US2370684A - Coin control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 6,1945- c. F. PEASE 2.310,68

COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 I M 'r..\' TOR. C/zarZes EPeas e March 6, 1945. PEASE I 2,370,684

COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed NOV. 16, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

March 6, 1945. Q E PEAsE 2.370,684

COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1 6, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 TEEN I!" Rio r7163.

March 6, 1945. E SE 2,370,684

COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Npv. 16, 1942 B'Sheet S-Sheet 4 March 6, 1945. P ASE 7 2,370,684

- COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 I' I I 37 I {E l .51 E l 31 h. l f a5 4; 61+ r I I J i X? .55

5%} I A 1 |v i I I2 I: i I w. INVENTOR. C/zarZesEPeasQ,

v 4 BY March 6, 1945. I c. F. PEASE 2,370,684

COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1942 8 sheets sheet 6 nnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnn INVENTOR. 0 I Ckar'ZeJFPease,

4 6 36 37 LM BY I I flit 017135 March 6, 1945.

C. F. PEASE COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1942 8 sheets-rsheet 7 jNVl-JNTOR. Cfiarles f e as e BY Mar ch c. F. PEAsE 2370,68 1

'COIN CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 l 51 F 76- f7 7 19.21. jg zz.

- IN V EN TOR. CfiarZe sZTe as e, Y

Patented Mar. 6, 1945 com CONTROL APPARATUS v y Charles F. Page, Long Beaoh ,c'arl i f.. I Application November 16,1942, Serial No. 465,775 I (01.194561) r 13 Claims. My invention relates to improvements in a coin control of that type which is particularly although not exclusively adapted for use with dispensing units, suchtas are described in my copending applications: Serial Number364,621, filed November 7, 1940; Serial Number 370,272, filed December 16, 1940, and further applications about to be filed, the inventions set forth in said applications being adapted for dispensing individual articles and packages of various kinds and shapes.

The primary object of this invention is the production of an improved coin control by which any one of a number of dispensing-units of similar or different types can be operated to dispense any article chosen from a series of saidunits.

Another object is the production of a coin con trol by which a penny article or package can be dispensed by the use of a one cent coin or by which a series of'penny articles or packages-.can'be dispensed by the use ofa coin of higher denomination such as a five or ten cent coin.

Another object is the production of'a coin conv trol by which various combinations'in the mechsomewhat enlarged scale of the coin control unit when omitting all but'a detail'portion of the dispensing unit frame andthe lock base; Fig. 7 is anism can be easily-effectedwhereby coins ofvariplicity of construction and dependability insuccessful operation.

The apparatus is applicable for controlling any desired numberof dispensing units; is substantially free from jamming and is incorporated into a unit structure which can be easily detached from the dispensing control mechanism to facilitate repairing and adjusting parts without disturbing the remaining control apparatus, all of which is of particular advantage. Further objects and advantages will be apparent from the following specifications of which the accompanytus shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a side elevation on a p 1 ing drawings form, party and, in. which Fig.1 isv a Fig. 6, and 'showing the coin chutesin a position 'when the return actuator I4 is operated for the return of a coin to the operator; Fig. 8 is a section on an enlarged scale, taken approximately on the line 8 8 of FigsgB and 5, showing the lock base; Fig. 9 is a" front elevation of a' portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8;" Fig. 10'is a section taken approximately on line lil -l0 of Fig: 8; Fig. 11 is a sectionof a detailtakenapproximately on line H--l| of Fig. 10;Fig; 12 is a section of a detail taken on line Ill-40 of Fig. 8. showing-the controlling catch 54 inlowered position; Fig--13 is a diagrammatic-view illustrating the action of the catch element; Fig; 14 is aside elevation of part of the coin control, when the parts shownare.

the. action of the' operating catch after one of the dispensing elements 13 is pulled out when operated, a portion of the coin disk 10 being broken away to more clearly showparts of the device;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation somewhat 'similar'to Fig. 14, showing only the five'cent coin chute'and a coin in position immediately following the operation of a dispensing unit actuating element 13, the operating latch A and its immediately connected parts being removed and the lock pawl '13 swung from locking position to permit the lowering of the catch element; Fig.16 is a side elevation of a more complete assemblage of the parts shown in Figs. 14 and 15, when the latch "A and its connected parts, including the coin disk 10 are removed so as to disclosefiilly the complete assemblage of the coin chutes and the cooperating coin escapement rocker arm 15 and segments, all of the parts being shown when in normal position before a coin is dropped into the machine; Fig, 17

is a side elevation of the coin control unit frame at reduced scale; Fig. 18 is a front elevatiorial view of the structure shown in'Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a side elevation of the one cent coin'operating arm I09 removed from the coin control *unit; Fig. 20 is a plan looking at one edge of the'operating arm shown in Fig; 19; Fig. 21 is a side elevation of the'frame'of the five cent coin escapement rocker arm 15, separate from the coin' control unit; Fig. 22 is an edge elevational view of the rocker arm shown in Fig.21; Fig. 28is a side elevation of a detail portion of the fivecent coin disk 10- removed from the coin control, and Fig.

