US2567900A - Coin-changer mechanism - Google Patents

Description

p 11, 1951 c. B. WINKLER 2,567,900

COIN CHANGER MECHANISM Filed Oct. 11, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 4 i 35, JNVENTOR.

dang 4 2 E mm,

Hrs ATTORNEY.

Sept. 11, 1951 c. B. WINKLER COIN CHANGER MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 11, 1946 f I I (2mm (My;

9061M 77?. 5am, Hrs A TI'ORNEYI Sept. 11, 1951 c. B. WINKLER com CHANGER MECHANISM Filed Oct. 11, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 NTOR.

Cmm@. mm;

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 11, 1946 av .42 m

3 mm 775. mm, H1; ATToRNfy:

iatented Sept. 11, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIN-CHANGER MECHANISM Clarance B, Winkler, Chicago, 111.

Application October 11, 1946, Serial No. 702,763

3 Claims. (01. 194- 405 This invention relates to coin changers in general and is particularly concerned with coin-controlled mechanisms adapted to operate vending machines and the like.

An object and accomplishment of the invention is toprovide a coin-controlled mechanism adapted to be operatively connected to any type of vending apparatus and designed for the insertion of a coin of value equal to or in excess of the price of the vended commodity, which mechanism, upon the insertion of a coin, actuates a vending device to deliver the commodity, and if the value of the inserted coin is greater than the price of the commodity, releases the exact change.

The invention also comprehends the provision of a coin-controlled mechanism embodying the principles of the subject invention, but characterized by the absence of vendor device actuation, and adaptable to release change in the exact aggregate value of the inserted coin.

Yet another and essential objector the coinchanger mechanism as contemplated herein is the provision therein of means whereby only bona fide coins are allowed to pass through the machine, anything having semblance of a mutilated coin, slug or otherwise, after insertion, being immediately directed into a discharge chute and returned.

Another object is to construct a coin-changer mechanism which shall cooperate by means ofelectric energy.

A further object of the subject mechanism is to provide change return mechanism which will return the correct change substantially concurrently with energization of the vending releasecircuit subsequent to insertion of a proper value coin of greater value than the commodity which is delivered.

A still further object of the subject mechanism is to provide means whereby the machine cannot be made to operate except by the insertion of a proper coin into same, and whereby a proper coin inserted into the machine is returned under certain conditions as, for example, when a specific or related coin-change magazine should become empty.

A feature of the mechanism as contemplated herein is the provision of means whereby inserted proper coins are received into respectivecoin magazines and these inserted coins may subsequently be used to make change for future inserted proper coins.

The invention seeks, as a still further object to provide a coin-changer mechanism such as contemplated herein and characterized by a com 2 bination of-parts arranged to more satisfactorily perform the various functions required of them and adapted to provide a compact assembly which will successfully combine the factors of structural simplicity, effi-ciency and durability, and yet be economical to manufacture.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention disclosed herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after the construction and operation are understood from'the within description.

It is preferred to accomplish the various objeets of this invention and to practice the same in substantially the manner hereinafter fully described and as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a coinchanger mechanism embodying the invention with related portions of a conventional vending machine illustrated to show the manner of installation.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevational view of the coinchanger mechanism depicted in Fig. l and taken substantially on the plane of the line 2-2 in Fig. l to illustrate a typical coin magazine;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of upper portions of the coin magazine depicted in Fig. 2 and taken substantially on the plane of the line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevational view of the coin-changer mechanism depicted in Fig. 1 and taken substantially on the plane of the line 4-4 in Fig. 1 to illustrate the'coin magazine adapted to receive the largest denomination of coins;

Fig. 5 is a top plan .view of the coin-changer mechanism depicted in Fig. 1 and taken substantially on the plane of the line 5-5 in Fig, 1 and having portions of the casing shown cut away to better illustrate the construction of the device;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of lower portions of a coin magazine preferably adapted to receive nickels;

Fig. '7 is a sectional plan view of the coin magazine depicted in Fig. 6 and taken substantially on the plane of the line 1-1 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the nickel pay-oil slide depicted in Figs. 6 and '7 and taken substantially on the plane of the'line 8-8 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of lower portions of a coin magazine preferably adapted to receive dimes;

Fig. 10 is a sectional plan view of the coin mag- 3 azine depicted in Fig. 9 and taken substantially on the plane of the line |ll! in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the dime pay-01f slide depicted in Figs. 9 and 10 and taken substantially on the plane of the line I ill in Fig. 9; and

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic outline of the electrical circuits as contemplated herein.

