US3140765A - Change dispenser - Google Patents

Description

y 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS GUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD BY ROLF B. ANDRE/V ATTORIVE Y5 y 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 l N VE N TORS GUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDRE N July 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3, ,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS GUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B- ANDREN BY MIW ATTORNE YS July 14, 196 G. a. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,755

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS GUNNAR E.SUNDBLAD ROLF BANDRE N MJZMMWW ATTORNEYS y 14, 1954 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6. 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VE N TORS GUNNAP E. SUNDBLAD BYROLF B. A NDPEN ATTORNE vs July 1 9 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,755

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS GUNNAP E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDPEN July 1 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS GUNNAR E.SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDREN y 14, 1964 s. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed y 6. 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INV E N TORS GUNNAI? E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDRE N M,MZW W CHANGE DISPENSER 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed July 6, 1960 INVENTORS GUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD BY ROLF B. ANDRE N M, We},

FIG. 10

United States Patent C) 3,140,765 CHANGE DISPENSER Gunner E. Sundhlad, Bromine, and Rolf B. Andren, Bandhagen, Sweden, assignors to Svenska Dataregister AB, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Filed July 6, 1960, Ser. No. 41,178

Claims priority, application Sweden Juiy 9, 1959 28 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates to a coin dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a coin dispensing mechanism and a change computing means for controlling the operation of the coin dispensing mechanism.

In establishments, such as restaurants and supermarkets, in which a large volume of cash sales pass through a single cashier position, a substantial delay in com pleting each transaction is presented by the time required to determine the difference between the purchase price and the amount tendered and to return the amount of the difference to the purchaser. In addition, another delay in completing each transaction is occasioned by the time consumed in receiving coins from the purchaser, determining the value of the received coins, and placing the received coins in proper receptacles, such as the various compartments of the drawer of the cash register. In an attempt to reduce the length of these delays, a number of different types of key controlled change dispensers have been proposed. However, these dispensers require the mental determination of the values of the coins received and the amount to be returned, and the selection and manual operation of the proper dispenser operating key or keys. In other arrangements, a unit of data handling apparatus, such as a cash register, is provided with the amount of the purchase and the amount tendered, and the cash register determines the difference between the amounts and operates a connected change dispenser to discharge the correct coins. These arrangements also require the mental determination of the values of the coins received and the manual separation of the received coins into the proper receptacles therefor.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coin dispensing apparatus.

Another object is to provide a new and improved mechanism for dispensing one or more coins of one or more denominations.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism in which a selected number of a plurality of coin ejecting slides are actuated in accordance with the numbers and value of coins to be discharged.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including new and improved means for automatically generating signals representing the values of coins inserted into the mechanism.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including new and improved means for insuring the insertion of different denomination coins in only the correct ones of a plurality of receptacles therefor.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including new and improved means for determining the number of coins in a dispensing magazine or receptacle.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including a coin dispensing means having a change computing circuit for receiving signals representing the values of the coins placed in the dispensing means and for at least partially determining and controlling the number and value of the coins to be discharged by the dispensing means.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including a coin dispensing means controlled by signals generated by means actuated by coins.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus 3,140,755 Patented July 14, 1964 including coin dispensing means connected to a computing circuit that is sequentially supplied with signals representing a first amount and a second amount so that the coin dispensing means is automatically operated to dispense coins in the amount of the difference between the first and second amounts.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus having coin dispensing means that are: automatically operated by signals representing tendered coins which include means for indicating when the value of the coins tendered equals or exceeds an amount to be charged.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus in which a change computing means is continuously connected to a coin dispensing means during the operation of the computing means by signals representing tendered coins so as to permit the mechanism to be operated to dispense the coins in the amount of the difference between the amount to be charged and the amount tendered at any given moment.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including a computing circuit for operating a coin dispensing means to discharge coins in an amount equal to the amount of coins tendered plus the difference be tween the lowest value bill or note and the amount of the charge whenever the amount tendered is less than the amount to be charged.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including a plurality of counting circuits that are operated by signals representing a charge and signals representing an amount tendered so as to provide means for controlling the discharge of coins by a change dispensing mechanism.

In accordance with these and many other objects, a coin dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention includes a coin dispensing mechanism for receiving and dispensing coins in all the denominations up to the lowest value bill or note and a change computing circuit for controlling the operation of the coin dispensing mechanism. The change computing circuit comprises a plurality of individual counting circuits that are supplied with signals from a related data handling unit, such as a cash register, representing the portion of a charge represented by a stun below the value of the lowest value note or bill. The change computing circuit is operated by these signals to condition the coin dispensing mechanism to discharge coins in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the charge and the amount represented by the lowest value bill.

The cashier then inserts any coins tendered by the purchaser into the coin dispensing mechanism, and this mechanism returns signals to the change computing circuit representing the value of the coins tendered. In response to the receipt of these signals, the: change computing circuit is operated to a setting representing the difference between the charge and the amount tendered to condition the coin changing mechanism to dispense proper change. If the coins tendered are equal in value to the coin portion of the charge, the coin dispensing mechanism does not eject any change when this mechanism is actuated following the insertion of the tendered coins into the coin dispensing mechanism. If the value of the coins tendered exceeds the coin portion of the charge, the actuation of the coin dispensing mechanism discharges the excess in value of the coins tendered over the charge. Alternatively, if the value of the coins inserted into the dispensing mechanism is less than the coin portion of the charge, the actuation of the coin dispensing mechanism causes the discharge of the sum of the coins tendered and the difference between the charge and the value of the lowest denominational bill or note. If no coins are insertedinto the coin dispensing mechanism following the transfer of the charge to the change computing circuit, the actuation of the coin dispensing mechanism causes the ejection of coins equal to the difference between the charge and the value of the lowest denominational bill or note.

