US2050161A

US2050161A - Vending machine

Info

Publication number: US2050161A
Application number: US9797A
Authority: US
Inventors: Eail L Crabb
Original assignee: PLANETELLUS Manufacturing CORP
Current assignee: PLANETELLUS Manufacturing CORP
Priority date: 1935-03-07
Filing date: 1935-03-07
Publication date: 1936-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 1953-08-04

Description

Aug. 4, 1936. E. l.. CRABB 2,050,161

VENDING MACHINE Filed March '7, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 W MM Efgf Y i Elige.

gzvenor EarZl/ @y Amo.

E. L. CRABB VENDING MACHI NE Filed March 7, V1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 A me 7251307 Emil/ rZv EMaw y QL,

E. L. CRABB 2,050,161

VENDING MACHINE Filed March '7, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 4, 1936. E. L. cRABB 2,050,151

' VENDING MACHINE Filed March 7, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES VENDING MACHINE Earl L. Crabb, Chicago, Ill., assigner' to Planetcllus Manufacturing Corporation, Chicago, lll.,

a corporation oi Illinois Application March 7, 193s, semi No. '9,197

22 Claims.

The invention relates generally to a machine for vending cards, pictures, and packets or the like, said articles being stored in segregated groups whereby the operator of the machine may set the mechanism to cause automatic selec-- tion and vending of one of the articles.

More particularly, however, the invention relates to an astrological machine, which is manually set in accordance with a zodiacal period within which falls a persons birth date, and coin released to cause automatic operation of selector mechanism that selects an envelope containing the appropriate printed horoscope from one of twelve packs of such envelopes, there being twelve such packs provided to correspond with the twelve signs and periods of the zodiac. After selection of an envelope from the proper pack has been effected, the envelope is automatically vended to a point, where it is accessible to the operator of the machine.

The main object of the invention is to provide an improved vending machine of the kind stated.

Another object is top rovide an improved arrangement, in separate groups, of the matter tobe vended. v

Still another object is to provide in a machine of the class described a coin released, automatically acting, selector and vending mechanisni. I

It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved changeable exhibitor to be associated with the vendor for causing display of the sign of the zodiac corresponding with the period embodying a persons birth date for which the machine has been set.

Also it is an object generally to provide an astrological machine that will constitute an improvement over applicants prior Patent No. 1,956,059 granted April 24, 1934.

Other important objects, of course, will later appear to those skilled in this art as the disclosure is more fully made.

These objects may be achieved in the particular embodiment of the machine herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As thus shown, the machine may comprise an appropriate cabinet suitably embellished with astronomical ornamentation or otherwise, to attract the maximum of public attention and arouse 'curiosity to encourage an individuals desire to have his horoscope vended. 'I'hese horoscopes are printed in accordance with predictions and so forth, well understood and established inthe science of astrology. The printed sheet is placed in an envelope which may be sealed if desired. Twelve compartments are provided in the cabinety for storing these envelopes in separate groups, the twelve compartments, of course, corresponding to the twelve signs and periods oi the zodiac. The operator who may be the person desiring his horoscope, sets an indicator manually to display the period on the calender or zodiacal period within which is included his birth date. Thereupon, the proper coin is inserted into a coin slot 10 to release the mechanism which is electrically operated to cause operation of a selector, which takes an envelope from the proper compartment or pack and vends it to the operator. At the same time, doors open to display the sign of the l5 zodiac appropriate to the horoscope vended. So much will suflce in presenting a general surveyv of the improved machine, which is illustrated in detail in the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein: 2o

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the machine;

Figure 2 is an end elevational view thereof;

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the .changeable sign of the zodiac exhibitor and con- 25 tact mechanism associated therewith for establishing circuits to operate the selector and vending mechanism, the view being of these parts with the front panel removed;

Figure 4 is a detail view in rear elevation of a trip structure that controls operation or doors that areassociated with the changeable exhibitor;

Figure 5 is an end elevational view, partly in section, of the structure shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view through the changeable exhibitor and the selector and vending mechanism, taken along the line 6--6 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 7 is a vertical, end sectional View through the entire upper part of the machine, taken along the line 'i-l of Figure l0, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail end view of one of the selector arms, illustrating how it works in relation to the associated pack of envelopes;

Figure 9 is a detail, rear elevational, View of a switch structure as seen along the line 9-9 of Figure'?, looking in the indicated direction;

Figure 10 is an enlarged front elevational view of the selector and vending mechanism as viewed when the front changeable exhibitor unit is removed;

