US3007606A

US3007606A - Vending machine

Info

Publication number: US3007606A
Application number: US829871A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alvin W Holstein; Elmer S Marr; Leonard A Ficken
Original assignee: National Vendors Inc
Current assignee: National Vendors Inc
Priority date: 1959-07-27
Filing date: 1959-07-27
Publication date: 1961-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 1978-11-07
Also published as: BE593411A; GB953346A

Description

Nov. 7, 1961 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAI. 3,007,

VEND\[NG MACHINE Filed July 27. 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.I.

Nov- 7,1901 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,007,606

VENDING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 27. 1959 Nov. 7, 1961 A. W. HOLSTEIN ETAL VENDING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 27. 1959 Nov. 7, 1961 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL VENDING MACHINE Filed Jul 27. 1959 LFIGB.

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 7, 1961 A. w. HOLSTEIN EI'AL 3, 0

VENDING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 27. 1959 ran-Sir- FIGII.

Nov. 7, 1961 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,

VENDING MACHINE Filed July 27. 1959' 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States Patent 3,007,606 VENDING MACHINE Alvin W. Holstein, Lemay, and Elmer S. Marr and Leonard A. Ficken, St. Louis, Mo., assignors to National Vendors, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Filed July 27, 1959, Ser. No. 829,871 19 Claims. (Cl. 22194) This invention relates to vending machines, and more particularly to change-making apparatus for vending machines.

The invention is particularly concerned with manually operated vending machines of the type having a plurality of purchaser-operable selectors (each including a pullout rod, for example) each of which is adapted for manual operation by a purchaser after insertion of coins in the machine to dispense an item (such as a pack of cigarettes) from a related column or magazine holding a supply of items. In such machines, the power necessary for dispensing an item is applied manually by the purchaser (as distinguished from being applied by an electric motor, for example). In typical manual machines of this class presently on the market, the operation of the machine is under control of a coin unit which cannot handle pennies and which therefore cannot of itself take care of odd-priced items (i.e., items selling at prices which are not whole multiples of five cents). For example, the coin unit of a typical manual cigarette machine can handle only nickels, dimes and quarters, and of itself can only take care of items priced at whole multiples of five cents. To enable such manual machines to vend items at odd price (i.e., prices which are not whole multiples of five cents), it is necessary to provide for refunding pennies in change to a purchaser upon deposit by the purchaser of an amount in nickels, dimes and/ or a quarter in excess of the odd price to the next whole multiple of five cents and operation of the machine by the purchaser. For example, on vending an item priced at twenty-four cents and on deposit of a total of twenty-five cents (as by deposit of a quarter), a penny needs to be refunded to the purchaser. On vending an item priced at twenty-three cents and on deposit of twenty-five cents, two pennies need to be refunded, etc. One way of providing for such a refund, particularly in the case of manual cigarette machines, has been to include the appropriate number of pennies in the packs of cigarettes. However, this necessitates incorporating pennies with the packs. Some prior manual machines have included means for refunding pennies from a supply of pennies in the machine but, so far as known, there has never been developed any manual machine which could provide for such penny refunding as to take care of items of all possible different odd prices.

Accordingly, the essential object of this invention is the provision in a vending machine of the class described of a change-making apparatus, more particularly a penny refunder, adapted to issue one, two, three or four pennies in change, as may be required, from a supply of pennies in the machine, and adapted for operation by any desired number of the purchaser-operable selectors of the machine, and which is capable of refunding different numbers of pennies on operation of diiferent selectors so as to enable items of all different odd prices to be stocked in the machine.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a penny refunder of the class described comprising a single penny magazine unit, from which one, two, three or four pennies are ejected, as may be required, on operation of a selector, this unit being adapted to hold a relatively large number of pennies, and which, while being of relatively large capacity, is compact and capable of being ice mounted on a side wall of the machine. In this regard, a feature of the penny magazine unit is that it comprises a plurality of upright tubes in which pennies are stacked flatwise, ejection of pennies occurring successively one after another from the lower ends of successive tubes, so that the stacks of pennies in the various tubes are depleted at an equal rate.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a penny refunder of the class described which is such as to enable any column of the machine to hold items of any desired price, by a simple set-up of the penny refunder mechanism. Thus, any given column of the machine may hold items requiring either a one-penny, two-penny, three-penny or four-penny refund. Also, the penny ref=under mechanism is such as to allow for any desired columns to hold items priced at whole multiples of five cents (for example, twenty-five cents, thirty cents, thirtyfive cents), and as to such columns operation of the respective selectors is ineffective to operate the penny refunder.

Also, an object of the invention is to provision of a practical penny refunder having the above characteristics which is relatively economical as regards manufacture, and which is reliable in operation, being such as to preclude the possibility of more pennies than called for being delivered. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation of a vending machine structure in which a change-making apparatus of this invention is incorporated, parts being broken away to reduce the width of the view;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken on line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view in elevation of the left side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged horizontal section taken generally on line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal section taken on line 77 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 88 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line 99 of FIG. 3, with parts broken away to reduce the height of the view;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 3 with parts broken away, and showing a moved position of parts;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are vertical sections taken on line 11-41 and 12-12 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line Iii-13 of FIG. 3 illustrating a moved position of parts;

FIG. 14 is a fragment of FIG. 7 illustrating a moved position of parts;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 3 with parts broken away better to show details; and,

FIG. 16 is a wiring diagram.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, the change-making apparatus of this invention is shown by way of example as incorporated in a so-called two-tier cigarette vending machine of the type such as disclosed in the copending coassigned Holstein et a1. application Serial No. 631,247, filed December 28, 1956, entitled Vending Machine, now

Patent No. 2,952,384. This machine includes a frame 1 which, as will be understood, is housed in a cabinet (not shown). The frame comprises left and

right side walls

3 and 5, between which are located upper and lower tiers of magazines (not shown). Reference may be made to said copending application Serial No. 631,247, now Patent No. 2,952,384, for magazine details. Each tier includes a forward horizontal shelf 7 (see FIG. 2) which extends between the

side walls

3 and 5. Fixed to the front of each shelf 7 is an upstanding vertical plate 9. On each shelf 7 is a draw bar 11 which extends from one side wall to the other. Each draw bar is slidable on the respective shelf 7 transversely with respect to the length of the bar and in forward and rearward direction as regards the machine. Extending rearward from the left end of each draw bar is a horizontal arm 13 (see FIGS. 2, and 6) carrying a roller 15 which rides in a horizontal slot 17 in the left side wall 3. It will be understood that there is a similar arm extending rearward from the right end of each draw bar carrying a similar roller riding in a similar horizontal slot in the right side wall 5.

