US2627963A - Coin-controlled apparatus and change maker - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 10, 1953 M. G. NELSEN 2,627,963

I COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS AND CHANGE MAKER Filed April 15, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

' WM 6? W555 Feb. 10, 1953 M. G. NELSEN COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS AND CHANGE MAKER Filed April 15, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WA/FV/lv 6 A24 SE/V BY 9 Feb. 10, 1953 NELsEN 2,627,963

COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS AND CHANGE MAKER Filed April 15, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 mmvroa M'MW/V 6 Was/5v BY f d/$32 M. G. NELSEN COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS AND CHANGE MAKER Filed April 15, 1947 Feb. 10, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WM 99E 3% WM 5525 u mfii Qm N ESE QN WNW wmw

Patented Feb. 10, 1953 COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS AND CHANGE MAKER Marvin G. Nelsen, Skokie, Ill., assignor to Guardian Electric Manufacturing 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application April 15, 1947, Serial No. 741,631

13 Claims.

This invention relates to coin controlled apparatus and change maker and is particularly adapted for use with vending machines for vending articles such as frozen foods, cigarettes, drinks, tickets, et cetera.

, It is an object of the invention to provide coin controlled apparatus and a change maker which is very fast and accurate in its operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide an extremely simple mechanism for coin controlled and change making apparatus which to a large extent utilizes substantially standard relays and solenoids.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved change makin apparatus and electrical circuit therefor.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved and simple electrical circuit for coin controlled and change making apparatus for vending machines.

It is still another object of the invention to provide coin change making apparatus which pays out odd pennies as well as coins of larger denominations.

It is a further object of the invention to provide coin controlled and change making apparatus which will vend articles over a wide range of price and deliver the correct change and which is also readily adjustable to change the price of the article to be vended.

. It is still a further object of the invention to provide coin control and change making apparatus which is extremely fast in operation and is, onthe other hand, reduced in its speed of operation sufiiciently to insure that full credit is given for each coin utilized and correct change is delivered.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus for vending articles and making change embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a View, partially in section, of the rear of the contact plate and movable contactor, taken on line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial view of the mechanism illustrating various coin operated switches, taken on line 3-3 of Figure l Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus, taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1, illustrating a change pay-out solenoid and a snap switch associated therewith;

Figure 5 is a partial sectional View, taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1 showing one of the interlock relays;

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view, taken on line 6-6 of Figure 1 showing one of the impulse relays;

Figure 7 is a partial sectional view, taken on line 'l--l of Figure 1 showing another impulse relay; and

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic View of the apparatus including a schematic wiring diagram.

Referring specifically tothe drawing for a detailed description of the apparatus and circuit, and particularly to Figures 1 and 8, numeral ll designates a base plate on which are mounted a coin chute coin rejecting apparatus andswitches generally indicated at l2, and a number of relays, s'olenoids and contact elements. Specifically, the base plate supports an add stepper relay I3, a subtract stepper relay l4, a contact carrying plate IS, a pair of interlock relays l6 and H, a pair of'impulse relays l8 and IS, a slow release relay 2|, an intermediate relay 22, an interlock switch 23, a vending solenoid 24, a change solenoid 25 for releasing nickels or coins of larger denominations, a change solenoid 26 for releasing pennies and, if desired, a selenium rectifier 21.

The add relay l3 comprises a coil 28 and an armature 29 pivoted at 3|. The armature 29 is provided with an extension 32 which is adapted to'engage with teeth 33 of a ratchet wheel 34, which'is secured to a shaft 35 journalled in the front of an upright rectangular frame generally indicated at 36. A spring 31 secured to the armature 29 and to a stud 38 tends to bias the armature upwardly and out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 34. A detent 30 is provided for ratchet wheel. The add relay I3 is adapted to rotate the ratchet wheel 34 in one direction.

' The subtract relay [4 comprises a coil 39 and an armature 4| pivoted at 42. The armature 4| is provided with an extension 43 which is adapted to engage the teeth 33 of ratchet wheel 34, to rotate the Wheel in the opposite direction from the add relay 13. A spring 44 secured to the armature 4| and to the stud 38 tends to bias armature 4| upwardly and out of engagement with teeth 33. A relay operated switch generally indicated at 45 above the subtract coil comprises a pair of fixed contacts 46 and 41 and movable contacts 48 and 50b, which 3 are mounted on an arm snapped between the fixed contacts 45 and 47 by operating member 49 which is moved by armature 4| and a hairpin spring 5|, which causes the snap action. 1

Terminals 50 and 50a are provided for one of the fixedcontacts 48 and for movable contact 48.

The contactor plate I5 is supported from the front of the rectangular frame 35 from studs 52 and has a large number of contacts 53 arranged in a circle thereon and-extending completely through plate I5. Also mounted on the plate I5 is a spring contact 54 extending from the front of the plate to a position in back thereof and continuously engaging a contact disc 55 which is mounted onshaft 35 and rotates therewith. This is best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8. The disc 55 is provided with a projecting arm 58 having a contact button 51 thereon, which engages with one of the contacts 53 depending on the position of ratchet wheel 34 and disc 55.

Referring now to the interlock relays I6 and I1, these are identical in construction, except for the-number of contacts on the switches, and are best shown in Figures 1, 5 and 8, only one side view being illustrated since the relays are the same. However, for the sake of clarity of the wiring diagram, Figure 8, the parts of each relay will be given separate numbers and relay I8 may be referred to as Interlock Relay #2 and relay I! as Interlock Relay #1. Relay I8 comprises a pair of coils 58 and 59 mounted on a suitable frame supported on base plate II. Coil 58 is provided with a pivoted armature 6| normally urged away from the coil by a spring 82. Armature SI is provided with an upwardly extending switch operating member 63 and with a latch element 84. An armature 85 is associated with coil 59 and is normally held away from coil 59 by a spring fifi. The bottom edge of the armature 65 cooperates with latch element 64 to hold armature BI in its lower position, for a purpose hereinafter explained. Stops 61 and 68 for respective armatures BI and 55 limit movement thereof away from coils 58 and 59.

