US3125203A

US3125203A - Coin counting circuitry for a dry cleaner

Info

Publication number: US3125203A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1964-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 1981-03-17

Description

March 17, 1954 G. D. PHILLIPS ETAL COIN COUNTING CIRCUITRY FOR A DRY CLEANER Filed Aug. 8, 1962 United States Patent 3,125,203 COIN COUNTING CIRCUITRY FR A DRY CLEANER Guy D. Phillips, St. Joseph, and .lames L. McConnell, Stevensville, Mieli., assignors to Whirlpool Corporation, St. Joseph, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 8, 1962, Ser. No. 215,644 13 Claims. (Cl. 194ml) This invention relates generally to method and apparatus for operating a sequentially controlled coinoperated mechanism and more specifically relates to a switching mechanism for initiating the operation of a sequentially controlled coin-operated dry cleaner, washer extractor or similar coin-operated equipment after a control device has counted a predetermined and preselected number of coins and wherein the control device automatically resets and repositions itself subsequent to the initiation of the cycle, in this illustrative apparatus, near the end of the sequentially controlled cycle, thereby conditioning the control device for the next coin-operated program of the dry cleaner apparatus.

In coin-operated apparatus, the control mechanism frequently includes a coin-counting device which is permanently preset at the factory and which, therefore predetermines the number of coins required to initiate an operating sequence.

In usage, however, it is frequently desired on the part of the owner-user of the coin-operated apparatus that the number of coins required to initiate operation be selectively adjustable since variations in the number of coins may be indicated because of local economic conditions, local monetary values or systems and other variables which cannot be accommodated by a permanent predetermination.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, therefore, it is contemplated to initiate the operation of a sequentially controlled apparatus, for example, a coin-operated dry cleaner, after the control device has counted a predetermined and preselected number of coins.

It is further contemplated by the present invention that the control device be automatically reset and repositioned at some point prior to the end of the sequentially controlled cycle of the dry cleaner so that a subsequent operational cycle of the dry cleaner may be automatically initiatedby insertion of a proper number of coins preselected for the regulation of the specic control device.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a coin-operated control mechanism for a sequentially controlled apparatus wherein the Flexibility of preselection with regard to any number of coins is available without the use of tools.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical switching mechanism and associated electrical circuitry for a coin-operated control device capable of adjustably selecting any number of coins required for initiating an operating sequence.

Many other features and advantages as well as other additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description which follows and the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying sheet of drawings and in which an exem- ICC plary form on construction is illustrated capable of practicing the methods contemplated herein.

On the drawings:

The single figure of the drawings shows a circuit diagram and includes somewhat schematically a switching mechanism incorporating the principles of the present invention.

As shown on the drawings:

Although the principles of the present invention are of general applicability and can be used with substantially any coin-operated machine, a particularly useful application of the inventive principles herein disclosed can be made to a coin-operated dry cleaner. Accordingly, a cleaning apparatus is shown diagrammatically at it? and it will be understood that such cleaning apparatus includes the usual motors and other related equipment suitable for operating through a programmed sequence of operation including washing, centrifugation and drying. `Further, it is contemplated by the present invention that all such operations be accomplished automatically by the utilization of a presettable sequential control means indicated generally at lll. The diagrammatically illustrated sequential controller 1l is of the type including a plurality of cam-operated switches driven through a mechanical linkage l2 by a timer motor 13. Selective presetting for servicing the machine is accomplished by means of an adjustment knob shown schematically at 14 and located in the rear of the machine in a position inaccessible to the public users of the dry cleaning machine. In the present invention, the illustrated sequential controller ll is particularly characterized by a cam 16 associated with a switch 17 and controlling an energization circuit which includes a conductor wire 13.

A source of electrical power is indicated at L1 to which the conductor wire 18 is connected as at 19 and a neutral line is indicated at N to which the conductor wire 32 is connected as at 33.