For each magazine in each tier there is a purchaseroperable selector E, each comprising an ejector head 19 and a pull-out rod 21 extending forward from the head through an opening 23 in the vertical plate 9. Each pullout rod 21 has a knob 25 fixed on its forward end forward of plate 9. As will be understood, the draw bar 11 of each tier is moved forward (i.e., toward plate 9) from a rearward retracted position on pulling out any one of the rods 21 of that tier, by engagement of the ejector head 19 on that rod with the draw bar. For each tier, there is a lever 27 pivoted at 29 on the inside of the left side wall, the lever having a slot 31 receiving the respective roller 15. Each lever has an arcuate edge formed with ratchet teeth 33 for engagement by a pawl 35, for the purpose of compelling full-stroke operation of any selector or ejector E. Springs such as indicated at 37 in FIG. 3 are connected between studs 39 on the outside of the left side wall 3 and studs 41 extending from levers 27 through arcuate slots 43 in the left side wall, each spring acting through the respective lever 27 to bias the respective draw bar 11 rearward.

It will be understood that mechanism (not shown herein) is provided on the right side wall for locking either of the two draw bars 11 against full forward movement thereby to prevent any selector or ejector E from being pulled out more than a limited amount, this mechanism being coin-controlled and adapted to release either draw bar in response to insertion in the machine of appropriate amounts in coin. To prevent more than one ejector E from being pulled out at a time, suitable well-known interlock mechanism is provided. The coin mechanism may be of the type such as is shown in the copending coassigned Holstein et a]. application Serial No. 589,918, filed June 7, 1956, adapted to accept nickels, dimes and quarters, and to provide for dispensing packs at three different prices. This coin mechanism is capable only of controlling operations on insertion of total amounts in coin which are whole multiples of five cents. For example, it may be set up for control in response to insertion of twenty-five cents (as a quarter or suitable combinations of nickels and dimes), or thirty cents or thirty-five cents (in any combination of a quarter, nickels and dimes). With this coin mechanism alone, operation of the machine is limited to prices which are whole multiples of five cents. To adapt the machine for vending packs of cigarettes at prices which are whole multiples of one cent, to the machine is added change making apparatus of this invention adapted to issue one, two, three or four pennies in change, as may be required. This changemaking apparatus is such as to enable any magazine to hold packs selling for a price which is a whole multiple of one cent and not a whole multiple of five cents. For example, assuming that a given magazine holds twentyfour cent packs, the change-making apparatus will dispense one penny in change on insertion of twenty-five cents in coin (a quarter, for example) on the pulling out and return of the ejector E for that magazine. Similarly, for a magazine holding twenty-three cent packs, two pennies in change will be dispensed on deposit of twentyfive cents in coin and operation of the ejector of that magazine, etc.

In accordance with this invention, for each tier there is provided a rock shaft 45, which is referred to as the penny price selector shaft, extending transversely under the shelf 7 of each tier journalled at its ends in the left and

right side walls

3 and 5 and projecting beyond the left side wall. Each shaft 45 has a crank arm 47 fixed on its left end on the outside of the left side wall 3. A lever 49 is pivoted at 51 on the outside of the left side wall above the lower crank arm 47. Lever 49 has a pin 53 at its free end. A link 55 has a pin connection 57 at its upper end to the free end of the upper crank arm 47 and an elongate slot 59 at its lower end receiving the pin 53. A link 61 has a pin connection 63 at its lower end to the free end of the lower crank arm 47 and an elongate slot 65 at its upper end receiving the pin 53. Connected to each shaft 45 is a return spring 67 (see FIG. 4) which biases each shaft 45 to rotate in counterclockwise direction as viewed from the left side of the machine to the retracted position in which it appears in FIGS. 24.

Each penny price selector shaft '45 has fixed thereon a plurality of sector-shaped arms 69, one for each ejector E in the respective tier (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). Each arm or sector 69 is provided with four holes H1, H2, H3 and H4 therein spaced at equal intervals adjacent its arcuate periphery (see FIG. 4). A roller 71 is mounted on a stud 73 in one of these holes. The roller 71 on each sector 69 is engageable by a pusher 75 mounted on the respective ejector head 19. The arrangement is such that when a knob 25 is pulled out, the pusher on the respective ejector head 19 comes into engagement with the roller 71 on the respective sector 69 to rock the respective shaft 45 in clockwise direction as viewed from the left side of the machine against the bias of the return spring 67 for the shaft. The angle through which the shaft is rocked depends upon which of the four holes H1H4 the roller-carrying stud 73 is mounted in. If the roller stud 73 is mounted in the first hole H1 (which is the hole toward the front of the sector), the shaft is rocked through a minimum angle A1 (see FIG. 3). If the stud 73 is positioned in the next hole H2, the shaft is rocked through a greater angle A2. If the stud 73 is positioned in the third hole H3, the shaft is rocked through still a greater angle A3, and if the roller is positioned in the fourth hole H4, the shaft is rocked through still a greater angle A4. Rocking of either shaft 45 through the minimum angle A1 conditions the change-making apparatus for dispensing one penny in change, as will be made clear. Rocking of either shaft 45 through angle A2 conditions the change-making apparatus for dispensing two pennies in change. Rocking of either shaft through angle A3 conditions the change-making apparatus for dispensing three pennies in change. Rocking of either shaft through angle A4 conditions the changemaking apparatus for dispensing four pennies in change. In the case of a magazine which holds packs priced at a whole multiple of five cents (twenty-five, thirty cents or thirty-five cents, for example) meaning that no pennies are to be dispensed on the operation of the ejector E for this magazine, the stud 73 with roller 71 thereon is removed from whatever hole H1-H4 it may be in as regards the respective sector 69, and mounted in reserve on the other side of the sector in an auxiliary hole which may be provided in the sector. In such case, pulling out the knob for that magazine does not result in any rotation of the associated penny price selector shaft 45.

Means is provided for preventing overriding of each shaft 45 in case a knob 25 should be given a fast pull.

