US2687794A

US2687794A - Coin-controlled dispensing mechanism and circuit therefor

Info

Publication number: US2687794A
Application number: US182112A
Authority: US
Inventors: John C Koch
Original assignee: S AND S VENDING MACHINE CO
Current assignee: S AND S VENDING MACHINE CO
Priority date: 1950-08-29
Filing date: 1950-08-29
Publication date: 1954-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 1971-08-31

Description

Aug- 31, 1954 J. c. KOCH 2,687,794

com-coNTRoLLEn DIsPENsING MECHANISM AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR sl sheets-sheet 1 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 KE l5 INVENTOR. /3 .1% c. Koo/f BY /Z ATTORNEY Aug. 31, 1954 J. c. KocH COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 l fill/111114 5 /3 INVENTOR.

.10471. c. froci-f BY 6 i ATTORNEY llg- 31, 1954 J. c. KocH 2,687,794

COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM AND CIRCUITV THEREFOR Filed Aug. 29, 195o 1 s sheets-sheet s y }SILVER JOH/V O. KOCH ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 31, 1954 v COIN -CONTROLLED DISPEN SING MECH- ANISM AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR John C. Koch, Campbell, Calif., assigner to S & S

Vending Machine Com corporation of Californ pany, San Jose, Calif., a 1a Application August 29, 1950, Serial No. 182,112

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a coin-controlled circuit andto the coin-controlled switch that actuates the circuit. It may be used in connection with various automatic vending machines and has been found particularly useful in ice-vending machines.

One problem solved by this invention is that of getting actuation by different combinations of coins` that total the same money value. For example, suppose that twenty-live pounds of ice sellsfor thirty cents. The purchaser may wish to use a quarter and a nickel, or three dimes, or six nickels, or two dimes and two nickels, or one dime and four nickels. It has'been diicult to devise an apparatus that will respond in the same Way to all suchcombinations. One reason for the difficulty is the fact that each denomination of coin is of different value and weight. In a device to be operated by different combinations of coins some simple compensation means must be provided, and the present invention offers a simple, practical solution to that problem. The same principles may be used to adjust for the differences between pennies and the other coins,

, but a discussion of combinations including nickels, dimes and quarters will serve to explain the invention. l

Another problem solved by this invention has been the one of how to provide a machine which can be adjusted easily in a fool-proof manner to take care of price changes. Heretofore an expert skilled mechanic had to be called in to adjust the balances every time the price `was changed. The present invention has solved this problem so now the balance mechanism can easily be adjusted for a change in price by a clerk or other usual store `employee in no more time than it takes him to open up the box containing the mechanism.

Another problem solved by this invention can best be understood by considering an example. In ice-ven`ding machines7 each delivery of the icetalres from ve toten seconds after the proper combination of coins has been inserted. If a customer is able to insert another combination of coins before the ice has been delivered, he

loses his coins, gets no ice, and is a dissatisfied customer. The present invention has solved this problem by incorporating a mechanism that will not take additional coins until the ice already paid for has been delivered and the cycle completed. l

The invention may be used in conjunction with any well-known type of coin inserting mechanism and relates to the combination which will eiect the foregoing and other results to be pointed out herein.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the invention will appear from the following description of` a particular embodiment of it. The description given in accordance with U. S. Revised Statutes, Section 4888, is illustrative of the principlesA not coextensive with them, and is not intended to limit the invention except as required by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a coin-operated mechanism embodying the principles of the invention. i Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation and in section taken generally along the line 2 2 in Fig. 1, but cut away so that the `micro switch can be seen.

Fig. Sie a detail view of the pivot point taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a view in section taken along the line 4 4 in Fig. 1, showing thenickel coin chute in cross section.

Fig. 5 isaplan view in section of the nickel chute, taken along the line 5 5 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a View inv perspective of the pivotally mounted balance mechanism.

Fig. 7 is aview in section taken along the line 'lin Fig. 1 showing the coin receptacle in the counterweight.

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram of the circuit of this invention, and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of the balance and coin receptacle portion oi" the mechamsm.

Before proceeding to a detailed explanation of fthe whole device, it will probably facilitate the understanding of the invention to explain first, in reference to Fig. 9, the several features of the balance mechanism where it is set up to receive coins of three denominations.