The drawings are to be understood as being more or less of a schematic character for the purpose of illustrating and disclosing a typical and preferred form of the improvements contemplated herein, and in the drawings like reference characters identify the same parts in the several views.

Referring to the drawings, specifically Figs. 1 and 5, I have illustrated the coin-changer mechanism with which the present invention is particularly concerned and designated in its entirety by the numeral 2i as being employed in an adjunctive capacity with a Vending machine, desi nated in its entirety by the letter A, the vending machine being of any of the usualconventional types such as, for example, those which dispense certain articles and commodities, or of a type which include games, pin-ball machines, jukeboXes, etc. Said vending machines usually effect release of the commodity or permit operation thereof by energization of an electric current and since the vending machines in and of themselves have no particular part in the present invention, complete illustration thereof is omitted.

For purposes of illustration, it is deemed sufficient to only show portions of the vending machine directly related to the coin-changer mechanism such as, for example, the front wall 2| thereof, the general construction of said conventional vending machines being well known to those persons skilled ,in the art. The front wall 2i is provided with a coin slot 22 adapted, in this instance, to receive pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. A change Pocket 23 is provided to facilitate accumulation of change deposited in the pocket by the coin-changer mechanism 20, the pocket beinglocated below the coin slot 22 and projecting outwardly of the front wall within easy reach of the purchaser so that he may conveniently remove the change to which he may be entitled.

Vending machines of this type ordinarily have a coin detector, of which several types may be purchased in the open market, through which the coin must pass, these devices separating out and rejecting spurious coins, slugs, etc., and passing genuine coins for operation in the machine. One type of these detectors is illustrated as at 24, but the detail of its design and action not being a part of this invention, is not herein set forth. However, the present invention contemplates the provision of additional means, as a double precaution, to reject such spurious coins, or coins of not the correct denomination. Such means will hereinafter be described in detail. In most cases, however, I have found that the coin detector means employed as a part of my invention is adequate and the usual coin detector 24 may be dispensed with. In such cases only a coin slot as at 22 will be provided.

Sun-ice it to say, since the invention is not particularly concerned with the precise details of construction of vending machines generally, they will not be further described in detail. It is to be understood that details of construction of the vending machine as disclosed herein may be modified to suit particular conditions, and I do not wish to be limited to the details of construction as set forth.

Having thus described the general environment surrounding the coin-changer mechanism with which the present invention is particularly concerned, the specific construction and cooperating function of parts of said coin-changer mechanism will now be described in detail.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings the mechanism 20 is desirably enclosed in a case 30 comprising end walls 3i and 32, a top wall 33, a, back wall 34 and a side wall 35 removably secured to the other 'walls by means of suitable screws as at 36. The bottom of the case is provided with a U-shaped coin chute 31 in open communication with the coin pocket 23 and adapted to receive coins discharged from the various coin magazines to be hereinafter described, and deposit the coins into the coin pocket 23 to within easy reach of the purchaser. The casing 30 is provided with suitable depending brackets 38 and 39 which may be secured to any convenient part of the vending machine for holding the casing in position. An opening 40 in the top wall 33 is provided to re ceive end portions of the discharge end of the coin chute 22.

Disposed adjacent to and in open communication with the coin chute 22 is a V-shaped extension chute 4! suitably secured to the back wall 34 and bridging the space between the end of the coin chute 22 and the beginning of a coin track designated in its entirety by the numeral 42. The chute 4| is provided with a deflector plate 43 (Fig, 5) to properly position the coins as they are discharged from the chute 22 into the extension chute l 1, said deflector plate preferably being adjustably secured to the chute 4| by means of screws such as at 44.

Referring to Fig. 1, the mechanism proper comprises, in general, the coin track 42 which is preferably V-shaped, suitably secured to the back wall 34, sufficiently inclined to cause a coin to move therein by force of gravity and provided with a plurality of apertures 45, 46, 41, 48, 49 and 50; a dime magazine designated in its entirety by the numeral 51; a nickel magazine designated in its entirety by the numeral 52; and a quarter magazine designated in its entirety by the numeral 53.