In this respect, it will be understood that as to a knob 25 associated with a sector 69 on which roller 71 is positioned at H1 for refunding of one penny, for example, if no override preventing means were provided a fast pull on the knob might result in shaft 45 being rocked through angle A2 or more, instead of angle A1. This would then result in two or more pennies being refunded instead of one. As to each shaft 45, the override preventing means comprises an override sector 77 (see FIGS. 1, and 6) fixed on the shaft adjacent the inside of the left side wall 3. This override sector carries three pins P1, P2 and P3 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) spaced at equal intervals adjacent its arcuate periphery. These pins are adapted on rocking of the shaft 45 for engagement with an override preventing bar 79 horizontally slidable on the inside of the left side wall. This bar has horizontal slots 81 receiving studs 83 projecting inward from the left side wall guiding it for horizontal sliding movement and limiting its movement. It is biased rearward by a spring 85 to the rearward retracted position in which it appears in FIG. 6. The rearward end of the bar 79 is engageable by a pin 87 on the draw bar side arm 13, the arrangement being such that as the draw bar 11 moves forward on pulling out a knob 25, after an interval of lost motion, pin 87 engages the bar 79 and drives it forward. Pin 87 is part of a mechanism indicated generally at 88 and similar to that shown in Stanhope et al. Patent 2,865,226 for preventing a fast return stroke of any rod 21. Bar 79 has a horizontal flange 89 at its forward end. When bar 79 is in its retracted position, the forward edge of this flange is slightly rearward of the arcuate path of travel of pins P1, P2, P3. On pulling out a knob 25 as to which the roller 71 on the related sector 69 is in the H1 (one penny refund position), bar 79 moves forward before shaft 45 and sector 77 rotate through the angle A1. This brings flange 89 into position for engagement by pin P1 to limit rotation of sector 77 and shaft 45 to the angle A1. On pulling out a knob 25 as to which the roller 71 on the related sector 69 is in the H2 (two penny refund position), bar 79 moves forward after shaft 45 and sector 77 rotate through the angle A1 but before they rotate through the angle A2, and flange 89 comes into position between pins P1 and P2 for engagement by pin P2 to limit rotation of sector 77 and shaft 45 to the angle A2. Similarly, on pulling out a knob 25 as to which the roller 71 on the related sector 69 is in the H3 position (three penny refund position), bar 79 moves forward after shaft 45 and sector 77 have rocked through angle A2 but before they rock through the angle A3, and flange 89 comes into position between pins P2 and P3 for engagement by pin P3 to limit rotation of the shaft 45 to the angle A3.

Mounted on the outside of the left side wall 3, in spaced relation thereto, is a four-tube penny dispensing unit generally designated 91. This unit comprises a horizontal bottom channel 93 carrying a mounting bracket 95. Bracket 95 is a one-piece sheet metal member having left and right

vertical sides

97 and 99 and a horizontal top plate or shelf 101. The

sides

97 and 99 have their lower ends secured to the channel 93. Shelf 101 extends lengthwise in relation to channel 93 above the channel. It has an apron 103 angled downward toward the left side wall 3. Secured on top of shelf 101 of bracket 95 is a penny tube mounting plate 105. This has four holes such as indicated at 107 located side-by-side in a row extending lengthwise of plate 105. Each hole 107 is counterbored at its upper end to provide an upwardly facing shoulder 109. Tube mounting plate 105 also has four grooves, each designated 1-11, in the bottom thereof. Each groove 111 extends transversely of plate 105 under a respective hole 107. The height of each groove 111 is slightly greater than the thickness of a penny. Tube mounting plate 105 also has four recesses, each designated 113,

extending inward from the outside edge of the plate narrower than grooves 111 and opening downward into the grooves 111 and terminating short of hole 107. Shelf 101 of bracket has four notches, each designated 115, extending inward from its outer edge registering with grooves 111 in the tube mounting plate 105. These notches 115 are narrower than grooves 111, so that shelf 101 has ledge portions 117 at opposite sides of the notches bottoming the grooves 111. Four penny ejector slides S1, S2, S3, 54 are provided, each slidable on a respective pair of ledges 117 and having its side margins slidable in a respective pair of grooves 111. Each of these slides has a concave forward end for engaging and pushing a penny and is biased in penny-ejecting direction (toward the left side wall 3) by a pair of springs 121. Adjacent its outer end, each slide has a downwardly extending lug 123 and at its outer end each slide has an upwardly extending flange 125. The flange 125 of each slide is received in a respective recess 113 in tube mounting plate 105, being engageable with a rubber stop 127 at the forward end of the recess 113 to limit the forward movement of the slide.

Tube mounting plate 105 supports four penny tubes T1, T2, T3, T4. Each of these has its lower end received in a respective hole 107 bearing on the shoulder 109 in the hole. Each tube extends upward from the tube mounting plate 105 and is adapted to have a plurality of pennies stacked flatwise therein. On the outside of the four penny tubes is a cover plate 129 having

side flanges

131 and 133. These side flanges extend below the tube mounting plate 105 and are fastened as indicated at 135 to the ends of plate 105. Cover plate 129 has an inturned upper flange 137 which has notches indicated at 139 in FIG. 9 receiving the penny tubes. Each penny tube has a struck-out tang 14-1 overlying the flange 137, this tang being clamped on the flange 137 by a clamping strip 143. This secures the penny tubes in vertical position.

Each penny ejector slide S1, S2, S3, S4 is adapted to occupy an advanced position as illustrated for slide S4 in FIG. 9 (determined by engagement of flange 125 thereon with stop 127 at the forward end of the respective recess 113) in which the stack of pennies in the respective penny tube rests on the slide. When a slide is moved outward away from this forward position, as illustrated for slide S1 in FIGS. 13 and 14, the stack of pennies comes down onto the shelf 101. Then when the slide is returned forward by the springs 121, the bottom penny in the stack resting on shelf 101 is ejected over apron 103 through a slot 145 in the left side wall 3 and into the pan 147 of the vending machine for delivery to the customer.