24 is a section of a detail taken on the line 24-24 of Fi 23.

In Fig. 1 a type of vending machine is shown having a housing or cabinet C containing a single vertical series of dispensing units D in its face panel frame Ill, of similar or diiferent types, such as are adapted to be operated through the use of my improved coin control contained therein, suitable coin receiving slots H and 12 being provided through which coins of selected denomination such as pennies and nickels may be deposited for controlling the operation of the dispensing units. Suitable hand operable pull rods such as 13 are provided in the face panel for the operation of any selected dispensing unit. A coin return push plunger I 4 accompanied by a coin return receptacle l5 are also provided in the face.

panel l0.

The present invention contemplates the selective operation of any one of a series of the dispensing units by my improved coin control unit E. As my improved coin control is particularly although not exclusively adapted for use with a particular operating mechanism a description of the same follows.

In my companion applications above referred to, I have shown and described a dispensing unit actuator such as F for operating each dispensing unit of a series, the particular coin control and interposed catch cooperating means herein set forth not being disclosed. The actuator referred to consists of suitable body members l6 assembled on the back of the face panel of the machine, one body frame for each dispensing unit being provided. Reciprocable in and out of the-face panel are the suitable manually operative actuating pull rods l3, one accompanying each body member and each pull rod supporting a collet block 11. On the lower side of this block is a boss 18 and on the upper side a longitudinal series of ratchet teeth l9. The body member has a depending inner arm 20 to the lower extremity of which is pivoted at 2| an actuating lever 22, the free end of which is pivotally hung from the boss It by a link'23 so that as the pull rod is reciprocated longitudinally the actuating lever is swung up and down. Anexpansion spring 24 is loosely .threaded over the shank of the pull rod between the outer portion of the body member and the block ll. This spring permits the pull rod to reciprocate outwardly and swing the actuating lever downwardly and serves to return the pull rod inwardly into normal position and swing the actuating lever 22 back into raised position.

The actuating lever is provided with a pair of The actuating lever 22 is shown (see Fig. 3) connected by a link 21 and clamp block 28 to one of the vertical reciprocable control rods 29, which constitute part of and cooperate indirectly through interposed selective locking means with the coin control hereinafter described, to govern the operation of any one of the dispensing units chosen by the operator. A control rod 29 is provided foreach dispensing unit, the several rods 29 being grouped and reciprocable by their upper ends in suitable bearing supports 30 (see Fig. 5), on the panel frame and by their lower ends in the horizontal arms 3| of the lock base 35 as will be hereinafter described.

To cause a complete forward and return stroke being made during each operation of the machine, a double acting spring pressed pawl 32 (see Fig. 3) is freely pivoted at 33 on the body member 16 of the actuatorso as to contact the ratchet teeth I9 on the sliding block H as the pull rod is reciprocated in either direction. This pawl 32 is retained in normal position out of contact with the teeth l9 when the pull rod is at either end of its outer or inner half stroke by a vertically hung retractile spring 34. As the pull rod is drawn out the pawl sweeps over the teeth and functions as a stop to prevent any return movement until a complete forward half stroke has been made and vice versa, after complete withdrawal and the pull rod retracts back into the machine, the pawl again sweeps over the teeth and prevents any reversal until the stroke has been completed. In this manner, jamming by improper operation and milking of the machine by thieves is prevented.

My improved coin control E is adapted to control an operating latch A, and a lock stop pawl B, through the functioning of a multiple control lock G, for normally blocking the operation of all but one of the dispensing unit control rods 29 at a time; The control lock comprises a lock base 35 resembling a yoke frame having a pair of horizontal arms 3| through which the lower ends of the members of 'a group of the dispensing unit control rods 29 reciprocate. As illustrated only one of the arms of the lock base] is shown equipped with a cluster of control rods 29, Fig. 10, indicating by broken lines the companion arm also equipped. When desired the vacant arm of the lock base may be equipped with a set of control rods and the capacity of the apparatus which is controlled by a single coin control unit thus increased. Each of said arms of the lock base has a longitudinal cylindrical socket 36 (see Figs. 8 to 13) containing a series of tumbler lock balls 31', of corresponding size, the lower end of each rod normally registering with a tumbler ball of the series in the socket. Vertical guide openings 39 in each arm 3| provide suitable bearings for normally holding the lower ends of the control rods evenly spaced horizontally apart above one side of each ball. Only sufiicient free space longitudinally in the sockets is provided to permit one control rod at a time descending between and below the tumbler balls as shown in Fig. 13. The remaining tumbler balls are retained in blocking position to prevent the remaining operating rods and their coupled dispensing units from being operated. In this manner, an automatic slide interlocking mechanism is provided for controlling the operation of the control rods so as to permit the operation of only one corresponding dispensing unit at a time. The two sockets and series of blocking balls in each are provided with a walking beam 40 pivoted by the bolt H on the lock supporting frame 42 below the yoke to permit free horizontal tilting movement (see Figs. 5 and 8). The opposite ends of th walking beam carry adjustable stops 43 entering the open ends of the sockets 36 against the series of tumbler balls therein to transmit motion from one series of the balls to the other. In this manner the two series of tumbler balls are connected together.