Disposed within the casing 30 I have provided a coin deflector shield 54 whose outline is defined by dotted lines in Fig. 1 and is clearly shown in full lines in Figs. 2 and 4, said deflector shield comprising a metal plate suitably bent and extending from the back wall 34 just below the coin track 42 forwardly and downwardly to terminate at the top of the coin chute 31, thereby to shield portions of the lower parts of the coin magazines. The deflector shield is provided with an inclined depending flange as at 55.

As shown in the drawings, the machine is adapted to cause the actuation of a vending machine and more important, to make change for a five cent article dispensed by said vending machine, the purchaser having the choice of inserting into the coin slot 22 either one nickel, one dime or one quarter and receiving therefor either the article, the article and a nickel in change or the article and two dimes in change depending, of course, on what coin he had inserted.

As has been hereinbefore stated, the vending machines usually are provided with coin detectors which detect improper coins as slugs, etc.

however, I have also-provided means tnmydevioe chaser should inadvertently insert such a slug;

the slug will begin its downward journey in the coin track 42 after having been properly positioned to lie against the forward wall-5B (Fig. 2) f the coin track 42 by thedefiector '43, and it will have to pass the aperture -45, the aperture 45-being of a-size to allow a dime to pass without falling through but not a slug smaller than a dime or other coin of "like s'izeor smaller. Therefore, the slug will 'fall out of the-coil track '42, through the aperture 45 and tall upon the inclined surface of the deflector 54 -"(F-ig. '2 to be guided in its fall down to the coin ichute 31 and thereafter out to the coin pocket '23 -'(F-ig. 1-). Moreover, the other apertures, specifically apertures 41 and 49, perform a like function as the aperture 45 withrespect to larger coins and will in general comprises a funnel shaped :section -.6|

' ceptacle being fixedly secured to the back wall be described more in detail as the description proceeds.

Referring to Fig. 5, assuming adime is inserted into the slot 22, it being a proper coin will permit it to pass through the coin detector 24. The dime will then begin its downward journey in the coin track 42 after having been properly positioned to lie against the forward wall '56 (Fig. 2) of the coin track-42 by the deflector 43 and thereafter will pass the aperture 45 because the dime is of proper size, and will continue to the aperture 46 where it will be received into said aperture to fall into the dime magazine 5|. Now, in the event, for some unforeseen reason, the dime should not fall into proper dime aperture 46, it will surely fall out -of the coin track 42 through the next aperture 4! to be carried for return to the purchaser via the deflector 54 and the coin chute 3-! to the coin pocket 23.

If the purchaser should inadvertently insert a penny into the coin slot 22, it being a proper coin will permit it to pass through the detector 24 if one is employed; however, as the penny begins its downward journey in the 'coin track 42 after having been properly'positioned to lie against the forward wall BGGFig. 2) of the coin track -42 by the deflector 43, it will have to pass the apertures 45 and 46, the penny being larger in size than the apertures 45 and-=46 will continue to move downwardly past these apertures to the aperture '41 where it will surely fall out of the coin track '42 to be carried for return to the purchaser via the deflector 5 4 and the -'coin chute 3! to the coin pocket 23.

Assuming a nickel is inserted into the slot '22, it being a propercoin will permit'it to "pass through the coin detector 24. The nickel "then will- 'begin its downward journey in the coin slot as described with respect to the dime, but since the nickel is of largersize than any of the apertures 45, 4'6 and 41, the nickel will continue Eto move downwardly past these apertures to be received a into aperture 48 to "fallinto the nickel magazine 52. Further, in the event thenickel, for some unforeseen reason, should not fall into the proper nickel aperture 48, it surely will 'f-all out of the coin track 42 through the next aperture to be carried forreturn to the purchaser via the deflector 5'4 and the coin -chute 31' to the coin pocket123. I

In like manner a :quarter will pass along the 11-. win-1 be: receiy'ed :into said apertureto fall into 'the quarter ma'gazine 53., It is notable that the coin track .is provided with .an open end 1811 through which a quarterwill passin the direction of the arrows -in Fig.x5 Jinithe eventiit should fail to enter the aperture 450.: The quarter will then be returned to the purchaser via the deflector ;54 (Figs; mend-L5) and the coin .chute 3.1 to the coin pocket 23 :(Figs. 1 and.2

Having thus described the operation of the -co'in"track.42 whose construction and the cooperative function thereof with the coin magazines is an important feature iofniy invention, "the coin magazines will now be described :in detail.