The coin changing mechanism comprises a plurality of transparent vertically extending cylinders of different sizes, each adapted to receive a plurality of vertically stacked coins of a given denomination. The upper ends of the cylinders are each in communication with an in dividual coin inlet means for receiving tendered coins, and the lower ends of these cylinders each communicate with a coin ejecting means for ejecting one or more coins from the cylinder. Each of the coin inlet means includes two spaced coin detecting or gauging assemblies for preventing the insertion of under or over sized coins into the associated coin receiving cylinder so as toinsure that only proper value coins can be placed in the different cylinders. These two coin detecting means also actuate contact means for generating and transmitting to the change computing circuit a signal representing the value of the inserted coins. The coin ejecting means comprises a plurality of laterally shiftable slides having coin receiving openings normally disposed in alignment with the lower opening of the related storage cylinder. The ejecting means also includes a plurality of solenoids connected to and controlled by the change computing circuit for selectively connecting one or more of the slides in the ejecting means associated with each of the cylinders to a common actuating means. When the coin dispensing mechanism is actuated, the common actuating means shifts the effective coin slides out of alignment with the cylinders and into alignment With discharge openings through which coins in the selected values and numbers are discharged to the cashier. The coin dispensing mechanism also includes both manually actuated keys for dispensing a single coin from each of the cylinders and detecting means for determining the presence of an adequate number of coins in each of the cylinders.

The change computing circuit comprises a plurality of counting rings, preferably formed of controlled conduction devices such as transistors, that are connected in a single counting chain. The counting capacity of the rings forming the counting chain is equal to the value of the lowest value note or bill, and the individual stages of the counting rings are continuously connected to the solenoids in the change computing mechanism to control the operation thereof. The lowest ordered counting rings are connected to a first source of signals representing the coin portion of the amount of a charge, such as a cash register, so that the change computer is operated to a setting representing the coins portion of the charge. Following the transfer of this information, the first signal source operates the counting rings to the complement of the entered first amount so that the coin changing mechanism is conditioned to dispense the difference between the charge and the value of the lowest denomination note or bill. Accordingly, if the change dispensing mechanism is operated at this time, this amount of change is returned to the cashier.

Each of the counting circuits or rings in the change computing circuit is also connected to the signal generating means provided in the coin inlets to the coin dispensing mechanism. When coins are tendered to the cashier and inserted into the coin dispensing mechanism through the proper coin inlet means, the counting rings are provided with signals representing the values of the inserted coins, and the total amount standing in the change computing circuit is reduced by the values of these coins. Accordingly, whenever the change dispensing mechanism is actuated, coins are dispensed in number and value corresponding to the difference between the charge and the amount tendered in coin. When the value of coins tendered exceeds the coin portion of the charge, the change computing circuit produces a visible indication of this fact. The change computing circuit is reset to a normal condition either under the control of the cash register or under the control of a signal supplied by the coin dispensing mechanism when this mechanism is actuated to dispense change.

Many other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a coin dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 used for dispensing coins of one denomination, such as pennies, which illustrates the details of a coin inlet means;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, in partial section, of the portion of the coin dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 2 with the coin inlet means removed;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a reduced sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 2 showing a coin ejecting means in a normal position.

FIG. 6 is a reduced sectional view similar to FIG. showing the coin ejecting means in an actuated condition;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the elements of the coin inlet means;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the coin ejecting means;

FIG. 9 is a logic diagram of a change computing circuit for controlling the coin dispensing means;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a signal generator controlled by the coin inlet means; and

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating the interconnection of one stage of a counting circuit in the change computing circuit and a solenoid forming a part of the change ejecting mechanism.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, a COll'l dispensing apparatus embodying the present invention in cludes a coin dispensing mechanism 20 (FIG. 1) mounted on a suitable supporting structure 22 for dispensing coins under the control of a change computer circuit, indicated generally as 24 (FIG. 9). The change computing circuit 24 is supplied with signals from an external unit of data handling equipment, such as a cash register 26, representing the portion of a charge or first amount that is less than the value of the lowest denomination note or bill in the system of currency, and this first amount is stored in the change computing circuit 24 in its complementary form so that the coin dispensing means 20 is conditioned to dispense the difference between the first amount and the value of the lowest denomination note or bill. Therefore, if the coin dispensing means 20 is actuated at this time, coins in number and value corresponding to this difference are dispensed.

If one or more coins are tendered to the cashier in payment for the charge represented by the first amount supplied from the cash register 26, the cashier inserts these coins into the change dispensing means 29, and this means supplies signals to the change computing circuit 24 so that this circuit is operated to a setting representing the difference between the first amount and the total value of the coins tendered. If the amount tendered by the purchaser is equal to the portion of the total charge transferred to the change computing circuit 24 from the cash register 26, the operation of the coin dispensing means 21 does not result in the discharge of any coins. If, on the other hand, the coins tendered exceed in value the first amount stored in the change computing circuit 24, the actuation of the coin dispensing means 20 results in the discharge of the excess in the value of the coins tendered over the first amount. Alternatively, if the coins tendered total an amount less than the first amount, the actuation of the coin dispensing means 243 results in the discharge of coins having a value equal to the sum of the coins tendered and the difference between the first amount and the value of the lowest denomination bill or note. When the coin dispensing means 28 is operated, the change computing circuit 24 is restored to a normal condition.