A penny ejector shaft 149 extends under shelf 101, being journalled adjacent its ends in the

sides

97 and 99 of bracket 95. This shaft carries eight fingers or paddles F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 and F8 for actuating the penny ejector slides. Fingers F1 and F5 are operable on slide S1, fingers F2 and F6 are operable on slide S2, fingers F3 and F7 are operable on slide S3, and fingers F4 and F8 are operable on slide S4. The fingers are angularly related so as to be successively engageable on clockwise rotation of shaft 149 as viewed in FIG. 9 (counterclockwise rotation of the shaft as viewed from the front of the machine) with the lugs 123 on the slides for successively retracting the slides against the bias of the slide return springs 121, and then releasing the slides to allow them to snap forward under the bias of springs 121. Thus, assuming that shaft 149 starts in the position in which it is shown in FIG. 9, wherein finger F1 extends vertically upward from the shaft, on 45 counterclockwise rotation of the shaft (one-eighth a revolution), finger F1 engages the lug 123 on slide S1, retracts this slide as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 (i.e., moves it outward) and, as the finger F1 oompletes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lower edge of lug 123 and releases the slide S1. The latter then snaps forward (in the direction toward the left side wall) and ejects a penny from tube T1. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45, finger F2 engages the lug 123 on slide S2, retracts this slide and as finger F2 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S2. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from tube T2. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45, finger F3 engages the lug 123 on slide S3, retracts this slide and as finger F3 completes its 45' rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S3. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from T3. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45 finger F4 engages the lug 123 on slide S4, retracts this slide and as finger F4 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide C4. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from T4. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45 finger F5 engages the lug 123 on slide S1, retracts this slide and as finger F5 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S1. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from tube T1. On further counterclockwise notation of shaft 149 through another 45", finger F6 engages the lug 123 on slide S2, retracts this slide and as finger F6 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S2. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from T2. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45", finger F7 engages the lug 123 on slide S3, retracts this slide and as finger F7 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S3. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from T3. On further counterclockwise rotation of shaft 149 through another 45 (completing a revolution), finger F8 engages the lug 123 on slide S4, retracts this slide and as finger F8 completes its 45 rotation, it rides off the lug and releases the slide S4. The latter then snaps forward and ejects a penny from T4. Then, on the succeeding revolution of shaft 149 in 45 steps, the sequence is repeated.

Thus, shaft 149 with fingers F1-F8 thereon constitutes a member operable through difierent ranges of move ment for dispensing different numbers of pennies from the supply of pennies contained in tubes T1-T4. It is rotatable through 45 (one-eighth revolution) for dis pensin-g one penny, 90 (one-fourth revolution) for dispensing two pennies, 135 (three-eights revolution) for dispensing three pennies and 180 (one-half revolution) for dispensing four pennies.

A sprocket 151 is mounted on the penny ejector shaft 149 on the outside of the left side 97 of bracket 95, being rotatable relative to the shaft. -An eight-tooth driving ratchet 153 is fixed on the left end of the shaft 149 outward of this sprocket. A driving pawl 155 is pivoted at 156 on the sprocket and is biased by a spring 157 toward engagement with the driving ratchet. A holding ratchet 159 is fixed on the right end of shaft 149 outside the right side 99 of bracket 95. This is engageable by a holding pawl 161. A bar 163 is vertically slidable on the outside of the left-hand flange 131 of cover plate 129. This bar is guided for vertical sliding movement on flange 131 by having a stud 165 at its upper end extending through a vertical slot 167 in flange 131 and a stud 169 at its lower end slidable in a vertical slot 171 in the left side 97 of bracket 95. This bar constitutes a driver for the penny ejector shaft 149, as will be made clear. It may be referred to as the escapement or power bar. A chain 173 has one end attached to the bar 163 as indicated at 175, and its other end attached to the sprocket 151 as indicated at 177. A torsion spring 179 mounted on the shaft 149 between the sprocket and the left side 97 of bracket 95 has one end secured to the bracket 95 and its other end secured to the sprocket for biasing the sprocket to rotate in clockwise direction as viewed from the front of the machine. The chain 173 is connected in such manner to the sprocket 151 that spring 179, acting through the sprocket and chain tends to bias bar 163 to slide downward. Bar 163 has an outwardly extending ear 181. A latch 183 for bar 163 is pivoted at 185 on the outside of cover plate 129. This latch 183 has a shoulder 187 which is engageable by the ear 181 on bar 163 to hold the bar in a raised position against the bias of the torsion spring 179. A spring 189 biases the latch 183 toward its latching position. The latch 183 has a curved finger 191 extending rearward from its upper end. Bar 163 is formed at its lower end with a flange 193 parallel to the left side wall 3 having a notch 195 (see FIG. 10). Bar 163 also has an ear 197 at its upper end bent to lie on the inside of the edge of side flange 131 of the cover plate 129. This ear carries a roller 199 on the face of the ear toward the left side wall 3.

On the outside of the left side wall 3 adjacent its lower edge is secured an elongate horizontal channel-section support 201. This carries on its outside a series of rollers 203 which are received in the channel 93 of the penny magazine unit 91 and support this unit. The unit 91 is adapted to be removed from the left side wall 3 by sliding the channel 93 off the rollers in the direction toward the front of the machine. Latch means such as indicated at 205 is provided for latching the unit in its proper position on the left side wall 3. When the unit is in its proper position, the upper rear end portion of the cover plate 129 of the unit is received in a notch 207 in a bracket 209 mounted on the left side wall to keep the unit 91 in vertical position. Additional support for unit 91 is provided by means of an arm 210 projecting rearward from cover plate 129 carrying a grooved stud 210a at its rearward end engaging a track 2101; on the left side wall 3.

'Pivoted at 211 on the outside of the left side wall 3 is a price differential arm 213. This is provided with four steps B1, B2, B3, B4. The upper step B1 is a onepenny step. The next step down B2 is a two-penny step. The third step B3 is a three-penny step, and the lower step B4 is a four-penny step. A lever 215 pivoted at 217 on the outside of the left side wall 3 has one end pinconnected as indicated at 219 to the differential arm 213. The other end of the lever 215 has an elongate slot 221 therein which receives the pin 53 on lever 49. The arrangement is such that upon upward movement of link 55 in response to clockwise rotation of the upper penny price selector shaft 45, or upward movement of link 61 in response to clockwise rotation of the lower penny price selector shaft 45, the lever 215 is rocked counterclockwise on its pivot 217, and this results in clockwise rotation of the dilferential arm 213 on its pivot 211. The angle through which the differential arm 213 rotates is dependent upon the angle of clockwise rotation of the one or the other of the penny price selector shafts 45. Assuming that one of the shafts 45 is rotated clockwise through the previously defined angle Al, the differential arm 213 is rotated through such an angle as to bring the one-penny step B1 on the arm into position for engagement by roller 199 at the upper end of the vertically slidable bar 163. This condition is illustrated in FIG. 10. Assuming that one of the shafts 45 is rotated through angle A2, the differential arm is rotated through such an angle as to bring the two-penny step B2 into position for engagement by roller 199. Assuming that one of shafts 45 is rotated through angle A3, the differential arm is rotated through such an angle as to bring the three-penny step B3 into position for engagement by roller 199. Assuming that one of shafts 45 is rotated through angle A4, the differential arm is rotated through such an angle as to bring the four-penny step B4 into position for engagement by roller 199.