Referring to Figs. 1 and2, the dime magazine adapted to be fixedly secured to the .coin track 42 below the dime aperture 46 :bymeans ,ofsuitable screws as atilfi sand :16, a coin receptacle r63 of suitable size to receive dimes, the .said reand suitably spaced. therefrom .by :the insulation blocks ii i and 651 and the brackets EB and 161. :It is notable that the section .6] is spaced from'the receptacle63 as at 26311.

Carried bythe front wall of theiunnel shaped section-iii, is an electrical switchifiii having suitable normally open contacts 69 and 16 which are caused tobe closed by action of a lever arrangement H carried by the lower portions .of the switch. The lever arrangement :11 maybe made of wire stock of suitable. tension and thickness to define an end portion'l2 .adapted ,to he received into an aperture 13 in the funnelshaped section El thereby to project into said section. The specific function of :thisswitch will :be thereinafter described indetail.

:Disposed below the coin receptacle this a dime ejectorm'echanism designated in its entirety. by the numeral 86, and comprising .a bracket 3| having a depending flange 82 suitably securedto the back wall 34 .bymeans of suitable screws .as

at 83' and having between said flange and said back wall, a suitable insulation spacer '84, said bracket having a recess .85 adapted to receive .for

sliding movement therein, a coin ejector Ibar'i86.

- As shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the coin ejector bar 86 is provided with .a cut-out I81 adapted to receive two dimes when in its position-below the coin receptacle 63, said ibar also beingconnected at one endthereof to thrusterarm 88 of a conventional solenoid 89 which, when.properlyenergized, as will :be hereinafter described, will pull the =ej ecr-toribar-flfifrom its normal position, thereby-causing two dimes to be pulled from the stack :in the coinreceptacle 63.

When the ejector .bar is pulled toithe right sufficiently so that .thecoins in the cut-Lout 8'! are no longer supported by the bracket ti, they will fall out .of the cut-out and into the coin chute :stance, with the arrangement being described, the

ejector bar 86 is of such thickness so as 130 draw off two dimes.

In orderto cause the ejector bar 86 to return to its normal position to receive two more dimes into its cut-out 81, I have providedaspring means 90 formed of spring wire of suitable tension and thicknessto urge the thruster :armrfiii tohthe left asshown in Figs. 1 .and -9 to its znormal zposition.

poi-n track :42- to the quarte'r aperture ill where .7 I 'Ioaprevent thesspringmeansaall :frorn urgingzthe ejector bar 86 too far to the left and so, that the cut-out will be properly positioned below the stack of coins in the receptacle, 1 have provided the ejector bar 86 with an integral downwardly projecting flange 9| adapted to engage the bracket 8|, thereby to stop movement of the ejector bar toward the left.

The nickel magazine 52 is of similar construction as that of the hereinbefore described dime magazine 5I and, in general, comprises a funnel shaped section 95 adapted to be fixedly secured to the coin track 42 below the nickel aperture 48 by means of suitable screws as at 96 and 91 (Fig. 1), and a coin receptacle 98 of suitable size to receive nickels, the said receptacle being fixedly secured to the back wall 34 and suitably spaced therefrom by the insulation blocks 64 and B5 and the brackets 66 and 61. It is notable that the section 95 is spaced from the receptacle 98 as at 99.

Carried by the front wall of the funnel shaped section 95 is an electrical switch I having suitable normally open contacts IOI and I02 (Fig. 12) which are caused to be closed by action of a lever arrangement I03 (Fig. 1) carried by lower portions of the switch. The lever arrangement I03 may be made of wire stock of suitable tension and thickness to define an end portion I04 adapted to be received into an aperture I05 in the funnel shaped section 95, thereby to project into said section. The specific function of this switch will be hereinafter described in detail.

Adverting to Figs. 1, 6, 7 and 8, disposed below the nickel coin receptacle 98 is a nickel ejector mechanism designated in its entirety by the numeral I05, and comprising a bracket I01 having a depending flange I08 suitably secured to the back wall 34 by means of suitable screws as at W811 and having between said flange and said back wall the insulation spacer 84, said bracket having a recess I09 adapted to receive for sliding movement therein, a coin ejector bar I I0.