The switch operating member 63 operates a switch generally indicated at 69, which comprises two movable switch blades II and 12 each having, a contact I3 and I4 thereon, respectively, Tworelatively fixed spring switch blades 15 and 16 are associated with the respective movableswitch blades II and I2 and have respective contacts TI and I8 thereon. Terminals. 88 and 8| are associated with the respective movable blades H and I2 and terminals, and 83 are associated with the two fixed blades,

The interlock relay I1 comprises a pair of coils 84 and 85 mounted on a suitable; frame 81 supported on base plate II. Coil 84 is-provided with a pivoted armature 88 normally urged away from the coil by a spring 89. Armature 98. is provided with an upwardly extendingswitch operating member 9| and with a latch. element 92. An armature 93 is associatedwith. coil 85 and is normally held away therefrom byaspring 94.. Thebottom edge of armature 93 cooperates with the latch element 92 to hold armature 88 in its lower position for a purpose hereinafter described. Stops 95 and 98 for respective armatures 88 and 93 limit movement thereof away from coils 58 and 59.

The switch operating member 9I operates a switch generally indicated at 91 which comprises three movable switch blades 98, 99 and IllI each having a contact I92, I93 and I94 thereon, respectively. Three relatively fixed spring switch blades I95, I08 and III! are associated with the respective movable switch blades and have respective contacts I98, I99 and III thereon. Terminals H2, H3 and H4 are associated with the respective movable switch blades 98, 99 and IIII and terminals H5, H6 and H1 are associated with the respective fixed switch blades, I05, I05 and I01.

Referring specifically to Figures 6 and 7 for a detailed description of the relays I8 and I9, which may be termed a dime and a quarter relay, respectively, numeral I2I designates similar upright spaced plates which are mounted on the base plate II. The plates I2I have square cutouts I22 therein bent over to form horizontal supporting flanges I23. L-shaped brackets I24 are supported by angles I25 secured to the plates I2I, which L-shaped brackets I24 support respective electromagnets or coils I26 andv I21, re-

spectively, for the relays I8 and I9, as well as copper time delay slugs I28 and I29, below each of the coils.

The angles I25 are provided with overhanging portions I3I having apertures therein (not shown) which provide knife edges or pivot points for pivoted armatures I32 and I33 associated with the coils I28 and I21, respectively. The

armatures I32 and I33 are provided with grooved extensions I84 and I35, respectively extending through the aforesaid apertures to retain the armatures in position on their pivot points. Brackets I35 having downwardly turned flanges I31 are secured to angles I25 and limit movement of the armatures I32 and I33. Angles I25 are also provided with lower horizontal extensions I38 and tension springs I39 are connected between the extensions I34 and I35 of armatures I32 and I33 and extensions I38 of angles I25.

Laminations I4I of insulating material arose-- cured to the tops of the brackets I38 and retainfixed contact arms I42 and I43 and-a movable contact arm I44 above coil I25 and fixed contact arms I45 and I46, and movable contact arm I47 above coil I21. Extensions I48 from brackets I35 extend horizontally above the main portion of armatures I32 and I33 and provide upper limit stops therefor.

The movable contact arms I44 and I41 extend through slits I49 in insulating pieces I5I attached to the outer ends of the main parts of armatures I32 and I33, as best shown in Figure 1, The movable contact arms I44 and I4! are formed of spring steel and have flexible fingers I52 and I53 cut therefrom carrying contacts I54, E55, and I58, I57 on opposite sides of the respective flexible fingers I52, I53. Hairpin springs I58 are anchored at one end to an intermediate portion of the movable contact arms I44 and I41, and at the other end to the flexible fingers I52 and I53, respectively. The fixed contact arms I42 and I43 of relay I8 are provided with contacts I59 and I8I, respectively, and fixed contact arms I45 and I46 of relay I9 are provided with contacts I52 and I83, respectively. The hairpin springs I58 provide for snap-acting movement of the movable fingers I52 and I53 after the corresponding armatures I32 and I33 are moved downwardly by energization of coils I25 and I21 and after the armatures are moved upwardly by the tension springs I39 upon'deenergization of the coils I26 and I21.

Extensions I64 and I65 secured to-the main- 5,. portion of armatures I32 and I33 extend through lower slits (not shown) in the insulating plates II and leaf spring members I86 are secured to the extensions and bias wire pawls I61 and I68 toward ratchet wheels I89 and HI of relays I8 and I9, respectively. The ratchet wheels I89 and HI are journalled on shafts I12 and I13, respectively, supported from the upright supporting plates l2I. The outer ends of plates I2I are cut and provided with oblique flanges I14. Leaf springs I15 are secured to the plates I2I adjacent the oblique flanges I14 and retain detent balls I18 in engagement with the ratchet wheels I69 and "I through apertures (not shown) in oblique flanges I14 to add slight resistance to rotation of the ratchet wheels.

Laminations I11 are secured to the underside contact arms I18 and I19, carrying respective contacts I8I and I82 for respective relays I8 and I9 and movable spring contact arms I83 and I84 associated with the fixed contact arms I18 and I19 and carrying contacts I85 and I86, respectively. Up to this point, it will be noted that the relays I8 and I9, that is, the dime and quarter impulse relays, are identical.

A wheel, I81, preferably formed of insulating material is mounted on shaft I12 and rotates therewith when ratchet wheel I 89 is rotated. Eight equally spaced notches I88 are provided in the periphery of wheel I81. Movable contact arm I83 is provided with an angular extension I89 shaped to fit into the notches I88.

A wheel I 9|, also preferably formed of insulating material, is mounted on shaft I13 of relay I9 and rotates when ratchet wheel MI is rotated. Four equally spaced notches I 92 are provided in the periphery of wheel I9I. Movable contact arm I84 is provided with an annular extension I93 shaped to fit into the notches I92.

Terminals I94, I95 and I96 are provided on the upper fixed switch arm I42, the movable switch arm I44 and the lower fixed switch arm I43, respectively, of relay I8 and terminals I91 and I98 are provided for the coil I26 of relay I8.

Likewise, terminals I99, 28I and 282 are associated with the upper fixed contact arm I45, the movable contact arm I41 and the lower fixed contact arm I46, respectively, of relay I9. Terminals 283 and 284 are provided for coil I21 of relay I9.