Referring now more specifically to the coin dispensing means or mechanism 28, this means comprises a main supporting frame or housing 28 having a separate top element 38 surrounded on three sides by a rib 38a to provide a table or tray for receiving coins tendered to the cashier by a customer. A notched plate 32 pivotally mounted on the frame 28 defines five separate inlet means 34, 36, 38, 4t and 42 through which coins disposed on table 30 can be moved into five transparent cylinders 44, 46, 48, 58, and 52 in which are stored vertically extending stacks of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars, respectively. The lower end of each of the cylinders 44, 46, 48, 5t), and 52 communicates with an individual one of a plurality of coin ejecting assemblies 54 (FIG. 5) which are capable of ejecting one or more coins from the related cylinder under the control of information supplied to the coin dispensing means 28 from the change computer 24. When change is to be dispensed, an outlet funnel 56 is deflected from the normal position shown in FIG. 5 to the displaced position shown in FIG. 6 to cause the selective actuation of the plurality of coin ejecting assemblies 54 in accordance with the information supplied from the change computing circuit 24 so that the coins in the correct number and value are dispensed.

The coin dispensing means illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings is shown as including seven coin receiving and dispensing channels, only five of which are necessary in dollar areas. The remaining two coin receiving and dispensing assemblies are provided for use in other currency areas, such as the sterling area, to provide means for handling all of the different value coins up to the lowest value bill or note. The coin dispensing apparatus disclosed in the present application is described with reference to use in a dollar area, and the coin dispensing means 20 can be constructed without including the coin receiving and dispensing assemblies having the unnumbered coin inlet means and coin receiving cylinders illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

As indicated above, the coin dispensing means 28 in cludes five coin receiving and dispensing assemblies for handling pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. All of these assemblies are basically the same except that different ones of the assemblies are provided with different means in the ejecting assemblies 54 for ejecting different numbers of coins from the related storage cylinder in accordance with the number of coins that must be discharged in dispensing change. FIGS. 28 of the drawings illustrate the details of an assembly for receiving and storing pennies that is capable of either manually ejecting a single penny or of automatically dispensing any number of pennies up to four under the control of the change computer 24. Since the change computer 24 is adapted to control the discharge of change for the portion of a charge having a value less than the value of the lowest denomination bill or note, i.e., a one dollar bill, and, since the coin dispensing apparatus 20 is designed to discharge the lowest possible number of coins in the change, the coin ejecting assemblies 54 associated with the quarter and half dollar cylinders 56 and 52 are only capable of dispensing a single coin under the control of the change computer 24. Similarly, the ejecting assembly 54 associated with the nickels cylinder 46 requires means for ejecting only a single nickel, and the assembly 54 associated with the dimes cylinder 48 requires means for automatically ejecting only one or two coins under the control of the computer 24.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2-8 of the drawings, therein is shown a penny receiving and discharging assembly including the inlet means 34 for supplying pennies to the cylinder 44 and the ejecting assembly 54 for discharging either a single penny into the outlet funnel 56 by manual actuation or of any number of pennies up to four under the control of the change computer 24. The coin receiving cylinder 44 is mounted between two spaced plates in the supporting frame 28 so that the upper opening to the cylinder 44 is received in an opening 57 (FIG. 7) in the frame 28 and is disposed beneath the plate 32 in alignment with a notch 58 formed in this plate which provides a part of the inlet means 34. The lower opening in the cylinder 44 is disposed above and communicates with the coin ejecting assembly 54. A pair of plates 60 mounted on the upper surface of the table 36) below the plate 32 provide guide means for directing pennies through the inlet means 34 and downwardly into an opening 62 in the top plate 30 that is aligned with the open upper end of the cylinder 44.

The inlet means 34 includes means for gauging the size of the coin advanced through the inlet means 34 to insure that only coins of correct size, i.e., pennies, can be inserted into the cylinder 44. In addition, the inlet means 34 includes means for generating a penny representing signal that is forwarded from the coin dispensing means 20 to the change computer 24. In general, this means comprises a first pair of coin engaging elements that are actuated to a displaced position to pass only coins of the correct size or smaller, and a second coin engaging element normally locked in a position obstructing the inlet means 34 but which is released in response to deflection of the first coin engaging means. Thus, the second engaging or detecting means blocks coins of smaller than a proper size. The first and second coin engaging means actuate contact means for generating a signal representing the insertion of one penny.

The first coin engaging or detecting means comprises a pair of coin engaging rollers 64 and 66 (FIGS. 2 and 7) which are carried on a pair of levers 68 and '70, respectively, and which extend upwardly through two pairs of openings '72 and 74 formed in the main frame 28 and in the top plate 38, respectively. A sleeve bearing 76 secured to one end of the lever 68 receives a pivot pin 78 carried on the lower surface of the main frame 28 to pivotally mount the lever 68, and a pivot pin or stud 88, which is also secured to the lower surface of the main frame 28, is pivotally received in a sleeve bearing 82 carried at one end of the lever 70. A pair of lock washers 84 carried on the lower ends of the pivot pins 78 and hold the levers 68 and 78 in position on these pivot pins. The other ends of the levers 68 and 70 are connected by a tension spring 86 so that the edges of the rollers 64 and 66 are normally biased into engagement with the edges of the openings '74 (FIG. 2).