A normally closed switch 223 is mounted on a bracket 225 on the outside of the left side wall 3. An operating lever 227 for this switch is pivoted on the bracket 225 at 229. Lever 227 is adapted to be actuated by a pin 231 on a lever 233 pivoted at 235 on the left side wall. The arrangement is such that when lever 233 is raised (swung clockwise from its retracted position as shown in FIG. 3), pin 231 swings the operating lever 227 counterclockwise to open the switch 223. The switch has a button 237 which is biased outward from the switch case by spring means (not shown) within the case, this button being engageable by an car 239- on operating lever 227. Lever 233 has a bottom cam edge 241 which is engageable by the roller 15 on the lower draw bar arm 13 which extends through the lower horizontal slot 17 in the left side wall 3 for raising the lever 233 whenever a knob 25 of the lower tier is pulled out. Lever 233 appears in its raised position in FIG. 10. A lever 243 similar to the lever 233 is pivoted at 245 on the left side wall adjacent the top of the left side wall. A link \247 connects

levers

233 and 243. Lever 243 has a bottom cam edge 249 engageable by the roller 15 on the upper draw bar arm 13 which extends through the upper horizontal slot 17 in the left side wall for raising the upper lever 243 whenever a knob 25 of the upper tier is pulled out. When lever 243 is raised, it acts through link 247 to pull up the lower lever 233 and operate the lever 227 (via pin 231) to open the normally closed switch 223. Pin 231 on the lower lever 233 is also engageable with the free end of finger 191 on power bar latch -183 to release this latch as lever 233 swings upward (see FIG. 10).

A normally open switch 251 is mounted on a bracket 253 on the outside of the left side wall 3. An operating lever 255 for this switch is pivoted at 257 on bracket 253. Switch 251 has an operating button 259 which is biased outward from the switch case by spring means (not shown) within the case, the button being engageable by an ear 261 on the operating lever 255. This operating lever 255 has a cam follower roller 263 at its lower end engageable with a cam 265 on the inside face of a disk 267. This disk 267 is adapted to be rotated in counterclockwise direction as viewed from the left side of the machine by an electric motor 269 (see FIG. 2) through speed reducer 271. Motor 269 and speed reducer 271 constitute a unit mounted on the inside of the left side wall, the output shaft 273 of the speed reducer (see FIG. 8) extending through an opening in the left side wall to the outside thereof and having disk 267 fixed thereon. The switch-operating lever .255 carries a roller 275 projecting out over the disk. The disk carries a roller 277 projecting outward therefrom engageable with the bottom edge of the flange 193 on the bar 163.

Switches

223 and 251 are connected in series with the motor 269 as shown in FIG. 16 by a wiring harness 279, this harness having a plug 281 at its end for plugging into a power supply socket.

Operation is as follows:

At the start of any vending cycle, the vertically shiftable escapement or power bar 163 occupies the raised retracted position in which it is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 8 and 15, being latched in this position by engagement of ear 181 on the bar with shoulder 187 of the latch 183. The disk 267 occupies a posit-ion such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15 in which the roller 277 thereon is generally directly below the shaft 273 and the bar 163. Switch 223 is in its normally closed position. am follower roller 263 on switch-operating lever 255 is free of the cam 265, and switch 251 is in its normally open position, roller 275 on switch-operating lever 255 being positioned in the notch 195 in the flange 193 on the bar 163. Accordingly, the motor 269 is deenergized.

Now assume, for example, that a purchaser inserts twenty-five cents in the vending machine and pulls out a knob 25 for purchase of a twenty-four cent pack of cigarettes. Pulling out this knob rotates the respective penny priceselector shaft 45 (the upper shaft 45 or the lower shaft 45 as the case may be) through the angle A1. This occurs by reason of the engagement of the pusher 75 related to this knob with the roller 71 on the respective sector 69, roller 71 being in the H1 one-penny position. Rotation of the shaft 45 results in clockwise rotation of the price differential arm 213 on its pivot 211 through an angle such as to'bring the upper one-penny step B1 of the differential arm into the FIG. 10 position directly below the roller 199- at the upper end of the bar 163. This occurs by reason of the fact that turning either shaft 45 results in clockwise rotation of lever 49 via link 55 or link 61 (as the case may be), and clockwise rotation of lever 49 results in clockwise rotation of differential arm 213 via lever 215, the angle through which arm 213 swings corresponding to angle A1. Pulling out the knob also results in forward movement of the upper or lower draw bar 11, as the case may be, and roller 15 on the respective draw bar arm 13 to cause upward swinging of lever 233, either directly or via upward swinging of lever 243 and lifting of link 247.

As lever 233 swings upward from its FIG. 3 retracted position, pin 231 on lever 233 swings lever 227 counterclockwise to its FIG. 10 position to open the normally closed switch 223. Pin 231 also swings latch finger 191 upward to release the latch 183. Bar 163 thereupon escapes from the latch, being pulled down by the chain 173 under the bias of torsion spring 179 to the point where the roller 199 at the upper end of bar 163 engages the one-penny step B1 on the differential arm 213 (see FIG. 10). During the downward movement of bar 163, the sprocket 151 rotates clockwise as viewed from the front of the machine relative to the penny ejector shaft 149, the latter being held from rotating in clockwise direction by the action of the holding pawl 161 on the holding ratchet 159. During the stated rotation of the sprocket, the driving pawl simply clicks back over the driving ratchet 153, which is stationary with the shaft 149.