1 The adjustments shown provide.- tor' the close regulation of the free space in the sockets so that only one operating rod andv its companion dispensing unit at a time can be operated. It will benoted that thel'ower end of each control rod 29' istapered downwardly at 38 (see Figs. 10 11 and 13.) toprovide a guide surface against-the side of the corresponding ball in registration therewith in the socket. below, wherebytherodfl 29' which is driven by a selected dispensing-unit acts as a control or operating element by plunging downwardly between-and separating the tumbl'er balls sufiiciently to permit a full stroke while the remaining balls of the complete chain block theremaining control rods and their connecteddispensi'n'gunits fromoperating.

" I Each'control rodis divided into upper-and lower sections which are adjustably secured longitudinally-through threaded engagement with a cou-. 'p'ling'element H (see Figs. 8 and 11) to provide longitudinal adjustment. Each coupling element has a laterally projecting coupling block 4'5, the. several blocks being urged upwardly against the rigidly supported angle stop arm 46 (see Fig. 11):

whichis supported by one of the arms 3! of the,

l'ockbase. A downwardly extending pushpin 41 is secured rigidly to each coupling block 45, said" raised position with their lower ends substantially out-oi contact with the tumbler elements 37 as shown in Fig. 11 and with the push pins 41 receded upwardly into the correspondingarm of the lock base as shown in Fig. 10. The lock base 3 which is incorporated into the panel frame structure is rigidly mounted upon the upstanding posts Ml of the supporting frame 42 by-the boss and screw connections 49 and is provided with a pair of upstanding stationary guide shafts 50 upon its median portion. A push pin locking member "5 I is vertically reciprocated upon the-guide shafts and has a horizontal push pin engaging plate or flange plate 52 which is juxtaposed below the lower ends of all of the push pins 41 and extends below and is urged upwardly against the lower portions of the members 3.! of the lock base by the expansibl'e helical springs 53. The. push pin locking member 5| can thus bedriven down into lowermost position as shown in Fig. 12, by the downward thrust a periphery of and holdthe coins such as 74, as incontrol unit with itsv latch A and escapement pawl B juxtaposed to the upwardly operating catch 54. In asmuch as this frame is incorporated as'a single element into the construction. of the several elements constituting my improvement, it is shown in detail stripped from all. adjunct parts for greater clearness and at reduced scale in'Figs. l7 and 18. By its use the entire unit can be easily and quickly detached and removed for adjusting, repairing and replacement. when desired, which is a distinct advantage. A space is provided in the upper end of the frame for" the application and use of 'av slug eliminator. As the eliminator is conventional. and well known the same for greater clearness. of the control mechanism is omitted from the drawings excepting in Fig. 6 where it'is indicated in outline as identified'byordinal 66.. In the forward portionv or the body frame a coin return chute (see Figs. 2 and. 16),v is provided which leads from the eliminator 66 to the coin receptacle I55 (see Fig. 1.), in the face of the. panel for the return of inoperative'and objectionable coins including slugs. In Fig. 6 a conventional. slug eliminator is shownabove and in registration with thecoin and slug chutes which are employed in my improvedcoin control.

The: coin control E has a vertically disposed escapement disk Hi, journaledconcentrically on a horizontal shaft H which is bolted at 12 on one side of the median portion of the body frame 50 (seeFig-lfl). The disk maybe designed to cooperate with a five or ten cent coin as desired. The disksmay be interchangeable and for convenience only the fivecent typeis referred to in the following description, in detail as illustrated in Figs; 23' and24. The coin disk. i provided with a circumferential series of coin. holding shallow cups or sockets [3 in its periphery, the floor 13 of each cup having. a circular contour to receive the dicatecl in Fig. 15. A-retaining Wall 14' (see Fig. 24) is provided on the outer-side of each cup'while theadjacent flat side of the coin operating rocker arm 15 assists .in. holding the coins in upright movement of any one of-the push pins which is:

permitted by the chain of tumbler elements 3.! of the gate. The push pin locking member 5|. has an upwardly extending catch 54 with which the operating latchA and releasable lock pawl B of the-- scribed.

locking mechanism, as will be hereinafter My improved coin control unit E is incorporatedinto a. single skeleton body frame Bil, having upper and lower flanges ,6! and 62 respectively-on its position in the cups'for a short distance after re 'ceiving them and while the disk is revolved step by step forwardly by suitable ratchet mechanism to be hereinafter described.