The coin ejector bar H0 is provided with an aperture III adapted to receive one nickel when in its normal position below the coin receptacle 98, said bar also being connected at one end thereof to a thruster arm H2 of a conventional. solenoid H3 which, when properly energized, as will be hereinafter described, will pull the ejector bar H0 from its normal position, thereby causing a nickel to be pulled from the stack in the coin receptacle 98.

When the nickel coin ejector bar H0 is pulled to the left sufiiciently so that the coin in the aperture I I I is no longer supported by the bracket I0I, the coin will fall out of the aperture and into the coin chute 31 (Fig. l) to be carried to the coin pocket 23 within easy reach of the purchaser.

It can be seen that the number of coins drawn off from the bottom of the stack is dependent upon the thickness of the ejector bar H0. In this instance, with the arrangement being described, the ejector bar H0 is of such thickness so as to draw off only one nickel.

In order to cause the ejector bar H0 to return to its normal position to receive one more nickel into its aperture III, I have provided a spring means H5 formed of spring wire of suitable tension and thickness to urge the thruster arm to the right as shown in Figs. 1 and 6 to its normal position.

To prevent the spring means H5 from urging the ejector bar H0 too far to the right and so that the aperture will be properly positioned below the stack ofcoins in the receptacle, I have provided the ejector bar I In with integral downwardly projecting flanges H6 and H1 adapted to engage the bracket I01, thereby to stop movement of the ejector bar to the right.

Referring toFigs. 1 and 4, the quarter coin magazine-53 in general comprises a funnel shaped section I20 adapted to be fixedly secured to the coin track 42 below the quarter aperture 50 by means of suitable screws I2! and I22, and a coin chute I23 suitably secured to the back wall 34.

Disposed on the exterior face of the back wall 34, I have provided a closed coin chute I 25. The coin chute I23 is in open communication with the coin chute I25 because of the opening I26 (Fig. 4) in the back wall 34. The coin chute I25 is provided with an open end I2! opening into a removable coin receptacle I28 (Fig. 2) adapted to receive the quarter. Since the quarters are never employed for making change, they are retained in the receptacle I28 until removed by the owner.

Carried by the front wall of the funnel shaped section I20 is an electrical switch I30 having suitable normally open contact points I3I and I32 which are caused to be closed by action of a lever arrangement I33 carried by the lower portions of the switch. The lever arrangement I33 may be made of wire stock of suitable tension and thickness to define an end portion I34 adapted to be received into an aperture I35 in the funnel shaped section I20, thereby to project into said section. The specific function of this switch will be hereinafter described in detail.

The electrical instrumentalities and circuits therefor by means of which the functions of the machine are performed are shown, in part structurally and in part diagrammatically, in Fig. 12, which represents a coin-changer mechanism, as contemplated herein, employed in an adjunctive capacity in a vending machine for a five cent article of merchandise. It is notable that the machine is adapted to cause the actuation of a vending machin and simultaneously therewith, make change for a five cent article dispensed by said vending machine in the event a coin of greater value than a nickel is inserted.

In the present arrangement the purchaser has the choice of inserting into the coin slot 22 either one nickel, one dime or one quarter and receiving therefor either the article, the article and a nickel in change or the article and two dimes in change depending, of course, on what coin he had inserted.

Having thus described the general construction of the coin-changer mechanism contemplated herein, the cooperative function and operation of parts will now be described.

When a dime is inserted into the slot 22 and is received into the dime aperture 46 as hereinbefore described, it will fall into the funnel shaped section BI (Figs. 1 and 2) and thereafter continue downwardly to strike the end Portion I2 of the lever arrangement II of th switch 68, thereby causing the contacts 69 and 10 to close momentarily, thereby energizing simultaneously a conventional relay I40 (Figs. 1 and 12) disposed within the casing 30 and the solenoid H3.

The energization of the relay I40 will cause a magnetic field to pass through contact I40a to attract a switch lever I41, thereby to close contacts I48 and I49, which will close a circuit to send an electrical impulse to the vending machine actuator (not shown) via the line I42, thereby starting the vending cycle to operate to deliver the article in the usual conventional manner. It

can be seen (Fig. 12) that the circuit through the switch lever I41 passes from the hot line through the switch I41 to the line I42. The line MI is a neutral or ground line completing the circuit for the relays. The energization of the solenoid II3 will cause the solenoid to operate as hereinbefore described, thereby causing a, nickel in change to be delivered to the purchaser via the coin chute 31 and the coin pocket 23 (Fig. 1). j

After the inserted dime has proceeded past the lever arrangement II it will fall into'the dime receptacle 63 to be stacked and retained therein for the purpose of making change for inserted quarters. This is a very important feature of my invention because, with the present. construction and arrangement of parts, I have eliminated the necessity of employing a plurality of large changemaking magazines as found in prior art structures.