The electrically operated motors, valves, solenoids and other various controls, etc. of the cleaningapparatus l0 are diagrammatically included in an energization circuit including a conductor wire 2l connected to the neutral 'line as at 22`and connected to a power relay switch 23 as at 24E movable between the normally open position shown at Z6 and the normally closed position shown at 27. These other electrically operated controls are controlled by the sequentially operated switches (not shown) controlled by the diagrammatically illustrated cams 15 driven by timer motor 13. The contact 26 is electrically connected to L1 by means of a conductor wire 28, while ,the contact 27 is connected to the neutral line via the conductor wire 29.

The power relay switch 23 is operated by a power relay mechanism 30 operated by a power relay coil 3l having an energization circuit including a conductor wire 32 Vconnected to the neutral line as at 33 and leading to a switching mechanism provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

It is contemplated by the present invention to provide in a switching mechanism three separate wafer switches including a first selector switch 40, a second driven switch 50 and a third homing switch 60.

Each of the three switches 40, S0, and 60, has a xed :31 or stationary annular wafer element made of electrically nonconductive material somewhat disk-like in configuration and shown respectively at 41, 51 and 61. The

stationary elements

41, 51 and 61 are carried in a unitary chassis or frame including support members shown at 70.

In connection with the selector switch 40, there is provided a shaft 48 having a manual adjutment knob 42 bearing an indicator needle 43 associated with a numerically calibrated scale 44. The shaft 48 carries an electrically conductive rotary or movable switch element 45 including a radially outwardly projecting contact member 46 engageable with any selected one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced stationary contacts 47 disposed in a circumferential row on the stationary wafer element 41. Accordingly, the numerical calibration on the scale 44 may correspond to the contacts 47 on the stationary wafer element 41 and any desired contact may be selected, in this instance, the contact corresponding to the number of coins desired to be requiredfor initiating the operation of the cleaning apparatus 10.

In connection with the driven switch 50 and the homing switch 60, there is provided a shaft 52. A step-by-step motor means is connected to the shaft 52 by means of a drivenconnection and, in this instance, the step-by-step motor means comprises a solenoid motor indicated generally at 88 and including a coil 81 acting upon a core 82 to which is fastened to a linkage member 83 pivotally connected as at 84 to the end of a crank arm 85 which, in turn, transmits a driving force through a diagrammatically illustrated pawl and ratchet mechanism 86. A return spring 87 is connected to the crank arm 85. Accordingly, each time the solenoid motorV 80 is energized, the core 82 will be drawn into the coil 81 whereupon the shaft 52 will be angula'rly advanced.

The shaft 52 carries a cam 88 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 89 operatively engaging an interrupter switch 90 and thereby functioning to actuate the interrupter switch 90 in response to the angular advance of the shaft 52.

In connection with the driven switch 50, the shaft 52 carries an electrically conductive movable switch member 53 which is rotatably movable within the stationary wafer member 51 and which carries a switch contact 54 projecting radially outwardly for selective engagement with one of a plurality of stationary contacts 55 disposed in a circumferential row on the stationary wafer element 51. The contacts' 55 correspond in number and angular position to the contacts 47 on the selector switch 40, although it will be noted that the two

switches

40 and 50 are completely independently operable since the selector switch 40 is operated manually through shaft 48 and the driven switch 50 is operated through shaft 52 by the solenoid motor 80.

Each of the correspondingly positioned stationary contacts 47 and S5 is interconnected electrically although, for explanatory purposes, only a single such interconnection is shown in the drawing between the No 3 contact 47 on the selector switch 4t) and the corresponding No. 3 contact 55 on the driven switch 50. The interconnecting connector wire is shown at 56 and represents the type interconnection actually used in practice on the remainder of these contacts.

ln connection with the homing switch 60, there is provided an electrically conductive movable switch contact element 62 which is rotatable within the stationary wafer element 61 and which is notched as at 63 to provide a clearance cooperable with a single stationary switch contact 64 carried on the stationary wafer element 61. The angular location of the notch 63 and the contact 64 is such as to correspond to a homing position or zero position of the movable contact 54 on the driven switch 50.