The-operatingarm 15 shown in detail in Figs.

21 and 22, conforms with an arc about the perimeter of the coin disk and is tiltinglymounted to rock at its lower end by thestud bolt 16, on the side of the lower portion of the body frame '60, leaving its upper portion free to swing freely toward and away from the perimeter of and at the inner side of the coin disk. The outer circular margin of therocker arm is provided witha circular series of coin escapement segments 11, suitably .fa-stened by screws 18 (see Fig. 2), or other suitable means on the perimeter of said rocker arm. The segments in cooperation with the coin disk provide a circular'coin channel or path down wardlythrough which the coins are adapted to pass step by step through the. series of segments and to be ejected downwardly and droppedjinto a chute 19 leading'into a coin receiving container suchas 19' (see Fig.4) The outer end, of each segment has a pair of antiiriction roller bearings journalled and secured below inner side coin guide plates 8| by screws 82 or other suitable means. The upper end of the rockerfarmlS is front and 'back edges, through which the holding screw elements 63 and B4 are secured respectively tothe back of the panel frame and one of the arm members of the yoke 35 to support the coin swung inwardly and normally held adjustably depressed against an edge of the body frame '60 below an adjustable stop 83 (see Fig. 2) by a retractile spring '84 so as to confine the width of the channel or path between the cups in the coin disk and the bearing rollers 80, whereby a coin entering the upper end of the channel or path is permitted to escape downwardly step by step by the segments as the coin escapement rocker arm is reciprocated and while the coin disk is correspondingly stepped forwardly by its ratchet drive. The stop 83 it will be noted is mounted at one side of the rocker arm 15. A projecting portion of the lower end portion of the rocker arm carries an actuating stud '85 which slidingly engages in a guide slot 86 through an offset portion of the lock pawl B. Said lock pawl is freely hung by a pivot support 8'! on one side of the lower portion of the body frame 50. The lower end of the pawl has a shoulder 88 which is held, in the normal position of'the rocker arm 15, below and in the path of the catch 54 on the key element 5|.to block the operation of the ratchet mechanism and any of the dispensing units until the rocker element is tilted outwardly under the influence of a coin and through the consequent action of the actuating stud 85 sliding in the guide slot 85.

Placed above the uppermost end of the rocker arm 15 are two coin chutes 8D and 9| leading from suitable positions for the admission of coins as passed by the slug eliminator downwardly. The chute 90 has a passageway of suitable size to transmit five cent coins while chute 9| has apassageway of suitable size to transmit only one cent coins. These chutes are rigidly securedtogether at their upper ends and are freely hung from a supporting shaft 93 so as to swing laterally. The lower ends of the chutes converge and are secured together such as by screws 94 or other suitable means, with the channel orifice of the five cent chute normally in juxtaposition with the escapement channel or path above described and with the channel orifice of the one cent chute normally in juxtaposition with a free passageway provided along side of the segments T! and above the delivery chute 95 leading to the coin container 96 (see Fig. 3). The lower ends of the coin chutes 9i! and 9t are shiftably sustained on shaft 93 in normal position by an expansion spring 91 (see Fig. 7) which normally urges the chutes outwardly against an adjustable stop 98,. a suitable integral retaining web 99 (see Fig. 6) being provided on a portion of chute 99 through which the stop functions.

The lower ends of the pair of coin chutes 90 and 9| are cut away to provide a downwardly projecting coin guide I through which the coin passages in the chutes extend. The upper portion of the escapment rocker arm l immediately above the series of segments H has a terminal stop segment l3! the inner side surface of which lies in the plane of the inner surfaces of the chain of escapement segments 11. The outer end surface of the stop segment conforms with the outer concave lower end of the coin guide on the coin chutes 98 and Eli and normally is held by the rocker arm 15 adjacent thereto.

This stop segiustable coin stop I06, which assists in guiding the five cent coin as it slides down from'the five cent coin chute into the corresponding cup in the coin disk and functions to prevent coins from entering the escapement passageway provided by the rocker arm 15 and coin disk H! as the coin disk is stepped forwardly by the operation of a dispensing unit. During each successive rotation step forwardly of the coin disk, the five cent coin progresses downwardly from segment to segment in the coin path, there being five segments and live steps forwardly, representing the operation five times of any of the associated dispensing units and the delivery of a penny article or package each time. During each operation the rocker arm is tilted radially outwardly by the five cent coin in the escapement passage sufliciently to swing the lock pawl 33 from catch engaging position shown in Fig. 14 into releasing position shown by the full lines in Fig. 15. The spacing of the coin cups in the coin disk and the spacing of theescapement segments and rollers substantially corresponds so that the coin is firmly held in the cup and below each corresponding pair of antifriction rollers in the corresponding segments. When the five cent coin reaches and is discharged from the lowermost segmentit drops into the chute 19 which in turn guides it downwardly and deposits it into the receptacle such as l9.