When bar 163 is released by the latch 183 and slides down, the upper inclined edge of the notch in flange 193 on bar 163 engages the roller 275 on the switchoperating lever 255 and swings this lever clockwise to close the normally open switch 251 (see FIG. 10). When the knob which has been pulled out is released, the upper or lower draw bar 11 and draw bar arm 13, as the case may be, return rearward. Lever 233 thereupon is released to swing down and pin 231 moves down to release lever 227 to allow the normally closed switch 223 to reclose. When this occurs, the circuit for the motor 269 is completed (switch 251 being closed) and the motor is energized to drive the disk 267 in counterclockwise direction as viewed from the left side of the machine, starting with the disk in its position of FIGS. 3 and 15. Upon the counterclockwise rotation of the disk, the cam 265 thereon engages cam follower roller 263 on switchoperating lever 255 (see FIG. 10) to hold the latter in switch-closing position to hold switch 251 closed and maintain the motor energized so that the disk will continue to rotate. As the disk rotates counterclockwise away from its at rest position of FIGS. 3 and 15, the roller 277 thereon comes into engagement with the bottom edge of flange 193 on the power bar 163 and drives the bar 163 back upward against the return bias of the torsion spring 179. As bar 163 moves upward, it pulls up the chain 173. When the chain is pulled up, it rotates the sprocket 151 counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the machine. Upon such counterclockwise rotat-ion of the sprocket 151, the driving pawl 155, rotating with the sprocket, acts to drive the driving ratchet 153 in counterclockwise direction as viewed from the front of the machine and since this ratchet 153 is fixed to the penny ejector shaft 149, the latter is rotated counterclockwise. Thus, the chain, sprocket, pawl 155 and ratchet 153 constitute a one-way driving connection between bar 163 and shaft 149, rotating the shaft only on upward movement of bar 163. Noting that bar 163 started upward from a lowered position determined by the engagement of the roller 199 on the power bar with the one-penny step B1 (the highest step) on the differential arm 213, the power bar is power-driven upward a distance such as to effect a one-tooth rotation of the eight-tooth driving ratchet 153 with resultant rotation of the penny ejector shaft 149 through one-eighth of a revolution. Accordingly, only one finger, for example finger F1 if shaft 149 started from its FIG. 9 position, acts on the respective penny ejector slide, namely slide S1, to drive this slide outward as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and then release it to eject a penny from the respective penny tube T1. Ultimately the roller 277 rides off the lower edge of flange 193, after having completely raised the power bar, the bar then being latched in its raised position by the latch 183. When the disk 267 completes a revolution, cam 265 releases switch-operating lever 255 to allow switch 251 to open, and motor 269 stops. Thus, one penny in change is dispensed and the parts are returned to their initial position in readiness for the next cycle.

Assuming that the next purchaser inserts twenty-five cents in the vending machine and pulls out a knob 25 for purchase of a twenty-four cent pack of cigarettes (thereby again calling for dispensing of one penny in change), the operation is the same as above described with the exception that the next finger F2 acts on the respective penny ejector slide S2 to drive this slide rearward and then releases it to eject a penny from the respective penny tube T2. Thus, assuming that a number of successive operations call for the dispensing of only one penny in change the successive pennies are issued successively from tubes T1, T2, T3, T4 on the first four operations and similarly successively from tubes T1, T2, T3, T4 on the next four operations, and so on.

Assuming that a purchaser inserts twenty-five cents in the vending machine and pulls out a knob 25 for the purchase of a twenty-three cent pack of cigarettes, this means that two pennies need to be dispensed in change. The operation is similar to that above described except that pulling out the knob 25 for a twenty-three cent pack of cigarettes rotates the respective penny price shaft 45 through the angle A2, and results in clockwise rotation of the price differential arm 213 through an angle such as to bring the two-penny step B2 of the differential arm into position directly below the roller 199 on power bar 163. The power bar latch 183 is released upon pulling out the knob, and the power bar 163 is pulled down by the chain 173 to the point where the roller 199 engages the two-penny step B2. Then, when the power bar 163 is driven back upward by the roller 277 on disk 267, it starts upward from the position determined by the engagement of roller 199 with the two-penny step B2, and the bar 163 is power-driven upward a distance such as to effect rotation of the penny ejector shaft 149 through one-quarter a revolution (instead of one-eighth as in the case of one-penny operation). Accordingly, two fingers, for example fingers F1 and F2 if shaft 149 started from its FIG. 9 position, act on the respective penny ejector slides, namely slides S1 and S2, to eject two pennies, one from each of the respective penny tubes T1 and T2.

Assuming that a purchaser inserts twenty-five cents in the vending machine and pulls out a knob 25 for the purchase of a twenty-two cent pack of cigarettes, this means that three pennies need to be dispensed in change. The operation is similar to that above described except that pulling out the knob 25 for a twenty-two cent pack of cigarettes rotates the respective penny price shaft 45 through the angle A3, and results in clockwise rotation of the price differential arm 213 through an angle such as to bring the three-penny step B3 of the differential arm into position directly below the roller 199 on power bar 163. The power bar latch 183 is released upon pulling out the knob, and the power bar 163 is pulled down by the chain 173 to the point where the roller 199 engages the three-penny step B3. Then when the power bar 163 is'driven back upward by the roller 277 on disk 267, it starts upward from the position determined by the engagement of roller 199 with the three-penny step B3, and the bar 163 is power-driven upward a distance such as to effect rotation of the penny ejector shaft 149 through three-eighths a revolution. Accordingly, three fingers, for example fingers F1, F2 and F3 if shaft 149 started from its FIG. 9 position, act on the respective penny ejector slides, namely slides S1, S2 and S3, to eject three pennies, one from each of the respective penny tubes T1, T2 and T3.

Assuming that a purchaser inserts twenty-five cents in the vending machine and pulls out a knob 25 for the purchase of a twenty-one cent pack of cigarettes, this means that four pennies need to be dispensed in change. Again, the operation is similar to that above described except that pulling out the knob 25 for a twenty-one cent pack of cigarettes rotates the respective penny price shaft 45 through the angle A4, and results in clockwise rotation of the price differential arm 213 through an angle such as to bring the four-penny step B4 of the differential arm into position directly below the roller 199 on power bar 163. The power bar latch 183 is released upon pulling out the knob, and the power bar 163 is pulled down by the chain 173 to the point where the roller 199 engages the four-penny step B4. Then when the power bar 163 is driven back upward by the roller 277 on disk 267, it starts upward from the position determined by the engagement of roller 199 with the four-penny step B4, and the bar 163 is power-driven up- Ward a distance such as to effect rotation of the penny ejector shaft 149 through one-half a revolution. Accordingly, four fingers, for example fingers F1, F2, F3 and F4 if shaft 149 started from its FIG. 9 position, act successively on the respective penny ejector slides, S1, S2, S3 and S4 to eject four pennies, one from each of the respective penny tubes T1, T2, T3 and T4.