Referring now further to the circuitry associated with the switching mechanism, it will be noted that the other end of the conductor wire 32 leading away from the power relay 31 is electrically connected to the movable switch 4 element 45 of the selector switch 40 by means of a brush or stationary switch contact 49.

The driven switch 50 has its movable switch element 53 connected by means of a brush or stationary switch contact 57 to a conductor wire 58 which, in turn, is connected to the line L1 as at 59.

Connected to the contact side of the switch 17 is a conductor wire 65 leading to a brush or switch contact 66 electrically connected to the movable switch contact element 62 of the homing switch 60. The stationary switch contact 64 of the homing switch 60 is connected by means of a conductor wire 67 to the normally closed contacts 68 of the interrupter switch 90.

A coin Vswitch is shown at and forms part of a coin-operated control mechanism shown schematically at 181. As is customary, the device includes a normally closed coin-reject switch 102. In a typical sequence of operations and assuming the invention to be applied to a coin-operated dry cleaner, the owner or manager of the machine would manually preset the knob 42 with pointer 43 opposite a predetermined number in order to select the proper corresponding number of coins of any specied denomination required to initiate the operation of the machine. For example, as shown in the drawings, the knob 42 has beenV adjusted so the contact 46 has been moved from a zero position, indicated at A in a counterclockwise direction to the No. 3 contact position, thereby placing the contact 46 in electrical engagement with the No. 3 stationary contact 47.

When the customer or user desires to operate the cleaning apparatus 10, the proper number of coins are inserted one at a time into the coin receptacle associated with the coin-control mechanism 101. When the first coin is inserted, the coin switch 100 will be closed momentarily by insertion of the coin thereby providing a completed electrical circuit to the solenoid coil 81 between lines L1 and vN. Resistor 108 serves to reduce the current surge through coin switch 100 caused by charging the capacitor 109, to prevent damage to the'contacts of coin switch 100. The core 82 is drawn up into the coil 81 and the shaft 52 is incrementally advanced in a step action via the link 83 and the crank arm 85 acting through the pawl and ratchet mechanism 86. Accordingly, the switch contact 54 on the driven switch 50 advances one contact position. As the coin drops past the coin switch 100, the coin switch 100 again opens breaking the circuit to the solenoid coil 81. As the second coiniisinserted', a repetition of the aforedescribed operation takes place whereupon the switch contact 54 continues its step-by-step action and moves to the No. 2 contact position, on the driven switch 50. A current responsive switch 107 is used to protect coil 81 in the event coin switch v100- should become held in the closed position by a bent or deformed coin. If such a condition occurs, heater 110 attains su'icient temperature to open Vwarp switch 111 and prevent current from flowing through coil 81, thereby eliminating the possibility of damage to coil 81.

When the third coin is inserted, the switch contact 54 moves to the No. 3 contact position to engage switch contact 55 on the driven switch 50, thereby completing a direct electrical circuit from the line L1 through` the conductor wire 58, the switch contact 57, the movable switch member 53, the switch contact 54, the No. 3 position stationary switch contact 55, the conductor wire 56, the stationary switch contact 47 on the selector switch 40, the movable contact 46,` the movableV switch element 45, the stationary switch contact 49 and the conductor wire 32 to the power relay 31 and to the neutral line N. After the preselected or third coin has passed coin switch 100, the coin reject solenoid 102a is energized through

conductors

105, 106, 28 and the

switch elements

23 and 26 which are engaged by energization of power relay coil 31. Solenoid 102:1 then moves coin reject switch 102 into engagement with contact 104 thereby connecting line L1 to interrupter switch 90. Upon operation of the relay 31, the relay switch 23 is actuated to engage the contact 26 so that a direct electrical circuit via the conductor wire 28 connected to the line L1 provides power for the load elements in the cleaning apparatus 10, the current owing through the conductor wire 28, the contact 26, the switch 23 and the conductor wire 21 back to the neutral line. Timer motor 13 is also energized through switch 23 in a similar manner. It will be understood, of course, that the timer motor 13 can be considered a part of the load normally associated with the cleaning apparatus and, accordingly, the timer motor 13 is thus energized upon insertion of the proper number of coins so that the sequential controller 11 will then automatically operate the cleaning apparatus 10 and its diagrammatically illustrated program control cams 15 through a program sequence or series of steps as characterize the operation of the dry cleaning machine.