Normally the lock pawl B prevents the operation of the reciprocable push pin locking element 52 and its catch 54 sufficiently to permit the latch A functioning. This latch when engaged and operated by the element 54 of the push pin locking element 52 actuates the ratchet mechanism which in turn rotates the coin disk a step forwardly. A ratchet wheel 89 is rigidly mounted upon the shaft H which carries the coin disk 10 on the body frame and has a series of ratchet teeth inv its periphery with which the ratchet dog I 08 engages intermittently. The body of thi dog is pivoted upon one end of the one cent coin operating arm I09. The median portion of this arm'is tiltingly mounted upon the shaft H which carries the coin disk and ratchet wheel and the opposite end of the arm is provided with an upwardly extending shoe l 10 which is reciprocated in an are each time theoperating arm'iGS is reciprocated. A retra-ctile spring I H between the free end of the dog I08 and the operating arm I09 tends to hold the dog engaged with the ratchet teeth. The end of the operating arm I59 which carries the shoe is operatively connected with the latch A by the link I I2. This link carries a ratchetlock release arm ,H3 which releasably engages a pin H4 on .the

side of a ratchet lock arm H5, to withdraw by 'f'swinging movement a pin H 6 from looking enment carries a guide plate 802 (see Fig. '7) corresponding with and in extension of the series of plates 8!, with a spacer I53 and antifrictionroll I04 therebetween, forming guide surfaces for the five cent coin delivered by chute 90 to the series of rollers held by segments H. An antifriction guide roller I85 is also mounted by bolt M5 on the face of the stop segment H31, in position to normally sustain the one cent coin in chute SI and guide the same downwardly from the lower end of said chute when released. The upper inner portion of the rocker arm 15 is provided withan adgagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 89.

A retractile spring I (I connected with one end of the lock arm H5 and a rigid portion of the frame structure serves to automatically tilt the arm H5 on its pivot support H5 and cause its pin H6 to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel .and normally look the latter from revolving. The connections I 3 at the upper and lower ends of the .link H2 are loose and the lower end ha a leaf spring I I9 on its side below the lower connecting screw element H8. The loose connections H8 at the upper and lower ends of link H2, permit the lower end of link I IE to tilt outwardly so as to permit disengagement of the ratchet lock release arm H3 from pin H4 on said arm. The leaf spring H9 tends to hold the member H3 in engagement with said pin but permits member H3 to slide over the end of and reengage the pin as the ratchet lock arm .swingson ltspivotsupport and returns swung down by memberI I3 with its pin I I6 out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 89. The ratchet mechanism thus provided nooperates with the lockcatch A, whereby as the link H2 is .drawn down by the catch it trips .the armiI I3, by tilting, to disengage the'pin I I4 automatically immediately following the disengage ment of the pin. I I6 from the teeth of the ratchet wheel so that the pin II6 will engage the next succeeding tooth of the ratchet Wheel as the latter is revolved and only permits step by step revolution of the coin disk at distance corresponding with one coin release segment at a time. The'pin IIB remains engaged to. lock the ratchet wheel 89 and prevent the further rotationthereof by the operation of a coin until the lock release arm .I I3

is reset by sliding over the outer .beveled end of pin H4, whereupon the arm H3 and link I I2 are tilted outwardlyand the arm I I3 reengagesin readiness for a. succeeding operation of the lock catch A. Itwill be noted that vtheouter end of pin I I4 is beveled outwardly towards the observerof Fig. 14

and-upwardly to provide a guiding surface for tripping thearm II3 into reengagement with the pin H4 under the backward tilting movement of link I I2 and arm I I3, which is caused by theleaf spring I I9, when the operating latch-A is released and permitted to swingup. In this manner when a five cent coin is used and one cent articles or packages aredispensed, five operations of one or different dispensing units are permitted automatically by myimproved-coin control, p

.The one cent coin control which is operated each time a one .cent coin enters chute 9 I, in con-' junction with part of the five cent coin control apparatus above described by the operating pull element I3 of any of the dispensing units, con-- sists in part as follows: The shoe 1 Illhas a shallow coin receiving socket I20 which normally registers with the lower end of the coin guide I immediately below the coin passage in the one cent coin chute 9I so that each one cent coin, such as I 2I, when dropped through chute 9I will be droppinga coin into the apparatus cause the return aofxthe coin beforeoperating any of the -dis pensing units. Thelower end :of the return chute retained by the shoe while lodged against the antifriction guideroller I05. When subsequently a dispensing .unit is operated the coin is passed iorwardly by the shoe thus pressing against the guide roller andswinging the escapement rocker arm 15 outwardly sufliciently to swing the lock pawl B away from a position blocking the downwardthrust of the operating catch 54. Continued forward movement of the one cent-coin operating arm I09 and its shoe discharges the coinlheldby the latter, into the delivery chute 95 which is held on the .escapement rocker arm 75. The delivery chute serves to deposit thecoin ina suitable container such as v96 as. Shown .in'

Fig. ,3. Thethrow of the coin'operating arm I09 forwardly caused by the operation of the dis pensing unit to release an article or package is produced by :the ratchet mechanism above described and in the same manner and through substantially the same distance as when the. apparatus is operated by the use :of afivecent coin.

