US2974772A

US2974772A - Variable stamp vending and money changing machine

Info

Publication number: US2974772A
Application number: US565021A
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth C Zeigle; James C Vance; Paul J Nieland; Wilburn M Bloomquist
Original assignee: ELECTRIC VENDORS Inc
Current assignee: ELECTRIC VENDORS Inc
Priority date: 1956-02-13
Filing date: 1956-02-13
Publication date: 1961-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 1978-03-14

Description

March 14, 1961 K. c.zE1G| E ErAL i 2,974,772

VARIABLE STAMP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1956 6 Sheecs-Sheei'l 1 f/ f2 f3 I f e I' lV llllllllllllllllllllllllllllIlIII (iHOP/V March 14, 1961 K C, ZEIGLE ETAL VARIABLE STAMP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 195e e Vsheen-shew 2 H64 /66 /67/65 f6? /707/ /72 /73 4Z March 14, 1961 y K. c. ZEIGLE ETAI- 2,974,772

VARIABLE STAMP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 13, 1956 Y 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 g55 6 fa v 'Lith/l f /A/l/E/V 0195 March 14, 1961 K. c. ZEIGLE ETAL 2,974,772

VARIABLE sIAMiD VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 15, 195e v e sheets-sheet 4 March 14, 1961 K. c. zElGLE ETAL 2,974,772

VARIABLE STAMP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 13, 1956 64 97 QE V74 i: l /07 Iggy-LL [505 i 95 L 77 m t 75 2000a/MMV@ -March 14, 1961 Filed Feb. 13, 1956 K. C. ZEIGLE ETAL VARIABLE STAMP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patent lC VARIABLE STAlVlP VENDING AND MONEY CHANGING MACHINE Kenneth C. Zegle and James C. Vance, Minneapolis, Paul J. Nieland, South St. Paul, .and Wilbum M. Bloomquist, Minneapolis, Minn., assigucrs to Electric Vendors, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Filed Feb. 13, 1956, Ser. No. 565,021

6 Claims. (Cl. 194-2) This invention relates to vending machines, and more specifically relates to such machines of the type for receiving coins of various `denominations and for dispensing a variety of articles at diierent prices.

An object of our invention is the provision of a new and improved coin operated vending machine for dispensing, in desired quantities, a variety of articles which may be priced differently.

Another object of our invention is to provide a novel coin operated, article vending machine which is adapted tovreceive coins of various denominations and thereafter to be operated for dispensing larticles and change in such quantities as to give full value for the coin received, and which machine forces the operator thereof to makev at least one purchase before he may cause change to be dispensed after having inserted a coin into the machine.

- Still another object of our invention is to provide a coin operated vending machine which, upon receiptl of a coin therein, must rst be operated to cause an article to be dispensed and thereafter may be operated to cause change 4to be dispensed proportional in value to the dierence between the value of the coin inserted and the selling price of the article dispensed.

An additional object of our invention is to provide a new coin operated vending machine which is readily and easily adjustable to permit the selling prices of the various articles vended thereby, to be changed.

-A further object of our `invention is to provide an improved coin operated vending machine which registers credit therein in response to receipt of a coin and subtracts credit therefrom when an article is vended, and which is readily and easily adjustable to change the amount of credit subtracted for each article vended when the prices of the articles to be vended are changed.

A still further object of our invention is the provision of a novel machine of the type having a plurality of manually operable controls which cause vending of articles of respective varieties when operated, and which are interconnected in controlling and controlled relations in a manner to permit dispensing of only a single variety of articles at any one time.

A still further vobject of our invention is to provide a new and improved coin operated vending machine employing a plurality of dial-type manual controls which are individually movable to cause dispensing of a particular variety of articles and which are interconnected in controlled and controlling relation in a manner to preclude, -after one of the manual controls has been operated, dispensing of articles due to the operation of another manual control until all of the manual controls have returned to their initial and normal positions.

-In' addition, an object of our invention is the provision of an improved coin operated vending machine of the type which is manually operable to cause a proper amount of change to be made and dispensed subsequent to the insertion of a coin and the purchase of articles, which ymachine will dispense, without being manually ICC operated, change proportional to the credit registered in -the machine when that credit is insuflicient to cover the cost of the purchase of an article.

An additional object of our invention is to provide an improved coin operated vending machine which is adapted to receive several dierent coins and is adapted to vend desired numbers of diiierent stamps and which machine may be adjusted so as to take a toll from each sale of stamps.

These and other objects and advantages of our invention will more fully appear from theV following description Imade in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the several views and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the machine comprising the invention showing the control panel thereof;

iFig. 2 is a top plan View of the invention shown' in open condition and showing the manner in which the operat ing mechanism is mounted;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the inner operating mechanism of the machine shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of the inner operating mechanism of the machine shown in Fig. 2;

lFig. 5 is a detail section view taken on a vertical plane substantially at 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail front elevation view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a detail section view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6 and being taken along arcuate line 7-7;

Fig. 8 is a bottom detail plan view of one of the l dial manual controls shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a detail vertical section view taken on a plane substantially at 9--9 as shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail elevation view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. `11 is a detail section view taken on a vertical plane substantially at 11-11 in Figs. 4 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a greatly enlarged detail section view taken on a substantially vertical plane as indicated at 12-12 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3; and

Fig. 14 is a complete schematic circuit diagram of the vending machine.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figures. It should be noted that although the present invention is constructed to receive and handle nickels, dimes and quarters, this fact is not meant to be limiting in the scope of the invention, and is only cited as exemplary of one form of the invention. Furthermore, the vending machine shown is adapted to dispense articles, which in the form disclosed constitute postage stamps of various denominations and therefore of various prices, two cents, three cents and six cents, in the form shown. The handling of postage stamps is described as exemplary of the invention and is not meant to be limiting as to the scope of the invention.

As best seen in Figs. 1. and 2, the invention includes a housing 40 which constitutes a portion of the frame of the machine and which is formed in two sections swingably interconnected by means of a hinge 41. A rigid frame plate 42 is also swingably connected to hinge 41 and is provided for the purpose of supporting substantially all of the operating mechanism of the machine. The control panel 43 which is mounted in the front Iframe housing, has certain of the manual controls mounted thereon, such as the ychange return button 44 and the coin slot 45. Other of the manual controls for the machine such as

dials

46, 47 and 48 are carried on the supporting frame plate 42 and are inserted through suitable apertures provided in the control panel Y 3 43 into their normal operating position when the housing 40 is closed. The front panel 43 also has a plurality of lights mounted thereon such as indicator 5t) which lights up as soon as a coin has been inserted to indicate to the purchaser or operator of the machine that he may dial for stamps, indicator 49 which indicates to the operator of the machine that the change is exhausted and therefore the machine is inoperative, and

indicators

51,52 and 53 which respectively indicate that stamps of the two cent, three cent and six cent denominations are exhausted in the machine and therefore stamps of the exhausted denomination cannot be purchased. Y

Mechanism is provided in the vending machine for receiving the coins which are inserted through the coin slot 45 of the front panel. Such mechanism includes a coin chute 54 which is carried by frame plate 42 and positioned for communication with the slot 45 when the frame housing 48 is closed. Coins are carried down the chute 54 into a coin sorting mechanism 55 which is not shown in detail 1out which is of a conventional type adapted to separate the nickels, dimes and quarters and cause the same to pass downwardly through

respective chutes

56, 57 and 58. Means are provided for rejecting of coins from the machine and back to the operator thereof through the coin return slot 59, after an initial coin has been inserted into the machine to cause operation thereof and until full value is given for the initial coin inserted by vending stamps and by lreturning the proper change proportional to the difference between value of the coin inserted and the value of the stamps vended. In the form shown, such means include a plurality of coin blocking fingers 60, 61 and 62 which are mounted on a suitable control arm 63 which is secured to the shiftable armature 64 of a control solenoid EM01. The coin blocking lingers are disposed adjacent to

apertures

65, 66 and 67 in the nickel, dirne and quarter coin Y chutes for insertion into such chutes and thereby precluding passage'of coins downwardly to the lower end thereof. When the coin blocking ingers are inserted into the coin chutes, any Yc'oining passing downwardly through a chute will be deected and will be returned through the return chute 68 which communicates with the coin return opening 59 in the front panel 43. Normally the coin return solenoid is energized in order to keep the coin blocking fingers 60, 61 and 62 out of the coin slots. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, coin return solenoid EMGI is deenergized when a coin is received and passed 4 Y form shown, such means include a pair of shiftable stops 80 and 81 and a pair of normally fixed stops 82a and 82e. Stop 82a is engaged by the abutment 79 when the latter is returned to its zero or normal position, and stop 82a is therefore adjustably mountedV on the mounting plate 73 by mounting bolts 82b which extend through elongated apertures 82C in the stop element 82a, Stop element 82a also carries a switch S08 which has a control arm 82d which extends between the stop element 82a and the abutment 79. Arm 82d will shift slightly vfrom stop 82a when released by abutment 79 for operating the switch S08. The other stops 80, 81 and 82e are spaced from each other and spaced from the abutment 79 around the periphery of register wheel 75 at predetermined distances for the purpose of setting up proper credit in the machine when nickels, dimes and quarters respectively are inserted into the vending machine. In the form of the invention shown `in the drawings and in the positions of these stops shown, stop 80 will limit the clockwise rotation of abutment 79 and register wheel 75 to an arc proportional to the spacing of five ratchet teeth 78 when a nickel is inserted into the machine. In a like fashion, stops 81 and 82e limit the rotation of abutment 79 and register wheel 75 to arcs proportional to the spacing of l0 and 25 ratchet teeth 78 when a dime or quarter respectively is inserted into the machine. In order that a toll may be taken in a purchase of stamps, the rotation of register wheel 75 may be restricted so that the credit set up is not equal tov the value of the coin inserted. To so restrict the rotation of register wheel 75 and abutment 79 the stops 80, 81 and 82e are adjustably. positionable relative to the register wheel 75 in -a manner hereinafter described so as to cause stop 80 to limit the rotation of register wheel 75 in response to the insertion 0f a nickle to rotate through an arc proportional to the spacing of four ratchet teeth 78, and in a likewise manner to restrict rotation of register wheel 75 by means of stops 81 and 82e to arcs proportional to the spacing of nine and twenty-four ratchet teeth 78 when a dime or quarter are respectively inserted into the machine. Stops 80 and 81 consist of pins which are mounted for reciprocation on the frames of stop solenoids EMZ and EM03 respectively. Stops 80 and 81 are projectable by their respective stop solenoids into and ou-t of abutting relation with respect to abutment 79. In lthe position of stops 80and 81 shown, they are spaced from the abutment 79 distances of tive and ten ratchet -teeth 78 respectively. `Stop solenoids EM02 and BMGS are secured through one of the coin slots to preclude insertion of any subsequent coins into the machine by allowing the fingers to shift into coin blocking position in the coin chutes.

Credit mechanism Credit mechanism is also provided in the machine for setting up a credit therein proportional to the value of a coin received and against which the stamp costs are charged when purchased. Such credit mechanism is best shown in Figs. 6 and 10-12. A rotary shaft 69 is journalled on bearings 70 which are carried on a suitable mounting 71. Mounting 71 is aflixed, as by screws 72,

vto a mounting plate 73 which is atxed by suitable means such as bolts 74 to the frame plate 42. A register gear or element 75 is iixed to mounting 76 which is keyed to shaft 69. The register gear 75 is provided with an annular rim 77 which has a plurality of ratchet teeth 78 formed on the interior side thereof. The ratchet teeth 78 are regularly spaced and each of the teeth 78 is representative of one cent credit in the machine, as will be further explained hereinafter. As best seen in Fig. 4 the register gear or wheel 75 is disposed on the rear side of frame mounting plate 73. The register element 75 has an outstanding projection or abutment 79 affixed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

Stop Vmeans Vare provided for limiting the rotary movement of ratchet Vwheel 75 and the abutment 79. ln the to the mounting plate 73 as by bolts 80a and 81a. A plurality of additional mounting holes 73a are provided in the mounting plate 73 to permit the stop solenoids EM02 and EM03 and their corresponding stopsSl) and 81 respectively to be shifted to other positions with respect to the zero position of abutment 79. If stop solenoid EM03 is shifted upwardly and mounted in the next above mounting hole 73a, the stop 81 will restrict the rotation of register wheel 75 and abutment 79 to an arc proportional to the spacing of nine ratchet teeth rather than ten ratchet teeth as in the position shown. A toll will thereby be taken because only nine cents credit is set up in the machine instead of ten cents credit in response to the insertion of a dime. Solenoid EMOZ and stop may be similarly adjusted to take a toll upon the insertion of a nickel in the machine. Stop 82e is provided with elongated slots or apertures 82jc for receiving mounting bolts 82g therethrough. Stop 82e is thereby adjustably positionable on the mounting plate 73 and with respect to the zero position of abutment 79. Stop 82e may be shifted -to the right as viewed in Fig. 6 a distance proportional tothe arcuate spacing of vone ratchet toothV 78 and thereby restrict the rotation of register Wheel 75 and abutment 79 to an arc proportional to the spacing of twenty-four ratchet teeth 78 to accomplish the taking of a toll upon receiving of a quarter in the machine. .As a result only` twenty-four cen/tsr* credit be set up in Ithe machine in response to receipt of the twenty-tive cent coin.

The stop solenoids EM02 and EM03 are provided with control switches S05 and S06 respectively mounted on the frames thereof. Switches S05 and S06 have actuating arms which are connected with the respective solenoid armatures. Switches S05 and S06 are adjusted to operate when the corresponding stop elements 80 and 81 of the respective solenoids are shifted into abutting relation with respect to abutment 79. That is, when stop element 80 has been shifted into abutting relation, switch S05 will operate.

A register gear release pawl 85 is swingably mounted on pivot 86 and is positioned for engaging'ratchet teeth 78 and normally precluding clockwise rotation of the register wheel 75. Pawl 85 may be biased by suitable means such ras a coil spring 87 `into position for normally engaging teeth 78. Pawl 85 is controlled and operated by the register gear release pawl solenoid EM04 which is mounted on plate 73 and has a shiftable armature or clapper 88 positioned for moving the upstanding control nger 89 of pawl 85 into the dotted position thereof for releasing the register wheel 75. Solenoid EM04 will be energized each time a coin is'inserted into the machine to shift pawl 85 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 78 to thereby permit turning of the register wheel 75. A switch S07 is mounted on the frame of the release pawl solenoid EM04. The contacts of the switch S07 are controlled by an arm 88a which is atlixed to the clapper 88 and is shiftable therewith about pivot 88b. Switch S07 is positioned so that the contacts thereof will close after release pawl 85 has been shifted out of engaging relation with the ratchet teeth 78.

The credit mechanism also includes power means for drivably rotating the ratchet or register wheel 75. In the form shown, such means include a sprocket 89 which is aiixed to shaft 69 for rotation therewith, and a gear segment 90 which is meshed with pinion gear 89. The gear segment 90, in the form shown, is formed integrally of a mounting arm 91 which is pivoted at 92 on a suitable lug 93 which is aixed to a stationary mounting 94. The stationary mounting 94 is ailxed to the mounting 71 as by screws 95. A register credit solenoid EM05 is suitably mounted on a bracket 96 which is affixed to the frame plate 42. The shiftable armature 97 of register credit solenoid EM05 is pivotally connected to a connecting link 98 which is in turn swingably connected at 99 to the mounting arm 91 of gear segment 90. Solenoid EM05 is energized, when a coin is received into the machine, moving its armature 97 inwardly and causing rotation of shaft 69 and register wheel 75 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6. The solenoid EM05 positively drives the register wheel 75 until it is positively stopped by one of the

stop elements

80, 81 or 82.

The credit mechanism also includes rotary switch means which detects the quantity of credit in the machine for the purpose of determining whether or not stamps of the various denominations should be dispensed and what amount of change may be refunded. In the form shown, such switch means includes a rotary printed circuit plate which is indicated in general by numeral 100 and which is best seen in Figs. l0, 1l and 12. Plate or disc 100 is substantially circular in configuration and is nonrotatably affixed to a rotary mounting 101 which is keyed to shaft 69. Mounting 101 may be constructed of a plastic insulative material and may be mounted around a central opening defining portion of plate 101. The rotary printed circuit plate =100 is formed, in the disclosed embodiment of a metallic conductor plate 102 which has an insulative lamination 103, which may be constructed of a suitable synthetic or fiber, aflixed thereto. The ber lamination 103 has a plurality of arcuate conductor segments 104 formed therein which engage the conducting plate 102 in conducting relation and which are exposed through the outer surface of the lamination 103 to be engaged by suitable conductors. A contact mounting plate 105 which may be constructed of insulative material is aiixed to the frame mounting plate 73 by suitable mounting posts 106 and screws 107. The contact mounting plate 1 05 is provided with a circular central opening 108 slightly larger than the diameter of the disc 100 and is disposed substantially in the plane of said printed circuit disc. A plurality of conductor fingers 109 are Xed to the contact mounting plate 105 at spaced positions around the periphery of plate 100 and the iingers 109, in the form shown, extend generally radially toward shaft 69. As best seen in Fig. 12 each of the fingers 109 has a contact element 110 disposed on the inner end thereof for engaging one of the conductor segments 104 of the plate 100. The plate 100 and the contact lingers 109 cooperatively form a plurality of control switches S09-S19 as seen in the circuit diagram, Fig. 14. The operation of these switches will be more fully described hereinafter. It should be noted that these switches S09- S19 are closed and opened dependent upon the rotary position of the printed circuit plate 100, the rotation of which is co-ordinated with the rotation of register wheel 75. It should be noted that a plurality of additional mounting apertures 105:1 are provided adjacent certain of the mounting fingers which are designated 109:1 to permit these lingers to be arcuately adjusted about plate 100. These contact lingers 109a are the contacts for the switches S09, S10 and S11 and are adjustable for purposes hereinafter described.

Stamp dispensing mechanism The vending machine is provided with controllable dispensing mechanism which is best seen in Figs. 3, 8 and 9. In the disclosed embodiment three denominations of stamps may be vended and therefore three vending mechanisms, indicated in general by

numerals

111, 112 and 113 are provided, all of which are substantially identical. The dispensers 111-113 are suitably mounted by means of brackets 114 on the front side of frame plate 42 and are so positioned that the

stamp dispensing openings

115, 116 and 117 thereof are aligned with the

stamp dispensing slots

118, 119 and 120 in the control panel 43 when the frame housing 40 is closed and in operative condition. Only one of the dispensers, 112, is shown in detail in Fig. 9 and an understanding thereof will suflice for an understanding of all of the dispensers. Dispenser 112 is provided with a roll mounting bracket 121 which has a spindle 122 upon which is mounteda roll of stamps 123. A rotary stamp guide 124 is also provided and a stamp metering and ejection mechanism, indicated in general by numeral 125 is provided for controlling the output of stamps through the ejection slot 116. The stamp metering and ejection mechanism 125 is not shown y in minute detail, but is substantially identical to that mechanism shown in Patent No. 2,878,014, issued March 17, 1959. The rotary stamp driving wheel 126 is operated by dispensing solenoid EM21 and is connected to the armature thereof by means of a control arm 127. A spring 127a is provided for shifting the arm 127 and solenoid armature back to their normal position. The solenoid EM21 is energized and de-energized for each stamp that is to be vended, and as pointed out hereinafter, will be supplied with pulses of electric current to cause a plurality of stamps to be dispensed. The stamp driving wheel 126 is provided with an annular groove 128 over which the stamps lie. Means are provided for detecting the presence of stamps and in the'form shown "7 `stamps are present in the respective dispensers. Therefore, when the vending machine is loaded with stamps .and is in operative condition, switches S30, S31 and S32 nwill be in their shifted position relative to that shown in Fig. 14.

Control mechanism is provided for operating each of the dispensers and in the form shown, such control means include the

dials

46, 47 and 48'Which are associated with .the

dispensers

111, 112 and 113 respectively for operating the same. The dials 46, 47 and 48 are substantially identical in construction and operation andare ofV a conventional type common to use in telephones. A detail of dial 47 is shown in Fig. 8 to show the switching arrangement thereof. Dial 47 is provided with a central shaft 130 which is aixed to the apertured and nger operated control plate 131. A collar 132 is axed to shaft 130 and has a control cam 133 athxed thereto. A pair of similar switches D21 and D2-2 are mounted on .the frame adjacent the cam 133 for operation thereby. Switches D2-1 and D2-2 are of `a common variety generally known as C type stacks. Each of these switches has a center movable Contact leaf 134 and a pair of stationary contact leaves 135 and 136 disposed on opposite sides thereof. Each of the stationary leaves 135 and 136 is provided with an enlarged opening therethrough. A cam following lug 137 is secured on movable leaf 134 of switch D2-1 and extends through the aperture in Ileaf 136 and engages the cam element 133. The control llug 138 is secured on the movable leaf of the other switch D2-2 and engages the movable leaf 134 to be operated therewith. Normally the movable leaves 41F34 `are resiliently urged to the left and the cam 133 operates to urge them to the right, as shown. When the .tapertured finger control plate 131 is moved from its normal position cam 133 shifts in the direction of arrow X to cause shifting of the 4movable contact leaves of the switches.

The dial mechanism is also provided with a conventional pulsing or interrupter switch D2 which is operated by a rotary cam 139. The dial mechanism is constructed ,and arranged to rotate the cam 139 in the direction of arrow Y after the finger control plate 131 is initially moved and then released. The speed of rotation of cam 139 is controlled by a governor mechanism 140 which is connected thereto through gears 141. The construction and operation of pulsing or interrupting switch D2 is substantially identical to switches D1 and D3 which are respectively associated with

dials

46 and 48 and with dispensers 111 and 113. The construction and operation of switches D2-1 and D2-2 are substantially identical to D3-1 and D3-2, and D1-1 and D1-2 which are respectively mounted for operation by

dials

46 and 48.

The pulsing or interrupting switches D1, D2 and D3 operate when the dials are operated to provide pulses of current to the dispensing solenoids EMZG, EM21 and EM22 respectively. Switches D2-1 and D2- and the corresponding switches associated with the other dials provide control of the dial interlocking mechanisms which will be further described hereinafter and which, in general, preclude, after a. single dispenser has started to operate, operation of any of the other dispensers until all of the dials have returned to their rest or to their normal positions.

Credit subtracting mechanism Means are provided for subtracting credit from the credit mechanism when stamps are vended and in proportion to the value of such stamps, and also for removing the credit from the credit mechanism when change is returned to the stamp purchaser after he has completed his purchasing operation. Such means are best seen in Figs. 4, 6 and 1l. A drive element or pawl 142 is mounted on a control arm 143 and is normally spaced from the ratchet teeth 78 of register wheel 75 and is movable into engagement therewith for driving the register wheel 75 .ia a .counter-clockwise direction. Mounting arm 143 is s swingably connected by pivot 144 to -a rotary control arm 145 which is rotatably mounted on shaft 69 for rotary movement relative thereto. The armature 146 of the subtract pawl solenoid EM09 is swingably connected as by pivot 148 to the rotary control arm 145. Subtract pawl solenoid EM09 is aixed to plate 73. A tension spring 149 is connected to solenoid EM09 at one end and is connected at the other end to the control arm 145. EM09 is energized each Vtime a stamp is dispensed to cause counterclockwise movement of pawl 142 which drives the register wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. When the solenoid EM09 is de-energized, spring 149 returns the arm to the normal position shown. Control arm 143 is provided with a depending stop member 150 which extends into the central guide slot 151 of guide block 152. A stop pin 150a is carried in a suitable aperture in mounting block 152 and traverses the slot 151 therein. When control arm 143 is in its normal or rest position, stop member 150 engages the pin 150:1 to urge the control arm 143` and pawl 142 is a counterclockwise direction with respect to pivot 144. Pawl 142 is thereby raised out of the ratchet teeth 78 of register wheel 75. Another coil spring 143a is connected to the control arm 143 adjacent pawl- 142 and also to the lower end of rotary arm 145 to urge the pawl 142 downwardly into the ratchet teeth 78 when rotary control arm 145 is shifted by movement of the armature 146 of solenoid EM09. Therefore, when solenoid EM69 is energized, pawl 142 will swing downwardly into engagement with the ratchet teeth 78 and will then rotate the register wheel 75 in a counter-clockwise direction.

The credit subtracting mechanism is provided with means for limiting the movement of pawl 142 according to the denomination of stamp vended. If a 2 stamp is vended, pawl 142 is shifted through an arc equal to the spacing of two ratchet teeth 78, and in a like manner the pawl 142 and register wheel 75 are shifted a distance of three notches when a three cent stamp is vended and a distance of six notches when a six cent stamp is vended. Such control means include the stop member or arm 15) which extends outwardly from the register Wheel 75. As best seen in Fig. l1, the stop arm 150 extends into an elongated guide opening or recess 151 in a guide block or member .152 which is aixed to the mounting plate 73. The elongated guide opening 151 is arcuately formed to carry stop member 150 through the arcuate path of movement thereof. Guide member 152 is provided with a plurality of apertures 153 which extend transversely of the elongated opening 151 and which intersect said guide opening. A plurality of abutment or engaging elements 154, `155 and 156 are carried in spaced relation with each other and in various of the apertures 153. Each of the pins 154-156 are removable from the apertures 153 and adapted to be inserted into other of the apertures. Stop pin 156 will remain substantially stationary and will obstruct movement of the stop varm 150 through the guide opening 151. Stop pins 15a and l156 are held in their respective apertures by means of retaining elements 152a, which are secured to block 152 as by bolts.

Pins

154 and 155 are projectible and retractable into and out of guide opening 151 and into and out of obstruction relation relative to the movement of stop member 150. Actuating means are provided for controlling the operation of the projectible and retractable abutment pins-154 and 155 and in the form shown, such means comprise solenoids EM07 and BMGS respectively. VBMGS is affixed on the front side of mounting panel 73 and the shiftable armature or clapper 157 is adjustably secured to the pin 155 by means ofa mounting member or connecting member 158 which is'best seen in Fig. 6. Abutment pin 155 is normally retracted out of the opening 151 by spring 159. Abutment pin 154 extends rearwardly through the mounting panel 73 and is connected for projection and retraction to the armature or clapper 15711 of solenoid -ENLJ by Ameans of a connector or mounting member 160 `'which is substantially identical to member 158. As best seen in Fig. 6 the mounting or connecting member 158 is connected to pin 155 in such a manner that transverse movement of the mounting 158 will permit substantially linear projection and retraction of the pin. Connecting plate 158 is provided with a pair of adjacent and upwardly opening mounting slots 161 which are adapted to receive the diminished neck portion 162 of pin 155. Pin 155 may be carried in a selected slot 161 so as to be positioned for projection into a desired and selected aperture 153 of the guide member 152. Connecting or mounting member 160 is substantially identical to member 158 to permit selective positioning of abutment pin 154. When a six cent stamp is dispensed, the stop arm 150 will be moved with pawl 142 until the same is engaged by the stationary abutment pin 156. If a three cent stamp is dispensed, solenoid EM08 is energized to shift abutment pin 155 into obstructing position relative to the'stop arm y150 so as to permit movement of pawl 142 a distance of three notches relative to ratchet teeth 78. Stop solenoid EM07 is similarly energized to shift abutment pin 154 into obstructing position when a two cent stamp is vended so as to permit movement of pawl 142 only two notches. When more than one stamp is vended in the denominations of two cents or three cents, the respective solenoids EM07 or EM08 will operate a multiplicity of times, once for each stamp vended.

As the register wheel 75 is intermittently shifted in a counter-clockwise direction by pawl 142 the printed circuit switch board 100 also rotates to operate certain of the switches S09-S19 so as to keep the credit mechanism apprised of the value of stamps vended and therefore the credit remaining in the machine.

The subtracting mechanism also includes means for revolving the register wheel 75 and the switch board 100 back to the normal position thereof after stamps have been vended, and after change has been returned to the stamp purchaser, as will be hereinafter described. In the form shown, such means include a register reset solenoid EM06 which is mounted on a suitable bracket 163 and atiixed thereby to the mounting plate 42. The armature 164 of register reset solenoid EM06 is swingably connected to a connecting link 165 which is also pivotally connected at 99 to the gear segment 90. Solenoid EM06 is energized immediately `following the dispensing of coins in the change making operation to quickly return the wheel 75 and rotary switch board 100 to their normal positions.

Change mechanism Change making mechanism is provided in the vending machine for returning change to the operator of the machine after a coin has been inserted and after stamps have been purchased so as to give the stamp purchaser full value for the coin inserted by him. As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, the change making mechanism includes a v plurality of coin tubes 166-173 which are fixed in mounting sleeves 174-481, which sleeves are aliixed to a bracket 182. The bracket plate 182 is aihxed to frame plate 42 and extends through an enlarged opening 183 therein. Bracket plate 182 has a plurality of coin ejecting mechanisms mounted thereon for selectively discharging coins and returning them through chute 184, which extends downwardly and forwardly through the frame panel 42 to the coin return opening 59 in the control panel 43 of the machine. Such coin ejecting mechanisms include a plurality of operating solenoids EM12 to BM19, which are associated with coin tubes '166-173 respectively. The construction and operation of each of the coin ejectors is substantially identical with the exception that tubes 166- 169 are adapted to hold pennies and tubes 170-173 are adapted to hold nickels. The operating mechanism associated with coin tube 171 and solenoid EM17 is shown in Fig.v 5. EM17 is'iixed to bracket plate 182 and has the armature 185 connected by a yoke -186 having a resilient drive element 187 extending between the thereof to an upstanding connecting arm or pose 188 which is in turn aixed to the stripper plate 189. Post 188 extends through an elongated slot 190' in bracket plate 182 and is thereby shiftable toward and away from coin tube 171. Stripper plate 189 is supported by guide plate 191 which is secured to the bracket mounting plate 182 as by screws 192. A guide element 193 is slidable in an elongated opening 194 in guide plate 191 and is atiixed to the stripper plate 189. Stripper plate 189 has a circular opening 195 therein which normally communicates with the lower end of

coin tube

17,1 and with the sleeve 179. The guide plate 191 normally holds a coin in the stripper plate and precludes it from falling through. Guide plate 191 is provided with a circular aperture 196 which is opposite :from the bottom of coin tube 171 and which is positioned to communicate in coinreceiving position with the opening 195 in stripper plate '189 when the same is shifted to the right as viewed in Fig. 5. The inner end of guide plate 191 with the coinreceiving aperture 196 formed therein, is disposed in communicating relation with the interior of coin return chute 184. A return spring 197 is aixed at one end by lug 198 and screw 192, to the guide plate 191, and is secured at the other end thereof to a depending arm 199 which is aixed at the inner end of stripper plate I189 and may be slidable through a suitable guide slot 200 in guide plate 191 adjacent the coin-receiving opening 196 there- Means are provided for detecting the presence or absence of coins in the coin tube and in the form shown,

. such means include a microswitch S24 having a feeler chine for setting up credit if switch S24, or any one of the other switches associated with the coin tubes, Vis opened. Means are provided for controlling the operation of th change making mechanism and as hereinbefore pointed out, a manual control button or switch 44 is provided on the front control panel 43 for actuating the change mak- `ing mechanism. In addition, as will be more particularly described in connection with the electrical circuit, means are provided for precluding operation of any of the change ejectors until credit has been set up and until at least one stamp has been purchased. It will be pointed out that an operable connection is provided between the stamp dispensing mechanism and the changev making mechanism to render the change making mechanism operable after at least one stamphas been purchased.

Electric control system The electrical circuit of the vending machine is shown in Fig. 14 and may be generally divided into several portions, the credit mechanism which is generally grouped at the upper left hand side of the page, the change making mechanism which is grouped at the lower left hand portion of the page and in the upper central portion thereof and to a small degree in the upper right hand portion of the page, the stamp dispensers disposed in the lower central portion of the page, and the stamp dispensing control mechanism disposed on the right hand side of the page which also includes the dial interlocking circuitry. Busses are numbered with the prex B; even numbered busses being connected to one side- .of the power source and odd numbered busses being connected to the other side of the power source; relays are inumberedfwith the prefix K, relay contacts are preiixed'lzy the relay number and a hyphen; electric solenoids fare be rejected by the machine.

vis received into the machine.

certain'switches directly associated with the dial controls -are prefixed D; vand counters employing electric solenoids are numbered wih the preiix CTR.

A source of power may be attached at 203 to be controlled by the manual switch S01 which controls the energization of busses B1 and B2. The coin return sole- .noid EM01 is normally energized and is de-energized to -preclude reception of coins into the vending machine and to return coins to the machine-operator. Solenoid EMM is connected to buss B2 through switches S02, S03 and S04 in their normal positions and is connected to buss B1 through relaycontacts K04-1, K21-1, K20-1, K01-2, K02-2, KOS-2 and one or more of K26-1, K29-1 and KS2-1.

The coin receiving mechanism is associated with switches S02, S03 and S04 which are physically disposed at the lower end ofthe nickel, dime and

quarter coin chutes

56, 57 and 58V respectively. When a coin is received one of these switches will be operated and will move to its shifted position momentarily.

In ,general the credit mechanism includes relays K01, K02, K03, K04-L, KOS-L, EM02, EM03, EM04, K06,

K07, K08 and EM05. Relay K01 has four contacts,Y

K01-1 to K01-4. Relay K0?. has four contacts K021 to K02-4. Relay K03 lhas three contacts K03-1 to K03-3. Relay K04 is of the latching type employing a pair of `relay coils including latching coil K04-L and unlatching or releasing coil K04-R and employing a conventional mechanical latching mechanism operated by coil K04-L and released by coil K04-R to shift the three contacts associated therewith K04-1 to K04-3. Relay K04 primarily controls the coin return solenoid EM01 which causes excess coins after the rst one received to Relay KOS is similarly of the latching type employing a latching or locking coil K05-L and unlatching or releasing coil KOS-R and a mechanical locking mechanism operated by these coils lto 'control the operation of the four contacts K05-1 to K054. Relay K05 primarily controls the change making vmechanism and precludes operation thereof until after credit has been set up and at least one stamp has been purchased. As previously pointed out solenoid EM02 controls the live cent stop and thereby permits register wheel 75 to turn only live notches when a nickel Solenoid EM02 has a microswitch S05 of conventional style associated therewith to be operated thereby during the last increment of movement of the armature thereof. Solenoid EM03 controls the ten cent stop and also has a microswitch S06 associated therewith and adjusted to operate With the last incremental movement of the armature thereof.

ATSolenoid EM04 controls operation of the register gear release pawl 85 and also has a rnicroswitch S07 asso- -ciated with the annature thereof to be operated upon "completion of movement hereof. vK06 is a conventional lthe initial turning of register wheel 75 and the printed circuit switch board 100, for setting up credit in the machine.

Relay K01 is connected to buss B1 through contact KOS-1 and will be connected to buss B2 through switch 'S02 when operated. K02 and K03 are also connected to buss B1 through contact K0841 and are connected to 1 buss B2 through'switches S03 and S04 respectively when thesame are'operated. Relay coils K04-Land KOS-L y1arte connected in Aparalleland connected directlyfto'buss IB2-auidfareiconnectibleLtcxbuss Bllhroughzone or more' of 112 parallel contacts K26'1, `K-291 and K321, and one of contacts K01-2, K022 or K03-2 when operated.

lBuss B6 is connected to bus B2 by contact K04-2 when closed. 'Solenoid EM02 is connected directlyto buss B1 and is connectible with buss B6 vthrough contact lK01-3 when operated. Solenoid YEM03 is-connected directly to buss B1 :and is-iconnectible to buss B6 through contact K02-3 when operated. Solenoid EMO-4 is connected Ydirectly to buss B1 and is connectible to buss B6 through one of 'three parallel circuits, contact K03-3, or series connected switch S06 and-contact K02-4, or series connected switch S05 and contact K01-4. Relay K06 is lconnected directly to buss B1 and is connectible to buss Bthrough either switch S07 or contact K22-1. Time delay relay K07 is connecteddirectly to buss B1 and is connectible to buss B6 through contact jK06-1 when operated. Relay K08 .is connected directly to buss B1 and is connectible to buss B6 through contact K07-1 when operated. Solenoid EM05 is-connected to buss B1 through contacts K22-7 and K21-6 and is connected to buss B6 through K06-2 when operated and contact KOS-2.

The credit mechanism also includes the switches S09 to S19 which are formed by the printed circuit switch board100. Switches S09, S10V and S11 control operation 'of the

stamp dispensers

111, 112 and 113 respectively to permit the same to operate when these switches are closed. Switch S09 is closed, in the present form of the invention, Y from thetwo cent to the twenty five cent credit positions of the register wheel S10 is closed from the three cent to twenty five cent positions; and S11 is closed through the six cent to twenty five cent positions. These switches thereby permit therrespective dispensers to be operative if suiicient credit exists to cover the cost of one purchase. Switches S12 to S19 control operation of the coin ejectors in the change making mechanism and specifically control the operation of the coin ejector solenoids of corresponding numbers EM12 to EM19 through the intermediate relays K12 to K19. Switches S12 to S19 are cumulatively constructed and arranged to render operable those coin ejector solenoids which are necessary to the discharging of coins totaling in value the credit remaining in the machine as manifested by the position of the register wheel 75. In other words, if a dime has been inserted and one three cent stamp has'been purchased certain of the switches S12 to S19 will be closed to render the corresponding coin ejector solenoids operable to permit one nickel and two pennies to be discharged; or if a quarter had been inserted and one six cent stamp had been purchased certain ofthe switches S12 to S19 would be closed `torender operable coin ejector solenoids necessary for the discharge of three nickels andfour pennies.

Relays yK09, K10 and-K11 are all connected directly to Y buss B1 and are connectible .to buss B6 through switches S09, S10 and S11 respectively. Relay K09 has three contacts, K09-1'to K09-3; and K10 and K11 each have one contact,fK.10-1 and K11-1 respectively. Relays K12 to K15 which1control the-pennyejectors are all connectible .to buss B1 through contact -K22-2 when operated, and are connectible to buss B6 through switches S12 to S15 respectively whenfclosed. Relays K16 to K19, which control thenickel ejectors are all connectible to buss B1 .through contacts K22-3 and K063 when both are closed and are respectively connectible to buss B6 through switches S16 to S19 when closed. Relays K12 to K19 each have one 'contact K12-1 to K19-1 respectively. Coin ejector solenoids EM12 to EM15 control the penny ejectors and eject the coins when energized by shifting the corresponding stripper plate. Coin ejector solenoids EM16 to EM19 similarly control .the nickel ejectors. Coin ejector solenoids EM12 to EM19 arey connected to buss B1 and arev respectively connectible to buss B6 by contacts K12-1 through K19-1.

The coin detector'microswitches S22 to S29 are shown at the upper lright .in-the Vcircuit diagram -and S24 is 13 physically shown in Fig. 5. Normally the switches are closed, but with coins in the coin tubes they will be opened. When any of these switches is closed due to lack of coins in a particular coin tube, the machine will reject all coins inserted therein because coin return solenoid EM01 will be de-energized. Coin detector switches S22 to S29 control the operation of out-of-change relay K20 which is connected at one side directly to buss B1 and is connectible at the other side through one or more of the switches S22 to S29 and contact K20-2 to buss B2. Relay K20 has four contacts K20-1 to K20-4. When vrelay K20 is energized, transfer holding contact K20-2 disconnects relay K2() from buss B2 and connects relay K20 to buss B4 instead.

The

stamp dispensing mechanisms

111, 112 and 113 are respectively operated by dispenser solenoids EM20, EM21 and EM22 which are all connected through terminals T1 of the respective dispensers directly to buss B8 and which are also connectible through terminals T4 of the respective dispensers to buss B5 through contacts K24-2, K28-2 and K31-2 respectively when operated. It will be remembered that each of the dispenser solenoids EM20 to EM22 cause a single stamp to be dispensed when operated once and that current pulses are applied thereto to cause multiple operation. Pulses of electric current are applied to buss B5 from buss B1 by intermittent closing of contact K25-1. The stamp runout v detector switches S30, S31 and S32 are shown in their normal position, when no stamps are present in the dispensers. When stamps are present in the dispensers and the stamp runout switch feelers assume the physical position shown in Fig. 9, the switches will be shifted from that position shown in the circuit diagram to interconnect

terminals

1 and 2 of each of the dispensers. When any of these stamp runout switches is shifted back to normal position, the particular dispenser is rendered inoperative, and when all of the switches are shifted the vending machine is rendered inoperative and all coins inserted will be rejected.

Relay K25 is operated to cause intermittent energization of buss B5. K25 is connected directly to buss B3 which is normally energized through contacts K21-5 and K22-6.v The other side of pulse relay K25 is connectible to buss B8 through one of three circuits, the first being dial interrupter switch D1 when operated, contacts K30-2, K27-2 and K09-2, terminal T2 of dispenser 111, S30 when shifted and terminal T1 of dispenser 111; the second, including dial interrupter D2 when operated, contacts K30-4, K23-3 and K10-1 when operated, terminal T2 of dispenser 112, S31 when shifted and terminal T1 of dispenser 112; and a third circuit including dial interrupter D3 when operated, contacts K27-5, K23-5 and K11-1 when operated, terminal T2 of dispenser 113, switch S32 when shifted and terminal T1 of dispenser 113. K25 has three contacts K25-1 to K25-3. Stamp runout detector switch S30 and contacts K09-2 are shunted by contact KS3-1 when operated. Stamp runout detector switch S31 and contact K10-1 are shunted by contact K33-2 when operated. Stamp runout detector switch S32 and contact K11-1 are shunted by KS3-3 when operated.

When any one of the

dials

46, 47 and 48 is moved from its normal or rest position, the dispenser solenoid of the corresponding dispenser is connected to buss B5. Relays K24, KZS and K31 perform this function. Relay K24 has four contacts K241 to K24-4; relay K28 has four contacts, K28-1 to K28-4; and relay K31 has three contacts, K31-1 to K31-3. One side of relay K24 is connectible to buss B8 through contacts K30-2, K27-2 and K09-2 and switch S30. The other side of relay K24 is connected to buss B3 through contacts K27-3, K30-3 and switch D1-2 when shifted. One side of relay K28 is connectible to buss B8 through contacts K30-4, K23-3, K10-1. and switch S31, and the other side of K28 is connectible to buss B3 through contacts K30-5, and K23-4 14 and switch D2-2 when shifted. One side of relay K31 is connectible to buss B8 through contacts K27-5, K235, K11-1 and switch S23 when shifted; and the other side of relay K31 is connectible to buss B3 through K27-6, K23-6 and switch D3-2 when shifted.

Switch means are also provided for permitting only a single dial control to be eliective for operating its corresponding stamp dispenser after that dial control has been initially started and until that' dial control is returned to its normal or rest position and all the other dials are similarly returned to their normal or rest positions. A number of latching type relays, K23, K27 and K30 are provided for this purpose and each of these relays has a latching coil K23L, K27-L and K30-L respectively, a releasing relay coil K23-R, K27-R and K30R, and a conventionally styled mechanical latching mechanism for holding the relay contacts in shifted position after the latching relay coil is de-energized and-for releasing the relay contacts to permit return thereof to their normal position upon energization of the releasing relay coil. Latching relay K23 has six contacts, K23-1 to K23-6; latching relay K27 has six contacts K27-1 to K27-6; and latching relay K30 has six contacts K30-1 to K30-6. Latching relay coil K23-L is connected in parallel relation with relay K24; latching relay coil K27-L is connected in parallel relation with relay K28; and latch relay coil K30-L is connected in parallel relation with relay K31. Relay coil K23-R is connectible at one side to buss B8 through contact K23-2 when operated and contact K24-1, and is normally connected -at the other side thereof to buss B3 through switches D3-1 and D2-2. One side of relay coil K27-R is connectible to buss B8 through contact K27-4 when operated and K28-1, and the other side thereof is normally connected to buss B3 through contacts D1-1 and D3-2. One side of releasing coil K30-R is connectible to buss B8 through contact K30-6 when operated and K31-1 and the other side of releasing coil K30-R is connected to buss B3 through contacts D2-1 and D1-2. The locking relay K23, K27 and K30 provide switch controls for their respective switches or contacts which are disposed in series relation with the dial interrupters of the other dials and with the latching relays associated with the other dials.

Releasing relay coil K05-R of relay K05 which requires that a stamp be purchased before change can be had, is connected -at one side to buss B3 and is connectible at the other side through contact K05-3 when operated to buss B8 through any one of three circuits in a manner identical to the connection of pulse relay K25, that is, through either interrupter switch D1, D2 or D3.

The stamp runout relays K26, K29 and KS2 each have four contacts, K26-1 to K26-4, K29-1 to K29-4, and K32-1 to K324 respectively. K26 is connected directly to buss B1 and is connected to buss B8 through transfer contacts K26-4 and stamp runout detector switch S30. Relay K29 is connected directly to buss B1 and is connected to buss B8 through transfer contacts K29-4 and stamp runout detector switch S31. Relay K32 is connected directly to buss B1 and is connected to buss B8 through transfer contacts KS2-4 and stamp detector runout switch S32. Of course these stamp runout relays will usually be de-energized because switches S30, S31 and S32 will usually be in their shifted position due to the presence of stamps in their dispensers. If any of the stamp runout relays K26, K29, and KS2 have been operated, the corresponding stamp runout detector switch S30, S31 or S32 is shunted by the holding or transfer contacts K26-4, K29-4 or K32-4. v

Subtract pulse relay KS3 is connected at one side of buss B1 and is connectible to buss B8 through contact K25-3. Relay K33 has four contacts KS3-1 to KS3-4. The stop solenoids EM07 and EMOS which operate

abutment pins

154 and 155 respectively for limiting movement of the stop arm 150, and subtract solenoid EM09 which operates pawl 142 for rotating register wheel 75 l counterclockwise and thereby' subtracting vcredit,`areall connected at one side to buss B1. Solenoids EM07, BMGS and EM09 are connectible to buss B8 through contacts K24-3, K28-3, KS3-4 respectively.

e solenoids for counters CTRGI to CTR03 are all connected at one side to buss B1 and are connectible to buss B8 through contacts X24-4, K28-4 and X31-3 respectively when operated, and through K25-2 when operated.

A light 204 which indicates to the person in charge of maintaining the machine that service is required is connected at one side to buss B1 and is connectible at the other side to buss B2 through one or more of contacts K26-2, K29-2, K32-2, and K20-3.

Lights

49, 50, 51, 52 and 53, which are visible in the front control panel 43 f the machine, as seen in Fig. 1, are respectively connectible through contacts K09-1, K20-4, K26-3, K29'-3 and KS2-3 to the secondary of transformer 205, the primary of which is directly connected to busses B1 and B2.

Counter CTR04 is connected at one side to buss B1 and is connectible at the other side to buss B2 through contact KOS4 when operated.

Manual reset switch S normally interconnects busses B2 and B4. The release coil .R04-R of the excess coin reject relay H04 is connected at one side of buss B1 and is normally connected through contacts K05-1 and microswitch S08 to buss BS. Switch S08, which is shown in its normal or reset position as held by register wheel 75 when in its Zero or reset position, is shifted by a spring connected integrally therein when the register wheel 75 moves from its normal or rest position and releases the control arm 82a' thereof. Switch S08 assumes the position shown in Fig. 14, only after the register wheel 75 has returned to a position of less than one cent credit in the machine, that is, switch S08'is returned to normal condition by the abutment 79 when the register wheel 75 is between its normal or rest position and its one cent credit position. Considering switch S03 in its relation to the entire circuit, the contacts thereof are considered to be in their normal or rest position when in the position shown in Fig. 14 and `are in shifted position when shifted from the position shown in Fig. 14.

The register reset solenoid EM06 which turns the register wheel 75 back to its zero position during the nalstages of the operation of the machine, is connected at one side Vto buss B1 and is connectible at the other sidethereof to buss B6 through contacts X21-2 when operated. The register reset control relay K21, which has six contacts K21-1 to K21-6, is connected at one side to buss B1 and'is connectible to buss B8 through microswitch S08 when shifted and through contact X21-3 when operated or through contacts KGS-3 and K22-4 when both are operated.

The change mechanism control relay X22, which has seven contacts K224i to K22-7, is connected to buss 'B1 through contacts Kill-4, K23-1, K27-1, KSB-1 and KOS-2 and is connectible to buss B8 through transferv v Operation Considering only the control panel, 43 and the manual controls therein, as viewed by a stamp purchaser, a coin must lirst be inserted into the coin slot 45. Y If the machine has previously been at rest and a nickel is inserted, light 50 will go on within a fraction of, a `second to indicate that stamps may be dialed. The. purchaser may operate eitherof dials 46 or 47 to obtain either two or three cent stamps. if he dials 2 on dial 46 he will receive twoftwo-cent stamps through the slot 118. Because he has Ataken four cents value there is only one cent credit leftin the machine, and because one cent is not suicient to make another' purchase, his one cent change will be returned to him without need for further manual operation. If he had dial l on dial 47 he would have received one three-cent stamp through slot 119. Two cents credit would have remained in the machine,V and he would have an option then to purchase either one two-cent stamp or take his change. Ifhe desires his change he will press the change button 44, whereupon two pennies will be returned. It the machine runs out of three-cent stamps after he hastaken his purchase, indicator 52 will light up to indicate to the purchaser that he may not receive anotherl three-cent stamp. Upon receiving his two pennies change, Yif one of the penny tubes is exhausted, indicator 49 Will light up, which indicates change is exhausted and the'machine may not be operated again. Obviously after inserting only a nickel, operation of dial 48 is ineffective because six cents credit is necessary to buy a six-cent stamp.

After inserting the nickel the purchaser may insert another coin but the second coin will be rejected out of the machine and will not operate to set up any credit therein until all of the credit set up by the rst coin is used, either by taking stamps or change. If the change button 44 is manually operated immediately after inserting `a coin into the machine, no change may be had because it is necessary that at least one stamp be purchased before change may be had.

In the operation of the machine all of the dials must be at rest when one of the dials is operated to cause stamps to be dispensed. -In other words, if one of the dials is moved, from its normal position, and Vthen the purchaser seeks to obtain stamps by operating a second dial, the operation of the second dial is ineffective and no stamps due to this operation of the second dial will be dispensed. A

In the following paragraphs the detailed operation of the vending machine is described in connection with the circuit diagram, Fig. 14 primarily. When the machine is supplied with stamps in each of the dispensers and is supplied with coins in each of the coin tubes, and when power is supplied to terminal 203, the machine is in condition for operation. The stamp runout detector switches S30, S31 and S32 are moved to their shifted positions. The coin runout detector switches S22-S29 are shiftedV and opened due to coins in the tubes.V Switch S08 is held by the register wheel in the position shown in Fig. 14. 1

The excess coin reject solenoid EM01 is normally energized. Insertion of a coin into the coin slot-45 causes momentary shifting of one of the microswitches S02, S03 or S04. If a nickel has been inserted, switch S02 is momentarily shifted to cause momentary energization of the five-cent credit relay H01. The four contacts of relay Kill shift and contact Kill-l provides a holding circuit through contacts K02-1 and 1(03-1 for maintaining relay K01 energized. Contact K01-2YisV shifted to cause de-energization of coin reject solenoid EMM and to cause energization of excess coin reject latching relay K04-L and the latching coil KGS-L of the forced stamp sale relay K05. De-energization of coin reject solenoid EM01 causes the

coin chutes

56, 57 and 58 to be blocked olf andY causes any coins subsequently inserted into the machine to be returned to the coin return slot. VOperation of coin reject relay K04-L vcauses operation of X044 which assures that coin reject solenoid EM01 remains de-energized. Kim-'2 closes to energize bussV B6, and K04-3 closes `to prepare bussBS for energization, when, after a short period of time, Kili-1 returns to its normalposition .andV will connect buss B8 to buss B2. Energization ofr the latching 'coil KtlS-L of the forced stamp purchase relay causes operation of its four contacts. KGS-1 opens to preclude energization of relay coil K04-R until astamp is` purchased.V X054?, opens to prevent energization of change relay K2?. until a stamp has been purchased to prevent change from being taken prior to the lpurchase of a stamp. -K-3 is closed to prepare the release coil KGS-R for energization as soon as the rst pulse is transmitted thereto by one of the dial interrupter switches D1, D2 or D3. X05-4 is closed to operate counter CTR04 and thereby show that another coin has been received by the machine.

Contact K01-4 is closed to prepare the register gear release pawl solenoid EMM for operation as soon as the ive cent stop is in position. The contact K01-3 closes to operate the five cent stop solenoid EM02 to cause projection of pin 80 which will permit rotation of the register wheel 75 through only five notches relative to the ratchet teeth 78 and thereby permit only five cents credit to be registered. When the ve cent stop solenoid EM02 has shifted its armature substantially to the limit of shifting thereof, microswitch S05 is closed to energize register gear release pawl solenoid EMM which shifts the release pawl 86 out of rotation restricting position relative to ratchet teeth 7S and also operates microswitch S07 when it has substantially completed the movement of the release pawl 85.

To this point the operation of the machine would have been substantially identical to that described had a dirne or quarter been inserted. If a dime had been inserted switch S03 would have operated to energize the ten cent credit relay K02, the operation of which is substantially identical to K01 with the exception that the ten cent stop solenoid EM03 would have been operated instead of ve cent stop solenoid EM02. 'Ihe stop pin S1 would have shifted to permit rotation of the register wheel teeth relative to ratchet teeth 78. The release pawl would have been shifted in -a manner identical to that described and switch S07 would have been operated. If a quarter had been inserted, switch S04 would have been operated to energize relay K03, the operation of' which is nearly identical to relays K02 and Kill, with the exception that no stop solenoid is necessary because the fixed stop 82 will limit the rotation of the register wheel 75 to twenty-live notches relative to ratchet teeth 78. Again, the release pawl would have been shifted and switch S07 operated.

When switch S07 is operated, start relay K06 is energized and the three contacts thereof are operated. K06-1 closes to energize time delay relay K07. Contact K06-3 closes to prepare release K16 to K19 for energization but is ineifective in operation because contact K22-3 remains open until contact K06-3 again reopens. Contact KGS-2 closes to energize the register credit solenoid EM05 which is operative for turning gear segment 90 and pinion gear 89 and to cause clockwise rotation of the register wheel 75, as seen in Fig. 6. Because a nickel has been inserted and the tive cent stop solenoid EM02 has been operated, register Wheel 75 rotates through an arc proportional to the space of tive ratchet teeth 78. Movement of the register gear 75 from its normal or rest position causes shifting of microswitch S08 which assures that the excess coin reject release coil K04-R will not be energized to permit subsequent coins to be received even though contact KOS-1 is later closed, and to also prepare for energization of register reset relay KZI and change relay KZZ.

When the shaft 69 and printed circuit switch board 100 is rotated, switches S09 and S10 are closed to cause energization of relays K09 rand K10. Because only a nickel has been inserted switch S11 is not closed because rotation of the printed circuit switch board 100 through an arc proportional to the spacing of six ratchet teeth is necessary for the closing of this switch. Had a dime been inserted switch S11 would also close. Closure of contract KS3-1 energizes light 49 indicating to the operator that a stamp may now be purchased. Contact K09-2 closes to connect terminal T2 of dispenser 111 to dial switch D1 to prepare pulse relay K25 for subsequent operation. Contact K09-3 opens but has no effect upon the change relay K2?. because K05-2 opens but has no effect upon the change relay KZZ because KES-2 in series therewith has already been opened. K09-3 is effective later in the change making operation.

The time delay between the energization of and the operation of time delay relay K0? is suicient to assure that the register wheel 75 has rotated through the maximum arc permissible by the stop pin associated with the ve cent stop solenoid EM02. When relay K07 operates, the contact K07-1 thereof closes to energize relay K08. The three contacts of relay KGS operate and contact KGS-2 opens to de-energize the register credit solenoid EM05 which thereby removes torque from shaft 69. Contact K08-3 closes (and is associated with register reset relay K21 but is ineffective at this time because of the open condition of contact K22-4. Contact KOS-1 opens to de-energize the tive cent credit relay Kill or any of the other relays K0?. or KS3 which might be alternately energized. When Kill-1 is returned to normal position, buss B8 is energized therethrough.

Contact Kili-2 returns to normal but is ineffective be-A cause contact K04-1 is holding solenoid EM01 de-energized. Contact Kill-3 reopens to de-energize the ve cent stop solenoid EM02. Contact K01-4 re-opens to de-energize the register gear release pawl solenoid EM04 which'thereupon permits the spring 87 to return the pawl into engagement with the ratchet teeth 78 and thereby preclude any further clockwise movement of the register wheel 75. When the release pawl solenoid EMO4 is de-energized, switch S07 is reopened to de-energize start relay R06. The three contacts of relay K06 return to normal positions, contact K06-3 reopens but is inelective because of previous inoperation. Contact K06-2 -reopens but is inefective because register credit solenoid EM05 is already de-energized by contact K08-2. Contact KOS-1 is re-opened to de-energize time delay relay K0?. When K07-1 is re-opened relay KGS is de-energized to return the three contacts thereof to normal positions which have no ettect at this time because each of the circuits associated with these contacts have been previously de-energized.

It should be pointed out that all of the operations of the mechanism from the shifting of switch S02 through the operation of relay K0^5 occurs substantially instantaneously, taking into consideration times of relay operation. The time delay relay K07 delays subsequent circuit operation until the register wheel and printed circuit switch board have been rotated to their new position to cause credit to actually be set up. After time delay. relay K07 operates, a short period of time, less than a second, relay K08 operates to cause the circuitry connected with setting up credit to be rapidly shut down. It will be remembered that buss B6 has been energized and will stay energized until release coil D04-R is energized at a later time. Because buss B8 is not energized until credit is completely set up, the stamp dispensing mechanisms and the change dispensing mechanisms may not be operated until credit has been completely set up in the machine.

Credit is now set up in the machine and the printed circuit switch board has been rotated to operate certain of the switches S09 and S19 to prepare at least certain of change relays K12 to K19 for subsequent energization. It should be specifically noted here that although credit has been set up change may not be had even though push button 44 is operated to close switch S21 because change control relay KZZ is rendered inoperative by the opening of contact K05-2.

Five cents credit is available in the machine and the operator thereof now has an option to purchase either two cent stamps or three cent stamps by operating

dials

46 or 47 respectively. He may not purchase siX cent stamps because switch S11 remains open as does con` tact K11-1 which is associated with the dispenser 113 containing six cent stamps. Assume now that the stamp purchaser desires two cent stamps and he moves the dial 47 to 2 and then releases it. As he moves ther dial 47 from the normal or rest position thereof, switches D1-1 and D1-2 shift from their normal positions and respectively disconnect the release coil K27-R from buss B3, and disconnect release coil K3-R from buss B3. In addition, switch D1-2 connects the latching coil K23-L and relay K24 to buss B3 through contacts K30-3 and K27-3 to energize the same which are already connected to buss B8 through contacts Ktl-Z, K27-2, now closed contact 1(09-2 and switch S30. Operation of relay K23-L causes operation of the six contacts thereof. K23-3 and K23-4 open to isolate relay coils K27-L and K28 and interrupter switch D2 which is associated with dial 47 contacts K23-5 and KZS- open to isolate relay coil KSG-L and K31 and dial interrupter switch D3; K23`1 opens to assure that change control relay K22 will not be rendered operative until the dial 46 has returned to normal position; and contact K23-2 closes to prepare release coil K23-R for subsequent energization. Simultaneously with the energization of release coil K23-L, relay K24 is energized to cause operation of the four contacts thereof, contact K24-1 opening substantially simultaneously with the closing of K23-2 to maintain releasing coil K25-R de-energized. K24-2 closes to connect dispenser solenoid EM to buss B5. Contact K24-3 closes to energize the two cent subtract stop solenoid EMO? which shifts abutment pin 154 into obstructing relation in opening 151 of guide member 152. Contact K24-4 closes to prepare counter CTR01 for subsequent energization when contact K-2 is later closed.

It will be seen now that after dial 46 has been moved from its normal rest position, mechanical operation of the other dials 47 or 48 or both, is ineffective for causing any stamps to be dispensed from their respective disp ensers 112 and 113. Dial interrupter switches D2 and D3 are precluded from receiving current from buss B8 until latching relay release coil K23-R is energized and this will not occur until dial 46 is returned to its normal position so as to permit interlock switch D1-2 to return to its normal position and thereby de-energize K24 which will at that time permit contact K24-1 to be closed for energizing latch relay release coil K23-R. Furthermore, if one of the

dials

47 and 48 or both, are moved from their normal or rest positions during the operation of dial 46, dials 47 and 48 are ineffective for causing stamps to be dispensed until after dial 46 has returned to normal or rest position and until after both dials 47 and 48 are also returned to normal or rest position. This is caused because if either or both

dials

47 and 48 are moved from their normal rest positions, interlocking switches D3-1 and D2-2 are shifted to preclude energization of latching relay release coil K23-R until these last mentioned switches have been returned to their normal positions, and that will occur only when the

dials

47 and 48 have returned to their normal rest positions.

It will therefore be seen that the dial which is operated rst controls the dispensing of stamps until all of the dials have subsequently been returned to rest.

Dials

47 and 48 are also provided with interlocking switch mechanism similar to that described in connection with dial 46. If dial 47 is moved iirst from its normal or rest position, the

dials

46 and 48 are rendered ineffective by operation of latching relay coil K27-L and relay K28 for causing any stamps to be dispensed because the dialv interrupter switches D1 and D3 are isolated as are the corresponding interlocking switch control relays K23-L, K24, K30-L and K31. Pulses of current may only be irplied to pulse relay K25 through interrupter switch Now, resuming in the description of the operation of dialr46. When the rotary dial plate of dial 46 is stopped due to the operators finger engaging the linger stop, the operator will remove his linger from the aperture and the dial control plate will commence counter-clockwise rotation as Viewed in Fig. 3 and the cam thereof, similar to cam 139 as seen in Fig. 8, will commence rotation. Before dial 46 reaches its normal or rest position dial interrupter switch D1 will have momentarily closed twice. The momentary closures of interrupter switch D1 will be spaced by a short period of time. The primary result from the rst momentary closure of interrupter switch D1 is the momentary energization of pulse relay K25 which is effective to cause a single stamp to be dispensed from two cent dispenser 111. The detailed operation of pulse relay K25 will be by-passed for the moment and another very important operation in the present invention is described.

The rst momentary closure of dial interrupter switch D1 provides a pulse of current to the forced stamp` sale relay release coil KOS-R which will be connected to buss B8 through contact KOS-3, interrupter switch D1, relay contacts KSU-2, K27-2, KG9-2 and switch S30. The four contacts of relay KOS will thereupon resume their normal positions. Contacts K05-d do nothing immediately but close to prepare excess coin reject relay release coil IGM-R for subsequent energization when switch S08 returns to normal position. Contact KOS-2 does nothing immediately but prepare change relay K22 for subsequent energization when manual control switch S21 is closed. Contact KOS-3 will open to again deenergize the forced stam-p sale relay release coil KGS-R. The de-energizing of release K05-R does not aifect the contacts of the latching relay K05 but merely permits the mechanical linkage mechanism of the latching relay K05 to hold the contacts in their positions for subsequent operation by the latching coil thereof. Contacts K05-4 reopen to again de-energize counter CTR04. It will be seen that the rst pulse of current provided for causing a stamp to dispense also releases the change mechanism so that change may subsequently be had. Pulses of current subsequent to the rst pulse need not be, and are not, applied to the forced stamp sale relay release coil KOS-R.

Pulse relay K25 is connected to buss B8 through dial interrupter switch in the same manner in which relay KGS-R was connected. When pulse relay K25 is energized the Vthree contacts thereof are momentarily closed for the duration of the pulse of current applied to the relay. Momentary closing of contacts K25-1 momentarily energizes buss B5 and dispenser solenoid BMZ() which shifts the armature thereof to rotate the stamp control wheel or drive element 126 yand cause a two cent stamp to be dispensed. Contact K25-1 will irnmediately reopen to de-energize buss B5 and solenoid EM20. lt will be remembered that solenoid EM20 had previously been connected to buss B5 but closure of contact X24-2 when relay K24 was energized at the time dial 46 was moved from its normal or rest position. Contact K24-2 will stay closed until dial 46 returns to its normal or rest position. Contact K25-2 momentarily closes and then reopens to operate counter CTRI. Contacts K253 close momentarily to connect subtract pulse relay X33 and to cause momentary operation of the contacts thereof. The most important contact of this relay is K33-4 which momentarily closes to energize the subtract pawl drive solenoid EMM which, as seen-in Fig. 6, shifts its armature inwardly to cause pawl 142 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction until the stop arm 15) strikes the abutment pin 154 which had previously been projected into obstructing relation in opening 151 ofvguide member 152. It will be remembered thatfthis stop pin 154 was shifted into obstructing positionwhen dial 46 vwas Vinitially moved from its normal rest position and that abutment pin 154 remains in.

obstructing position until dial 46 again returns to its normal or rest position. Contacts X33-2 and KS3-3 closed do nothing at this tune because they are isolated. Contact K33-1 momentarily closes and shunts contact K09-2 and stamp runout detector switch S30 for the purpose of assuring that pulse relay K25 is not disconnected from buss B8 until the dial interrupter switch D1 opens. Dial interrupter switch D1 is thereby maintained in control and if stamps should run out during the middle of a pulse to cause switch S30 to open, or if the printed circuit switch board 100 should be immediately turned due to action of Subtract pawl drive solenoid EM09 to cause switch S09 to de-energize relay K09 and thereby open contact E09-2, which is shunted by contact KS3-., a pulse applied to the pulse relay K25 will not be cut short. Furthermore, because relay contact K33-1 shunts the stamp runout switch S30, it is assured that the relay coils K24 and K23-L will remain energized until the dial has returned to its zero or rest position.

As the dial 46 continues in a counter-clockwise position toward its normal or rest position, dial interrupter switch D1 will open momentarily to de-energize pulse relay K25 and will thereafter momentarily reclose to again supply pulses of current to pulse relay K25. Upon receiving the second pulse of current the stamp dispenser solenoid EM will again be operated to cause another stamp to be vended because buss B5 is again momentarily energized by contacts K-1. 11n addition, the subtract pawl drive solenoid EM09 will again be operated to shift the subtract pawl 142 and cause register wheel 75 to be rotated in counter-clockwise direction through an 'arc proportional to the space of two ratchet teeth 78.

When dial 46 has again reached its normal or rest position interlocking switch D1-1 recloses but does nothing at this time. In addition interlocking switch -Dl-Z reshifts to its normal position to prepare release coil KSO-R for subsequent energization and also disconnects relay K24 and latching coil K23-L from buss B3. The four contacts of relay K24 are returned to normal position, and contact K24-i recloses to energize latching relay release coil K23-R which is connected to buss B8 through contacts K23-2 and K24-1 and is connected to buss B3 through switches D3-1 and D2-2. After coil K23-R is energized the contacts associated with the latch relay K23 shift to normal positions and contact K23-2 immediately opens to Iagain de-energize coil K23-R, and Contact K23-1 recloses to prepare change relay K22 for subsequent energization. The remainder of the contacts of relay K23, that is contacts K23-3, K23-4, K23-5 and K23-6, reclose to prepare dials 47 and 4S and their corresponding interrupter switches D2 and D3 for subsequent eiective operation. It should be remembered that release coil K23-R would not have been energized by closure of contact K24-1 had either of the interlocking switches D3-1 or D22 had been shifted due lto movement of

dials

47 and 48 away from their normal position, in which event coil KZS-R would have been energized by one of these last mentioned switches when both had been returned to normal position.

The remaining contacts of relay K24 reopen, Contact K24-2 disconnecting solenoid Eli/120 from buss B5, and contact X24-3 disconnecting the two cent stop solenoid EM07 from buss B8 and thereby de-energizing that solenoid and permitting the abutment pin 154 thereof to be retracted out of obstructing relation from the opening 151. `Contact X24-4 also re-opens to prevent further energization of counter CTRO-1.

From the five cent credit that had previously been in the machine, the value of four cents has been subtracted by moving the register wheel 7S through an arc proportional to the spacing of four ratchet teeth leaving one cent credit in the machine. Because no purchase Assume for the moment that the machine had previously had ten cents credit therein and that the four cent credit subtracted due to the `dispensing of two two cent stamps, leaves a credit in the machine of six cents. The operator of the machine now has an option to either take his change or to purchase more stamps. With six cents credit remaining he may Atake up to three two cent stamps, two three cent stamps or one six cent stamp. lf the operator chooses to take three cent stamps he may operate dial 47 which will cause dispenser solenoid EM21 to be connected to buss BS and will cause the three cent solenoid EMS to be energized to cause abutment pin 55 to be projected into obstructing relation operating dial 4S, dial interrupter switch D3 supplied the pulses to pulse relay K25, Dispenser solenoid EM22 would have been connected to buss B5 for operation. In the case of six cent stamps, the stationary abutment pin 156, as viewed in Fig. 6, will limit the movement of stop arm and pawl 142. Furthermore, if a six cent stamp were taken the register wheel 75 would again return to its normal or rest position causing all of the switches S99 to S19 to reopen and thereby precluding any further energization of the change dispense solenoids EMIZ to EM19 and also disconnecting each of the dispensers from their corresponding dial interrupters at contacts K09-2, K10-1 and K11-1, so as to prevent energization of pulse relay K25. |The details of operation when the register wheel 75 returns to zero or normal position will be explained more fully hereinafter.

If, instead of taking more stamps, when the machine has six cents credit therein, the operator thereof decides to take his change, he will press the manual control button 44 on the control panel to close switch S21 and energize change relay K22, which is connected to buss B1 by contacts KZl-Li, K23-1, K27-1, K30-1 and K5-2 and which is connected to buss B8 through transfer holding contacts KZZ-S, manual switch S21 and switch S08. Because it is herein assumed that six cents credit remains, it will be remembered that the printed circuit board switch S09 is closed, relay K09 is energized and contact Kim-3 which shunts manual control switch S21, is open. The seven contacts of change relay K22 are operated. It will be remembered that because only six cents credit remains in the machine, one ofthe switches S12 to S15 is closed to render one of the penny dispenser control relays K12 to K15 operable; and it will further be remembered that one of the switches S16 to S19 is also closed to render one of the nickel dispensing control relays Kl to K19 operable. the machine will shortly thereafter receive one nickel and one penny change. The details of this operation are bypassed and will be claried hereinafter.

Going back to the actual condition of the machine after rlve cents credit had been set up and four cents credit had been removed, one cent credit is now remaining which is insuiiicient for making a purchase. One of the switches S12 to S15 is still closed and the remainder of the switches S09 to S19 are open. Therefore one of the change dispensing solenoids EM12 to EMIS is operable.

The operator of1 Y In" addition, the counter-clockwise rotation of register wheel 75 has turned the printed circuit switch board 100 suiciently to again reopen switches S69 to S11 and to deenergize relays K09 to K11. The contacts K09-2, K-1 and K11-1 are reopened to disconnect dial interrupter switches D1, D2 and D3 respectively from buss B8 and thereby preclude operation of the pulse relay K25. Contact K09-1 reopens to deenergize the dial indicator light 49. K09-3 recloses, shunting switch S08 and manual control switch S21 thereby energizing change relay K22 which is then connected to buss B1 as previously described and is connected to buss B8 through transfer holding contact K22-S and contact K09-3. The result here is actuation of the change mechanism without necessitating manual control by the operator of the machine. The seven contacts of change relay K22 close. Contact K22-S shifts to shunt contact K09-3 and thereby holding relay K22 energized. K22-2 closes to connect penny solenoid control relays K12 to K1S to buss B1 and render one of these energized for operating one of the corresponding penny dispensing solenoids EMIZ to EMIS. The armature of the solenoid is shifted to shift the stripper plate and move a penny contained in the aperture thereof into alignment with the coin receiving aperture vin the underlying guide plate and thereby permit the penny to drop into the coin chute 184 to be returned at the coin return opening S9 in the front panel. Contact K22-3 closes to prepare for connection by contact K06-3 of relays K16 to K19 to buss B1. Contact K22-4 closes to prepare register reset relay K21 for subsequent operation. Contact K22-6 opens to disconnect buss B3 from buss B1. Contact K22*1 closes to connect start relay K06 to buss B6. Contact K22-7 opens to disconnect register credit solenoid EMS from buss B1. Relay K06 is operated and the three contacts thereof are shifted. Contact K06-1 is closed to connect time delay relay K07 to buss B6 and thereby commence operation of the time delay relay K07 which subsequently shifts the contact thereof after an elapse of time. Contact K06-2 closes, but is ineffective to energize register credit solenoid EMOS because contact K22-7 is open. K06-3 closes to connect nickel dispensing control relays K16 to K19 to buss B1 through contact K22-3.

If one of the switches S16 to S19 were closed one of the relays K16 to K19 would have been energized to cause energization of a corresponding nickel stripping solenoid EM16 to EM19. It should be noted that the penny dispensing relays are operated directly by change relay K22 by the contact K22-2, and it should further be noted that the energization of relay Kin to K19 is delayed subsequent to the operation of K22, the length of time necessary for relay KG6 to operate and close the contact K06-3 thereof. This spreads out the operation of the coin dispensing solenoids EM12 to EM19 over a short period of time so that only four of these solenoids are energized simultaneously and then four more are subsequently energized simultaneously. The peak power requirements for energizing the coin dispensing solenoids is thereby substantially reduced.

v After a short period of time to assure that all of the change has been dispensed by operation of the change solenoids, the contact of time delay relay KB7 is closed. Closure of contact KfW-1 connects relay KGS to buss B6 to cause energization of relay KGS and a corresponding shifting of the three contacts thereof. KtS-l opens but is inoperative because relays Kel, KS2 and KOS are already de-energized. Contact KGS-2 opens, but is inoperative because solenoid EMOS is disconnected from buss B1 by contact K22-7. Contact KGS-3 closes to connect register reset relay K21 to buss B8 through contacts K22-4, KOS-3 and switch S08. Relay K21 is energized to operate the six contacts thereof. Contact K213 is closed to shunt contacts KGS-'3 and KZZA and thereby provide a holding circuit Yfor register reset relay K21. KZl-l opens to preclude energization of the coin return out detector switch depressed.

solenoid EMO 1 until the register wheel 7S has been completely reset back to its normal position. Contact K21-S opens to maintain buss B3 disconnected from buss B1, thereby precluding dialing. Contact K21-6 is open to preclude energization of .register credit solenoid EMG-S. Contact K21-2 closes to connect register reset solenoid EMG to buss B6 and thereby start the resetting of register wheel 75, that is to start rotating register wheel 75 in a counter-clockwise direction toward its normal or rest position. Solenoid EMi' drives the gear segment `90 to rotate pinion gear 819 which in turn rotates shaft 69 having the register Wheel 75 and the printed circuit switch board aflixed thereto. K21-4 opens to disconnect change relay K22 from buss B1 to cause reshifting of the six contracts .thereof back to their normal positions.

Contact K22-4 reopens but is ineffective because it is shunted by holding contact K21-3. K22-S shifts to normal and disconnects relay K22 from buss BS thereby breaking the holding circuit for relay K22. Contact K22-6 recloses but is ineffective for re-energizing buss B3 because contact K21-S remains open. K22-2 reopens to disconnect the penny dispenser control relays K12 to K16 from buss B1 thereby de-energizing the same and causing penny dispensing solenoids EM12 to EMIS to be de-energized. The yarmatures of these solenoids and their corresponding stripper plates will then be retracted by the tension spring associated therewith and another penny will fall into the coin receiving opening in the stripper plate to prepare for subsequent discharging of another coin and for holding the feeler of the Coin run- Contact K22-3 reopens to disconnect nickel dispenser control relays K16 to K19 from buss B1 and thereby cause the corresponding nickel dispensing solenoids EM16 to EM19 to be de-energized. The stripper plates associated with these solenoids will also be returned to normal positions. Contact K22-1 reopens to disconnect relay K06 from buss B6 and thereby de-energize Kti causing the three contacts thereof to return to normal position. Contact K22-7 recloses but is ineffective for connecting register credit solenoid EMOS to buss B1 because K21-6 remains open.

Contact K06-2 reopens but is ineifective because register credit solenoid EMS is already disconnected from buss B1. Contact K06-3 reopens but is ineffective for controlling relays K16 to K19 because contact K22-3 has already disconnected said relays from Ibuss B1. Contact K06-1 reopens to de-energize time delay relay R07 and cause the contact K07-1 thereof to open and thereby disconnect relay Ktl from buss B6. De-energization of relay K08 causes the three contacts thereof to shift to normal positions.

Contact KS-l recloses to connect the credit relays Kill, K02 and K03 to buss B1 and thereby prepare those relays to be energized again when another coin is received. Contact KGS-2 recloses but is ineffective to operate register credit solenoid BMGS because buss B6 has already been disconnected therefrom by reopening of contact K06-2. KGS-3 is reopened but is ineffective to vcontrol register reset relay K21 because holding contact K21-3 remains closed for Vconnecting the relay to buss B8.

While relays K22, K06 and K have been disconnected the register reset solenoid BMGS has been rotating the register wheel 7S in a counter-clockwise direction toward its normal or rest position. When the register wheel 7S approaches its normal or rest position, the abutment 79 engages the feeler of microswitch S38 to reshift the same to normal position. By the time microswitch S08 has been shifted to its normal position, ail of the change ydue to the purchaser has been returned, the printed circuit switch board 100 has been substantially returned to its normal or rest position so as to open all of the switches S09 to S19 and the register wheel 75 has been substantially returned to normal position. The office of switch S08 is to return the electrical circuitry of the magardera 25 chine to normal condition so that another coin may be received for again setting up credit for a subsequent stamp purchaser.

Shifting of swdtch S68 to normal position energizes the excess coin reject relay release coil K04-R, and deenergizes register reset relay K21. The three contactsV of relay R04 are returned to normal position. K04-2 reopens to disconnect buss B6 from buss B2 and thereby de-energizes register reset solenoid EM06. Contact K64-3 reopens to cie-energize -buss B8 which causes deenergization of excess coin reject relay release coil Kiki-R. Contact KS4-1 recloses to connect excess coin reject solenoid EMM to buss B1 through contacts KIM-1, K21-1, KZt-, Kili-2, Rs2-2, K3-2 and parallel connected contacts 1/26-1, K25-1 and KS2-1. Excess coin reject solenoid EMM is thereby energized and the coin obstructing fingers 6?, 21, and 62 are retracted out of obstructing relation from the

coin chutes

56, 57 and 58 to thereby permit a coin to be inserted into the machine. As long as the main power switch S01 is closed, solenoid EMtl is'energized, at least until another coin is inserted into the machine.

When register reset relay X21 is de-energized by switch S98, the six contacts thereof shift to their normal positions substantially simultaneously with the shifting of the contacts of relay 1G14 to their normal positions. Contact 1(21-1 recloses substantially simultaneously with contact K04-1 to complete the circuit between solenoid EM01 and buss B1. Contact K21-2 is reopened to disconnect register reset solenoid EMt from buss B6, but is ineffective because buss B6 is also de-energized by operation of KS4-2. Contact K21-3 reopens to break the holding circuit for relay X21. Contact K21-4 recloses to again connect change mechanism control relay K22 to buss B1 for subsequent operation in another operational cycle. Contact K21-5 recloses to again connect buss B3 to buss B1 and thereby prepare buss B3 for another cycle of operation. Contact R21-6 recloses to again connect solenoid EMSS to buss B1 for subsequent energization by closure of contact 2036-2.

The vending machine is now 'in completely reset condition and is adapted to receive another coin for another similar cycle of operating.

If, during the operational cycle of the machine, the supply of stamps in one of the

dispensers

111, 112 and 113 is exhausted, the stamp runout detector switch such as switch S31 will shift to its normal position as seen in the circuit diagram. In Fig. 9 the feeler 129 will be permitted to shift into the annular groove 128 in wheel 126 to cause operation of the switch S31. Shifting of switch S31 causes teh interrupter switch D2 to be disconnected from buss B8 and the dial 47 is thereby rendered inoperative for supplying current pulses to pulse relay K25. In addition, the shifting of switch S31 connects the number 2 stamp runout control relay K29 to be connected to buss B8 through transfer holding contacts K29-4. The four contacts of relay K29 operate and contact K29-1 opens but is inoperative for holding excess coin reject solenoid EM01 de-energized because it is shunted by contacts K26-1 and KS2-1, which are operated by the number 1 and number 3 dispenser runout control relays K26 and K32 respectively. Transfer holding contact K29-4 shifts to connect relay K29 directly to buss B4 to shunt switch S31. Contact K29-3 closes to energize stamp runout light 52 which is illuminated on the front control panel to indicate to stamp purchasers that the three cent dispenser 112 is exhausted of stamps.

K29-2 closes to energize service indicator light 204 t0 indicate to the person in charge of maintaining the machine that service is required. Operation of relays K26 and K32 is substantially identical to the operation of relay K29. The machine remains operative for dispensing stamps, of course with the exception that stamps of the exhausted denomination cannot be purchased. When all of the stamps have been exhausted, excess coin 4 26 w v reject solenoid EM01 is disconnected from bussl B1 bes cause all of the relays K26, K29 and KS2 have opened and contacts K26-1, K29-`1 and KS2-1 have opened. The machine will not accept coins for setting up credit when all the stamps are exhausted and any coins inserted into the machine will be directly returned.

If the supply of coins in one of the coin tubes 166 to 173 of the change-making mechanism becomes exhausted, such as in tube 171, corresponding microswitch S24 shifts to its normal position to connect out-of-change relay K20 with buss B2. through transfer hold contact K20-2 and switch S24. When K20 is energized the four contacts thereof are shifted. Transfer holding contact K20=2 operates to disconnect switch S24 from relay K20 and connect relay K20 to buss B4. Contact K20-1 opens to de-energize the excess reject solenoid EM01 to assure that no more coins will be accepted by the vending ma chine for setting up credit thereafter. Contact K20-4 closes to illuminate indicator 50 which is visible on the cycle and the coin runout detector switch S24 will operate to energize relay K20 which opens contact K20-1 for holding the coin reject solenoid EM01 well before contact K04-1 of the excess coin reject relay K04 is reclosed. Therefore, the excess coin reject solenoid EM01 will be continuously de-energized during the operational cycle during which change becomes exhausted, and thereafteruntil the supply of coins has been replenished.

It should be noted that each of the relay and solenoidw coils in the circuit may be shunted by discharging resistors to assure rapid discharge of the elds of the coils. It will be remembered that in the description of the operation of the machine herein reference has been madel to two cent, three cent and six cent stamps. It may be desired to dispense other stamp denominations, such as in the case that certain postal rates are changed. If it is desired to discontinue the vending of three cent stamps and to substitute four cent stamps instead, the machine described herein may be readily and easily adjusted. The

abutment pin must be moved to another ofthe apertures in the guiding member 152, and asis viewed in Figs.

6 and 7, the pin 155 must be moved to the right, To

accomplish this, mounting member 158 will be loosened to permit pin 155 to be removed from block 152. Pin.

155 will be shifted slightly to the right into the next ad- -jacent notch 161 and into the corresponding aperture of block 152. Mounting member 158 will again be fixed to the armature 157 of solenoid EM07. Therefore when dial 47 is operated, solenoid EM08 will shift abutment pin 155 into obstructing relation so as to stop arm 150 after pawl 142 has engaged the ratchet teeth 78 and turned through an arc equal to the spacing of 'four` ratchet teeth 78 and thereby turn the register Wheel 75 through an arc proportional to the spacing of four ratchet teeth for rotating the printed circuit switch board i 100, and thereby subtract four cents credit from the machine.

Similarly if dispenser 111 is to carry three cent stamps instead of two cent stamps, the abutment pin 154, as

wheel 75 to rotate through an are proportional to the spacing of three ratchet teeth 78 each time the pulse relay K25 is operated due to the manual manipulation ofV dial 46.

If the dispenser 113 is to dispense eight cent stampsA mit movement of stop arm l150, pawl Y142 and register.

wheel 75 though an arc proportional to the spacing of eight ratchet teeth 78 and thereby cause eight cents credit to be subtracted each time the pulse relay K25 is operated due to the operation of dial 48.

If the stamp denominations are changed and the adjustments suggested are made, 'the operation of the machine will be substantially identical to that previously described. In addition, when the stamp denominations are changed, the switch fingers 100:1 as viewed in Fig. will be shifted from their position shown so as to change the operation of switches S09, S10 and S11 to correspond with the new denominations of stamps :to be dispensed. It will be remembered that in the case of two cent, three cent and six cent stamps, switches S09, S10 and S11 were closed from the two cent to twenty-tive cent positions of register wheel 75, three cent to twentylive cent positions and six cent to twenty-five cent positions respectively. It will also be remembered that the primary function of switches S09, S10 and S11 is to energize Vrelays K09 to K11 and operate the contacts K09-2, Ktand K11-1, which connect buss B8 to the dial interrupter switches D1, D2 and D3 respectively and render the same operable for subsequent dial operation. lf the new denominations of stamps as suggested are three cent, four cent and eight cent, then the switches S09, S10 and S11 will be closed through the positions three cents to twenty-five cents, four cents to twenty-live cents and eight cents to twenty-tive cents respectively.

' It will be seen that we have provided in a vending machine new and improved credit subtracting mechanism wherein individually shiftable stop pins restrict operaftion of the subtracting mechanism so as to cause correct subtraction of credit in response to vending of articles and which stop pins are readily and easily adjustable whereby to vary the credit subtracted with each operation of the subtracting mechanism and thereby permit the prices at which articles are sold to be changed.

It will also be apparent that we have provided new and improved mechanism for controlling the operation of the dial controls of the dispensing mechanism whereby to assure that only a single dial is operative to cause dispensing of articles at any one time and that none of the dials are effective to cause dispensing of articles until after all of the dials have returned to their zero or stationary positions.

It should also. be noted that we have provided in an improved vending machine, mechanism for .dispensing the proper amount of change to the operator of the machine without necessitating manual control on his part when insufiicient credit remains in the machine to make an additional purchase of articles.

It should also be observed that we have provided in a coin operated vending machine, new and improved apparatus for permitting a toll to be taken each time a coin is received.

lt will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, detail, arrangement and vproportion of the kparts without departing from the scope of my invention which consists of the matter describe herein and set forth in the appended claims. Y

What is claimed is:

l. In a coin-operated vending machine, the combination with a credit mechanism and a dispensing mechanism, of apparatus for subtracting credit from the credit` ing element for moving 4the same, said driving means also being responsive to operation of the dispensing mechan ism to be operated thereby when an article is vended, a stop arm secured to said driving element =to be shifted thereby, control means for limiting the movement of said stop arm and of said driving element, said control means including a guide member Xed to said frame adjacent said stop arm and having an elongated opening therein positioned for receiving said stop arm therein when the same is shifted, said guide member having a plurality of apertures therein intersecting said opening and being spaced from each other in the directionV of movement of said stop arm, a plurality' of abutment pins each being removably carried in a respective aperture in said guide member and being movable to other of said apertures, one of said abutment pins being stationary and the other of said abutment pins being disposed between said stationary pin and said stop arm and also being retractible out of said opening and out of obstructing relation relative to the movement of said stop arm, a plurality of solenoids on the frame and each having an armature with means for mounting a respective retractible abutment pin at any of a plurality of positions along said guide for shifting the pin in a certain aperture and into and out of the opening at a desired position to limit movement of the stop arm, and each of said solenoids being connected with said dispensing mechanism to be selectively operated thereby when an article of a particular variety is vended for shifting the corresponding abutment pin to said guide member opening and into obstructing relation relative to the movement of said stop arm, whereby when the selling price of articles is changed, said abutment pins may be shifted to change the amount of credit subtracted when an article is vended.

2. In a coin machine for vending various articles, the combination of a frame, a coin receiving and retaining mechanism carried by said frame, credit mechanism carried by said frame and connected in controlled relation with said receiving mechanism for registering credit proportional .to the value of a coin received, controllable article dispensing mechanism for selectively vending articles of a desired variety, said dispensing mechanism being connected in controlled relation with said credit mechanism and being constructed and arranged to be rendered operable in response to registration of credit in the credit mechanism, credit subtracting mechanism carried by said frame `and connected in controlling relation with said credit mechanism for removing credit therefrom when an article is dispensed, and said credit subtracting mechanism also being connected in controlled relationV with said dispensing mechanism to be operated thereby, change making mechanism carried by said frame and connected in controlled relation with said credit mechanism and being constructed and arranged for discharging coins proportional in value to the credit rcmaining in said credit mechanism, means reponsive to operation of said coin receiving mechanism for locking the change making mechanism in inoperative condition to prevent discharge of coins, and means responsive to operation of the dispensing mechanism and vending of an article for. releasing the change making mechanism and permitting operation thereof and a manual control connected with said change making mechanism for energizing the same, whereby after a coin has been inserted into the machine, change may be had only after at least one article has been vended.

3. In a coin machine for dispensing various'articles, the combination of coin receiving mechanism, credit mechanism connected4 in controlled relation with said coin receiving mechanism for registering credit proportional to the value of a coin received, dispensing mechanism connected in controlled relation with said credit mechanismrto be rendered operable thereby in response to registration of credit therein, saidV dispensing mechanism including at least rtwo electrically Yoperated arti-