The balance mechanism includes a separate receptacle 6|, l2 and J3 for each coin, each receptacle being mounted on arms Xand Y prolecting out from the pivot point Z. The arm X in Fig. 9 corresponds to the spacer t2 and a por.- ton of the member 50. The arm Y corresponds to the arm l0 and a portion of `the member 60.

i Projecting from the `opposite side of the` pivot point is a counterweight having also a coin receptacle 80 in or adjacent it mounted the same distance X from the pivot point Z as the receptacle El that is to receive the customers coin of the smallest denomination used in the coin receptacle 8B in making any price changes. When there are no coins in thev

receptacles

6l, 12, 13

and Bil the counterweight is calculated to be enough overbalanced by the weight of the receptacles tl, l2 and 'i3 just to actuate the energizing mechanism.

The balance mechanism can then be set by the store operator to actuate the energizing mechanism upon the deposit by the customer of any number of coins of the smallest denomination from one on up, by his placing in the coin receptacle 8G on the counterbalance, the number of such coins that are to equal .the purchase price of the goods being dispensed. rIhis means there are no delicate adjustments to be made. When the price goes up or down all the store operator does is open up the back and put in or remove from the counterbalance coin receptacle Bil the number of coins representing the price change.

For example, if the price is to be figured in multiples of 5 cents and the nickel coin is to be used, the receptacle 6| to receive the customers nickel is mounted on an arm X that is the same distance from the pivot point Z as is the coin receptacle 86 on the counterweight. If the total purchase price is 5 cents, the store operator will place a ve cent piece in the coin receptacle im on the counterweight. This weight is sufficient to hold the balance mechanism in level (inoperative) position until the customers nickel dro-ps into the receptacle 52. The customers nickel overbalances the counterweight and the energizing mechanism is actuated. If the total purchase price is 10 cents, 15 cents, 20 cents, or 25 cents, the store operator will place in the receptacle 8i) of the counterweight either 2 nickels, 3 nickels, 4 nickels, or 5 nickels respectively. The operation, for example, when set for a 25 cent purchase price, will entail the customer dropping five nickels into the receptacle 6|. This will overbalance the live nickels heldin the coin receptacle 80 on the counterweight, and the energizing mechanism will go to work .purveying to the customer the goods paid for.

When the purchase price is ten cents or more, experience has shown that provision must be made for the customer who will not have in change the two or 'more nickels needed, but he may have a dime and Ysome nickels. For example, the price is a quarter, the customer may have a quarter, or two dimes and a nickel, or a dime vand three nickels.

To care for this situation and still keep the lmechanism so that the price can be changed by the store operator merely inserting or removing nickels from the coin receptacle Bil on the counterweight, the receptacles l2 and 13 -to receive the customers dime or quarter respectively (or other coin if in larger denominations) are mounted on ythe iarm Y. Arm Y is of such a length that a -customers dime dropped in the dime receptacle 'I2 will balance the weight of two of the nickels put in the coin receptacle 80 on the counterweight, and a customers quarter in its receptacle 13 will balance the weight of five of the nickels put in the coin receptacle 8l] on the counter- Weight. In the case of a silver dime and a silver quarter a common arm Y can support their rey spective receptacles l2 and 'I3 because a quarter weighs two and a half times what a dime weighs.

This simple, fool-proof mechanism makes it possible for the store operator to change the price as market conditions dictate and without having to call a service man to make the change in the coin balance mechanism. All the store operator does is to put into the coin receptacle 80 on the counterweight the number of nickels that represent the purchase price. When the customer matches this with the deposit in the receptacle 6l of the requisite number of nickels or with coins of equivalent value in the other receptacles 'I2 or 13, the counterweight is overbalanced and the energizing mechanism is actuated to release to the customer the goods he paid for.

Following is a description of the mechanism by which the customer's money gets into the receptacles and how movement of the balance mechanism sets in operation the dispensing cycle so the goods are released to the customer.

The coin chi/.ics A (Figs. l 2) The coin introducing portions of the device are supported on a frame iii that fits into a closed housing (not shown) or into a recess in the wall of a building (also not shown). The frame l@ includes a front plate ii that may form the iront wall oi the housing or cover the front of the wall recess. The frame lo also includes two side bars l2 and i2 `that extend back from adjacent each end ci the plate il, a rear frame assembly M that is secured to the bars i2 and i3. An outside coin-catching guard I5 may extend up diagonally from the lower part of the front plate il. The guide iii catches any small coins that are placed on 'the wrong vcoin chute and fall through, and its upper extension also prevents the coin. slides from being drawn back too far.

The coin feed mechanism A includes three coin chutes which fit through a horizontal slot it in the plate ii. Each chute includes a slide 2t that has a round coin pocket 2l and reoiprocates in a sleeve-shaped guide member 22. This guide member 22 is lcast with Lip-standing iianges i3 through which bolts may be screwed into the rear face of the plate ii to secure the coin feed mechanism A to the frame iii.