-One operation of the operating arm I09 when a one cent coin is deposited in the machinethus serves to release the coin; whereas, when-a five inpart by the swinging support of the rigidly z-held pair of coinchutes 90and i9I, which are I v adapted to-be-swung outwardly from the position shown in Figltinto'theposition shown-byFigu'l,

with their'lower ends: out of registration withthe coin escapement'means provided by the arm and the shoe IIIl. This swinging. movement is I produceduby-pressing the coin return push plunger j I4 inwardly, said plunger :being-reciprocably held on one side of chute 65 (see Figs. 2 and 6) under the returnaction 'of an expansionhelical spring I in a suitable-housing I26. The inner beveled end I 2?! of .theplunger is adapted to press 'against a beveled guide bearing I28 on the side of the chute retaining web '99 so that when the plunger I4 is pressed inwardly the coin chutes 90 and'9I are swung outwardly from normal position and whentthe plunger is released the expansion spring '91 (seeFig. 7.) returns said chutes to normal position H automatically. Whenoutwardly swung position the lower openends through the coin guide I.00ofthe pair of chutes 90 and S-I register with a downwardly slanting return chute I29 traversing the body'frame and connected with the .coin return receptacle 15 in the face panel frame I'0 o'fthe dispensing machine.

:In .this manner the operator has full control of the .dispe'nsingunitsand can at will after .I 2 9 merges intothe slug eliminator chute '65'so that an orifice leading from both enters the sin? gle coin returnreceptacle: I5.

Operation When it is desired to operate the apparatus, assuming that one cent coin -is placed the penny'slot. I I, the coin after passing the eliminator' continues downthe chute -9 I i into the socket I20 ofltheshoe H0. The hand operable actuate ing element I3 of the dispensing unit it'is desired to operate is then operated by pulling it cent coin is deposited in themachine five operations are required :torelease the latter coin.

-The shoe IIO has :avfollower arm I23,' the upper outwardly, thuscausing the corresponding con trol rod 29 to function .andplun'ge the companionpush pin 4], push pin locking plate 52, carrier 51', and operating catch v54, downwardly from normal'position, During the first portion ofrthemovement of the catchdownwardly the operating latch- A is engaged'and swung down wardly by the operating {catch .54, thus swinging the coin operating arm" I09 sufiiciently to propel I a the coin-and the arm I5 outwardly together with the lock' pawl: B, out of "blocking position. The "continued movement of the catch downwardly causesarm I09 andits shoetotilt forwardly and discharge the-coin into the chute '95 and thence into the receptacle 96 During this action the ratchet mechan'isrn functions automatically "to permit't-he operationgof-thearm I09; This movement occupies theentire-outward portion of the stroke-of the ihand'operable pull element I3.

I surface of which acts as a retainer for holding any coins in chute 9| other than the one which is beingrdirectly heldand operated by the shoe.

perating Release of said pull element permits the parts to return to normal position automatically. It will be noted that an interval occurs when the operating catch starts moving downwardly until blocked by thelock pawl, during which the arm I09 cannot actuate the ratchet wheel 89 unless a coin is interposed'in the socket 120 and the free end of the rockerarm l and thereby release the element 54 from the element B. Should another one cent coin be placed in the one cent chute 9i beforeor during the propulsion of the preceding coin by the shoe H0, the follower I23 on the shoe holds the succeeding coin or coins in the chute until the coin operating arm 109 returns, to normal position. However when the coin is in place the ratchet mechanism is released to. permit the propulsion of the coin and conse- .quent,swin'ging of the arm outwardly sufficiently to move thelock pawl B out of blocking position and permit the discharge of the coin.

When a five cent coin is placed in the nickel 'slot -12, and after passing the eliminatorfifi,

through the coin path below the five esca-pement segments until, finally after five operations the coin is discharged into the coin chute I9 and thence into the coinreceptacle 19'. During each operation the lock pawl B is first swung from normal blocking position shown in Fig. 14 into releasing full line position shown in Fig. 15 and the operating latch A is engaged by catch 54 to cause the operation of the-ratchet mechanism and the step by step revolution of ratchet wheel '89 and the coin disk 10. At the end of each complete reciprocable movement of the coin propelled rocker arm 15, the lock-pawl B functions to block the movement of the operating catch 54. Should another five cent Comte placed in the five cent chute 9B during-the passage of a coin through the escapeme'nt mechanism by the coin disk 70 and escapement rocker element 15, the-stop 106 intercepts the delivery of the coin into the escapementmechanism until the coin previously admitted-has been discharged into the chute l9 and container 19'. 7

If it is desired by the operator to return a the chutes into registration with the return chute I29 as shown by the full line position in Fig. 7,

whereupon the coins will pass downwardly through chute IZS'into the'return receptacle 15.