Figure 11 is a rear elevational view of the 55 pocketed shelf structure carrying the twelve packs of envelopes as seen when the rear panel is removed; 5

Figure 12 is a detail perspective view,-showing the structure for establishing an electrical circuit through the .changeable exhibitor web to one of the selectors;

Figure 13 is an end vertical sectional view, showingthe coin operated means for establishing a motor circuit; Y

Figure 14 is an end vertical view, partly in section, through the cabinet and taken along, the line |4[|4 of Figure 10 to show the motordrive and an associated switch mechanism; and,

Figure 15 is an electrical diagram, showing the electrical hook-up from the source of electrical energy to the motor and selector operatingl mechanism. a

The machine embodies a three part cabinet having a base unit 23 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 ,and an upper part supported thereon and comprising a front exhibitor V.unit 2| anda rear dispensing unit 22. The cabinet is constructed this way for convenience in manufacture and assembly, and to enable easy shipping thereof in com-1 pact knock down form. These three units of the cabinet are secured together when the machine is completely assembled, in any appropriate manner, by means not shown. There is no operative mechanism in the base unit 23; all the mecha- Y nism being arranged in the front lunit 2| and the rear unit 22.

The exhibitor unit 2| has an opening 23 set of! by a frame 24 carried on the front wall 25 of the unit asbest shown in Figures 1 and 7. The' back sid'eof said lwall 25 carries a horizontal, transverse sill 26 on which is supported a vertical panel 21 that is inset as shown for ornamentalV affect and embellished as indicated inl Figure'l. This panel has substantially centrally formed therein a rectangular window, or display opening 29 and thereabove anotherdisplay opening 29, the latter being vrelatively narrow, as shown. A

Looking to Figures 3 and 'I it will be seen that the end walls of this display unit 2| carry an upper horizontal transverse plate 30 and a` lower parallel plate 3|, these two plates being spaced apart in a manner to locate thev two display tween which runs a display web 35, the web runpropriately journaled as shown in Figure 3 in` the plates 30, 3|, the lower end of each shaft being operably connected by bevel gears 39 to a transverse drive shaft 40 journaled in the end walls of the unit 2|. At one end the shaft 49 carries a pulley wheel 4| fast thereon and driven from a lower pulley wheel 42 by means of a belt 43. The pulley 42 is carried on a shaft including a knob 44 projecting through the front wall 5 25 of the unit 2|. The belt is properly guided by a suitably located idler pulley wheel 45 .also carried by said wall 25.

Obviously, by turning the knob 44by hand the web 35 can be moved back and forth behind the 10

display openings

29, 29. The upper portion of the-web carries dates such as July 23 to Aug. 22"

,corresponding to one of the zodiacal periods,

there being twelve such periods designated in proper order on the web.. These periods are to 15 be shown behind the display opening 29, which by the way, is never covered as the doors 33 only cooperate with the` lower or large display open' ing 29. The lower portion of the web carries illustrations of the signs of the zodiac corre- 20 spondingwith the various calender periods. For example, as shown in Figure 1, for the period designated, there is shownl the corresponding zodiac sign of Leo. It will be understood that this web 35 carries twelve groups of date periods 25 and twelve corresponding signs; as in astrology, there are twelve signs of the zodiac.

As best shown in Figures 6 and '1 the end walls of the unit 2| carry awooden cross bar 46 near the lower end of said unit. On said bar 46 at 303 suitably spaced intervals, are mounted thirteen spring contact pieces 41, one of which marked 41' has a wire 49 leading therefrom to a contact clip 49 (see also Figure 9) fastened to the inside of Wall 25. 35'

Leading from each contact clip 41 is a wire 59, the wires being arranged two each in six cables 5|, said cables being all directed to the' left hand end of the unit 2| to be passed upwardly through a wooden plate 52 secured tothe end wall of the unit as shown in Figures 6 and 12. These cables 5| are then passed through six bores formed in another plate 53 secured to the adjacent end wall and carried on the plate 3|. These cables are leadforwardly through the plate 53 so that the twelve wires therein may be brought into position to be respectively connected with twelve contact strips 54 (see also Figure 3) carried in vertically spaced relation on an insulator panel 55.