It will be understood that the penny ejector shaft 149 may start from any one of eight possible positions, there being eight fingers Fl-FS. If it should start, for example, from a position wherein finger F3 extends vertically upward from the shaft 149, the first penny would be ejected by operation of finger F3 on slide S3, the second penny by operation of finger F4 on slide S4, the third penny would be ejected by operation of finger F5 on slide S1, the fourth penny would be ejected by operation of finger F6 on slide S2, etc.

While the operation is above described as it pertains to the dispensing of twenty-four cent packs, twenty-three cent packs, twenty-two cent packs, and twenty-one cent packs, it will be apparent that the apparatus is operable in the same manner on dispensing twenty-nine cent packs, twenty-eight cent packs, twenty-seven cent packs and twenty-six cent packs, or thirty-four cent packs, thirtythree cent packs, thirty-two cent packs and thirty-one cent packs. For example, in the case of twenty-seven cent packs, three pennies in change will be delivered on deposit of thirty cents in coin in the machine. Thus, all possible odd prices may be taken care of. Any given magazine or column of the machine may be adapted to hold packs of a given odd price, simply by appropriate positioning of roller 71 in the sector 69 related to that column, or to hold packs priced at a whole multiple of five cents simply by removing the roller 71 as previously described.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. In a vending machine of the type having a plurality of columns located side-by-side each adapted to hold articles to be dispensed, and a row of pull-out rods, one for each column, each adapted to be pulled out and then returned to dispense an article from the respective column, change-making mechanism comprising a price shaft extending across the machine, means for rotating the price shaft through different angles on pulling out different rods, a coin dispensing unit adapted to hold a supply of coins to be issued in change, and means responsive to operation of a rod and the corresponding rotation of the price shaft for actuating said unit to dispense a number of coins therefrom corresponding to the angle of rotation of the price shaft.

2. I11 a vending machine of the type having a plurality of columns located side-by-side each adapted to hold articles to be dispensed, and a row of pull-out rods, one for each column, each adapted to be pulled out and then returned to dispense an article from the respective column, operation of at least some of said rods requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, a price shaft extending cross the machine, means for rotating the price shaft through different angles on pulling out different ones of said change-requiring rods, a coin dispensing unit comprising means adapted to hold a supply of coins to be issued in change and a member movable different amounts for dispensing different numbers of coins from said supply, and means responsive to operation of any change-requiring rod and the corresponding rotation of the price shaft for moving said member the amount required for dispensing from said supply the number of coins required in change upon operation of that rod.

3. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 2, said means for rotating the price shaft comprising a plurality of arms on the shaft, one for each of said change-requiring rods, each arm having an element thereon engageable by means movable with the respective rod when the latter is pulled out for rotating the price shaft, each of said elements being adapted to be positioned in different locations on the respective arm for changing the angle through which the price shaft is rotated on pulling out the respective rod.

4. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 2, said member being a rotatable member and being rotated different amounts for dispensing different numbers of coins from said supply.

5. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 4, said member being rotatable through a predetermined angle for dispensing one coin and multiples of said angle for ejecting more than one coin.

6. In a vending machine having a plurality of purchaser-operable selectors, operation of at least some of the selectors requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, means adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting one or more coins from said supply includ ing a driver biased to move in one direction, means for latching the driver in a retracted position against said bias, means responsive to operation of the change-requiring selectors for releasing said driver for movement in said one direction through different distances correspond ing to the different numbers of coins to be issued in change, and means for then moving the driver back to retracted position.

7. In a vending machine having a plurality of pur chaser-operable selectors, operation of at least some of the selectors requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, means adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting one or more coins from said supply including a member movable a predetermined amount for ejecting one coin and multiples of said amount for ejecting more than one coin, a driver for said member biased to move in one direction, means for holding the driver in a retracted position against said bias, means responsive to operation of the change-requiring selectors for releasing said driver for movement in said one direction through different distances corresponding to the different amounts of movement required by said member for ejecting different numbers of coins, means for then moving the driver back to retracted position, and a one-way driving connection between said driver and said member for moving said member only on movement of the driver back to retracted position.

8. In a vending machine having a plurality of purchaser-operable selectors, operation of at lea-st some of the selectors requiring the dispensing of difierent numbers of coins of one denomination in change, means adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting one or more coins from said supply including a member movable a predetermined amount for ejecting one coin and multiples of said amount for ejecting more than one coin, a driver for said member biased to move in one direction, a latch for holding said driver in a retracted position against said bias, means for releasing said latch upon operation of any of said change-requiring selectors, said driver then moving in said one direction, means operable by said change-requiring selectors for arresting said driver in different advanced positions corresponding to the different amounts of movement required by said member for ejecting the different numbers of coins to be issued in change upon operation of the different selectors, means for moving said driver back to retracted position, and a one-way driving connection between said driver and said member for moving said member only on movement of the driver back to retracted position.

9. In a vending machine having a plurality of purchaser-operable selectors, operation of at least some of the selectors requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, means adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting one or more coins from said supply including a member rotatable through a predetermined angle for ejecting one coin and multiples of said angle for ejecting more than one coin, a driver biased to slide in one direction, a latch for holding said driver in a retracted position against said bias, means for releasing said latch upon operation of any of said change-requiring selectors, said driver then sliding in said one direction, means operable by said change-requiring selectors for arresting said driver in different advanced positions corresponding to the different angles of rotation required by said member for ejecting the dilferent numbers of coins to be issued in change upon operation of the different selectors, means for sliding said driver back to retracted position, and a one-way driving connection between said driver and said member for rotating said member only on movement of the driver back to retracted position.