When a nickel is inserted into the slot 22 and is received into the nickel aperture 08 of the coin track 42 as hereinbefore described, the nickel will fall into the funnel shaped section 95 (Fig. 1) and thereafter continue downwardly to strike the end portion I04 of the lever arrangement I03 of the switch I00, thereby causing the contacts IOI and I02 (Fig. 12) to close momentarily, whereby an electrical impulse will be sent to the vending machine actuator (not shown) di-. rectly via the line I42, thereby causing the vending machine to deliver the article in the usual and conventional manner. Since the vend'ed article is a five cent article no further action takes place except that after the nickel has proceeded past the lever arrangement I03, it will fall into the nickel receptacle 9%) to be stacked and retained therein for the purpose of making change for inserted dimes as hereinbefore described.

When a quarter is inserted into the 'coin slot 22 and is received into the quarter aperture 50 of the coin track 42 as hereinbefore described, it will fall into the funnel shaped section I20 (Figs. 1 and 4) and thereafter continue downwardly to strike the end portion I34 of the lever arrangement of the switch I30, thereby causing the contacts I 3| and I32 to close momentarily, thereby energizing simultaneously a conventional relay I45 (Figs. 1 and 12) disposed within the casing 30 and the solenoid 89.

The energization of the relay 545 will cause a magnetic field to pass through contact I450. to attract the switch lever I41, thereby to close contacts I 48 and I40 which will close a circuit to send an electrical impulse to the vending machine actuator (not shown) via the line I 32, thereby starting the vending cycle to operate to deliver the article in the usual conventional manner.

The energization of the solenoid 09 will cause the solenoid to operate as hereinbefore described, thereby causing two dimes to be delivered to the purchaser via the coin chute 3'! and the coin pocket 23 (Fig. 1).

After the quarter has proceeded past the lever arrangement I33, it will fall. into the coin chute I23 and thereafter be conveyed by gravity through the opening I26 (Fig. 4) in the back wall 34 and into the closed coin chute I25 downwardly to the coin receptacle I28 (Figs. 1 and 2). Since the quarters are never employed for the purpose of making change they are retained in said receptacle I28 until removed at the convenience of the owner.

It is notable that only one coin slot 22 is provided to receive all sizes of coins. This leads to economy of manufacture and ready adaptability of the coin-changer, as contemplated here'- in, to be advantageously installed into conventional vending machines without extensive alterations. Moreover, the compact structure of the case and the arrangement of parts therein successfully combine the factors of structural simplicity, efiiciency and durability, and yet the coin-changer is economical to manufacture. Because of the combination of the aforementioned factors, the coin-changer is economical to maintain, requires very little care and will operate for long periods of time without adjustment or repair.

The coin receptacles may be made of any size to accommodate any number of coins by merely increasing their length, the particular size depending, of course, on particular conditions.

Accordingly, another feature of my invention is the provision of means whereby excess coins in the nickel and dime magazines will be diverted from their respective receptacles in the event the receptacles should become full. This is advantageously accomplished in my invention by the provision of a chute I (Fig. 2) integrally formed of the back wall 34 of the casing and being arranged in close contact with theupper portions of the magazine 63. A similar chute is provided for the nickel receptacle 98; however, since the construction is the same, it is not shown.

As a dime passes through the lower portions of the funnel section BI, it will normally fall directly into the magazine 63 and assume the posi-' tion shown by the stacked coins. When the receptacle 63 becomes full of dimes to the level indicated by the dotted lines, the coins falling through the funnel section 6I will strike the stacked coins and thereby be deflected to the chute I59 to be diverted downwardly of the incline surface of the chute I50, through an aperture I52 in the back wall 35 and into the closed coin chute I25 to be conveyed by gravity to the coin receptacle I28 to be retained therein until removed therefrom at the convenience of 'the owner. It is notable that the chute similar tense in the nickel magazine functions exactly the same and,'therefore, will not be further described.