To prevent a customer from inserting a dime into either the nickel or the quarter pocket 2i, or from inserting a'nickel into the quarter pocket, an opening 25 is provided leaving a ledge to support the proper coin, but providing an opening through which the smaller coins will. fall. A proper coin in proper position for insertion will rest in its pockety 2i lat on the bottom plate 26 of the guide 22 ready for the slide 2li to move it inwardly.

When the slide 'All is moved its full stroke `it comes against a stop member 2l, at which location good coins will drop through an opening 2S in the plate ZG. Over each slide is a horseshoe magnet Si) to attract and hold iron slugs and prevent them from dropping through the openings 23. Upon retraction of the slide 2D a slug will be drawn back to its starting position where the customer can replace it with a good coin. Perforated coins are prevented from getting as .tar as the opening 2S by a dog 32 that will drop down into the perforation in the coin. For details on these and other fraud-preventing devices connected with the coin chute, reference may oe had to Patent No. 2,135,710 as they form no part of the present invention.

The nickel coin chute (Figs. e and 5) The nickel coin chute is somewhat different 'from the others, because as will appear later in the description, the receptacle 6l into which the nickel must fall is located :further back from the plate Il than `the receptacles 'l2 and 13 into which the dimes and quarters fall. VSince the frame bars|2 and i3.

is made up by usingI two nickels to ll in the space between the nickel drop out opening 46 and the coin opening 2|. When in operation these two nickels are already in the machine so the customers nickel is immediately effective to drop `a nickel into the nickel receptacle 6|.

Instead of falling directly from the coin receptacle opening 2| through `the drop-out opening 28 into its coin receptacle as do the dimes and the quarters, each nickel rst drops down onto a `plate 40 secured directly beneath the opening 28 and the coin guide 22. The rst nickel re mains there as the slide 2!! is retracted and a leaf spring pusher foot 4|, secured to the lower edge of the front end 42 of the nickel slide 20 passes back over the nickel and drops down behind it. On the next stroke of the nickel slide 2|) the turned-up end 513 of the spring foot `4| engages the first nickel and pushes it partway `along over the plate 40, while the second nickel drops down onto the plate `4|). Upon retraction of the slide 20 the `foot 4| gets behind this second nickel and if the slide 20 is moved inwardly the second nickel will push the rst nickel along the plate lo until it comes under a spring t5 which is at the edge of the nickel drop-out opening 46.

`The nickel slot is now loaded andready to function. Insertion of a third nickel will allow the slide Z to make a full stroke which will allow the foot 4l to push the second nickel under the spring 45 andwill cause the rst nickel to be pushed oi the end of the plate 40, so it will drop down through theopening 136. Unless a third nickel is inserted in the slide openingZl, the nickel under the spring 45 cannot be released by pushing in theslide 26 because the pawl 32 will Afall into the opening 2| and stop the stroke ofthe slide 26 before the foot 4| can reach the second nickel to move it under the spring 45 and thereby release the iirst nickel.

The spring v135 not only retains the nickel at the edge of the opening 46, but it also serves `to support the nickel in a level position until it is al- `most completely over the edge of the opening `46. The spring 41 is provided incase the spring 45 should tend to tiltthe nickel upwardly as it passes over the rim. l

The balance mechazsm (Figs. 6, 7, 1,` 2, and 3) The general principles of this balance mechanism have already been explained. The device may take many forms depending on the designits fulcrum D and to actuate the switch F.

The fulcrum D for the actuator C Icomprises a pair of knife-edgetrunnions 50 secured to each side of the actuator body. `The trunnions 50 are supported on bearings 5| that may be cut in the (See Fig. 3). Preferably the bearing openings 52 are so shaped that the actuator C cannot swing back (counterclockwise in Fig. 2) further than its horizontal position. A stop member 53 is also provided on the rear assembly I4, comprising a bracket 54 and a threaded member 55. (See Fig. 2.)

The actuator C has three coin receptacles. The nickel coin receptacle 6| `is `secured close to the actuator body '60. (Figs. 4 and 5). A spacer receptacle 6| the correct distance from the fulcrum D. The nickel receptacle 6| includes a floor plate 63, a verticalrear wall 64, and two

vertical side Walls

65 and 66. The slope of the floor plate 63 tends to retain the coins that drop intoit. The front wall of the pan `6| is open so that the coins will slide out the front end when the actuator body 60 is tilted to dump the coins and start the dispensing cycle. Ai plate 61 is secured to the bottom of the slide 4|] closely adjacent the front of the receptacle 6| (when the actuatorbody 60 is in horizontal position) to prevent nickels from accidentally falling out of the receptacle.