It will be noted that in normal position the chutes 90 and 9| areljuxtaposed over the channel through the segments of the coin escapement and over the channel between the stop segment H3! and the shoe I It! as shown in Fig. 5.

Should it be desired to repair or adjust the parts, or to replace the unit, in its entirety the same can be detached by removing the fasteners 6 3 and 64 (see Fig. 7), whereupon the entire coin control unit can beeasily and quickly'reemoved from the multiple dispensing unit operat ing mechanism.

The above apparatus is susceptible by slight modification of being operated by a coin of five, ten or larger denomination, to dispense articles through a selected number of operations of the dispensing units, in which-event the coin disk and ratchet mechanism are proportioned and caused to coact and the segments are altered in number accordingly. To illustrate, the parts may be made to dispense two articles by a single coin in which event only two segments are employed. After operating a dispensing unit twice or after two operations of difierent units the coin of required denomination is expelled into the retainer l9.

The term coin as used throughout this specification and the claims following is intended to include true coins of the realm and coins frequently referred to as checks or tokens.

- In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of operation of my invention, together with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the construction shown is only illustrative and that the invention can be carried out by other means and applied to uses other than those above set forth within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the combination of a coin pathway, means for efiecting a series of step by step movements of a coin of one size and multiple denomination through said pathway, means for actuating said step by for releasing and restoring the locking means to.

operative condition successively and at the con clusion of a predetermined number of operations of said step by step movement effecting means,

2-. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the combination of a coin pathway, a coin chute in registration withsaid pathway for delivering a coin thereto, means for efiecting a series of step by step movements of a coin of one size and multiple denomination through said pathway, means for actuating said step by step effecting means, means for locking said step by step effecting means to compel a successive step by step for- Ward operation corresponding with the denomination of the coin in use and until the coin in use isreleased at the end of each series or steps, and reciprocable means associated with said pathway and controlled by the coin in use as it-is subjected to said step-by step movement for releasing and restoring the locking means to operative condition successively and at the conclusion or" a predetermined number of actuations or said step by step movement effecting means.

3. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the combination of a rotary coin engaging disk having a series of coin holders in its periphery, a

.coin chute in registration with and adapted to introduce a coin of multiple denomination into one of said coin holders to bepropelled step by step through a coin pathway by said disk, means for effecting a series of rotary step by step operations forwardly by said disk corresponding. in number with the denomination of the coin in use, means for locking the disk against movement at the end-Jot each step in operatiomand are ciprocable coin controlled operating-member coinciding substantially with the peripheryof said disk and movable to releasably hold a coin engaged-thereby,- said coin controlled operating member'being connected with said locking means to actuatethelatter by a coin and-release the locking means during each step forwardly, and said coin controlled operating means functioning to release a coin from engagement withthe'disk at the endof the series of steps in operation'of thedisk. Y I

i 4. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the

said coin by said movements, a coin'pro-pelled rocker member swung about the periphery'of said disk t 'hol'd the coin engaged b-y'said diskjas the latter is rotated step bystep forwardly, said rocker member having a rack coincidingwith said cups'and engaged by a coin held 'by'the disk to reciprocate the rocker memberoutWar-dly each step forwardly of the, disk; and means normally looking the disk against movement, said looking means being connected with said rocker member to be operated by each movement thereof and serving to release the coin from engagement therewith at 'the end-of a predetermined series of movements.

1 -5. In a machineof theclass set forth, the combination of a rotary coin propelling element'having a train of coin holders movable thereby, means for introducing a coin ofmultiple denomination into one of said holders 'at-substam tially the head end of said train, means for driv ing said propelling element forwardly by'a series of movements corresponding in number with that of a denomination of said coin, a reciprocably supported operating member having 'ar-ack-cooperating with said propelling element and depressible by the coin during each movement of said propelling element, said propelling and operating elements releasing the 'coin at the delivery end of said series of movements, and looking means cooperating with said driving means and controlled by each reciprocable movement of said operating member.

normally-locking the disk against movement-said locking means being connected with; said recipr'oe'able member to be operated by'each: outward movement thereof and serving to; release the coin from engagement with said disk at the end-:of a predetermined series of movements, and, means cooperating with said disk. driving means for preventing more than one coin entering the I disk at a time and until a seriesof movements have beencompleted s. In-aniechanism of the class set I forth, the

combination of a rotary coin propellin'gelement havingan annular series of coin holding cups,- a coin chute for introducing coins into said cups, means for. actuating said-rotative element toadvance'a coin held" in said cups. step by step, a lockcontrolling the operation of said rotative element, vacoin propelled reeiprocable member cooperating with a coin held in one of said cupsto be reciprocated thereby through the step by step rotative movement of said propelling member,

and a stop carried by said reciprocable member normally intercepting the delivery'of' coins from said chute until a coin previously admitted into said cups has been discharged. -9. In a mechanism of the class set' combination of a rotary coin propelling element having an annular series of coin holding cups, a

support upon'which said propellingelement is journaled, a coin chute hun'gfrom said support,

and normally registeringwithsaid cups to dischargecoins thereinto, means for swinging said reciprocable element cooperating with said cups and havingza rack juxtaposed over said cups I to be reciprocated by a coin held in said cups as structure and a series of spaced antifriction rollers between which the coin is adapted to be successively engaged by the movements of the propelling element to reciproc'ably' operate the locking means.