In addition to and to cooperate with the hereinbefore described features of my invention I have provided means whereby an inserted quarter will be returned to the purchaser in the event the dime magazine should become empty. Similar means are provided to return an inserted dime in the event the nickel magazine should become empty.

The return of the inserted quarter, in the event the dime magazine should become empty, is advantageously accomplished by the provision of an electrical switch I55 (Figs. 1, 9 and 12), which switch is carried by the bracket 67 and has suitable normally open contacts I56 and I5! which are caused to be closed by action of a lever arrangement I58 carried by the lower portions of the switch. The lever arrangement I58 may be 7 made of wire stock of suitable tension and thickness to define an end portion I59 adapted to be received into a slot I50 in the dime coin receptacle B3 and into engagement with the peripheral edges 0f the dimes in said receptacle as shown in Fig. 9.

Now, as long as there are a sufficient number of dimes in the dime receptacle 63, the action of the lever arrangement I58 will cause the contacts I 56 and I51 to be held open. If the dime supply should reach a point below Where they will not be contacted by the end portion I59, the end portion will pivot inwardly and upwardly in the slot I66, thereby causing the lever arrangement to close the contacts I56 and I51, whereupon the circuit will be closed to cause the operation of a conventional solenoid I'6I (Figs. 1 and 12) suitably mounted on the back Wall 34, whereby, through suitable linkage as at I62, a gate I63 swingably mounted within the funnel-shaped section I26 (Fig. 3) and adapted to close the quarter aperture 50, will be actuated to close said quarter aperture.

When such aperture is closed, an inserted quarter will travel in the coin track 42 beyond the aperture 50 and fall out of the coin track 42 through the open end 60 and fall upon the inclined surface of the deflector 54 to be guided to the coin chute 31 and then to the coin pocket 23 where it can be removed by the purchaser.

The return of an inserted dime in the event the nickel magazine should become empty is advantageously accomplished by the provision of an electrical switch I 65 (Figs. 1, 6 and 12), which switch is carried by the bracket 6! and has suitable normally open contacts l66 and I6! which are caused to be closed by a lever arrangement I68 carried by the lower portions of the switch. The lever arrangement I66 may be made of wire stock of suitable tension and thickness to define an end portion I69 adapted to be received into a slot I66 in the nickel coin receptacle 98 and into engagement with the peripheral edges of the nickels stacked in said receptacle as shown in Fig. 6.

Accordingly, as long as there are a sufiicient number of nickels in the nickel receptacle 98, the action of the lever arrangement I 68 will cause the contacts I66 and 16'! to be held open. If the nickel supply should reach a point below where they will not be contacted by the end portion I69, the end portion will pivot inwardly and upwardly in the slot I16, thereby causing the lever arrangement I68 to close the contacts I66 and I61, whereupon the circuit will be closed to cause the operation of a conventional solenoid HI (Figs. 1 and 12) suitably mounted on the back wall 31, whereby, through suitable linkage as at I I2, a gate swingably mounted within the funnel shaped section 6| and similarly constructed as that shown in Fig. 3, will be actuated to close the dime aperture 46.

When such aperture is closed, an inserted dime will travel in the coin track 42 beyond the aperture 46 and fall out of the coin track through the next aperture 41 and fall upon the inclined surface of the deflector 54 (Fig. 2) to be guided to the coin chute 31 and to the coin pocket 23 where it can be removed by the purchaser.

Furthermore, with respect to the aforementioned feature of my invention, it is most important to understand that the elements just described perform their functions substantially automatically and generally require no personal attention or readjustment to bring the machine back into full working condition. Moreover, it is important to understand that in the event the dime magazine should be empty, the machine will reject inserted quarters, but will receive dimes and nickels as hereinbefore described and continue to function. After a few dimes are inserted by purchasers the end portion I59 (Fig. 9) will be forced outwardly to its normal position, thereby opening the contacts I56 and I? which will open the circuit and cause the gate I63 in the quarter magazine to open by gravity and thereafter, 1 1,-

'12 serted quarters will be received into the aperture 50 as hereinbefore described.

The same procedure is followed in the event the nickel magazine should become empty. The machine will reject inserted dimes, but will receive inserted nickels and quarters as hereinbefore described and continue to function. After a few nickels are inserted by purchasers, the nickel supply will be replenished and the end portion I69 (Fig. 6) will be forced outwardly to its normal position, thereby opening the contacts I66 and I6! which will open the circuit and cause the gate in the dime magazine to open by gravity and thereafter, inserted dimes will be received into the aperture 46 as hereinbefore described.