The slow release relay 2! comprises an upright angle member 283 supported from the base plate II, which supports a coil 285 provided with a group of time delay copper slugs 298 therebelow. An armature 291 is associated with the coil 285 and is normally biased away from the coil by a tension spring 288, a stop 261 limiting the upward movement of the armature. A switch, generally indicated at 238, is also supported on the angle 284 and comprises a relatively fixed spring contact arm 299 having a contact 2II thereon and a movable spring contact arm 212 having a contact 2 I 8 thereon. A plate of insulating material 214 is secured to the armature 291 and the end of the movable contact arm 212 extends therethrough and is moved up and down upon energization and deenergization of the coil 295. Th coil 295 is provided with two terminals 2I5 and 2; thereon and the switch 238 is provided with two terminals 2 I1 and 2I8 on the fixed and movable contact arms 239 and 2E2, respectively.

The intermediate relay 22 comprises an angle member 2I9 supported on the base plate II, which angle member in turn supports a coil 22I.

A pivoted armature "222 is associated with the coil 22I and a tension spring 223 normally retains the movable contact arm 225 extends therethrough and is moved up and down upon energization and deenergization of the coil 22I. A stop 23I limits the upward movement of the armature 222. The coil 22I is provided with two terminals 232 and 233 and the switch 224 is provided with a ter-' minal 234 for movable contact arm 225 and a terminal 235 for fixed contact arm 221.

Th interlock switch 23 comprises a movable contact arm 233 havin a contact 231 thereon,

a fixed contact arm 238 having a contact 239 thereon, and a stop arm 24I. tact arm 236 is normally biased to a position where contacts 231 and 239 are held closed by' The movable contact arm 236 is adapted to be moved by operation of the nickel a spring 242.

change pay-out solenoid 25 through the medium of an arm 243 in a manner hereinafter described.

A terminal 244 is provided on th movable switch arm 238 and a terminal 245 is provided on the fixed switch arm 238. r

The vending or package discharge solenoid 24 comprises a coil 249 and a movable armature 241. The nickel solenoid 25 comprises a coil 24% and an armature 2 31b. The pennysolenoid 26 comprises a coil 246a and a movable armature 241a. The armature 2412) of the nickel solenoid 25 extends through the coil 24% a sufficient distancev to move the member 243 on the interlock switch 23 to open contacts 231-439. The package or vending solenoid 24 is disposed adjacent a slide 248 which is moved by the armature 241 to drop a package of material to be vended through a package chute (not shown). The nickel pay-out solenoid 25, when energized, operates the armature 241 to move a slide 2531, thereby dropping a nickel 25I through a suitable change chute (not shown). The armature 241a of the penny payout solenoid 28 operates a slide 252 to drop one or more pennies 253 through a change pay-out chute (not shown). v

The coin switch and rejection mechanism'l'r. is of standard design and in the present case includes three micro-switches-254, 255 and 256,

which are respectively operated by-nickels, dimesand quarters, respectively, droppingthrough the proper chutes of the coin-mechanism I 2'. The nickel chute is indicated at 251, the dime chute at 258, and the quarter chute at 259. The nickel switch 254 is provided with terminals 28I and 262, the dime switch 255 with terminals 263 and 284, and the quarter switch 256 with terminals 255 and 286. These switches 254, 255 and 256 each contain contacts therein (not shown) which are closed when a coin passes through the re spective chutes and operates coin actuated arms 261, 258 and 269 on the respective nickel, dime and quarter switches.

The coin chutes rejecting mechanism and coin switches are of conventional design and form no part of the present invention per se. The selenium rectifier 21 is also standard equipment and may be used where it is desired to operate thev various relays and solenoids on direct current from an alternating current source of supply; Further description. of the coin chute, rejecting:

The movable conace-noes.

mechanism, coin switches, and rectifier is thereforedeemed unnecessary.

Operation Asbest shown in Figures 2 and 8, the mechaanism. and wiring is arrangedto dispense or vend anarticle priced between 30c. and 35. For this reason, connections are made to the sixth contact numbered 530. and the seventh contact numbered 53b. (counting from the initial contact, 530 of the contact plate I5 carrying the contacts 53. There isalsc a connection to the initial contact 530.

While the example. shown is arranged to dis- Dense orvend an article of 35 valve, or between and value, it will be obvious as the description proceeds that different priced articles maybe vended and change made with the mechanism and circuit shown by merely changing the connections 53a and 53b. It will also be apparent that the penny pay-out solenoid may be utilized if, the articleto be vended is an odd number of cents, whereas the penny pay-out solenoid is unnecessary if the article to be vended is an even multiple of nickels, dimes or quarters. It will also be obvious as the description proceeds that instead of the machine being adapted to operate on nickels, dimes and quarters, it may, for example, accept dimes, quarters, and half dollars and, in each case, pay out the correct change, depending upon the price of the article to be vended or dispensed. The only limitation on the price of the article is in the denomination of coins which may be used and the number of contacts 53 which are placed on the contact plate I5. It is, therefore, obvious that the mechanism is practically unlimited in its ability to vend articles or merchan disc of different prices and to deliver the correct change.

When a nickel is inserted in the coin chute I2, nickel contacts 26L 262 are closed and a circuit is established from D. C. line LI, through conductors 216, 2'II, contacts 26L 252, conductor 2'I2, through slow release relay coil 2% and back to D. C. line L2 through conductor 213. The slow release coil 285 is, therefore, energized and opens slow release contacts 2| I and 2 i3 to prevent circuits being established through the interlock relay contacts.

An additional circuit is also established from D. C,.line LI, through conductors Z'IEI, 2'ii, contacts, ZGI, 252, conductor 2'52, conductor 2%, through add relay coil 28 and conductor 215, 27.! back to ,D. C. line L2. The add coil is thus energized one time and contact arm 55 is moved clockwise, as viewed inF-igure 8, a sufficient dis,- tance to have the contact arm engage the next adjacent contact 53. Obviously, there can be no circuit then established through conductor 218 leading fromthe initial contact 530 to terminal I H of fixed contact arm Iii! of the interlock relay I'I (interlock relay No. l) or to the subtract coil 39, until the contact arm 58 again returns to engage initial contact 530.