A threaded rod 10 is secured to the front of the actuator body 60. (Figs. 1, 2, and 6.) At the outboard end of the rod 10 there is a bracket 1| to which the dime receptacle 12 and quarter receptacle 'I3 are secured. Since dimes and quarters have about the same Weight per value their pans 'I2 and 13 are supported about the same distance from the fulcrum D. The

receptacles

12 and 13 are similar in construction to the nickel receptacle 6 I except for size and depth, and need no further` explanation. A plate 'I4 depending from the guide plate 22 adjacent the drop-out opening 28 prevents dimes and quarters from falling out the front end of the

pans

12 and 13.

An adjustable counterweight 'l5 is thre-aded on the rod lll` before installation, and is held in its proper position by a lock nut 16. This makes it possible to adjust the balance of the actuator to take care of variations in manufacture.

A solenoid core l1 depends from the rod 1|! and is mounted to enter the solenoid G through an opening 'I8 when deposit of the requisite coins in the receptacles causes the actuator C `to tip. When the solenoid G is energized it pulls the actuator C into its coin-dumping position and holds it there until the cake of ice has passed into the delivery chute.

Adjustment of the actuator counterwez'yht for changes in price (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7) It has been explained earlier, the ease with which a store manager can adjust this mechanism to care for a change in price, namely, by adding or removing coins from the counterweight. To permit this, a receptacle E is provided in the actuator body 60 on the opposite side of` the fulcrum D from the receptacles B. The receptacle E is a generally cylindrical chamber open on its upper and side edges and `covered. on the upper `edge by a removable plate 8|. A coil coin supporting spring 82, preferably loosely coiled, is inserted in the chamber 80 before the plate 8| is installed. i

Whatever nickels 83 are in the chamber 80 are retained upright by the spring 82. These nickels are the same `effective distance X from the fulcrum D as the nickel receptacle 6|. Each nickel added in the chamber 80 adds live cents to the price,` because it means that the customer must insert live more cents of value in the coin receptacles before the actuator C will be overbalanced. Similarly each nickel removed from the chamber 80 reduces the price to the customer ve cents. Once access is had to the chamber 80, it takes only a second `or two for the store clerk to change the price.

'Actuation of Vthe linserted in the coin feed A by the customer, and

they have fallen into the coin receptacles, they will tilt the actuator C which will carry the bracket 35 into engagement with the lever 85 a switch -mounted on the frame |53. (See Figs. 2 and 6.)

.actuation of the switch F initiates the dispensing cycle. Among other things, as explained in the ysection entitled The circuit, it energizes the solenoid Ci, the core ll of which is pulled into the magnet until it strikes the bottom plate. This carries the actuator body C andthe coin receptacles into position where the coins fall out of the receptacles. The jar on the coin receptacles as the solenoid draws the core against the bottom plate will in most cases remove the coins. Any that remain will gradually fall out of the receptacles due to the vibration transmitted to .the receptacles from the alternating current in the soienoid. The actuator is retained in this position until the circuit is de-energized, following which the counterweight C lifts the coin receptacles back up under the coindrop out openings 2d and l.

Coin Zoek-out during the dispensing cycle (Figs. 1, 2, e, and 8) A mechanism is provided to lock-out further coins and prevent their insertion by a customer until a cycle in progress has been completed. rlhis mechanism includes the solenoid l-I and a plurality of lock out bars 9d, one for each coin feed chute. Each bar @t has a small stud 9| at its inner end for pivotal mounting in a pocket 92 between the arms of the horseshoe magnet sii. Near its forward end the bar te has a shoulder that limits its downward movement by engaging the upper surface of the coin guide frame 22. The vertical face iid of the bar projects into the path of the coin slide v20. If the latter is pushed in it will hit the shoulder S4 before it can move its full stroke. A coin cannot be inserted far enough to fall through the openings or it unless the lock out bar 9&3 is lifted out of the way.

Normally the bars te are held up by solenoid H where they will not lock out the coin slides 29. A horizontal rod 9E passes beneath the fore part SS of each bar 953 and is secured toa core 91 of the solenoid H. When the solenoid H is energized, the core Si and the rod Q5 are lifted, which holds the lock out bars si out of the way of the slide 2Q. Solenoid H is energized at all times, except during a delivery cycle or when the lever |5| drops. When it is rie-energized, a leaf spring t mounted over the center coin chute 2i) assists the force of gravity in overcoming any residual magnetism or friction in dropping the lock out bars 90.

The circuit (Fig. 8)

A source of alternating current is used, preferably ll() volts at 60 cycles, although other voltages and frequencies may be used. Preferably one line its is hot and the other line |0| is grounded so as to be neutral. A main' control switch H32 is available for the user to shut down `the device at night or for repairs.