Said panel 55 is hingedly connected for swinging movement on a vertical shaft 56 mounted on the plate 3 as shown. Each of the contact strips 54 carries a transversely extending contact finger 51 extending laterally of the panel 55 as shown in Figures 3 and 12 to line up respectively with the twelve slits 31 formed in the commutator and display web 35. The panel 55 carries an eye 59 to receive the end of a crank 59 journaled by bearings 69 on the plate 3| and, including an upwardly and rearwardlyextending trip arm 6| normally pulled upwardly by a spring 62 anchored to the lplate 52 to rock the crank forwardly to hold the hinged panel 55 forward to keep the fingers 51 out of the position where they could engage the web 35 or enter the slits 31.

When a finger 51 is pressed through a slit 31 it contacts an upright metal conductor bar 63 carried on the plate 3|, said bar 63 being in circuit with a wire 64 passed downwardly through the plate 3| to be connected witha contact clip 65 on the front wall 25 adjacent to the clip 49 heretofore described, as shown also in Figure 9.

At the right hand end of the unit 2|, as viewed in Figure 3, is fixed to the adjacent end wall, a guide block 66 in winch is mounted for up and 75 down slid-ing movement a control bar 61 for operating the doors 33 for exposing the signs of the zodiac on the web 35 at the desired time. This bar 61 moves between the guide block 88 and the rear edges ot` the plates 30, 8|, as best shown in Figures 4 and 5.

As shown in these figures of the drawings, the adjacent end wall of the unit 2| carries'a pivoted pawl 88 adapted to cooperate with a notch 89 formed near; the upper end of said bar 61. This pawl carries an upstandlng weighted arm 10 A curved rearwardly to hold the pawl 68 .in the position shown in Figure 5. Extending rearwardly from the bar 61 is a trip arm 1| for a purpose later to appear. Connected between the lower end ot the bar,81 and the stationary block 88 is a spring 12.

Dead-ended to the lower end of the bar 61 is a cord 13 trained around a pulley 14 carried at the lower end of the bar 61, said cord being further guided around a second pulley 15 mounted on the plate 3| and still another pulley 18 carried on top of the plate 3| at its front edge. From the last mentioned pulley the cord 'I3 as shown in Figure 3 is lead transversely over the plate 3| and is dead ended at its other end to the right hand door 33 at a point designated 11.

Another cord 18 is dead ended at 19 to the same right hand door 33 as viewed in Figure 3, said cord 18 being run transversely over the plate 3|v in a left hand direction to be passed around a pulley 80 and then trained transversely back with its other end dead ended at 8| to the left hand door 33. See also Figure 6. A rubber band 82, or the like, shown in Figure 3, is connected at 83 to the left hand door near its lower edge, said band 82 having its other end connected to a pin 84 carried on the plate 3| adjacent the right hand end of the plate 3|. This completes the description of theunit 2| and its associated parts. Obviously this entire unit may be bodily removed from the base 20 and the rear unit 22, said unit 2| being open at its back side as shown in Figure 7 to facilitate assembly and servicing of the mechanism contained therein.

The rear wall 85 of the unit 22 is made. quickly removable to render accessible the rear portion of said unit 22 which contains the twelve horoscope compartments and thc vending mechanism. The end walls of this unit carry an upper shelf 86 and a lower shelf 81 divided as shown in Figure l1 into twelve compartments or pockets 88, each carrying a pack of envelopes containing printed horoscopes for the respective twelve zodical periods. These envelopes as shown in Figure 7, are arranged vertically on the

shelves

86, 81 and if desired they may be appropriately held in such position by any suitable spring clips, as shown. The lower shelf 81 has connected to it a chute or trough pan 89 which as shown in Figures 7 and 10 is inclined forwardly and downwardly to a discharge opening 90 formed .in the front wall 25 of the front unit 2|. A tray 9| is provided to receive the vended envelopes to make them accessible,'outside the cabinet, to the purchaser. The envelopes are shown at 92 in the pockets 88.

'I'he end walls of the unit 22 carry spaced vertical strips to form a. guidechannel 93 for slidably carrying a panel 94 which controls the selection and vending of the envelopes, said panel being spaced forwardly of the front edges of the

shelves

86, 81 to provide a vertical space 95 down` which a selected envelope drops by gravity for delivery onto the chute 89. See Figures 6 and 7.

This panel 94 is reciprocated up and down in its guide channels 93 by motor driven connections shown in Figures 10 and 14, where it'will be seen that the top portion of the base unit' 20 has secured to it an electric motor 98, whichdrives appropriate reduction gearingv contained in a housing 91 and a supplementary housing 88 to rotate a shaft carrying a crank arm 99 Pivotally connected to the tree end of the ,crank 99 is a pitman link in turn pivotallyponnected at |0| to the lower end of the panels, This link |00 reciprocates through `an appropriate slot formed in the chute 89 as shown in Figure 10.