Assuming now that a dime is initially inserted in-the coin chute I2, a circuit is established from line LI, through conductors 2H3, 2H, and Zita, through contacts 263, 284, conductor 2% to coil I26 on the 10 impulse relay I8, and back to line L2 through conductors 283 and 273. The armature I32 of the relay I8 is therefore drawn downwardly and wheel I8! is turned so that switch contacts IBI, I85 are closed. Furthermore, normally closed contacts I55, I6! are opened and contactsv I54, I59 are closed. Opening of contacts I55, IIiI breaks a circuitithrough line-LI, through conductors 21c, 282,1throuehgcontac s fll, I85, conductor 23.3, to terminal I95 on movable switch arm I52, contacts I55, ISI, through conductor 25%, through coil I26, and conductors 288, 213 back to line L2. The coil I2 6 is, therefore, deenergized. However, acircuit has been established when contacts I54, I55 close from line LI, through conductors. 2'10, 282 contacts ISI, I85, conductor 283, contacts I55, I59, conductor 285 through slow release coil 285 and back to line L2 through conductor 273. The slow releasecoil 265. is, therefore, energized and contacts 2I I, 2I3 are held open to prevent energization of the interlock relays and the subtract coil 39. Because of the copper. slugs 285 on the slow release coil, the armature 2E1 will be held in the down position even though pulsating rather than continuous current is flowing through the coil 2%. Another. circuit is also established at this time to energize.

the add coil 28. Ehis circuit starts at line LI. and follows the same course just described up to the slow release coil- The additional circuit is established from conductor 235, through conductor 28 8, add coil 28, and conductors 2'15, 2'I'I to line L2. One credit is, therefore, established and contact arrniiii is moved clockwise away from initial contact 53c to the next contact 53.

The opening of contacts I55, IISI having broken the circuit to the 10 relay coil I25, and thereby deenergized it, causes its armatures to release to again close contacts I55, IE! and open contacts 56, 555, thus deenergizing the add coil 28. However, the slow release relay 2i does not immediately' release armature 23?, as explained above. Closing of contacts I55, I EI again energizes coil I25 of the 19 relay through a circuit starting at line Li, through conductors 2'I 3, 282, contacts IEI, I35, conductor 283, contacts I55, IGI, conductors 2850., 238 and 273 back to line L2. Energization of coil IE6 is again effected, therefore, and contacts 555, IGI open and contacts I56, I59 close, thus maintaining contacts 2H, 2I3 of slow release relay 2I open, and again transmitting one impulse to add coil 28 to move contact arm 56 to the next contact 53.

Such action would continue as long as contacts I8I, I remain closed, but upon the next energization of coil I26 of the 10 relay, the wheel I8lis moved so that the extension I89 on switch arm I83 drops into a notch I88 and contacts I8I, I85 are opened. It is, therefore. impossible to energize the add coil 28 or to reenergize the 10 relay coil I26 until another dime is used, and operation of the 10 relay and add coil ceases and contacts 2II, 2I3 of the slow release relay 2i close. It is apparent, therefore, that when a dime is utilized, the 10 relay coil I26 is energized three times and the add coil 28 is energized twice to establish two units or credits.

Assuming now that a quarter is initially inserted in the apparatus, a circuit is established from line LI, through conductors 2T0. 2II, a conductor 286, contacts 265, 266, a conductor 28?, through the 25 relay coil I21, and a conductor 288 back to line L2 through conductor 273. The relay coil I2! is thus energized and wheel moved a sufficient distance to close contacts I82 and I86. The 25 relay new functions in an identical manner as described with respect to the 10 relay but the coil I21 thereof is energized six times before contacts I82, I86 are opened to terminate such operation and add coil 28 is energized five times, thus movingcontact arm 56 in five steps'to the fifth contact 53d from initial contact 530.

When coil I 21 is energized and contacts I 82, I86 closed, normally open contacts I56, I62 are closed and normally open contacts I51, I63 are opened. Closing of contacts I56, I62 establishes the slow release relay coil 205 and opening contacts 2II, 2I3. Another circuit is established which fol-lows the one just described from line LI to the conductor 285, whereupon it branches and includes conductor 284, add coil 28, and conductors 215, 211 to line L2. Thus the add coil 28 is energized each time contacts I56, I62

are closed.

Opening of contacts I51, I63, however, deenergizes the coil I21 and contacts I56, I62 are thereby opened and contacts I51, I63 are closed.v

A circuit is then established from line LI, through conductors 210, 282 and 289, through contacts I82, I86, through conductor 29I, coil I21, and conductors 288, 213 back to line L2.

Coil I21 is, therefore, reenergized and contacts, I51, I63 opened and contacts I56, I62 closed,

again establishing circuits to the slow release relay coil 205 and to add coil 28. Contact arm 56 is thus advanced one step and slow release relay 2I maintains contacts 2| I, 2I3 open. Obviously, coil I 21 is again deenergized.

Upon the sixth energization of coil I 21, the wheel I9I is moved to a position wherein extension I93 of contact arm I84 enters a notch I92 in wheel I9I and contacts I82, I86 are opened, thus preventing further energization of coils I21, 205 and 28 until an additional coin is deposited. The slow release contacts 2| I, 2I3 thereupon close.

All the circuits thus far described are D. C. circuits.

As stated before, the example of the apparatus shown is wired to dispense an article priced between 30 and 35 and at least 35 must be placed in the coin chute to effect delivery of an article.

First, it is assumed that exactly 35 has been deposited in nickels, dimes or quarters. By the mechanism and circuits thus far described, the contact arm 56 is moved to the seventh contact 531) from initial contact 530. The slow release relay 2I at this time permits contacts 2, 2I3 to close and the following circuits are established, some being A. C. circuits from A. C. taps AI and A2 on the rectifier 21.