The 24 volt circuit originates in a 11C-Volt to 2li-volt transformer |20 placed across the input lines |08 and |0| and having a hot output lead |2| and a grounded output lead |22.

A resistor ||2 may be placed in parallel with the motor ||0 to warm the relay box inside the ice vending machine to keep it from freezing. It is not necessary otherwise.

rIwo separate circuits are used in connection with a two-pole single throw relay |103. One is the 110 volt circuit that energizes the motor M on the dispensing belt mechanism. The other is the 2a volt circuit'that controls the solenoids, relays, etc.

The relay N23 is energized when the customers coins tilt the actuator C and close the micro switch contact at |4| to initiate the dispensing cycle.

The 110 volt motor drive circuit includes the leads Hi8, It, and is connected to the relay contacts its and |535 so that the upper contact bar |61 on the relay 03 closes the circuit. The motor Il@ moves a conveyor belt J shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8 to dispense one block of ice (or other unit-packed merchandise) on each cycle and to move a block of ice up to the ready position to take the place of the one dispensed. The motor ||0 operates only when the relay |03 is energized and stops the instant a cake of ice is dispensed. The relay |03 is deenergized when the dispensed cake of ice slides off the belt into the delivery chute K at which time the cake of ice engages the arm |551 on the limit switch |23 and opens the circuit at |2312.

Unless there is more ice in the box ready to be dispensed and unless the cake of ice next to be dispensed is up at the ready position, the arm lei on the limit switch |261 will drop down into the dotted line position (Fig. 8) and will open the contacts at iEa so that the whole control circuit will be die-energized. This means that the solenoid H will also be ole-energized so the customers money cannot be inserted far enough to drop into the receptacles to tilt the actuator C. When ice is in the machine ready to be dispensed the arm |5| will be held up so the contacts at irZld will be closed.

From the transformer i2@ the 24 volt circuit runs through the lead |2| to the normally closed limit switch |2i, then through the lead |25 to the normally closed rlimit switch B23, then through the lead i261 to a point lita where the circuit branches. One branch runs through the lead |28 to the switch arm ma then to the normally closed contact point 45, then to lead |46 to the relay H and through the lead Ml to ground. This latter part of the circuit keeps the solenoid H energized which holds the coin lockout bars elevated so that a customers coins can be received into coin receptacles on the actuator.

When the customers coins fall into the receptacles on the actuator C and the projection B5 moves the switch lever it, it moves the two switch arms M0 and dta, each of which closes different circuits. The switch arm 38a completes the circuit through the contact h for the solenoid G which imparts a sudden movement to the actuator C to dislodge the coins from the receptacles and it holds down the actuator C until the ice block is dispensed. The switch arm it closes the circuit at the contact point Eril through the lead |33, |34 to the relay |03 which lifts the bar |32 to close the contacts |30 and |31 and the contacts it and W5. As explained earlier, this starts the motor cycle on the dispensing operation.

Going back to the point |2611, the other branch ofthe circuit goes through the lead |21 to the contact point |30,` then through the bar |32 to the contact point |3| and through the lead |34 into the relay |03 and to the other side of the circuit through the lead |35. This is a holding circuit and assures that the relay |03 will hold the motor circuit closed until the conveyor has moved a block of ice into the delivery chute. As the block of ice passes down the delivery chute, it actuates the arm |50 on the normally closed limit switch |23 which breaks the circuit to the relay |03 and also breaks the circuit to the solenoid G. The counterweight on the actuator C then lifts the coin receptacles back into their position `ready to receive the next insertion of coins. It also moves the switch arm |40 back to close the contact at |45 which energizes the solenoid H to lift the bars 90 out ofthe path of themoney coin slides i0.

A counter |31 may be provided and will be actuated by a magnet through the branch circuit |36 and |38.

It is believed that the foregoing makes the operation clear. Briefly what takes place is as follows: l When there is ice in the machine to be dispenseditsupports the arm |l5| to close the limit switch contact |24a. lThis energizes the solenoid H which supports the lock out bars 90.

When Athe customer has inserted in the coin slides 20 the requisite coins and has moved these in so that the coins will drop into the receptacles 6|, 12, 13, ythe actuator C will tilt downwardly thereby 'effecting movement of the switch arm 86 l which energizes .the solenoid G to pull the actuator into its full downward position and to dislodge the coins from the receptacles. The movement of the actuator C also opened the circuit to the solenoid H which allows the lock out bars 90 to drop so that no more coins can be inserted by the slides 20 until the cycle underway is completed. The switch arm |40 was moved by the switch lever toclose .the contact at |4| which energizes the relay |03 thereby closing the motor circuit and starting movement of the conveyor beltJ to propel a, cake of ice over the end of the conveyor belt. When the cake of ice `falls into the delivery chute K it moves the arm |50 thereby opening the normally closed limit switch |23 which de-energizes the solenoid G and allows the actuator to swing back to normal position and it also opens the circuit to the relay |03 which breaksthe circuit to .the conveyor motor. If there is still a cake of ice on the conveyor belt supporting the arm 5| on the normally closed limit switch |24, the circuit lto the solenoid H will be energized and it will hold up the lock out bars 90 so ythat lcoins may be inserted by a customer to effect the purchase of the next cake of ice.