' This panel 84-at its lower`front edge carries a series of thirteen spaced contact clips |02 (see Figures-'I and 10), said clips being spaced in the same manner as the clips 41 on the bar 46, there being one clip numbered |02' to be associated with the clip 41', heretofore described. Each clip |02 carries a :forwardly extending spring contact nger |03, while the clip |02 carries a similar nger |04. When the panel 94 is in its lowered position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 7, these fingers |03, respectively connect electrically the clips |02 and 41, while the finger |04 connects the clips |03' and 41'. The front side of the unit 22 is open to permit this connection of the contact clips in the two units 2| and 22.

'Ihe front side of the panel 94 has arranged thereon in transverse alinement an upper row, and a` lower row of spaced clips carrying hinge pins as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10, each pin |05 carrying a pivot block |06, and each block having secured thereto an upstanding picker arml |01. VEach arm is curved upwardly and rearwardly at its upper end, as shown, said arms being individually adapted to swing rearwardly through alined vertical slots |08 formed in the panel 94. It can now be seen that there are in alll twelve picker arms |01, the same being arranged in two rows of six each, and each arm being positioned to cooperate with one of the envelope containing pockets' 88.

The upper end of each arm |01 carries a head |09 which preferably is made of yielding material, such as-rubber, if desired, and each head |09 may carry a pair of angularly spaced, sharp, picker pins ||0 adapted to impale the envelopes 92, as will later appear. Or, as an obvious alternative, the pins may be eliminated and the rubber head itself may be made directly to engage the envelopes frictionally to move them to discharge position. Each arm 01 as appears in Figure 6 is pressed with its upper end in the direction of the panel 94 by a spring connected between the front side of the panel 94 and a forwardly extending arm ||2 secured to each pivot block |08. A spring pressed pivoted detent ||3 is carried on the panel 94 adjacent each arm |81 as shown in Figure lO, each detent including a lateral stop ||4, which normally extends across the adjacent slot |08 to prevent the arms |01 from being swung through the slots |08. Each detent includes an armature portion ||5 for a purpose later to appear.

Certain of these stops 4 are engaged by the upper end of certain of the arms |01 while other these arms with those which cooperate with the stops engaging'the lower portions of the straight the sake of compactness, as it enablesuse of a smallerpanel 04 and more'compact'disposition of the stop detenta ||3. y ofarms ||2 theendwallsoi' theunit 22 carrya crossrod ||1for a purpose ylaterV to be made tively connected with ,three electro-magnets |23,

|24 and |25 mounted on the panel "04 and associated with the three respective detent; stop members ||3 and -in line to attract their armatures ||5 when `energized to pivot said members ||3 away from between the picker arms |01 and Short leads' these latter threeV lines are shortleads to the three magnets |35, |30 and |31 carried on the panel 04 for the other three detents I3 and arms |01. There is'thus far described one side o! a trunk line circuit for energizing twelve electromagnets, there being one magnet associated with a detent ||3 for each envelope picker arm |01.

Obviously, now the electrofmagnets just described can be placed individually in circuit with the main trunk wire ||0 to energizeany one oi these twelve magnets to cause it magnetically to move a detent stop ||3 out of the way to permit one of the picker arms |01 to be moved to pick up an envelope from one oi' the pockets 00.

A source of electric energy, which may be a battery is shown at |50 resting on the top of the base unit20. A wire |5|, shown -in Figures 7 and 15 'is in circuit with the negative post of battery |50 and leads to a contact member |52 mounted on a lever |53 pivoted on a pin |54 mounted on the left hand wall of the unit 2| A sion.|50A at its upper end lying in the path of movement ot a trip |51 secured to the lower edge of the panel 04. Carried on the adjacent wall 9.050.101 am m. 'rms rangement is provided' for below the lever |53 is a bracket |55 carrying an adjustable contact |50 having'electrical vconnection with a wire |00 lthat leads to the electric' motor 05. Thus, the contacts |52, |50 comprise s switch m a shunt circuit m, m for the mo-` 5 tor 05, as shown in mure'l. A wire |5| is connected with the motor and leads to the positive post of the battery |50.