'7. In a mechanism of the class set'forth, the combination of a rotary coin propelling disk having aseries of coin holding cups on its periphery, a coin chute for introducing a coin into one of said cups'to be propelled by the disk, means for driving said disk step by step forwardly to advance said coin a predetermined series of steps,

.a coin propelled reciprocable member cooperating with the periphery of said disk to hold the coin engaged by said disk as the latter is rotated step by step forwardly, said reciprocable member having a rack coinciding with said cups and engaged by a, coin held by the disk to operate the reciprocable member outwardly during each forward movement of the'coin by the disk, means thelatter. are propelled forwardly by the step by step rotary movement of said mentr I a 10. In. a mechanism of-th'e; class set forth, the combination of a coin pathway, means for effecting a series of step by step, movements of a coin of one size and multiple denomination through said pathway, means for actuating said step by stepeffecting means, means for locking said step by step effecting means at the end of each step in operation to compel a series of coin actuating operations corresponding with the denomination of the coin in use and until the coin in use is released at the end of, each series of operations, I

to normally retain a coin in said chute, and operating means impelled by said step by step actu-' ating means andengagin the coin in said chute to discharge the same and simultaneously actuate the reciprocable means and release the locking means, whereby the step by step efiecting means is permitted to function.

11. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the

iort h,. .the

coin propelling e1ecombination of a rotary coin propelling element having an annular series of coin holding cups, a support upon which said propelling element is iournaled, means for driving said propelling element step by step to advance a coin of multiple denomination a series of operations, locking means for normally blockin the operation of said propelling element, a rocker element mounted upon said support having a reciprocable actuating connection with said locking means and a rack juxtaposed to said cups to reciprocate the rocker element and release said lockin means by a coin held in one of said cups each time the propelling element is operated, a coin chute normally coordinating with one of the cups in the coin propelling element to deliver a coin of multiple denomination thereto, a second coin chute adapted to deliver a coin of single denomination, said rocker element having a guide normally sustaining the coin of single denomination in its chute and movable when reciprocated to release the coin, and an operating member actuated by said driving means for engaging the coin of single denomination at the delivery portion of its chute and reciprocating the rocker element to release said coin from its chute and effect the release of the locking means.

12. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the combination of a rotary coin propelling element havin an annular series of coin holding cups, a a

support upon which said propelling element is journaled, means for driving said propelling element step by step to advance a coin or multiple denomination a series of operations, locking means for normally blocking the operation of said propelling element, a rocker element mounted upon said support having a reciprocable actuating connection with said locking means andia rack juxtaposed to said cups to reciprocate the rocker element and release said locking means by a coin held in one of said cups each time the rocker element having a guide normally sustaining the coin of single denomination in its chute and reciprocable to'release the coin, an operating member actuated by said driving means for engaging the coin of single denomination at the delivery portion of its chute and reciprocating 'the rocker element to release said coin from its chute and eifect the release of the locking means,

a return coin chute from the discharge of said pair of chutes, and means for shifting said pair of chutes into registration with said return chute to effect the return of coins therefrom to the operator.

propelling element is operated, a pair of coin l 13. In a mechanism of the class set forth, the combination of a rotary coin propelling element having an annular series of coin holding cups, a

support upon which said propelling element is journaled, means for driving said propelling element step by step to advance a coin of multiple denomination a series of operations, locking means for normally blocking the operation of said propelling element, a rocker element mount-- ed upon said support having a reciprocable actuating connection with said locking means and a rack juxtaposed to said cups to reciprocate the rocker element and release said locking means by a coin held in one of said cups each time the propelling element is operated, a coin chute normally coordinating with one of the cups in the coin propelling element to deliver a coin of multiple denomination thereto, a second coin chute adapted to deliver a coin of single denomination,- said rocker element having a guide normally sustaining the coin of single denomination in its chute and movable when reciprocated to release the-coin, and an operating member actuated by said driving means for engagin the coin of single denomination at the delivery portion of its chute and reciprocating the rocker element to release said coin from its chute and efiect the release of the locking means, said operating member'having retaining means for holding subsequent coins of single denomination in their chute other than the one which is being discharged by said operating member.

CHARLES F. PEASE/

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