Prior to the end of the operational cycle determined by the sequential controller 11, the driven switch 50 is reset for the next use of the machine. Accordingly, the sequential controller 11 of the present invention is provided with the reset switch 17 which will be closed by the cam 16 prior to the end of the timed cycle of sequential controller 11 and an electrical circuit is then completed from the line L1 through the conductor wire 18, the switch 17, the conductor wire 65, the contact 66, the movable switch element 62, the contact 64, the conductor wire 67, the interrupter switch 90, the contact 104, the coin-reject switch 102, the coil 81 of the solenoid motor 80 and back to the neutral line N via a conductor wire 103 in which is placed a rectifier.

By impressing a voltage across the solenoid coil 81 it will be energized whereupon the shaft 52 will be advanced by pawl and ratchet mechanism 86. The cam 83 also rotates in a similar step-by-step action and intermittently actuates the interrupter switch 90 thereby periodically breaking the circuit to energize the solenoid coil 81 intermittently and operating the solenoid coil 81 in that manner until the switches 50 and 64) are driven back in a step-by-step manner to a homing or zero position wherein the notch 63 is in register with the contact 64 and the contact 54 is at a zero position shown at B. Electrical contact is then broken to the solenoid coil 81 and the shaft 52 ceases to rotate.

After the first energization of the ratchet advance solenoid coil 81 and resultant de-energization of solenoid 31, the relay switch 23 returns to engage the contact 27 so that the cleaning apparatus 10 receives its energization from the power source line L1 through the conductor wire 18, theV timer reset switch 17 and the conductor wire`29, the Contact 27, the relay switch 23 and back to the neutral line N via the conductor wire 21. The timer motor 13 then continues through its alternate energization circuit whereupon the sequential controller 11 completes the cycle and shuts olf the apparatus. When the cleaning apparatus 10 reaches the shut-off period, the switches 40, 5t) and 6i) are all in the proper position so that the machine is conditioned for the next operational sequence as `initiated by a user through the insertion of a proper number of coins preset on the selector switch 40.

If the owner or manager of the machine desires to change the number of coins required, all he needs to do is manually reset the knob 42 and select the proper number of coins on the numerically calibrated scale 44. Whatever number of coins are selected, the operation will follow in the sequence described.

In summary it will be appreciated that we have provided a control apparatus for a coin-operated dry cleaning machine which includes a sequential controller or timer 10 in its own control circuitry and which may be energized by insertion of a predetermined number of coins in that dry cleaning machine. This control appa- Vratus has a wafer switch assembly which includes a manually presettable selector switch 40, a driven machine start switch 50 for energizing the sequential controller 13V to start operation of the dry cleaners, and a homing switch 60 which are all carried in a common frame though the manually Vpresettable contact 45 is independently mounted from the rotatable shaft 52 forming the common corotatable element for switch contacts 54 and 62. By inserting a predetermined number of coins in the normal coin slot of the coin-operated dry cleaner so as to cause actuation of coin switch 100 prior to the coins being deposited in the convention type coin receiving box for such a machine, the switch portions 53 and 62, which are mounted for corotation on the common support shaft 52 of the step-by-step type shaft positioning mechanism driven by elements and 86, can be angularly advanced from their iirst indexed home position as shown in the accompanying drawing to a second angularly removed position. This, or course, provides for the energization of the sequential controller and the initiation of the cycle of operation of the dry cleaning machine. It also conditions the shaft poistioning mechanisms for a subsequent return of these switch contacts 54- and 62 to their original indeXed home positions. The independently rotatable and manually operable switch contact 45 determines the angular deviational extent of between the original indexed and machine start positions of shaft 52 while the appropriate indicia 43 and 44 indicate the corresponding number of coins required to eiect this angular degree of travel. Return of the shaft 52 to its original position isrcompletely automatic. Although minor modications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of our contribution to the art.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine having coin receiving means and control circuitry including asequential controller for energizing said machine through a cycle of operations,