As shown in Figures 'I'.l 9` and 15 the circuit 25 |5|, |50 is tappedby a 'wire 04' connected to a contact spring |1| supported on a standard |12 and cooperable with the contact 05 to establish connection with the wire 04, contact bar 03, one

of the spring contacts 51 and associated wire 50. 30

This wire 50 leads down -to a clip 41 on the bar 40 to be contacted with one of the spring rods |03 mounted on a lclip |02 on the panel 04. As

shown in Figure l0, a wire |40 leads to a magnet |20, back through wire |22, wire ||0 and into trunk ||0 connected to clip |02', linger rod' |54 connecting to clip 41', and thence to wire 40. Wire 40 leads tocontact 40 (Figures 9 and 7) engaging a complementary contact |13 on the standard |12. From contact |13 is lead a wire 4 I1 4 terminating in aV switch contact |15 associated with a second contact |10 both mounted I adjacent-the housing 00. A wire 11 leads from the contact |10 back to the plus side of the battery |50. This spring switch is normally open 4 but closed at times momentarily when a pin |10 on the rotating crank 30 engages the same.

In connection with the magnet circuit Just established the trip rod 0| is operated by a pin |10 on a bracket |00 on the panel 94, said rod 5 6| whenengaged bythe pin |10, serving to close the. contact parts 03 and 51 through a slit 31 in the web 35 as shown in Figure 12.

The panel 94 carries a trip |00 for a purpose later to appear.

In operating this improved machine for vending an envelope or the like, the operator iirst operates the knob 44.to move the web 35 for the purpose of bringing into view behind the display opening v20 the zodiacal period within which falls the birth dateof the person desiring to have theA horoscope. This operation also sets the web to position the corresponding sign of the zodiac behind the normally closed doors 33. In the starting position the panel 04 is held in its uppermost position by the crank 00 and pitman |00. The machine is -now ready to receve a coin, such as a dime orI ten cent piece, which is inserted through the slot |00. 'I'his coin drops by gravity down the chute |00, where it is received and held between the-switch contacts 02, |04, thus closing the main motor circuit |00, |0I to cause operation of the motor 00.V

The crank 09 in turning counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 14 from its top most position 75 y 2,050,161 .puns the man nnk lun down and with it the' panel 94. As the panel moves down the trip strikes the member 1| to lower with the panel 94. the control b ar 61 and by the cable and pulley system described open the doors 33 to cause display oiltlie selected sign of the zodiac. When the web' 35 was set by turning of the knob 44 one of the twelve slitsv 31 in the web was brought into position to register with one oi the contact :lingers 51.-

As the panel 94 continues to descend the pin |19 of the block |80 engages the arm 6| of the crank 59 to hinge the board 55 rearwardly. -This causes electrical contact of the

contacts

As the panel 94 descends,:'however, the switch |62, |64 is opened because the trip device |61 hits the bell crank |66 to swing the lever |65 to move the contact |64 away from the complementary contact |62. This frees the coin (see Figure 13) to cause it to drop into the coin box |10. The motor circuit is not broken because-of the switch |52, |59 and it is at this moment in the cycle of operation that the doors 33 slide open to expose the sign of the zodiac on the web 35 behind the display opening 28.

The panel 94 is now at the bottom position of its travel which means, of course, that the wire lingers |03 are contacting the contact clips 41 on the bar 46, as lshown in the dotted lines in Figure '1. Also the trunk line nger |04 contacts the clip 41 as shown in Figure 6. By'this time the pin |18 on the crank 99 closes the switch |15, |16 to complete the circuit from the battery |50 through wires |60, 64, 64', contacts 63. 51, a wire 50 and thence to the selected circuit |46 to the magnet |28, Wire 48, |14 and back to the battery by wire |11.

'I'he selected magnet determined by the slit in the web 35 now is energized to draw the armature of the adjacent detent lever ||3. Said lever ||3 now pivots to permit a spring to pull the associated picker arm |01 to swing rearwardly through the adjacent slot |08 in the panel 94 as shown in the full lines in Figure 8. All of the other eleven arms |01 are held back by their detents H3 because their magnets have not been energized, as will be readily understood.

The parts 99, |00 now drive the panel 94 upwardly, the spring contacts |15, |16 opening as soon as the pin |18 is disengaged therefrom. As thepanel moves up, the arm |01 described is in position with one of its two pins ||0 to impale and pick up an envelope 92 from the pocket 88 adjacent the arm |01 being described.