The second coin engaging or detecting means for blocking the insertion of undersized coins into the cylinder 44 and for partially controlling the generation of a signal representing an inserted coin comprises a roller 88 that is rotatably mounted between a pair of arms 90a on a pair of similar elements 98 that are connected together by a rivet 92 to form a supporting bracket for the roller 88. The bracket formed by the elements 90 is pivotally mounted on the frame 28 by a bracket 94 which is secured to the upper surface of the frame 28 and which includes a pair of depending lugs 94a that extend downwardly through both a pair of openings in the frame 28 and an opening 96 formed in the levers 68 and 70. A pivot pin 98 carried in openings formed in the lugs 94a is received within openings formed in a pair of lugs 90b on the elements 90 to pivotally mount the supporting bracket for the roller 88 on the main frame 28. A tension spring 109 connected between a depending lug 28a and a pin 182 mounted in two projections 900 on the elements 90 normally biases the bracket provided by the elements 90 in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 5) so that the roller 88 and the arms 90a project upwardly through a notch or opening 104 (FIGS. 2 and 7) in the edge of the opening 57 to position the roller 88 in a position obstructing or blocking passage of a coin through the coin inlet 34. This counterclockwise rotation of the elements 90 is limited by the engagement of the upper edges of the elements 1'0 with the downwardly projecting lug 28d.

As indicated above, the actuation of the first detecting means provided by the rollers 64 and 66 controls the freedom of movement of the second coin engaging means or roller 88, and the movement of both of the coin engaging means provided by the rollers 64, 66, and 88 controls the actuation of contact means for generating a signal indicating that a coin has been advanced through the inlet means 34 into the cylinder 44. To accomplish this, a pair of levers 104 and 106 are provided to which are secured a pair of sleeve bearings 108 and 110. The bearings 108 and 110 are pivotally mounted on a pair of pivot pins 112 and 114 secured to the lower surface of p the main frame 28, and the levers 104 and 106 are secured in position by a pair of spring washers 116 which are carried on the lower ends of the pins 112 and 114. In the normal condition of the coin inlet 34, a tension spring 118 connected between the levers 104 and 106 biases a pair of lugs 104a and 106a into engagement with the outer edges of the levers 68 and 70. In this position, the free ends of the levers 104 and 106 and a pair of lugs 10412 and 10617 formed thereon are interposed between the lower surface of the frame 28 and the upper surface of a pair of shoulders 90d formed integral with the elements 90. The end portions of the levers 104 and 106 prevent clockwise rotation of the elements 90 (FIG. and thus maintain the roller 88 in a position obstructing the coin inlet 34.

The coin inlet means 34 includes a normally closed switch assembly 120 (FIGS. 2 and 7) that is mounted on the lower surface of the frame 28 immediately adjacent one end of the lever 106 by a bracket 122 and a normally open switch assembly 124 that is mounted on the lower surface of the frame 28 near one end of the lever 104 by a bracket 126. To provide means for actuating the switch assembly 120 to an open condition when the first coin engaging means including the rollers 64 and 66 is operated to a displaced position, one end of the lever 106 is provided with an upturned lug 106a to which a dielectric operator element 128 is connected. This element normally engages one of the springs in the switch assembly 120 so that counterclockwise movement of the lever 106 (FIG. 2) separates the two springs in the switch assembly 120.

To provide means for actuating the switch assembly 124 to a closed condition, the deflection of the roller 88 when a coin is advanced into the receptacle 44 is utilized. More specifically, an L-shaped arm 130 pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 112 includes an upstanding lug 130a to which a dielectric operator element 132 is secured. The element 132 normally bears against the longer of the two contact springs in the switch assembly 124. The other end of the L-shaped arm or lever 130 is connected to a link 134 which is pivotally mounted on the pin 102. When the bracket provided by the elements 90 is pivoted in a clockwise direction about the pin 08 (FIG. 5) during the insertion of a coin into the cylinder 44, the link 134 moves to the left (FIG. 2) to pivot the lever 130 in a counterclockwise direction. This deflects the longer of the springs in the switch assembly 124 into engagement with the other spring in the assembly 24.

When a coin is advanced from the coin table 30 into the coin inlet means 34, the leading edge of the coin engages the rollers 64 and 66 and pivots the levers 6S and 70 in counterclockwise and clockwise directions (FIG. 2), respectively, against the force of the tension spring 86. If the coin is of the correct diameter, it passes between the rollers 64 and 66. However, if the diameter of the coin is too great, the edges of the rollers 64 and 66 engage the edges of the opening 74 to positively block entrance of the com.

When the levers 68 and 70 are pivoted in counterclockwise and clockwise directions (FIG. 2), the ends of these levers bear against the lugs 104a and 106a so that the lever 104 is pivoted in a clockwise direction and the lever 106 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, this relative movement of the levers 104 and 106 extending the tension spring 118. When the lever 106 moves in a counterclockwise direction, the operator 128 secured thereto actuates the switch assembly to an open position in which its contact springs are not in engagement. Further, when the levers 104 and 106 are pivoted in opposite directions, the free ends of these levers and the upstanding lugs 10411 and 106k move out of alignment with the shoulders 90d on the elements 90 to free the supporting bracket for the roller 08 for movement.

As the coin is further advanced by the cashier toward the opening 62, the leading edge of the coin engages the roller 88. If the diameter of the inserted coin is less than that of a penny, this coin has not engaged and displaced the rollers 64 and 66, and the levers 104 and 106 remain in a position blocking any movement of the elements 90. Accordingly, an undersized coin cannot be inserted into the magazine or cylinder 44. However, if the rollers 64 and 66 have previously been deflected to displace the levers 104 and 106, the engagement of the roller 88 by the leading edge of the penny pivots the elements 90 in a clockwise direction (FIG. 5) to remove the obstruction from the inlet means 34 so that the penny can enter the opening 62 in the top plate 30 and drop into the upper opening of the coin storing cylinder 44. When the elements 90 are pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 98 against the action of the spring 100, the link 134 is moved to the left (FIG. 2) to pivot the lever in a counterclockwise direction. This displaces the operator element 132 so that the longer of the contact springs in the switch assembly 124 is moved into engagement with the other contact spring. Thus, the switch assembly 124 is actuated to a closed circuit condition. Further, when the elements 90 are pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, a pair of offset and upwardly extending arms 136 thereon, which are normally disposed in two pairs of aligned openings 133 and 140 in the frame 28 and the top plate 30, respectively, are moved upwardly beyond the upper surface of the plate 30 to obstruct the entrance to the coin inlet 34. This prevents the insertion of additional coins into the inlet means 34 until such time as the coin engaging elements 64, 66, and 88 have been returned to their normal positions.

As the penny moves beyond the rollers 64 and 66 and into engagement with the roller 88, the tension spring 86 pivots the levers 68 and 70 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively, to their normal positions (FIG. 2). With these levers in this position, it is impossible to withdraw the penny from the coin inlet means 34 because the pivot points for the levers 68 and 70 on which the rollers 64 and 66 are mounted are diagonally offset from each other. Thus, when a penny is moved into engagement with these rollers by movement to the left (FIG. 2), the levers 68 and 70 tend to pivot in a direction in which the rollers 64 and 66 bear against the edges of the openings 74. This prevents any separation of the rollers that would permit the withdrawal of the coin. In addition, when the levers 68 and '70 return to their normal positions, the tension spring 118 tends to restore the levers 104 and 106 to their normal positions. However, the inner edges of the lugs 10412 and 1061) now bear against the sides of the elements 90 which have been moved to a position interposed between the lugs 104i) and 106b, and these levers are blocked from return to their normal positions.

When the penny passes beyond the roller 88 and drops through the opening 62 into the cylinder 44, the spring 100 pivots the elements 90 in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 5) to their normal position in which they engage the projecting lug 28a. As the shoulders 90d on the elements 90 drop below the levers 104 and 106, the tension spring 118 returns these levers to their normal positions so that the switch assembly 120 is restored to its normal closed circuit condition. Further, as the elements 90 pivot in a counterclockwise direction, the link 134 moves to the right (FIG. 2) to pivot the lever 136 in a clockwise direction so that the switch assembly 124 is restored to its normal open circuit condition. In the normal positions of the levers 104 and 166, the lugs 104]) and 106k are again interposed between the lower surface of the frame 28 and the shoulders 90d to prevent movement of the roller 88 from its position obstructing passage of a coin through the inlet means 34 to the cylinder 44.

Although any suitable generating means can be controlled by the switch assemblies 120 and 124 to provide a signal indicating the insertion of a coin into the cylinder 44, FIG. 10 of the drawings illustrates a representative circuit for generating a negative-going pulse in response to movement of a penny beyond the roller 88 and into the cylinder 44. The pulse generating circuit includes an output terminal 142 to which the normally closed switch assembly 120 is connected. A capacitor 144 is normally charged to the potential of a battery 146 over a circuit including a series resistor 148 and the closed switch 120. When a penny is inserted into the coin inlet means 34, the switch assembly 120 is opened and the switch assembly 124 is closed. When the switch assembly 124 is closed, the charging circuit for the capacitor 144 is interrupted, and this capacitor is discharged through a resistance element 150. When the penny passes beyond the roller 88 so that the switch assembly 120 is again operated to a closed condition and the switch assembly 124 is opened, the discharge path for the capacitor 144 is interrupted, and the capacitor 144 is charged from the battery 146. The potential drop appearing across the resistance element 148 is applied to the output terminal 142 as a negative-going pulse. Thus, the circuit shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings is controlled by the switch assemblies 120 and 124 to provide a negative-going pulse in response to the passage of a penny through the coin inlet means 34 into the cylinder 44.

Referring now more specifically to the coin ejecting assembly 54 (FIGS. 3-6 and 8), each of these assemblies includes a number of coin ejecting slides equal to the largest number of coins that must be ejected from the coin dispensing means 26 in any single change dispensing operation. One of these slides is capable of operation both by a manually actuated key 152 and under the control of the change computer 24, and the remaining slides, if necessary, are actuated only under the control of the change computer 24. Since the coin receiving and dis pensing assembly illustrated in the drawings is used in the penny denomination and since it is necessary to dispense up to four pennies during a single change dispensing operation, the illustrated assembly 54 includes four coin ejecting slides 154, 156, 158, and 161 that are slidably mounted in spaced parallel positions by a plurality of guide or comb structures 161 (FIG. 4) carried on the frame 28. Each of the slides 154, 156, 158, and 160 includes a coin receiving opening 162, 164, 166, and 168, respectively, that is aligned with the open lower end of the cylinder 44. In the normal condition of the coin ejecting assembly 54 and when an adequate supply of coins is provided in the cylinder 44, a single coin is disposed in each of the coin receiving openings 162, 164, 166, and 168.

The coins disposed in these openings are retained in position by a lower plate 170 which is slidably mounted on the guide structures 161 and which is biased to the normal position shown in FIG. 5 by a tension spring 172 connected between the frame 28 and one end of the slide 170. When the contents of the cylinder 44 are to be discharged, a depending portion 170a of the plate 170 is manually pulled to the right (FIG. 5) and the plate 170 is moved to the right against the action of the spring 172 so that an opening 174 in the plate is moved into alignment with the openings 162, 164, 166, and 168. This permits all of the coins in the cylinder 44 to be discharged. When the slide 176 is released, the spring 172 restores this plate to the position shown in FIG. 5 in which the discharge of coins from the openings 162, 164, 166, and 168 is obstructed.

In operation, the coin ejecting assembly 54 discharges or transfers coins from the cylinder 44 to the outlet funnel 56 by selectively shifting one or more of the slides 154, 156, 158, and 160 from the position illustrated in FIG. 5 to one in which these coin receiving openings are aligned with the opening 174 in the slide 170. The lowermost slide 168 can be shifted to a displaced position either under the control of the change computer 24 or by manual actuation of the key 152, and the remainder of the slides 154, 156, and 158 can be shifted to a displaced position with the openings 162, 164, and 166 aligned with the opening 174 only under the control of the change computer 24.

To provide means for shifting the ejecting slides 154, 156, 158, and 168, each of these plates is provided with an upturned lug at a different spaced position along the inner edge thereof that is coupled to an actuating element. Since the actuating means for all of these slides are identical with the exception of the additional manual actuating means for the lowermost slide 160, only the actuating means for this slide is illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The plate 168 includes an upturned lug 160a (FIGS. 4 and 8) that is disposed within a notch 176 (FIG. 8) formed in the lower end of an arm 178 that is freely pivoted on a shaft 180 secured to the frame 28. Pivotal movement of the arms 178 on the shaft 180 and the spacing of these arms is guided and determined by the engagement of these arms with notches formed in an L- shaped member 179 carried on the frame 28. The arm 178 is normally held in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 by a tension spring 182 that is connected between a pin 184 carried on the arm 178 and a rod 186 that is secured to the frame 28. The normal position of the arm 178 (FIG. 5) is determined by engagement of the righthand edge of the slide 160 with the frame 28.

To provide means for manually shifting the plate 160, the key 152 is provided which is also pivotally mounted on the shaft 186 and which engages the same notch in the member 179 as the adjacent arm 178 (FIG. 3). The key 152 is held in the normal position illustrated in FIG. 5 in which an upper edge of the key 152 engages a rod 188 by a compression spring 190 that extends between the rod 188 and a projecting lug 152a formed integral with the key 152. When the key 152 is depressed to pivot in a clockwise direction (FIG. 5), the edge of the lug 152 bears against the right-hand edge of the arm 178 and pivots the arm 178 in a clockwise direction to move the slide 160 to the left from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. When the slide 160 has been advanced to the position shown in FIG. 6, the coin receiving opening 168 therein is moved into alignment with the discharge opening 174 in the slide 170. Thus, only the coin contained in the opening 168 in the slide 160 is released to fall into the discharge funnel 56. When the key 152 is released, the tension spring 190 pivots the key 152 in a counterclockwise direction into engagement with the rod 188 and the tension spring 182 pivots the arm 178 in a counterclockwise direction to the normal position determined by engagement of the righthand end of the slide 160 (FIG. 5) with the frame 28. When the slide 160 returns to this normal position, the coin contained in the opening 166 in the slide 158 drops into the opening 168 in the slide 160, and the coins in the openings 162, 164 drop to the next lowest opening, the cylinder 44 advancing the lowermost coin in the stack into the opening 162 to the uppermost space 154.

To provide means for selectively shifting the ejecting slides 154, 156, 158, and 160 under the control of the change computer 24, the ejecting assembly 54 includes four separate linkages for selectively connecting the four arms 178 to a common actuating means. When the coin dispensing means 20 is to be actuated, these four transmitting linkages are selectively rendered effective and ineffective under the control of four solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 (FIG. 3) which are selectively energized by the change computer 24 when one, two, three, and four pennies, respectively, are to be dispensed. In the sectional view shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the linkage controlled by the solenoid 194 for dispensing the second penny by shifting the second lowest ejecting slide 158 has been removed to illustrate the details of the linkage controlled by the solenoid 192 for shifting the lowermost slide 160 to dispense a single penny. However, the linkages controlled by all four of the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 are identical.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 of the drawings, each of the linkages includes a lever 260 that is pivotally connected to a link 202 by a pivot pin 204 which is received within an opening 206 in the lever 202 and which is secured to this lever by a washer 268 and a lock washer 210. The link 202 includes an elongated opening 212 for slidably receiving a pin 214 secured to the arm 178. The pin 214 is secured within the opening 212 by a washer 216 and a lock washer 218.

The lever 200 is pivotally mounted on an arm 220 by means of a pivot pin 222 which is secured to an upper end of the arm 22!) and which is received within an opening 224 in the lever 200. A lock washer 226 is mounted on the outer end of the pivot pin 222 to secure the lever 200 in position. The arm 220 includes a U-shaped lower portion 220a that is pivotally mounted on a rod 228 secured between two walls of the main frame 28. An L-shaped member 230, which is also secured between the walls of the frame 28, includes a plurality of notches along one edge of the horizontal portion thereof for slidably receiving the spaced edges of the U-shaped portion 220a so as to guide pivotal movement of the arm 220 and to maintain the four arms 220 in a proper spaced relationship.