said control apparatus comprising:

an electric circuit connected to said sequential controller to energize said sequential controller through said cycle of operations, a switch assembly including a normally open horning switch connected in said electric circuit and a normally open machine start switch connected in said electric circuit and controlling the energization of said sequential controller, said homing switch and said machine start switch having mechanically interconnected corotatable portions, means responsive to the insertion of a predetermined number of coins in said coin receiving means for rotating said corotatable portions from an initial indexed position to a second angular position in which both said homing switch and said machine start switch are closed and in which position said sequential controller is energized, and a switch connected in said electric circuit and actuated by said sequential controller subsequent to the energization of said sequential controller `fornrnoving .said corotatable portions back to their normal positions so as to automatically reposition both said homing switch and said machine start switch in their original indexed positions preparatory for a subsequent cycle of operations. 2. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine having coin receiving means and control circuitry including a sequential controller for energizing said machine through `a cycle of operations,

said control apparatus comprising:

an electric circuit connected to said sequential controller to energize said sequential controller through said cycle of operations,

switch means connected in said electric circuit and having a home position and a machine start position,

means responsive to the insertion of a predetermined number of coins in said coin receiving means for moving said switch means from said home position to said machine start position to energize said sequential controller for initiation of said cycle of operations,

homing switch mechanically coupled to said switch means and having a current interrupting position thereon in which the means moving said switch means is rendered disabled,

and a switch connected in said electric circuit and actuated by said sequential controlled subsequent to the energization of said sequential controller for moving said switch means back to its home position and said homing switch to its current interrupting position so as to automatically condition said switch means for initiation of a subsequent cycle of operations.

3. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine having coin receiving means and control circuitry including a sequential controller for energizing said machine through a cycle of operations,

said control apparatus comprising:

a switch assembly including a homing switch connected in said electric circuit and a multi-contact machine start switch controlling the energization of said sequential controller and having a plurality of angularly positioned switch contacts connected in said electric circuit,

shaft positioning mechanism connected in said electric circuit and including a rotatable shaft,

said homing switch and said machine start switch having mechanically interconnected switch contact portions mounted on and rotated by said rotatable shaft,

means responsive to the insertion of a predeterand presettable mechanism including a plurality of spaced switch contacts respectively connected to Said angularly positioned switch contacts and a manually presettable switch element selectively engageable with individual ones of said spaced switch contacts to control the initial energization of said sequential controller and predetermine the required angular deviation of said rotatable shaft from its original indexed position to said second angular position to effect energization of said sequential controller,

indicia means associated with said manually presettable switch element for visually indicating the required number of coins corresponding to said required angular deviation for energization of said sequential controller for energizating said shaft positioning mechanism to elfect the rotation of said shaft back to its original indexed position preparatory to a subsequent cycle of operations.

4. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine having a coin receiving means and control circuitry including a sequential controller for energizing said machine through a cycle of operations,

said control apparatus comprising:

an electric circuit connected to said sequential controller to energize said sequential controller through said cycle of operation,

a wafer switch assembly including a homing switch, a machine :start switch and a presettable selector presettable selector switch,

means mounting said switches in aligned relationship in a common frame, said homing switch and s'aid machine start switch having switch portions mechanically mounted on an angularly rotatable shaft and means mounting said presettable selector switch for rotation independently of said homing switch and said machine start switch,

angularly spaced switch contacts on both said machine start switch and said presettable selector switch,

electrical conductors interconnecting respectively positioned switch contacts of said machine start switch and said presettable selector switch,

a stepping mechanism connected in said electric circuit and including said angularly rotatable shaft,

means responsive to the insertion of a predetermined number of coins in said coin receiving means for rotating said rotatable shaft and said switch portions in a step-by-step fashion from an initial indexed position to a second angular position in which said homing switch and said machine start switch are closed through selected ones of said respective switch contacts,

manually presettable means on said presettable selector switch for engaging a preselected one of said switch contacts on said shaft positioning switch to preselect the angular deviation of the said shaft required to effect the energization of said sequential controller,

and a switch connected to said shaft positioning mechanism and actuated by said sequential controller subbsequent to the energization of said sequential controller for energization said shaft positioning mechanism to rotate said shaft back to its initial indexed position preparatory for a -subsequent cycle of operations.