One A. C. circuit is immediately established as soon as contact arm 56 reaches contact 5311 from AI to line 30I to slide contact 54, thence to the rotatable contact arm 56, through a conductor 302, lower coil 84 of interlock relay I1 and to tap A2 through a conductor 303. Coil 84 is thereby energized and closes all contacts associated with the switch, lncluding contacts I 03, I09. The latch 92 maintains the switches closed.

A D. C. circuit is also established from line LI through conductor 210, a conductor 293, contacts 2| I, 2I3, a conductor 294 to terminal I I6, contacts I 03, I09 of relay I1, terminal II3, a

, conductor 295, a conductor 296, normally closed contacts 231, 239 of interlock switch 23, through conductor 291, through normally closed contacts 41, 50b of subtract switch 45, through a conductor 298, subtract coil 39 and a conductor 299 to line L2. Thus, the rotatable contact arm is rotated counterclockwise toward the initial contact 530 from contact 53b. The circuit to the coil 84 of interlock relay I1, is, therefore, broken but latch 92 maintains the switches closed.

Since subtract coil 39 has already been energized and rotatable contact arm 56 moved from contacts 530, closing of the intermediate relay contacts 226, 228 coincides with movement of the rotatable switch arm 56 to contact 53a. A circuit is, therefore, established from A. C. line 30I through the rotatable contact 56, contact 53a, a conductor 301 to terminal II2 of interlock relay I6, through closed contacts I02, I08 through terminal II5, through a conductor 308 to lower coil 58 of interlock relay I6, through a conductor 309 which connects with A. C. line 303. The coil 58 is thereby energized and contacts 12, 16 are opened, while contacts H, 15 are closed. Opening of the contacts 12, 16 prevents energization of the coil 22I of the intermediate relay and open contacts 226, 228 thereof.

A circuit is also established from A. C. line 30I through contact 56, contact 53a, conductor 301, closed contacts I02, I08 of interlock relay I1, through terminal II5, through a conductor 399 to the article delivery or vending solenoid coil 246, and through a conductor 3II to A. C. terminal A2. The vending solenoid coil 24 is therefore energized and one package is delivered. Likewise, if pennies in change are to be delivered, the penny magazine is filled. The penny solenoid 26 is energized each time the vending solenoid 24 is energized through a conductor 3I4 connecting with conductor 309, and a conductor 3I5 connecting with conductor 3H.

When the subtract coil 39 is de-energized, the contacts 41, 50b again close and a circuit is established from line LI through conductors 210, 293, closed contacts 2Il, 2I3 of the slow release relay 2 I, conductor 294, closed contacts I03, I09 of interlock relay I1, conductors 295, 296, closed contacts 231, 239 of interlock switch 23, conductor 291 through closed contacts 41, 50b, through conductor 298, subtract coil 39, and conductor 299, back to line L2. The rotatable contactor arm 56 is therefore stepped back an additional contact 23, but no further circuits are established until it reaches the initial contact 530. Both the interlock relays I6 and I1 are latched in their lowered position by latches 64 and 92, respectively. As soon as the contacts 41, 5% close to energize the subtract coil 39, they are again opened to de-energize the subtract coil and this procedure continues so long as contacts I03, I06 remain closed. 7

When the movable contact arm 56 reaches the initial contact 53c, an A. C. circuit is established from the A. C. line 30I, through the contact arm 56, contact 530, conductors 218 and 3| 6 to terminal I I1 of interlock relay I 1, through conductors 316a, i01, closed contacts H, 15 of interlock relay I6, conductor 3I1 through upper coil 59 of interlock relay I6, and back to A. C. line 303. Coil 59 of interlock relay I6 is thereby energized. At the same time an A. C. circuit is established from conductor 3I6, terminal 1, contacts I 0|, I01, terminal II4, conductor 323, coil 85, conductor 322, back to A. C. line 303. The upper coil of interlock relay I1 is thereby energized simultaneously with the coil59 of 11 interlock relay It, the latches er and 92 are tripped and all contacts are opened in both relays, exceptcontacts 22,16 of interlock relay I5,

which are closed. The complete circuit is then conditioned-for another vending operation and power is-removed from thesubtract coil 39 be- In other wordsywith the apparatus set to vend an 'article priced between 30 and 35, if more than'two quartersare dropped in the coin chute,

.lthe additional quarters will be automatically returned. Likewise ifa quarter and a nickel, for

example, are first dropped in the coin chute and .then more than-onadime :is dropped, the additional dimeswill be returned. Such excess coin /mechanisms are :standard equipment sold with coin chutes and areusually operated magnetically. .Control'of' these -magnetic devices is ac- .complished'with.contacts (not shown) on inter- "lock relay H normally closed. Because of the fact that such mechanisms are standard commericalproducts and form no'part of the present invention;further description is dispensed with.

Assuming'nounforexample, that two quarters :areinserted in the coin-chute, the quarter conptacts1265,,255*will be closed twice in rapid suctcession, but the quarter impulse relay I9 op- :eratesrapidlytctransmit ten (10) impulses to the add coil'28, which in turn moves the contact armbt to the'tenth contact 53 in a clockwise-direction, starting from the initial contact 230. The contact arm 56 passes the contacts 53aand 53c, but-no circuits are set up to the otherparts of the apparatus because of the fact that the contacts 2, 2I3 of the slow release .relay 2| are open as long as the quarter impulse relay is operating, except that coil 8.4 of interlock relay I1 is energized when arm 56 passes contact .5312 through the circuit described above.

As soon as the impulse relay I9 stops operation and the slow release relay 2! is deenergized so that contacts 2I I,2I3 close, a D. C. circuit is established, as described before, from line Li through conductors 2'18, 293, closed contacts 2| I,

.213 of the slow release relay 2 I, normally closed contacts I23, I06 of the interlock relay ll, through conductors 295, 295, closed contacts 23?, .239 .of the interlock switch 23, conductor 29?, closedcontacts 31, 55b, conductor 298 through ssubtract coil39 and back to line L2 through conductor 5299. The subtractccil therefore steps the switch arm 56 back one contact and as soon as the subtract coilis energized the contacts d1,

Bb.open.and contacts 45, :53 close.

A circuit is then set up to the intermediate relay 22 through conductor 304, normally closed :contacts I2, 18 ofinterlock relay I6, through con- .ductor 305 to the coil 22I of intermediate relay :22 and through conductor 3% back to line L2. The intermediate relay is therefore operated and contacts 226,228 thereof are closed. A circuit is therefore established from A. C. terminal A-2 through conductor 3II, closed contacts 225, 228 of intermediate relay 22, conductor 3I2, through the change pay-out solenoid, in this case being a "nickel pay-out solenoid 25 and through conduc- "tor 3I3 to A. C. terminal A-l.

The nickel payarticles of almost any given price.

out solenoid 25 is therefore energized to drop one nickel in change.

As soon as the subtract relay contacts, 5% are opened and contacts 46, 48 are closed, the subtract coil 39 is deenergized and contacts' ll, 5% again close. The subtract coil is therefore again energized, the contact arm 56 is stepped back one contact-r53 and the intermediate relay coil 22I is again energized to close contacts 225, 228 and re-energize thenickel pay-out solenoid 25 so that a second nickel is paid out in change.

The same process is again repeated and a third nickel is paidoutin change at the time the contact arm 56 reaches the contact 531). The same sequence of operations now occurs as explained hereinbefore, whenthe exact amount of money, that is, 35$ for obtaining the article to be vended, is placed in the machine. The interlock relays I6 and IT areenergized .by the time thecontact arm 56 reaches the contact 53c, and the vending solenoid 24 is energized'to deliver the article to be vended.

'Itwill be obvious that each time the vending solenoid 24 operates, the slide 249 is withdrawn to permit the article to be vended to be delivered.

Likewise, each time pennies in change are to be delivered, the slide 253 permits any desired number of pennies to bedelivered with the vended article. Similarly, the slide 25I operates one each timera nickel'in change is tobe'made.

:In'order to'insurexsufiiciently slow operation of the nickel changesolenoid 25, so that the correct change will be delivered and so that itwill not operate at the high speed which the subtract relay and intermediate'relay are capable of, the interlock switch 23 is provided. Each time the coil of theinickelsolenoid .25 operates, it opens contacts 237,239 of the interlock switch and does not effect closure of these contacts again until the armature has :made its full stroke and returned to itsinitial' position. Obviously, this prevents reenergization of the subtract coil 39 and the intermediate relay coil 22I until contacts 231, 239 are again closed, thus preventing too rapid pulsations of the nickel change pay-out solenoid 25.

The samesequence of operations occurs as described above if, for example, 40 in coins i placed in the coin chutes. This may comprise :m'ckels, dimes and quarters and each time a nickel is dropped in the coin chute, the nickel contacts .close and give one credit. Eachtime a dimelis dropped in the coin .chute, the dimeimpulserelay Iazoperates .to give two credits. Each time a quarter is dropped in the coin chute, the quarter impulse relay I9 operates to give two credits.

Obviously, the apparatus may be set up to vend If nickels, dimes and quarters are to be used, relocating the contacts 53a and 53b will permit various priced items to be vended up to the capacity of the apparatu to contain contacts 53. If higher priced articles are to be vended, the nickel coin chute might be changed, for example, to a dime coin chute; the dime relay to a quarter relay; and the quarter relay to a half dollar relay. The remainder of the apparatus, except for the coin change chute, which might then be set up to give change in dimes, or dimes and nickels, would remain the same and the operation of the apparatus would be in accordance with the above description.

It is also believed to be obvious that other well known typesof devices responsive to various denominations of coins and other types of add and subtract stepper mechanisms may be substituted for the specific devices shown and described herein. Furthermore, other well known types of interlock devices may be substituted for the interlock relays described herein. Such substitutions would not depart from the spirit and intent of the invention and the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific devices shown, except as set forth in the appended claims.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided an extremely simple mechanism which will operate very rapidly to dispense articles of difierent values and give the correct change. It will also be apparent that I have provided a novel sequence of operations and electrical circuit for carrying out the same.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my coin controlled apparatus and change maker without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope without sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

I claim as my invention: I

1. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit connected to opposite sides of a source of power, a plurality of normally 0 open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of difierent denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of a single unit, an electrically operated add stepper means and an electrically operated substract stepper means for respectively crediting and debiting units represented by said coins, said add stepper means being energized from said circuit by closure of said single unit coin switch, a set of spaced contacts, at least some of which are connected to one side of said circuit, contact means movable by said stepper means from an initial one of said spaced contacts to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact means being connected to the other side of said circuit, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add stepper means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent contacts, article delivery means, an electrical relay including a pair of coils, means for energizing one of the coils of said relay when said add stepper means has moved said movable contact means a sufiicient distance to pass a first predetermined contact and to engage or pass a second predetermined contact, the energization of said coil serving to prepare a plurality of circuits, one of which includes the first predetermined contact, means for energizing said subtract stepper means to return said contact means to said initial contact after the add stepper means has credited units corresponding to all of the coins utilized, an electrically operated means including said one of the plurality of prepared circuits for operating said article delivery means when said movable contact passes or engages said first predetermined contact after said one circuit has been prepared.

2. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit connected to opposite 7? 1 4 sides of a source of power, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of different denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of a single unit, an electrically operated add stepper means and an electrically operated substract stepper means for respectively crediting and debiting units represented by said coins, said add stepper means being directly energized from said circuit by closure of said single unit coin switch, a set of spaced contacts, at least one of which is always connected by one individual circuit of a plurality of possible individual circuits to one side of said first mentioned circuit, contact means movable by said stepper means from an initial one of said spaced contacts to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact means being connected to the other side of said first mentioned circuit, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add stepper means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent contacts, article delivery means, an electrical relay including a pair of coils, means for energizing one of the coils of said relay when said add stepper means has moved said movable contact means a sufficient distance to pass a first predetermined contact and to engage or pass a second predetermined contact,

the energization of said coil serving to prepare a plurality of said individual circuits, one of which includes said first predetermined contact, means for energizing said subtract stepper means to return said contact means to said initial contact after the add stepper means'has credited units corresponding to all of the coins utilized, electrically operated means including said prepared circuit which includes said first predetermined contact for operating said article delivery means when said movable contact passes or engages said first predetermined contact after said one circuit has been prepared, an electrically operated change return operatively associated with said subtract stepper means for delivering the correct change in coins corresponding to a denomination representing a single unit.

3. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit connected to opposite sides of a source of power, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of different denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of a single unit, an electrically operated add stepper means and an electrically operated subtract stepper means for respectively crediting and debiting units represented by said coins, said add stepper means being energized from said circuit by closure of said single unit coin switch, a set of spaced contacts, at least some of which are connected to one side of said circuit, contact means movable by said stepper means from an initial one of said spaced contacts to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact means being connected to the other side of said circuit, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said .addstepper means to credit the proper number of units, article delivery means, electrically operzated means for preparing an electrical circuit for operating the article delivery means when said :add stepper means has moved movable con tact means a sufiicient distance to pass a first predetermined contact and engage or pass a second predetermined contact, to thereby connect said electrically operated means to said circuit,

means for thereupon 'energ'ling said subtract :stepper means to return'sad contact means to said initial contact after the stepper means has credited units corresponding to all of the coins utilized, said movable contact means energizing said prepared electrical circuit for operating said article de ivery means when said contact means is moved by said subtract stepper means into engagement with or past said first predetermined contact, and electrically operated means for delivering the correct change in coins corresponding to a denomination representing a single unit when said add stepper means have moved said contact means past said second predetermined contact and said subtract stepper means returns said contact means in successive I engagement with one or more contacts up to and including said second predetermined contact, and

electrical means for insuring that said article delivery means and said change delivery means are conditioned to again deliver an article and unit and another of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of said single unit, add means and subtract means for crediting and debiting units represented. by said coin, said add means being energized by closure of said single unit coin switch, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulses means to operate said add means to credit the proper number of units, electrically operated article delivery means, means for energizing said subtract means to debit a total number or" units equaling the total number of units credited after all the units have been credited, a contact member movable in one direction by said add means and in an opposite direction .by said subtract means, means includ- ..ing.said contact member for preparing an article fcl livery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited, means including said contact member for energizing said prepared article delivery circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined number of units have been debited, change payout means, and means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended.

5. Apparatus for vending an article compris ing an electrical circuit, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of difierent denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another of said coin responsive .switch means being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of said single unit, and

add and subtract means for crediting and debiting units represented-by said coin, said add means being energized by closure of said single unit coin switch, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulse from said impulse means to operate said add means to credit the proper number of 'units, electrically operated article delivery means, means for energizing said subtract means to debit-a total number of units equaling the total number of units credited, 'a movable contact member adapted to be moved in one direction by said add means and inan opposite direction by said subtractmeans, means including said movable contact member for preparing an article delivery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited, means including said movable contact member for energizing said prepared articledelivery .circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined number of units have been debited, change pay-out means, means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended, and means energized by closure of any coin switch'for preventing debiting of units during the time units are being credited.

6. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch mean in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of different clenominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another of said coin responsive switch mean being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of said single unit, add and subtract means for crediting and debiting units represented by said coin, said add means being energized by closure of said single unit coin switch, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add means to credit the proper number of units, electrically operated article delivery means, means for energizing said subtract means to debit a total number of units equaling the total number of units credited, a movable contact member adapted to be moved in one direction by said add means and in an opposite direction by said subtract means, means including said movable contact member for preparing an article delivery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited, means including said movable contact member for energizing said prepared article delivery circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined number of units have been debited, change pay-out means, means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended, and means for preventing debiting of units during the time units are being credited, said last means comprising a slow release relay interposed in the circuit between the coin switches and the add means. 7. Apparatus for vending an article comprislng an electrical circuit, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of difierent denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive .to a coin representing a single unit and another of' said 'coin'responsive means to debit a total number of units equaling the total number of units credited, a movable contact member adapted to be moved in one direction by said add means and in an opposite direction by said subtract means, means including said movable contact member for preparing an article delivery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited, means including said movable contact member for energiaing said prepared article delivery circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined number of units have been debited, change pay-out means, means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended, and means for insuring the delivery of each coin in change before said add and subtract means condition the apparatus to deliver a subsequent coin in change, said last means comprising an interlock switch operated by the change pay-out means interposed in the circuit to the subtract means.

8. Apparatus for vending an article compris ing an electrical circuit, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of diiierent denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of said single unit, add means and subtract means for crediting and debiting units represented by said coin, said add means being energized by closure of said single unit coin switch, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add means to credit the proper number of units, electrically operated article delivery means, means for energizing said subtract means to debit a total number of units equaling the total number of units credited, a movable contact member adapted to be moved in one direction by said add means and in an opposite direction by said subtract means, means including said movable contact member for preparingan article delivery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited, means including said movable contact member for energizing said prepared article delivery circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined numberof units have been debited, change pay-out means, means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended, and means for reducing the speed of operation of the change pay-out means, said last means comprising an intermediate relay disposed in the circuit to the change pay-out means.

9. Apparatus for vending an article compris- I ing an electrical circuit, a plurality of normally switch means being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of said single unit, add means and subtract means for crediting and debiting units represented by said coin, said add means being energized by closure of said single unit coin switch, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translatingthe impulses from said impulse means to operate said add means to credit the proper number of units, electrically operated article delivery means, means for energizing said subtract means to debit a total number of units equaling the total number of unit credited, a movable contact member adapted to be moved in one direction by said add means and in an opposite direction by said subtract means, means including said movable contact member for preparing an article delivery circuit after a predetermined number of units have been credited,

- means including said movable contact member for energizing said prepared article delivery circuit so as to operate said article delivery means after a second predetermined number of units have been debited, change pay-out means, means controlled by the subtract means for operating said change pay-out means when coins have been inserted totalling more than the price of the article to be vended, said means for operating the electric delivery means including an interlock relay, said interlock relay having latching means adapted to latch said interlock relay in one position during the time that the add means is crediting units and having means for releasing said latching means at the end of each vending cycle.

10. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit connected to opposite sides of a source of power, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of different denominations, one of said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of a single unit, an electrically operated add stepper means and an electrically operated subtract stepper means for respectively crediting and debiting units represented by said coins, said add stepper means being energized from said circuit by closure of said single unit coin switch, a set of spaced contacts, at least one of which is always connectedlby one individual circuit of a plurality of possible individual circuits to one side of said first mentioned circuit, contact means movable by said stepper means from an initial one of said spaced contacts to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact means being connected to the other side of said first mentioned circuit, an impulse means responsive t said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add stepper means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent contacts, article delivery means, an electrical relay including a pair of coils, means for energizing one of the coils of said relay when said add stepper means has moved said movable contact means a sufiicient distance topass a first pre- 1 determined contact and to engage or pass a secnd predetermined contact, the energization of said coil serving to prepare a plurality of said individual circuits, one of which includes said first predetermined contact, means for energizing said subtract stepper means to return said contact means to said initial contact after the add stepper means has credited units corresponding to all of the coins utilized, electrically operated means including said prepared circuit which includes said first predetermined contact for operating said article delivery means when said movable contact passes or engages said first predetermined contact after said one circuit has been prepared, a slow release coil energized by closure of any coin switch for preventing operation of said article delivery means while credits are being added, and latch means movable into operative position simultaneously with the preparation of said individual circuits to maintain said plurality of said individual circuits in prepared condition until the cycle of operation is completed.

11. Apparatus for vending an article comprising an electrical circuit connected to opposite sides of a source of power, a plurality of normally open coin responsive switch means in said circuit adapted to be closed by coins of different denominations, one or" said coin responsive switch means being responsive to a coin representing a single unit and another being responsive to a coin representing a multiple of a single unit, an electrically operated add stepper means and an electrically operated sub-tract stepper means for respectively crediting and debiting units represented by said coins, said add stepper means being directly energized from said circuit by closure of said single unit coin switch, a set of spaced contacts, at least one of which is always connected by one individual circuit of a plurality of possible individual circuits to one side of said first mentioned circuit, contact means movable by said stepper means from an initial one of said spaced contacts to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact means being connected to the other side of said first mentioned circuit, an impulse means responsive to said other coin responsive switch means, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to operate said add stepper means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent contacts, article delivery means, an electrical relay including a pair of coils, means for energizing one of the coils of said relay when said add stepper means has moved said movable contact means a sufficient distance to pass a first predetermined contact and to engage or pass a second predetermined contact, the energization of said coil serving to prepare a plurality of said individual circuits, one of which includes said first predetermined contact, means for energizing said subtract stepper means to return said contact means to said initial contact after the add stepper means has credited units corresponding to all of the coins utilized, electrically operated means including said prepared circuit which includes said first predetermined contact for operating said article delivery means when said movable contact passes or engages said first predetermined contact after said one circuit has been prepared, a slow release coil energized by closure of any coin switch for preventing operation of said article delivery means while credits are being added, latch means movable into operative position simultaneously with the preparation of said individual circuits to maintain said plurality of said individual circuits in prepared condition until the cycle of operation is completed, and electrical means including energization of one of said prepared circuits for releasing said latch means when the cycle of operation is completed.

12. Crediting apparatus comprising an electric circuit, a plurality of normally open switches in said circuit adapted to be independently moved to closed position and reopened, and add and subtract means for creditin and debiting units, the number of credits depending upon which of said switches is closed or how many times one or more of said switches is closed, one of said switches being adapted to energize the add means to credit one unit and another of said switches adapted to energize the add means to credit more than one unit, a set of spaced contacts, at least one of which is always connected by one individ ual circuit of a plurality of possible individual circuits to one side of said first mentioned circuit, contact means movable by said add and subtract means from an initial contact to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said a movable contact being connected to the other side of said first mentioned circuit, said add means being energized to add one credit when the switch for one unit is closed, an impulse means which is energized a predetermined number of times and then deenergized when said other switch is closed, means for translating the impulses from said impulse means to said add means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent contacts, an electrically operated device, means for preparing a plurality of circuits, one of which is an energizing circuit for said electrically operated device, when said contact means has passed a first predetermined contact and engaged or passed a second predetermined contact, means for energizing said subtract means to move said contact means back to its initial position after all unit have been credited, and means for energizing said prepared energizing circuit so as to operate said electrically operated device upon said contact means engaging said first predetermined contact after said circuit has been prepared.

13. 'Crediting apparatus comprising an electric circuit, a plurality of normally open switches in said circuit adapted to be independently moved to closed position and reopened, add means and subtract means for crediting and debiting units, the number of credits depending upon which of said switches is closed or how many times one or more of said switches is closed, one of said switches being adapted to energize the add means to credit one unit and another of said switches adapted to energize the add means to credit more than one unit, a set of spaced contacts at least one which is always connected by one individual circuit of a plurality of possible individual cil edits to one side of said first mentioned circuit, contact means movable by said add and subtract mean from an initial contact to subsequent contacts and then back to the initial contact, said movable contact being connected to the other side of said first metnioned circuit, said add means being energized to add one credit when the switch for one unit is closed, an impulse means which is energized a predetermined number of times and then deenergized when said other switch is closed, mean for translating the impulses from said impulse means to said add means to credit the proper number of units and to move said contact means past a plurality of said subsequent con- 21 22 tacts, an electrically operated device, means for REFERENCES CITED Preparmg P m one Whlch The following references are of record in the 1s indendergizmg glirguit f oir sag}J (3502216823137 121;; me of this patent; era e evice, w e sai o a a s passed a first predetermined contact and engaged 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS or passed a second predetermined contact, means Number Name Date for energizing said subtract means to move said 2,076,564 Hoban Apr. 13, 1937 contact means back to its initial position after 2,122,550 Adrian July 5, 1938 all units have been credited, means for energiz- 2,271,397 McDermott Jan. 27, 1942 ing said one prepared circuit so as to operate said 10 2,325,536 Osborne July 27, 1943 electrically operated device upon said contact 2,384,585 Alexander Sept. 11, 1945 means engaging said first predetermined contact FOREIGN PATENTS after said circuit has been prepared, and means energized by closure of any of said switches for Number Y Date preventing debiting of units during the time 15 403,366 Great Bntam Dec-11, 1933 units are being credited.

MARVIN G. NELSEN.

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