The common operating means for actuating selected ones of the arms 178 through the linkages and under the control of the change computer 24 is provided by the outlet funnel 56. This outlet funnel is pivotally mounted on the frame 28 beneath the opening 174 (FIGS. 4-6) by a pair of pins 232 which are pivotally mounted on a pair of lugs 234 depending from the lower wall of the frame 28. A rod 236 positioned within and secured to the upper end of the outlet funnel 56 is pivotally connected to a pair of links 238 that are mounted on the pivot pins 232. The rod 236 is connected to each of the operating linkages in the coin dispensing means 20 by a plurality of links 240. Each of the links 240 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 236 at its lower end and is provided at its upper end with an aperture 242 in which is pivotally received a pin 244 that is secured to one end of the lever 200. A latching plate 246, which is disposed between the link 240 and the lever 200, includes an opening 248 for receiving the pivot pin 244. The link 240, the latching plate 246, and the lever 200 are held in assembled relationship on the pin 244 by a lock washer 250 (FIG. 4). A tension spring 252 connected between each of the latching plates 246 and a rod 254 carried on the frame 28 resiliently biases the outlet funnel 56 and the linkages to the position shown in FIG. 5.

The linkages in the ejecting assembly 54 described above are selectively rendered effective to connect selected ones of the arms 178 for actuation by movement of the outlet funnel 56 under the control of the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 which control the pivotal movements of the arms 220. If a particular one of the arms178 is to be moved, the related arm 220 in the linkage is locked against pivotal movement. On the other hand, if a particular one of the arms 178 is not to be actuated, the arm 220 in the related linkage is freed for pivotal movement. The solenoids 194 and 198 (FIG. 3) for controlling the actuating linkages for the second lowest and top ejecting slides 158 and 154, respectively, are secured to the L-shaped member 230, and the solenoids 192 and 196 for controlling the operating linkages for the lowermost and third slides 160 and 156, respectively, are mounted in a depending relation from an L-shaped member 256 that is secured between the side walls of the main frame 28. The solenoids 194 and 198 control a pair of detent arms 258 and 260 (FIG. 3) which are pivotally mounted on a shaft 262 that is secured to the side walls of the frame 28. The pivoted ends of the detent arms 258 and 260 are maintained in a proper spaced relationship and are guided for pivotal movement by engagement with the walls of aligned notches formed in the ends of the vertically extending portions of the L- shaped members 230 and 256. An intermediate portion of each of the detent arms 258 and 260 is provided with an offset portion 258a and 260a, respectively, that is positioned above the cores or pole pieces of the adjacent solenoids 194 and 198. The detent arms 258 and 260 are also biased to the normal position shown in FIG. 5 by a pair of tension springs 264 connected between the free ends of these arms and an offset portion of a member 266 that is secured between the side walls of the frame 28. The lower end of the vertically extending portion of the member 266 is provided with notches for guiding pivotal movement of the latch arms 258 and 260 and for limiting counterclockwise movement (FIG. 5) of these arms. The outer or free ends of the detent arms 258 and 260 are provided with shouldered or detent portions 258]) and 26021 that are adapted to be moved into interlocking relation with an offset lug 22011 on the related arm 220.

The solenoids 192 and 196 control a pair of detent arms 268 and 270, respectively, which are pivotally mounted on the shaft 262 and which are maintained in a spaced relation and guided for pivotal movement by engagement with notches formed in the members 230, 256, and 266. Each of these arms includes an offset portion, such as the portion 268a (FIGS. 5 and 6), disposed beneath the pole piece or core of the related one of the solenoids 192 and 196 and a shouldered or detent portion, such as detent portion 268b, at its opposite end for cooperating with the offset lug 22017 on the related element 220. Two springs 272 connected between the detent arms 268 and 270 and the member 266 normally bias these arms to the normal position shown in FIG. 5.

When the coin dispensing means 220 is operated under the control of the change computer 24, a selected number of the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 is energized. Assuming that two pennies are to be discharged from the cylinder 44 under the control of the change computer 24, the solenoids 192 and 194 are energized so that the detent arms 268 and 258 are pivoted in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. In this position, the detent portion 268]) on the arm 268 moves into interlocking engagement with the lug 2201) on the related arm 220, and the similar detent portion on the arm 258 moves into interlocking engagement with the lug 2201) on the arm 226 in the second linkage. However, the detent arms 270 and 260 remain in normal position so that the arms 220 associated with these latch arms are free to pivot about the rod 228.

When the change computer 24 has completed its operation and the change is to be dispensed, the outlet funnel 56 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pins 232 so that all of the links 246 in the coin dispensing means 20 are moved downwardly from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. In ejecting assembly 54, the downward movement of the two links 240 in the linkages associated with the solenoids 196 and 198 results in clockwise pivotal movement of the two related elements 220 about the shaft 228 so that the arms 178 connected to the slides 154 and 156 are not moved. However, the two arms 220 associated with the solenoids 192 and 194 are blocked against clockwise rotation so that the downward movement of the two links 240 in these two linkages results in clockwise movement of the two levers 226 about the pivot pins 222 so that the two related links 2&2 move to the left from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. This causes clockwise rotation of the two connected arms 17% about the shaft 18% so that the lowermost two slides 158 and 160 are moved to the position shown in FIG. 6 in which the coin receiving openings 166 and 168 in these two slides are moved into alignment with the opening 174 in the slide 170. This discharges two pennies into the outlet funnel 56 from the cylinder 44 concurrently with the discharge of other coins from the other coin receiving and discharging assemblies in the coin dispensing means 2%. When the outlet funnel Ed is pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 6, a lug 274 (FIGS. 5 and 6) on the outlet funnel engages and operates an actuating element for a switch 276. The switch 276 can supply a reset signal to the change computer 24 so that the energized solenoids 192 and 194 are released.