As the panel 94 rises the arm |01 carries the selected envelope with it. Eventually the iingers ||2 strike the cross rods |1, thus pulling the acting operating arm |01 forwardly with its envelope. The envelope strikes the back side of the panel 94 as the arm |01 passes forwardly through its slot |08, causing the envelope to be doied from the pin ||0, said envelope now dropping down the space 95 onto the chute 89 to be delivered into the tray 9|. As the panel 94 reaches its top position the trip |51 engages the trip arm |55,

|56 to break or open the switch |52, |59, thereby stopping the motor. The spring pressed detent 3 for the arm 01 that was in action is now pulled back to normal position restraining the said arm |01 from moving through its slot |08 in 5 the panel 94. The spring 12 and rubber band 82v are also operative now to pull the doors 33 to closed position.

In the manner described setting of the web 35 makes it possible to present any one of its twelve slits 31 to a position with respect to the contact lingers 51 to permit energization of any one of the twelve electro-magnets to set any one of the twelve picker arms |01 in envelope picking posi-- tion. The purpose of providing two angularly related pins I0 on each arm |01 is to compensate for the changed position of the pins relative to the arc of travel thereofv as any one envelope pack gets smaller. In this way it is assured that one or the other of the two pins 0 on each arm 20 |01 will impale an envelope either when the pack in each pocket 88 is full or nearly empty. The supply of envelopes in each pocket 88 can be easily replenished upon removal of the back board 85.

From this disclosure it must now be apparent that an improved selective vending machine has been provided especially adapted for vending horoscopes inthe manner stated. Obviously, this improved structure achieves all of the desirable 30 objects heretofore recited.

It is the intention to cover `herein all changes and modifications of the illustrative example disclosed which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended 35 claims.

' What is claimed is:v

l. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage member comprising aplurality of pockets containing the articles to be vended, a vertically reciprocable control bodily movable relative to the pockets and carrying a plurality of operable vending devices for taking articles from the pockets, motor driven meansto lower and raise the control panel with said devices relative to the pockets, a vending chute, means for automatically causing individual operation of one of the vending devices for taking an article from one of the pockets and causing delivery thereof to said chute as the panel returns to its raised position, and means to stop the motor and further movement of the panel when the article has been Vended.

2. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage member comprising a plurality of pockets containing the articles to be vended, a substantially vertically slidably mounted control panel carrying a plurality of vending devices each of which is movable independently of the others relative to said control panel for taking articles from the pockets, means to drive the control panel from a raised position downwardly and then back again, and means controlled by the movement of said control member to cause actuationv of one of the vender devices to take an article from one of the pockets and deliver it to a pointof discharge and to stop further movement of the panel when the article has been vended.

3. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage member comprising a pluralitybf pockets containing the articles to be vended, a control 70 panel mounted in the cabinet for substantially up and down vertical sliding movement, said panel carrying a plurality of pivotally mounted vender devices independently movable away from the panel through slots formed in the panel to 75 engage an article in the pockets of ythe storage member, and means controlled by the movement of the control panel to cause operation of'one o! said vending devices to cause an article to be vended.

4. In a vending machine, an upright compartmented member carrying separate groups oi.' articles to be vended, a control panel mounted for parallel up and down movement with respect to the compartmented member andcarrying a plurality of relatively movable pivoted vender devices movable through slots formed in the panel to cooperate individually with the separate groups of articles to vend the same, means for selecting one of the vender devices to be operated, and means controlled by the movement of said control panel to cause operation of the selected vender device.

5. In a vending machine, a compartmented member carrying'separate groups of articles to be vended, a panel included in the machine and carried, for reciprocatory movement in a path substantially parallel to the member, a motor, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the panel for moving the panel to and fro in relation to the member, said panel carrying a plurality of movable vender devices operable through slots formed in the panel from an inoperative to an operative position to coopcrate with the separate groups of articles to engage and vend the same, means whereby one of the devicesmay be selected for operation, and

' means controlled bythe movement of the control member to cause operation of the selected vender device and to stop the motor after the article has been vended.

6. In ,a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage chamber comprising a plurality of separate groups of articles to be vended, a reciprocable control member carrying a plurality of operable vender devices for taking articles from the groups mentioned, an electric motor, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the control member to reciprocate same, a source of electric energy, a manually set commutator means including vcircuits for selecting one of the yvender devices for operation, and means controlled by movement of the control member to cause operation of the selected vender device.

7. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage chamber comprising a plurality of separate groups of larticles to be vended, a slidably mounted control member carrying a plurality of vending devices each of which is movable independently of the others relative to said control member for taking articles from the groups mentioned, an electric motor, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the control member to slide 'the control member, a source of electric energy, circuits for the vender devices including means for selecting one of the-vender devices to operate, and means controlled by the movement of the control member to cause operation of the selected vender device.

8. In avending machine, a cabinet having a storage member comprising a plurality of pockets containing the articles to be vended, a control panel mounted in the cabinet for substantially vertical sliding movement, said panel carrying a plurality of pivotally mounted vender devices independently movable through the panel to engage an article in the pockets of the storage member, an electric motor including a source of energy and connections for operating the control panel, detents to prevent pivotal movement of the vender devices, circuits including electro-magnets for moving the detents to permit operation of the vender devices when themagnets areenergized, Vmeans for selecting the particular device desired to be operated, and kmeans controlled by 5 the movement of the control board `to yenergize one or the circuits and its electro-magnet.

9. In a vending machine, a compartmented member carrying separate groups of articles to be vended, a panel mounted for substantially vertical sliding movement. said panel carrying a plurality or relatively movable vender devices to cooperate with the separate groups of articles to vend the same, means for enabling one of said vender devices to be selected for operation, an electric motor having connections to drive the panel, a source of electric energy, means to start the motor, and means controlled by the movementor the panel to cause operation oi' the selected vender device and cutting oil.' of the motor 20 after the article has been vended.

10. In a vending machine, a base, a pair of detachably mounted complementary units on the base, one of said units including pockets for carrying separate groups of articles to be vended, 25 said unit also carrying a movable member including vender devices for taking the articles from the pockets to move same to a vending position, the other unit including an exhibitor and selectlng means for causing selection of the vender de- Vice desired to be operated, means for moving the movable member, and means controlled by the movement of said movable member to cause operation of the selected vender device.

11. In a vending machine, a cabinet including 35 pockets to store separate groups of articles to be vended, a control member mounted for movement relative to said groups of articles including a plurality of vender devices for taking the articles to vend same. a changeable exhibitor in the 40 cabinet including means for selecting one oi' the vender devices for operation, an electric motor having connections for operating the control member, and circuits established by movement of the control member to cause individual operation of the selected vender device.

12. A vender including a cabinet having separate groups oi' articles to be vended, a movable member including a plurality of vender devices` individually operable to vend from the respective groups, electrically driven means for movin'g the member, and a reel and web means adapted to be manually set for establishing circuits to select any one of the vender devices for operation, and means controlled by the movable member to set the selected vender device in operation.

13. The combination of a vending machine having separate groups oi' articles to be vended and a like number of operative vender devices respectively cooperable therewith, electrical means for causing operation of the vender devices, a reel and web exhibitor means for enabling selection of one of the vender devices for operation, and movable control means to establish circuits for 65 causing operation of the vender devices.

14. In a vending machine, an upright cabinet having a storage member comprising a plurality of. upright pockets each having a substantially horizontal oor to support within the pockets 70 loose packs of envelopes or the like arranged on end, a control panel mounted in the cabinet for up and down sliding movement in substantial parallelism with the envelopes in the pockets, a motor, means operatively connecting a moving 75 part of the motor tothe panel for reciprocating the panel, a number of envelope engaging devices carried on the panel for bodily movement therewith and for independent movement individually away from the panel in a direction toward the respective envelope packs, said devices being equal in number to the pockets and each having operatively associated therewith means to releasably lock the devices against such relative movement, means to set the motor in operation to drive the panel downwardly from a normal raised position and then upwardly, means controlled by the panel in its down position to release one of the devices for movement to engage a preselected pack as the panel again moves upwardly to vengage an envelope from the said pack to vend the same, means to stop the motor when theenvelope hasbeen vended, and meansi to return the vending device that operated to in` ctive position. Y

l5. In a vending achine, an upright cabinet having a storage member comprising a plurality of upright pockets each having a substantiallyr horizontal floor to support within the pockets loose packs of envelopes or the like arranged on end, a control panel mounted in the cabinet for up and down sliding movement in substantial parallelism with the envelopes in the pockets, a motor, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the panel for reciprocating the panel, a number of pivotally mounted envelope engaging devices carried on the side of the panel remote from the pockets, said devices being bodily movable with the panel and also having independent swinging movement through slots formed in the panel in the direction of the pockets, said devices being equal in number to the pockets and each having operatively associated therewith detents for releasablylocking the devices against swinging. movement, means to start the motor to drive the panel downwardly from a normal raised position and then upwardly again, means controlled by the panel in its movement to release one of the devices for movement to engage a preselected pack as the panel moves up again to remove an envelope from said pack to vend same, means controlled by the panel to stop' the motor 1when the envelope has been vended, and means to return the device that performed the vending operation to its normal inactive position.

. 16. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage part comprising a number of pockets containing packs of envelopes or the like to be vended, a control panel mounted in the cabinet for substantially vertical reciprocating movement from a starting position and back again, said panel carrying a number of movably mounted vender devices individually movable relative to the panel in a direction toward the packs of envelopes to engage the same, a motor, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the panel for reciprocating the panel, releasable locks for normally preventing such individual movement of the vender` devices, means for selecting the particular vender device desired to be moved toward a pack, and means controlled by the movement of the panel to cause release ot the lock for the selected vender to cause it to move to envelope engaging position relative to the adjacent pack, an envelope being vended therefrom by said device as the panel reciprocates back to its starting position.

17. In a vending machine, a cabinet having a storage member comprising a plurality of pockets containing the articles to be vended, a control panel mounted in t'ne cabinet for substantially vertical sliding movement, said panel carrying a plurality of movably mounted article engaging devicesindividually movable awayl from the panel toward the pockets, an electric motor including a source of energy, means operatively connecting a moving part of the motor to the panel for sliding the panel from a starting position and back again, releasable locks for the respective devices normally to prevent their movement, circuits including electro-magnetic instrumentallties for the respective locks for releasing the locks to permit movement of the devices when the instrumentalities are energized, means for selecting the particular device desired to vend, and means controlled by the movement of the control panel to energize one of the circuits and associated instrumentality to release the associated lock and permit the selected device to move to article engaging position, the article being withdrawn from the pocket and vended as the panel moves back to its starting position.

y18. In a vending machine, a cabinet including compartments for carrying 'separate groups of articles to be vended, a bodily movable member mounted in the cabinet' including individually and relatively movable article engaging devices for taking articles from a selected compartment to vend same, a changeable exhibitor carri'ed by the cabinet including selecting means for causing selection. of the vender device desired to be operated, means for driving the movable member past the compartments, and means to cause relative movement of the selected vender device toward a compartment as the member moves to vend an article therefrom.

i9. Ina vending machine, a cabinet including compartments for carrying separate groups of articles to be vended, a bodily movable member mounted in the cabinet including individually and relatively movable article engaging devices for taking articles from a selected compartment -to vend same, an electric motor, means operativea changeable double reel and web exhibitor havlng slots, means to move the web to set a selected slot for building up a circuitvto one of the electromagnetic devices, and means controlled by movement of the movable member to complete the circuit to energize the associated electro-magnetic device to cause release of a lock and movement of the associated vender device to article engaging position, said vender device vending the article engaged as the movable member moves.

20. In a vending machine, a cabinet including compartments for carrying separate groups of articles to be vended, a bodily movable member mounted in the cabinet lincluding individually and relatively movable article engaging devices for taking articles from a selected compartment to vend same, a changeable exhibitor including selecting means for causing selection of the vender device desired to be operated, said exhibitor being movable past -a display opening formed in the cabinet, a normally closed movably mounted door carried by the cabinet to obscure the opening and exhibitor, means for moving the movable member, and means controlled by the movement of said movable member to cause operation of the selected vender device and opening oi the door to display the exhibitor.

21. In an envelope, .or the like, vending machine, a cabinet having a storage member formed erable vending devices for taking articles from the' pockets, motor driven means to move the panel to and fro past the pockets to locate the vender devices respectively relative to the pockets, and rmeans controlledby the movement-of said control member to cause actuation of one of the vender devices to slip an envelope from a pack in one of the pockets, delivery means 'tot receive such envelope and vend it to a point of discharge, and means to stop further movement `of the panel when the envelope has been vended.

22. In a vending machine, a compartmented member carrying separate packs of ilat envelopes or the like to be vended, a support mounted adment 'between the compartmented member and 10 support for relatively positioning the separate packs oi' envelopes and the envelope engaging devices, means to cause release of a preselected device for operatively positioning it to engage an envelope whereby as the member and support 16 I continue their relative movement the operatively positioned device will engage and slip an envelope oir the corresponding pack, means to receive the discharged envelope and for directing it to a vended position, a trip controlled by the 20 relative movement of the member and support to stop the motor, and the resilient means serving to retract the vender device which operated to its inoperative position.

EARLLCRABB. 25-