5. Control apparatus for a coin-operated 'machine having' coin receiving means and control circuitry including a sequential control-ler for energizing said machine through a cycle of operations, said control apparatus comprising:

first switch means including a first stationary switch element having a plurality of contacts and a manually presettable switch contact selectively engageable with said plurality of contacts,

second switch means including a second stationary switch element having a plurality of contacts electrically connected to corresponding respective contacts of said irst stationary switch element, said second switch means further including a rotatably driven switch contact selectively engageable with said plurality of contacts of said second stationary switch element,

coin-operated drive means operable by insertion of coins into said machine and having a driving connection to said rotatably driven switch contact for sequentially advancing said rotatably driven switch contact to a position in which it engages that Contact on said second stationary switch element which is electrically connected to the preselected contact of said rst stationary switch element engaging said manually presettable switch contact,

third switclmeans coupled to said second switch means 9 and in the energizing circuit for said drive means, said third switchmeans having a position in which said driving connection is interrupted,

and circuit means for energizing said sequential controller when said rotatably driven switch contact is electrically connected to said manually rotatable switch contact.

6. The control apparatus of claim 5 wherein said coinoperated drive means drives said rotatably driven switch Contact in a step-by-step fashion, each step corresponding to the actuation of said coin-operated drive means by a com.

7. The control apparatus of claim 5 wherein the circuit means includes homing circuit means for energizing said coin-operated drive means in said step-by-step fashion to return said rotatably driven switch contact to a horned position subsequent to the start of said programmed cycle.

8. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine comprising,

circuit means including a sequential controller to operate the machine through a cycle of programmed operations,

unidirectionally rotatable switch means in said circuit means and having a home position and a machinestart position,

coin receiving means including means responsive to the insertion of a predetermined number of coins for moving said switch means from said home position to said machine-start position to energize said sequential controller for initiation of said cycle of operations,

a control switch in said circuit means and actuated by said sequential controller subsequent to the energization of said sequential controller,

and homing means in said circuit means for moving said switch means to its home position upon actuation of said control switch and conditioning said switch means for the initiation of a subsequent cycle of operation,

said homing means including a homing switch corotatable with said switch means and a homing drive means having a rotatable driving member corotatably connected to said switch means and energized through said homing switch.

9. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine comprising,

an electric circuit including a sequential controller to operate said machine through a cycle of operations,

wafer switch means in said electric circuit having circumferentially spaced contacts and a rotatable switch i contact selectively engageable with said circumferl entially positioned contacts,

said rotatable switch contact having a home posi- 1 tion and a machine-start position,

i coin control means including coin receiving means and manually presettable means for regulating the number of coins required to move said rotatable switch contact from said home position to said machinestart positions,

driving means responsive to a predetermined number of coins in said coin receiving means for moving said t rotatable contact from said home position to said machine-start position to energize said sequential controller for initiation of said cycle of operations, and homing means including said driving means,

L a control switch actuated by said sequential conl troller,

a homing switch corotatable with said rotatable l switch contact,

i and an interrupter switch intermittently operated upon rotation of said rotatable switch contact for advancing said rotatable switch contact stepby-step to said home position subsequent to the initiation of said sequential controller.

l 10. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine as deiined in claim 9 and further characterized by an interrupter cam for actuating said interrupter switch, 5 and a common rotatable shaft mechanically interconnecting said rotatable switch contact, said homing switch and said interrupter cam. l1. Control apparatus for a coin-operated machine as defined in claim 9 and further characterized by 10 said homing switch means comprising a second wafer switch including a stationary homing switch contact, a rotatable contact corotatable with said rotatable switch Contact for contacting said stationary contact portion to control the energization of said driving means for moving said rotatable switch contact to its home position. l2. A coin counting device for initiating a sequential cycle of operations in a machine having a coin receiving means and a sequential controller for automatically operating the machine through a programmed sequence of operations comprising,

unidirectionally rotatable wafer switch means including a rotary contact having a home position and a machine-start position, driving means for said rotary contact for rotatably moving said rotary contact between said home position and said machine-start position,

said driving means being responsive to the insertion of a predetermined number of coins for advancing said rotary contact from said home position to said machine-start position to initiate operation of said machine,

and homing means including a homing switch corotatably connected to said wafer switch means and said driving means to move said rotary contact from said machine-start position to said home position subsequent to the initiation of said sequential cycle of operation. 13. A coin counting device for a coin operated machine comprising,

circuit means including a sequential controller for operating the machine through a programmed cycle of operations, a coin counting means including,

a rst switch having a plurality of circumferentially spaced stationary contacts and a rst rotatable switch contact electrically connected to a power source and manually presettable to singly engage selective ones of said circumferentially spaced contacts of said first switch,

a second switch having a plurality of circumferentially spaced stationary contacts and a second rotatable switch contact singly engaging selective ones of said circumferentially spaced contacts of said second stationary switch,

means electrically interconnecting said circumferentially spaced contacts of said second stationary switch to cooresponding circumferentially spaced contacts of said rst stationary switch,

means for electrically interconnecting said second rotatable switch contact to said sequential controller,

drive means for rotating said second rotatable switch contact from a home position into a machine-start position electrically interconnecting the power source to said sequential controller upon insertion of a predetermined number of coins to thereby energize said sequential controller,

and homing means for said coin counting means including,

a stationary switch contact,

a rotatable homing switch contact electrically connected to a power source and engaging said stationary switch contact for all but a portion of its rotation relative to said stationary contact,

an interrupter cam,y

an interrupter switch actuated by said interrupter cam,

means for electrically interconnecting said stationary switch contact and said interrupter switch,

means for electrically interconnecting said interrupter switch and said drive means,

common shaft means mechanically interconnect- 10 ing said interrupter cam, said rotatable homing 12 switch Contact and said second rotatable switch contact,

said homing means being responsive to said sequential controller for advancing said second rotatable switch contact to said home position subsequent to the initial energization of said sequential controller.

References Cited'in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

Claims

1. CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A COIN-OPERATED MACHINE HAVING COIN RECEIVING MEANS AND CONTROL CIRCUITRY INCLUDING A SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER FOR ENERGIZING SAID MACHINE THROUGH A CYCLE OF OPERATIONS, SAID CONTROL APPARATUS COMPRISING: AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONNECTED TO SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER TO ENERGIZE SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER THROUGH SAID CYCLE OF OPERATIONS, A SWITCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A NORMALLY OPEN HOMING SWITCH CONNECTED IN SAID ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND A NORMALLY OPEN MACHINE START SWITCH CONNECTED IN SAID ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND CONTROLLING THE ENERGIZATION OF SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER, SAID HOMING SWITCH AND SAID MACHINE START SWITCH HAVING MECHANICALLY INTERCONNECTED COROTATABLE PORTIONS, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE INSERTION OF A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF COINS IN SAID COIN RECEIVING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID COROTATABLE PORTIONS FROM AN INITIAL INDEXED POSITION TO A SECOND ANGULAR POSITION IN WHICH BOTH SAID HOMING SWITCH AND SAID MACHINE START SWITCH ARE CLOSED AND IN WHICH POSITION SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER IS ENERGIZED, AND A SWITCH CONNECTED IN SAID ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND ACTUATED BY SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER SUBSEQUENT TO THE ENERGIZATION OF SAID SEQUENTIAL CONTROLLER FOR MOVING SAID COROTATABLE PORTIONS BACK TO THEIR NORMAL POSITIONS SO AS TO AUTOMATICALLY REPOSITION BOTH SAID HOMING SWITCH AND SAID MACHINE START SWITCH IN THEIR ORIGINAL INDEXED POSITIONS PREPARATORY FOR A SUBSEQUENT CYCLE OF OPERATIONS.