10. In a vending machine having a plurality of purchaser-operable selectors, operation of at least some of said selectors requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, a coindispensing unit adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change and including a shaft rotatable through a predetermined angle for ejecting one coin and multiples of said angle for ejecting more than one coin, a driver for said shaft biased to move in one direction, a latch for holding said driver in a retracted position against the bias, said driver moving in said one direction upon release of said latch, a price differential member movable from a retracted position to different operative positions corresponding to different numbers of coins to be issued in change wherein it is engageable by said driver to determine different amounts of movement of said driver, means operable by any of said change-requiring selectors for moving said price differential member from its retracted position to one of its operative positions corresponding to the number of coins to be issued in change on operation of that selector, means operable by any of said change-requiring selectors for releasing said latch to allow said driver to move to advanced position as determined by said price differential member and then moving said driver back to retracted position for latching thereof, and a one-Way driving connection between said driver and said shaft for rotating said shaft as said driver moves back to its retracted position, said connection permitting movement of said driver in said one direction without rotating said shaft, said price differential member determining different advanced positions of said driver and different amounts of return movement of said driver corresponding to the different angles of rotation of the shaft required to dispense the different numbers of coins.

11. In a vending machine having a plurality of pullout rods arranged in a row each of which is adapted to be manually pulled out and then returned to dispense an article from a stack thereof, operation of at least some of said rods requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, a coindispensing unit mounted at one side of the machine adapted to hold a supply of said coins to be issued in change and including a shaft rotatable through a predetermined angle for ejecting one coin and multiples of said angle for ejecting more than one coin, a bar biased to slide in one direction, a latch for holding the bar in a retracted position against the bias, said bar sliding in said one direction upon release of said latch, a price differential member movable from a retracted position to different operative positions corresponding to different numbers of coins to be issued in change wherein it is engageable by said bar to determine different lengths of travel of said bar, means operable on pulling out any of said changerequiring rods for moving said price differential member from its retracted position to one of its operative positions corresponding to the number of coins to be issued in change on operation of that rod, means operable on pulling out any of said change-requiring rods for releasing said latch, means responsive to return of any rod after it has been pulled out to drive said bar back to retracted position for latching thereof, and a one-way driving connection between said bar and said shaft for rotating said shaft as said bar is driven back to its retracted position, said connection permitting sliding of the bar in said one direction without rotating said shaft, said price differential member determining different advanced positions of said bar and different distances of return movement of said bar corresponding to the different angles of rotation of the shaft required to dispense the different numbers of coins.

12. In a vending machine having a plurality of pull-out rods arranged in a row each of which is adapted to be manually pulled out and then returned to dispense an article from a stack thereof, operation of at least some of said rods requiring the dispensing of different numbers of coins of one denomination in change, a coindispensing unit mounted at one side of the machine comprising a plurality of vertical tubes each adapted to hold a stack of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting coins from the tubes including a shaft located below the tubes rotatable through a predetermined angle for ejecting one coin from one tube and through multiples of said angle for ejecting coins from more than one tube, a bar biased to slide in one direction, a latch for holding the bar in a retracted position against the bias, said bar sliding in said one direction upon release of said latch, a price differential member having a plurality of different price steps thereon movable from a retracted position to different operative positions corresponding to different numbers of coins to be issued in change wherein the steps are engageable by the bar to determine different lengths of travel of the bar, means operable on pulling out any of said change-requiring rods for moving said price differential member from its retracted position to one of its operative positions corresponding to the number of coins to be issued in change on operation of that rod, means operable on pulling out any of said change-requiring rods for releasing said latch, means including an electric motor responsive to return of any rod after it has been pulled out to drive said bar back to retracted position for latching thereof, and a one-way driving connection between said bar and said shaft for rotating said shaft as said bar is driven back to its retracted position, said connection permitting sliding of the bar in said one direction without rotating said shaft, said steps determining different advanced positions of said bar and different distances of return movement of said bar corresponding to the different angles of rotation of the shaft required to dispense the different numbers of coins.

13. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 12, said means for moving said price differential member comprising a price selector shaft extending transverse to said rods, arms on said price selector shaft, one for each of said change-requiring rods, and means on each changerequiring rod engageable with the respective arm on the price slector shaft for rotating the price selector shaft through different angles when different change-requiring rods are pulled out.

14. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 13, each arm on the price selector shaft having a plurality of holes therein and havinga member secured in one of said holes engageable by said means on the respective rod.

15. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 13, means for preventing overriding of said price selector shaft comprising an arm on said price selector shaft having a plurality of pins thereon, and a stop movable on pulling out any of said change-requiring rods into a position engageable by one of said pins upon rotation of the price selector shaft through the requisite angle for the respective rod.

16. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 12, said means for driving the bar comprising a disk having a pin thereon engageable with the bar driven by the motor, a circuit for the motor including a normally closed switch and a normally open switch in series with one another and with the motor, means for opening the normally closed switch on pulling out a change-requiring rod and closing it on return of the rod, means for closing said normally open switch on movement of the bar to any of its different advanced positions, and cam means on said disk for holding said normally open switch closed after said bar has returned to retracted position until said disk completes a revolution.

17. In a vending machine as set forth in claim 12, said one-way connection comprising a sprocket rotatable on said shaft, a chain connected between said bar and said sprocket, a ratchet fixed on said shaft, and a pawl carried by the sprocket engageable with said ratchet, said bar being biased for movement in said one direction by a spring acting through said sprocket and chain.

18. Dispensing apparatus comprising means for holding a supply of items to be dispensed, means for ejecting one or more items from said supply including a member movable a predetermined amount for ejecting one item and multiples of said amount for ejecting more than one item, a driver for said member biased to move in one direction, a latch for holding said driver in a retracted position against said bias, said driver moving in said one direction upon release of the latch, means for arresting said driver in different advanced positions upon release of the latch corresponding to the different amounts of movement required by said member for ejecting the different numbers of items, means for moving said driver back to retracted position, and a one-way driving connection between said driver and said member for moving said mem- 17 her only on movement of the driver back to retracted position.

19. Change making apparatus comprising means for holding a supply of said coins to be issued in change, means for ejecting one or more coins from said supply including a member rotatable through a predetermined angle for ejecting one coin and multiples of said angle for ejecting more than one coin, a driver biased to slide in one direction, a latch for holding said driver in a retracted position against said bias, said driver sliding in said one direction upon release of the latch, means for arresting said driver in different advanced positions upon release of said latch corresponding to the different angles of rotation required by said member for ejecting different numbers of coins, means for sliding said driver back to retracted position, and a one-Way driving connection between said driver and said member for rotating said mem her only on movement of the driver back to retracted position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS