved. outwardly by its cam.

While I have shown and described one c1nbodiment of my invention I wish it to he understood that I do not desire to he limited to the details thereof as various modifications may occur. to a person skilled in the art.

Having now fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secare by Letters Patent is: i 1 i 1. In an apparatus of the character described, means for supporting a plurality of strips of stamps, a pair of feed rollers for each strip of stamps, each pair of feed rollers comprising a positively driven roller, and a preszsure roller, separate pivoted member for supporting the pressure roller of each pair of rollers, a spring acting on said supporting member to move said pressure roller into operative relation to its positively driven roller, means to retain each of said presure rollers in its inoperative position, ant separate coin controlled means to release the pressure roller for a selected strip of stamps.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, means for supportingthree strips of staring-ma separate pair of feed rollers for each strip of stamps, each pair of feed rollers comprising a positively driven roller and a pressure roller, a separate member for supporting the pressure roller of each pair of rollers for movement toward and from the positively driven roller, springs acting on the respective supportingmembers to move said pressure rollers into operative relation with the positively driven rollers, each of said supporting members being movable re..atively to the other, locking devices c011 nected with two of said supporting members to retain the same in their retracted positions, one of said last mentioned supporting members having means acting on the third supporting member to also retain it in its retracted position, and separate coin controlled devices to actuate the respective lock- 7i ing devices.

Lit)

3. In an apparatus of the character 'described, a pair of strip feeding rollers comprising a positively driven roller and a pressure roller movable toward and from said positively driven roller, means for retaining said pressure roller in its retracted position, and coin controlled means for causing said pressure roller to move towardsaid positively driven roller.

i. In an apparatus of the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers comprising a positively driven roller and a pressureroller, a movable member supporting said pressure roller for movement toward and from the positively driven roller, a spring; acting on said supporting .inember to move said roller toward said positively driven roller, a lock to retain said pressure roller in its retracted positioiuand coin controlleo means for actuatingsaid lock to release said roller.

5. In an apparatus of the character "described, a pair of feeding rollers comprising a positively driven roller and a pressure roller, a mova le member supporting said aressure roller, a spring acting on said supporting; member tomove said pressure roller toward said positively driven roller, a lockinn; member connecteu with said supporting member, a spring actuated locking member cooperating with the first mentioned locking member to retain said pressure roller in its retracted position, coin controlled means for disconnecting said locking members, and means for retracting said supporting member to permit the springactuated locking member to operatively engage the first mentioned locking member.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, two pairs of feeding rollers, each pair comprising a positively driven roller and a pressure roller, movable members support ing the respective pressure rollers and mounted for independent movement about a common axis, springs acting on said supporting HIGHllQGIS to move said pressure rollers toward said positively driven rollers, means acting on one of said sup )ortin; members to retain the same in. its retracted position, a part carried by said last mentioned supporting member and engaging the other supporting member to retain said last mentioned supporting member in its retracted position, and coin controlled means for actuating said retaining means to release said supporting members.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device for said controlling device, and a coin controlled member to operatively connect said controlling device with said actuating device and movable into different operative posi tions with relation to said actuating device.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the amount of movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, a coin conj trolled member operatively connected with said controlling device to impart movement thereto, said coin controlled member being movable into different operative positions. and an actuating device l'iaving parts to operatively engage said coin controlling memher in said diderent positions thereof and to impart a different movement to said coin controlled member in each of said positions.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device. a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding; device. a. lever connected with said controlling device, a coin con trolled member connected with said lever and movable into different positions with relation thereto, and an actuating device having parts to respectively engage said coin controlled member in the different positions thereof and to impart a different movement to said coin controlled member in each of said. positions.

10. In an apparatus of the character described. a strip feeding device. a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device having two contact portions, a lever ope a; tively connected with said controlling device, a coin controlled member pivotally mounted on said lever and movable into operative relation to either of the contact portions oi said actuating device.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement of the strip by. said strip feeding device, a coin chute, a coin.

said coin controlled member in any, one ot a plurality of positions to impart movement thereto. n

1.2. In anapparatus of the cha 'acter de scribed, a strip teeding device, a device, to control the movement imparted to the strip by said strip feeding device, a lever connected with said controlling device, aecoin controlled member pivotally connected with said lever and movable into diti'erentpositions with relation thereto, an actuating device having parts to engage said coin controlled member in different positions thereof and to impart diiiierent movement to said coin controlled member in each of said positions, a lock to retain said coin controlled member in one of the positions to which it is moved bysaid actuating device, and means for disengaging said'locking member from said coin controlled member after a predetermined operation of said feeding device.

13. In an apparatus of the character idea-- scribed, a stripteedingdevice, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, a lever operatively connected with said controlling device, a coin chute, a coin controlled member pivotally mom'ited on said lever and having a part adapted to be moved into and out of said coin chute, a spring acting on said member to move said part into said coin chute,

means for sup 'iorting a coin insaid chute in the path of said part, whereby the position of said member will be controlled by said coin, and an actuating device having a plurality of projections arranged to en gage said coin controlledmember in different positions thereof and to impart different movements thereto. c

It. In an apparatus of the characterde scribed, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the, strip by said feeding device, a lever controlled by said feeding device, a coin chute, a coin controlled member pivotally mounted on Wast 1 said lever andmovable into and out oi said com chute, means for supportmg a com within said chute in the path of said part whereby the position of said meniberwill be controlled by said coin, an actuating device having parts to engage said coin controlled mcmber in either of a plurality of positions, one part of said actuating device being arranged to impart a greater movement to said coin controlled member than will he imparted by another part of said actuating device, a 'am to operate said actuating device, and a locking device arranged to act on said coin controlled member when said greater movement has been imparted thereto and to retain the same in said position independently ot'said cam, and means for disengaging said locking device from said coin controlled member when a. predetermined movement has been imparted to said feeding device.

in an a .)1')aratus oi? the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers one of which is movable toward and from the other, a pivoted yoke to support said movable roller, a locking device to retain said yoke in its retracted position, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feed rollers, a coin controlled member operativcly connected with said controlling device and with the lock, for said yoke, and an actuating device to impart movement to said coin controlled member.

- lo. 111 an apparatus of the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers one of which is movable toward and from the other, a pivoted yoke to support said movable roller, a locking device to retain said yoke in its retracted position, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feed rollers, a coin controlled member operatively connected with said controlling device and with the lock for said yoke, and an actuating device having a plu' rality of contacting portions, said coin controlled member being movable into line with either of said port-ions, said portions being so arranged with relation to said men'iber that one of them will impart a greater movement thereto than the other.

17. in an apparatus of the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers one of which is movable toward and from the other, a pivoted yoke to support said movable roller, :1. locking device to retain said yoke in its retracted position, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feed rollers, a coin controlled member operatively connected with said controlling device and with the lock for said yoke, an actuating deviceuhaving a plurality of contacting portions, said coin controlled member being movable into line with either of said portions, said portions being so arranged with relation to said lllt) operation of said actuating device.

18, in an apparatus of the character described, strip feeding rollers one of which is movable toward andfrom the other, a pivoted yoke to support one of said rollers, means acting on said yoke to move said roller toward the other roller of said pair, a locking device a on said'yolie to hold said roller in its retracted position, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feed rollers, lever operatively connected with said controlling device and with the lock for said yoke, a coin chute, coin controlled member pivotally mounted on said lever and having a part adapted to enter said coin chute, a spring acting on said lever to move said part toward the coin chute, means for supporting a coin in said coin chute in the path of said part, whereby the position of said member will be determined by said coin, and an actuating device having parts to engage said coin controlled member in any one of a plurality of positions and to impart different movements thereto.

19. in an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device and a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device and com prising a. frame pivotally mounted for movement toward and from said strip, contact members yieldably mounted in said frame and adapted to engage said strip, and coin controlled means for actuating said controlling device.

20. In an. apparatus of the character de-' scribed, means for supporting a strip of articles which are separated one from the other by openings, a feeding device for advancing said strip of articles, a frame mounted for movement toward and from said strip, a plurality of pins yieldably mounted in said frame and adapted to en said strip'when said frame is moved toward the same, whereby a portion of said pins will enter openings in said strip, and coin controlled means for actuating said frame. y y

21. In an apparatus of the character described, m-eans for supporting a strip of articles separated one from the other by rows of perforations, feeding means for advancing said strip of articles, a frame mounted for movement toward and from said strip, a series of pins y'ieldably mounted in said frame, said pins being greater in number than the perforations in said strip, and being spaced apart distances loss than the d1stances between sa1d perforations, and

coin controlled means for actuating said frame.

22. In an apparatus of the character described, means for supporting a strip of articles separated one from the other by openings, feeding devices for advancing said strip, a frame pivotally mounted for movement toward and from said strip, said frame having a plurality of guideways, a spring actuated plunger mounted in each of said guideways, a pin carried by each plunger and projecting beyond said frame to engage said strip when said frame is moved toward the same, and coin controlled means for actuating said frame.

23. In an apparatus of the character described, a vertically arranged guideway,

insane for supporting a roll of. stamps at the upper end of said guideway, means for feeding said stamps through said guideway, 21 coin-controlled device to control the mov ment imparted to said stamps by said feed ing means, a delivery chute communicating with the lower end of said guideway, a cut ting device interposed between guideway and said delivery chute and comprising a blade mounted on a vertical axis, a spring acting on said blade to move it in one direction, and a cam acting on said blade to move the same in the other direction.

24. In an apparatus of the character described, vertically arranged guideways, means for supporting a roll of stamps at the upper end of each guideway, means for feed ing said stamps through said guidevvays, a coin controlled device to control the movement imparted to said stamps by said feeding means, a delivery chute communicating with the lower end of said guideways, a cutting device interposed between the guideways and said delivery chute comprising a fixed cutter bar, a vertical shaft rotatably mounted at one end of said her, a cutter blade carried by said shaft and cooperating with said cutter bar, a spring acting on said shaft to move said blade into its inoperative position, an arm secured to said shaft, and a cam acting on said arm to impart operative movement to said blade.

25. In an apparatus of the character described, a plurality of vertical guideways, means for supporting a corresponding plurality of strips of stamps at the upper ends of said guidevvays, a plurality of pairs of feed rollers acting on the respective strips to feed the same through said gui'deways, one roller of each pair being positively driven and the positively driven rollers of the several pairs being rotated in unison by a common actuating device, yokes supporting the other rollers of said pairsof rollers, the several yolzes being pivotaliy mounted for in dependent movement on a common axis,

. carried by said cain shaft and acting on the respective voices to retract the same, and coin controlled means to retain saidyokes in their retracted positions.

$36. loan appaa us of the character described, a plurality of vertical guideways, means for supporting a corresponding plurality of strips of stamps at the upper end of said guideways, a. plurality of pairs of feed rollers acting on the respective strips to feed the same through said gnideways, one roller of each pair being positivelv driven and the positively driven rollers oi the several pairs being rotated in. unison by a coinnionactit ating device, yokcs supporting the other rollers of said pairs of rollers, the several iokes being pivotallv mounted for inde pendent nioven'icnt on a common. axis, springs acting on the respective yokes to move the rollers toward. the corresponding positively driven rollers a cam shaft extending through the said yolres, an operative connection between said cam shaft and the actuating device for said feed'rollers, cams carried by said cam shaft and acting on the respective yokes to retract the same, separate devices to control the moven' ent of the respective stamp strips by said feeding rollers,

a cam mounted on said cam shaft to actuate the several controlling devices, and coin controlled means to control the connections between said cam and said contrrjilling devices.

27.111 an apparatus of the characteryde scribed, a plurality o'tpairs or stripfeeding rollers, one roller of each pair being movable toward and from the other roller of that pair, independently movable structures for supporting-the respective movable rollers, springs acting on said structures to move therollers carried thereby into operative relatioiiwith the other rollers of therespective pairs, afcarn shaft, cams carried by said she it and acting on said structures to retract the same, separate devices to control the movement iil'llPfilliPCl to the strips by the respective feeding rollers, a (.flllTIIJOlllliOtl" on said cain shaft to actuate the several controlling devices, and coin controlled means to control lheconnection between said cam and said controlling devices.

2%. In an apparatus of the character dcscribed, a plurality of pairs of strip feeding rollers, one roller oi each pair being movable remained from tl'ieother, a separate canito actuate each ofsaidmovable rollers, separate devices to" control the noveinent; of the strips by'the respective plus feed "roll er-s, a

.spective controlling devices and for controlling the nu'ivcincnt oi said controlling devices. r

:29. In an apparatus of thcclntractcr described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device having two contact portions, and a coin controlled member opcratively connected with said controlling device and having a part movable into operative relationwith either of the contact portions oi said actuating device.

30. In an apparatus of the character dc scribed, a strip feeding device, a device to control the increment imparted to the strip by said feeding device. an :aluating device, and a coin controlled member rn iei'atively connected with said controlling device and having a part movable into different positions with relation to said actuating device whereby the latter will inipart different niovenicnts to said coin controlled member.

31. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device, a coin chute having means to support a coin within the same, and a member operatively connected with said controlling device and having a. part movable into dill'erent opera tivc positions with relation to said actuating device and also having a part to engage said coin and thereby position said nlcin'bcr with relation to said actuating device.

3" In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the st rip by said feeding device, an actuating device, a coin chute having means to support a coin within the same, a member opcrativcly connected with said controlling device and 'hav-= ing a part movable into dill'erent operative positions with relation to said actuating device and also having a part to engage said coin and thereby' position said member with relation lo said actuating device, a second fa coin chute having means to support a coin within the sa1nc,a member opcratirely connected with said controlling device and having a part movable into different operative positions with relation to said actuating device and also hav ng a part to engage said coin and thereby position inbnllb r with i H ll lUii

llll

relation to said actuating device, an arm movably mounted on that side of said chute opposite said coin controlled member and having a part adapted to enter said chute and engage said coin, and means to actuate said arm to cause said coin controlled memher to be actuated.

34. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, a strip feeding device, a. device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device, a coin chute having means to supporta coin within the same, a mei'nber operatively convllG CtGl l with said controlling device and haviuga part movable into different operative positions with relation to said actuating device and also having a part to engage said coin and thereby position said inen'iber with relation to said actuating device, an arm movably mounted on that side of said chute opposite said coin controlled member and having a part adapted to enter said chute and engage said coin, a spring to impart inward movement to said arm, and a cam to move said arm outwardly against the tension ofsaid spring.

35. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device,

a coin chute having openings in the opposite edges thereof, a stop arranged to support a coin within said chute in line with said openings, a member operatively connected with said controlling device and having apart movable into different operative positions with relation to said actuating device and also having a part arranged ad jaceut to the opening in one edge of said chute, an arm pivotally mounted adjacent to said chute and having a part adapted to enter the opening in the other edge of said chute, and means to actuate said 211'111.

an. In an apparatus of the character described, a strip feeding device, a device to control the movement imparted to the strip by said feeding device, an actuating device, a coin chute having openings in the opposite edges thereof, a stop arranged to support a within said chute in line with said openings, a member operatively connected with said controlling device and having a part movable into different operative positions with relation to said actuating device and also having a part arranged adjacent to the opening in one edge of said chute, an arm pivotally mounted adjacent to said chute. and having a part adapted to enter the opening in the other edge of said chute, said projection having an inwardly extending nose arranged above that portion thereof which contacts with the coin, a spring to move said arm in one direction, and a cam acting on said arm to first withdraw the body of the projection from said chute with tion the first mentioned part of said member with relation to said actuating device.

35 in an apparatus of the character descriltied, coin controlled selective mecl anism comprising a coin chute having means to support a coin therein, an actuating device having two contact portions, and a member opcratively connected with a part to be selectively controlled and having apart movable into operative relation to either of the contact portions of said actuating device, said member also having a part to engage a coin in said chute and thereby position the .iirst mentioned part of said member with relation to the contact portions of said actuating device.

39. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, a coin controlled selective mechanism con'iprising a coin chute having means to support a coin therein, an actuating de vice, a meml ier o niratively connected with a part to be selectively controlled and havinga part movable into different operative positions with relation to said actuating device, said member also having a part to en gage a coin in said chute, a second member movably mounted adjacent to said coin chute and having a part arranged to engage a coin in said chute and move said coin and the first mentioned member to position the latter with relation to said actuating device, and means to actuate said last mentioned member.

40. In an apparatus of the character described, a pair oil. strip feeding rollers comprising a driven roller and a pressure roller, :1. pivoted yoke having two arms, one of said arms supporting said pressure roller for movement toward and from said driven roller, a spring acting on the other arm of said yoke to move said pressure roller toward said driven roller, and coin controlled means to control the position of said pressure roller with relation to said driven roller.

41. In an apparatus of the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers comprising a driven roller and a pressure roller, a pivoted yoke having two arms, one of said arms supporting said pressure roller for movement toward and from said driven roller, a spring acting on the other arm of said yoke to move said pressure roller toward said driven roller, means to retract said pressure roller, a lock to retain said pressure roller in its retracted position, and coin controlled means for actuating said lock to release said pressure roller.

In an apparatus of the character described, a pair of strip feeding rollers comirising a driven roller and a pressure roller,

7 a pivoted yoke having" two arms, one of said arms supporting said pressure roller tor movement toward and from said drivenroller, a spring acting on the other arm of i said yoke to move said pressure roller toward said driven roller. a device acting on the last mentioned arm of said yoke to retract said pressure roller, a lock to retain said pressure roller in its retracted position, and coin controlled means for actuating said lock to release said pressure roller.

.113. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, a pair ofistrip feeding rollersconb prising a driven roller and a pressure roller, a pivoted yoke having two arms, one of said arms supporting said pressure roller for movement toward and from said driven strips of stamps, a pair of feed rollers for each strip of stamps, each pair of feed roll ers comprising a driven roller and a pressure roller, a plurality of pivoted yoltes each l1avingtwo arms,one arm of each yoke supporting the pressure roller 01 one pair of rollers, springs acting on the other arn'ls oi the respective yokes to move said pressure rollers toward the a corresponding driven rollers, cams arranged between the amps of the respeetive pokes and acting thereon to retract said pr sure rollers, separate means to retain the several pressure rollers in their re traetedpositions, and coin controlled means to release said pre sure rollers for movement toward the corresponding driven rollers.

In anapparatusof the character described, means for supporting a pli'lrality of strips of stamps, a pairof feed rollers for ea '11 strip of stamps, each pair of feed rollers comprising a driven roller and a pressure roller, apluralitly of pivoted yolres each having two arms, one arm of each yoke supporting the pressure roller of one pair of rollers, springs acting: on theothe' arms of the re sport-ire pokes to move said pressure rollers toward the corresponding driven rollers, a shaft extending between the arms of the several yolres, cams secured to said shafts and arranged to act on the respective pokes to retract said pressure rollers, lmiliillg means for the respective pressure rollers, and coin (tt.)lll;l.'0ll(3( l means for actuating said locking means to release said pressure rollers.

In testimony whereof, I allix my signature hereto.

ALBERT B. VARBLE.