Thus, the specific construction and the cooperative function of parts have been described with respect to a coin-changer mechanism of quarter capacity and as employed in an adjunctive capacity with a conventional vending machine for.

vending a five cent item.

However, the invention also comprehends the provision of a coin-changer mechanism embodying the principles as hereinbefore described, but characterized by the absence of the vendor device actuation, and adaptable to release change in the exact aggregate value of the inserted coin.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but wish to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. A coin-changer mechanism comprising a single coin track having a first series of coins receiving apertures successively arranged and sized each to receive a different denomination of proper coins, said coin track having a second series of apertures alternately arranged with said first series of apertures and sized to receive improper coins and slugs and the like, a plurality of coin magazines each arranged in open communi-' cation with one of said apertures of said first mentioned series and adapted to receive inserted coins falling through their respective aperture, at least one of said coin magazines being provided with solenoid operated coin ejector means, and at least one other of said coin magazines being provided with means in circuit with said solenoid and adaptable to close said circuit responsive to an inserted coin whereby said solenoid will be caused to operate, guide means associated with said second series of apertures to guide said slugs and the like in a predetermined path for ejecting the same from the coin-changer mechanism, a coin chute extending below said last mentioned means and said coin magazines and adapted to receive said slugs and the like and ejected coins thereafter to be conveyed by gravity outwardly of said mechanism to Within easy reach of the operator, and swingable gate means carried by said coin track adjacent at least one of said coin magazines and becoming operative when stacked coins in said magazine or magazines are below a certain predetermined level, thereby to cause an inserted coin to be rejected, and becoming innomination of a coin for which change is to be delivered.

2. In a coin-changer mechanism comprising a plurality of coin magazines each being fitted with coin ejector means and the lower portions of each of said coin magazines being provided with a slot arranged to receive an oscillatable lever having a portion biased to extend through said slot when the coin magazine is empty, each of said oscillatable levers having a switch on the opposite side of that end of said levers opposite to the portion which extends within said slots in said coin magazines, and said switches being in circuit with solenoids and an electric source, those improvements which comprise a single coin slot arranged to receive several different denominations of coins, a single coin track in communication with said coin slot and disposed above the coin magazines and having a series of coin receiving apertures successively arranged and each sized to receive a different denomination of proper coins, said coin track having a second series of apertures alternately arranged with said first series of apertures and sized to receive improper coins and slugs and the like, said cointrack being provided with guide means associated with said second series of apertures to guide said slugs and the like from the coin-changer mechanism, and said coin track being provided with individual swingable gate means at each of said first series of coin receiving apertures respectively to close the aperture when coins in one of the coin magazines are depleted, and to reopen said aperture when the coins in said coin magazine are replenished, said individual swingable gate means each being connected to one of said solenoids which is operable to close the gate means upon closin of the said switch in circuit with said solenoid and operable by gravity to open the gate means upon the opening of said switch.

3. In a coin-changer mechanism having a coin discharge chute within reach of the operator and a single coin slot arranged to receive several different denominations of coins, those improvements which comprise a single coin track in communication with said coin slot and having a first series of coin receiving apertures successively ar ranged and each sized to receive a different denomination of proper coins, said coin track having a second series of apertures alternately arranged with said first series of apertures and sized to receive improper coins and slugs and the like, guide means associated with said second series of apertures to guide said slugs and the like to the coin discharge chute, a plurality of coin magazines each arranged in open communication with one of said apertures of said first mentioned series and adapted to receive inserted coins falling through their respective aperture, swingable gate means adjacent at least one of said first series of coin receiving apertures, level detecting means responsive to the drop in the level of the coins in the coin magazines, and means actuated by said responsive means to set the gate means in position to bridge the aperture leading to the respective magazines corresponding to the denomination of a coin for which change is to be delivered.

CLARANCE B. WINKLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 502,715 Gunther Aug. 8, 1893 1,575,537 Burian Mar. 2, 1926 1,985,305 Wilson Dec. 25, 1934 2,122,550 Adrian July 5, 1938 2,250 051 Patzer July 22, 1941 2,271,397 McDennott Jan. 27, 19 12 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 280,238 Germany of 1914

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