I claim:

1. In an automatic, coin-tilted actuating mechanism for initiating a cycle in a vending machine, the combination of a pivoted counterbalanced actuator; a plurality of coin receptacles secured to said actuator on the side opposite said counterbalance; arms supporting said coin receptacles at predetermined distances from said pivot; a coin receptacle on said counterbalance, said receptacle being the same distance from said pivot as the oppositely arranged coin receptacle closest to said pivot; and means for depositing coins in said arm supported coin receptacles; said counterbalance being of a Weight which is overcome by the deposit in any opposite coin receptacle of a coin, said "coin receptacle on said 10" counterbalance being adapted to receive one or' more nickels, the opposite coin receptacle closest to said pivot `being' adapted to receive nickels, and the other opposite coin receptacles being spaced l from said pivot so that a dime dropped in one will equal in weight two nickels in the coin receptacle on said counterbalance and a quarter dropped in one will equal in weight live nickels in the coin receptacle onsaid counterbalance.

2. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations of coins and 4to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuator body member supported by said frame member for swinging movement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predetermined moment of force; a plurality of coin receptacles corresponding in number to the coins which are to be used; spacing means for holding said receptacles rigidly `to said body member at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding to the relative weight-per-value of each coin; a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each type of `coin Vto a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame member for controlling said electric rcircuit; switch-throwing means secured to said actuator ybody member to throw said switch when said body member is tilted bythe predetermined value of coins; a solenoid energized by said actuator throwing said switch; and a solenoid core secured to said actuator and adapted to be pulled into said solenoid when said solenoid is energized to cause said actuator to swing far enough to dump the coins from .the receptacle ,and -to be held there until said solenoid is de-energized.

3. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations of coins and lto actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuator body member sups por-ted by said frame member for swinging movement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predetermined moment of force; a plurality `of coin receptacles corresponding in number to the coins which are to be used; spacing means for holding said receptacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said iulcrum point corresponding to the relative weight per Value of each coin; a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each type ofi-coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame member for controlling said electric circuit; switch- .throwing means secured to said actuator body member to throw said switch when said body member is tilted by the predetermined value of coins; a solenoid energized by said actuator throwing said switch; a solenoid core secured to said actuator and adapted to be pulled intosaid solenoid when the solenoid is energized .to cause said actuator to swing far enough to dump the coins from the receptacles and to be held there until said solenoid is de-energized; and a normally closed relay in said circuit that is opened momentarily upon -delivery of merchandise so as to de-energize said solenoid and permit the return of said actuator body member to its normal position.

4. A coin-operated device adapted to receive dilferent denominations of coins and to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetern mined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuator body member sup,- ported by said frame member for swinging movement about a fulcrum point upon the applic-ation of a predetermined moment of force; a plurality7 of coin receptaclescorresponding in number to the coins which are to be used; spacing means for holding said receptacles rigidly to saidbody member at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding to the relative Weight-pervalue of each coin; a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said framev member for impelling each type of coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame member for controlling said electric circuit; switchthrowing means secured to said actuator body member to throw said switch when said body member tilted by the predetermined value of coins; and a loch-,out mechanism acting to. prevent the insertion of coins during` a cycle of operation initiated by a previously inserted coin, said. lock-out mechanism including in combina.- tion. a plurality oi lock-out bars mounted for movement up and dov/n and positioned when in their lower position to. intercept. the path of said coin insertion means. to prevent their entry. into the device to their coin depositing position; solenoid.-operatedmeans to raise said bars out of the way of said coin insertion means, said. solenoid being de-energized when said switch is.. thrown and thereby dropping said bar; andswitch means to effect a re-energization of said solenoid upon. the completion of a cycle.

5. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations of coins and to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuator body member supported by said frame member for swinging movement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predetermined moment of force; a plurality oi coin receptacles corresponding in num.- ber to the coins which are to be used; spacing means tor holding said receptacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding to the relative weight-per- Value of each coin; a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said' frame member for impelling each type ofA coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame member for controlling said electric circuit; switch-throwing means secured to said actuator rbody member to throw said switch when said body member is tilted by the predetermined value oi coins; and a lock-out mechanism serving toprevent the i-se1tion oi coins duringa cycle ofl operation initialed by a previously insertedl coin, said loch-out mechanism including incombination a plurality of lock-out bars correspondingin number to said insertion means, each bar being mounted pivotally adjacent one. end for movement of the other end up and down, a portiony near said latterl end when in its lower position intercepting the path of its associated coin in.-

sertion means and preventingA itsv entry into the device its movementto its coin depositingv position; a yoke means passingI beneath said latter end portion of all said bars a solenoidoperated means toraise saidyoke means and liit` all of bars above their interception position, said solenoid being energizedlby said circuit, and being tie-energized when saidactuator throws r12 said switch and remaining cle-energized until said actuator returns and said switch returns to its, original position upon the completion of a cycle.

G. A coin-operated device adapted to receive, different denominations of coins and to actua-te a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a. frame. member; a counterweighted actuator body member supported by said frame member for swingingl movement about a iulcrum point upon the application. of a predetermined moment of force; a plurality of coin receptacles corresponding in number to the selection of coins which may be used; spacing means for holding said recep.- tacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding tov the relative weig-ht-per-value of each coin; a plu.- ralityI of coin insertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each type of coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above. its proper receptacle; the coin insertion means for the coin. whose receptacle is, nearer the fulcrum point than the other coin receptacles including in combination a guide sleeve extending into a drop-out opening inside saidY device; a slide Waypositioned below said guide sleeve drop-out. opening and extending beyond it to providek its own drop-out opening; a coin insertion member for said coin being movable in said guide sleeve and having a pocket to receive a coin so that said coinr may be propelled alongV said guide toY said sleeve drop-out opening irst mentioned, when. said insertion member is moved in saidwsleeyef; a pusher member secured adjacent and@Y extend.- ing beyond the inner c nd of; said, insertion mentber, being adapted to engage aV @Gill that fallen through said sleeve drop-out opening andY to propel it toward said slide way drop-out opening.; and a leaf spring secured over said slideway adjacent saidA slide way drop-out opening to pre,- vent premature movement of coins thereto.

'1. A com-operated device adapted to receivey different denominations of coins and toactuate a cycle oi operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; a counterweighted actuator body member supportedl by said frame member for swinging movement about aA fulcrum; point upon the application of a predetermined moment of.. force; aplurality of coin receptacles corresponding in number to the selection of coins. which may be used, said receptacles comprisingv a. Wall. open. on the side` more distant froml thet fulcrum and. a door` inclined down in the direction toward said iulcrum; spacing means for. hol-ding said receptacles rigidly to. said body member at a vdistance; from said fulcrum point correspondingy to, the relative weight-per-value of each coin; and a plurality of coin. insertion means supportedbig said frame member for impelling each type of coin to a drop-out opening. therethrough above itsproper receptaclen Y 8. r'he device of claim G in, which an additional. leaf spring isgsecured above said, slideway drops out openingv to limit any upwardlbounce impelled by the nrst leaf spring and cause said coin to fallv dat into said receptacle.

9. The device. of claim '7j in which there isa plate depending from the framey adjacenty the openliront end of said receptacles whensai'd ac.-Vv tuatcr is in its horizontal. position, to prevent` coins from spilling therefrom.y

l0. A coin. chute for a coin operated. devicev including in combination, aA guide sleeveextend.- ing: in to a drop-out opening insidesaid device;

be propelled along said guide to said sleeve dropout opening when said insertion member is moved inwardly in said sleeve; a pusher member secured adjacent and extending beyond therinner end of said insertion member, being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen through said sleeve drop-` out opening and to propel it toward said slide Way drop-out opening; and a leaf spring secured over said slide way adjacent said slide way dropout opening to prevent premature movement of `coins thereto.

1l. The chute of `claim 10 in which there is an additional leaf spring secured directly over said slide way drop-out opening to prevent coins from being urged upward or out of a ilat position.

12. A lock-out mechanism for a coin-operated device having a plurality of coin-impelling slide means, said mechanism serving to prevent the insertion of coins during a cycle of operation initiated by previously inserted coins, and including in combination a plurality of lock-out bars corresponding in number to said slide means,`

drop said yoke means and bars on the initiation of a, cycle; and means to reenergize said solenoid upon the completion of a cycle.

13. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations of coins and to actuate a cycle of operations upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; a counterweighted actuator vbody member supported by said frame member for swinging movement about a iulcrum point upon the application of a predetermined moment of force, said actuator body member having a chamber adapted to receive coins of the denomination having the least weight-per-value of the coins accepted by the device so that the value of coins to be deposited by the customer maybe changed by inserting coins in or removing coins from said chamber; a plurality of coin receptacles corresponding in number to the selection of coins which may be used; spacing means for holding said receptacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding `to the relative weight-per-value of each coin; and a plurality of coin insertion rneansv supported by said frame member for impelling each type of coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle.

14. A coin-operated actuation device adapted to receive different denominations of coins and to move to its actuating position upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination an actuator body member supported for swinging movement abolita fulcrum point upon the application of a force, said body member being provided with a recess parallel to the pivot line of the member and adapted to receive coins of the denomination of the least Weight-per-value received by the means passing bepredetermined moment of` recess in said body member being on the oppo` site side of the iulcrum from said receptacles and adapted to hold its coins at the same eliective distance from `the i'ulcrum as the receptacle closest to the fulcrum.

15. The device of claim 14 in which a loose coil spring is disposed in said recess to maintain said coins in position.

16. A coin chute for a coin-operated device including in combination, a guide sleeve extending into a drop-out opening inside said device; a slide way positioned below said guide sleeve dropout opening and extending beyond it to its own drop-out opening; a coin insertion member movable in said guide sleeve and having a pocket to receive a coin so that said coin may be propelled along said guide to said sleeve drop-out opening when said insertion member is moved inwardly in said sleeve; a pusher member secured adjacentand extending beyond the inner end of said insertion member, being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen through said sleeve drop-out opening and to propel it toward said slide way dropout opening; and restraining means along said slide way for controlling movement of coins therealong and braking their momentum `at the end of the lnward stroke of said pushing means.

17. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined value of coins, including in combination a frame member; an actuator body member supported by said frame member for swinging movement about a i'ulcrum point upon the application of a predetermined moment of force; at least one coin receptacle held rigidly by said body member; coin insertion means supported by said frame member Ior depositingeach coin in its coin receptacle; an electric circuit; -a switch secured to said frame member for controlling said electric circuit; switch-throwing means secured to said actuator body member to throw said switch when said body member is tilted by the predetermined value of coins; a solenoid energized by said actuator throwing said switcn; a solenoid core secured to said actuator and adapted to be pulled into said solenoidwhen the solenoid is energized to cause said actuator to swing rar enough to dump the coins from the receptacles and to be held there until said solenoid is deenergized; and a normally closed relay in said circuit that is opened momentarily upon delivery or' merchandise so as to deenerglze said solenoid and permit the return o1 said actuator body inember to its normal position.

18. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predetermined value ci' coins and to prevent the deposit of further coins until completion of the cycle, including in combination a frame member; an actuator therein having a plurality of coin receptacles and responsive to the application of the predetermined value oi' coins; a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each type of coin to and depositing it in its proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame member for controlling-said electric circuit; switch-throw* ing means secured to said actuator to throw said switch when said actuator has received the predetermined value of coins ;4 and a lock-out mechanism acting to prevent the insertion of coins during a cycleof operation initiated by a previously inserted coin, said lock-out mechanism including in combination a plurality of lock-out bars mounted for movement up and down and positioned when in their lower position` to intercept the path of said coin insertion means tol prevent their entry into the device to their coin depositing position; solenoid-operated means to raise said bars out of the way of said coin insertion means, said solenoid being ole-energized when said switch is thrown and thereby dropping said bar; and switch means to eiect a re-energization of said solenoid upon the completion of a cycle.

19. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle o1" operation upon deposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuator supported therein and responsive to the application of said predetermined total value; a plurality of coin receptacles on said actuator; a plurality of` coin insertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each type of coin to its proper re ceptacle; the coin insertion means for at least one receptacle including in combination a guide sleeve' extending in toa drop-out opening inside said device; a slide way positioned below said guide sleeve drop-out opening vand extending beyond it to provide its own drop-out opening; a coin insertion member for said coin being movable in said' guide sleeve and having a pocket to receive a coin so that said coin may be propelled along; said guide to said sleeve drop-out opening rst mentionedrwnen said insertion member is moved in said sleeve;` a pusher member secured adjacent and extending beyond the innei` end o said insertion member, being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen through said sleeve dropout opening and; to propel it toward said slide Way drop-outopening; and a leaf spring secured over said slide way adjacent said slide Way dropout opening to prevent premature movement of coins thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 766,777 Stimpson Aug. 2, 1904 1,942,443 Neumann Jan. 9, 1934 1,942,618 Scott Jan. 9, 1934 1,986,714 Clayton Jan. 1, 1935 2,330,186 Jetseck Sept. 21, 1943 2,436,646 Henne Feb. 24, 1948