During downward movement of the two links 24-h associated with the energized solenoids 192 and 194, a notched or shouldered portion 246a on the two latch plates 246 associated with these two links 240 moves into interlocking engagement with a pair of lugs, such as a lug 268s (FIG. 8), on the detent arms 268 and 258 (FIG. 6). When the solenoids 192 and 194 are released and when the outlet funnel 56 is released, the tension springs 152 connected to the two displaced arms 178 and all four of the tension springs 252 act on the four links 249 to move these links upwardly to the normal position shown in FIG. 5 and to pivot the outlet funnel 56 in a clockwise direction about the pins 232 so that the switch 276 is released and the linkages are restored to the normal pos tion shown in FIG. 5. During this movement, the displaced detent arms 258 and 268 are pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by the connected tension springs 26% and 272 and by the upward movement of the latch plates 246 in the two linkages in which the arms 178 were displaced. During this return movement, the shouldered portions 246a on the two effective latching plates 246 are moved out of engagement with the lugs, such as the lug 268a, and the displaced slides 158 and 160 are restored to their normal position by the counterclockwise movement of the two displaced arms 173 under the control of the connected springs 182. When the two slides 158 and 160 are returned to their normal position, two additional coins are discharged from the lower end of the cylinder 44 to fill the coin receiving openings 166 and 16%.

Each of the coin receiving and dispensing assemblies in the coin dispensing means 2t) also includes an assembly for determining the presence of an adequate supply of coins in the associated one of the cylinders 44, 46, 48, 5t), and 52. This assembly is automatically operated in re sponse to each actuation of the slide plate used to discharge a single coin from each of these assemblies into the outlet funnel 56.

In the assembly for receiving and dispensing pennies, the coin detecting means comprises an element 278 (FIGS. 46 and 8) having an intermediate portion that is pivotally mounted on a rod 23-!) secured to the main frame 28. A first upwardly extending portion 282 of the element 278 carries a pin 284 which is connected to a pin 286 on the arm 178 connected to the lowest slide 160 by tension spring 283. A lug 282a on the portion 2822. engages the arm 173 to limit counterclockwise movevrnent of the element 278 about the shaft 280. Accordingly, when the arm 178 is pivoted in a clockwise direction, the bracket 278 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 280 by the spring 238. The element 278 also includes a depending arm 29%) having a protuberance that is aligned with an opening 292 formed in the lower end of the cylinder 44.

When the element 278 is pivoted in a counterclockwise lid direction, the protuberance on the depending arm 290 moves into the opening 292. If an adequate supply of coins is provided in the magazine or cylinder 44, the end of the protuberance on the arm 29% engages the coins and further counterclockwise movement of the element 278 is prevented. The remaining movement of the arm 178 is taken up by elongation of the spring 288. However, if the level of the coins provided in the cylinder 44 has dropped below the lower edge of the opening 292, the protuberance on the arm 29!? is free to enter the interior of the cylinder 44, and the element 273 is pivoted further in a counterclockwise direction. During this further or continuing counterclockwise movement of the element 273, a lug on a second outwardly extending arm 294 on the element 27% engages and operates a switch 296 mounted on the frame 23. The actuation of the switch 296 illuminates a lamp 298 (FIG. 1) to provide a visible indication that the supply of coins in at least one of the cylinders 44, 46, 48, 5G and 52 has become depleted.

Referring now more specifically to the change computer 24, this circuit provides means for controlling the selective energization of the solenoids, such as the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198, in the coin dispensing means 2% to automatically dispense change in accordance with the cents portion of an established charge and the amount of coins tendered by a purchaser. The circuit of the change computer 24 is illustrated in FIG. 9 as a logic diagram in which the components of the circuit are illustrated by logic symbols. The logic symbols comprise blocks with identifying characters therein designating the function performed by the circuit represented by the block. In FIG. 9, logical OR gates are represented by a logical AND gates by an X, bistable switching circuits or flip-flops by a B, bistable counting stages by an F, monostable circuits by an M, pulse delay circuits by a D, and amplifier circuits by an A. In addition, the conductors interconnecting the various: blocks of the logic diagram terminate in triangles indicating the direction of flow of signals over the conductors. Those of the conductors over which pulses are transmitted terminate in open triangles, whereas the conductors over which steady state potentials are applied terminate in solid triangles. Although the various circuit components illustrated by the logic blocks are well known, suitable components of a type that can be used in the circuit shown in FIG. 9 are illustrated and described in detail in two books by R. K. Richards entitled Arithmetic Operations in Digital Computers and Digital Computer Components and Circuits published by D. Van Norstrand Company, Inc.

The change computer 24 includes four counting rings or circuits 390, 3412, 304, and 306 which control the discharge of pennies, dimes and nickels, quarters, and half dollars by the coin dispensing means 20 and which are adapted to store corresponding portions of the cents part of the change to be dispensed. The change computer 24 is so arranged as to dispense the minimum number of coins required to provide the desired amount of change. Therefore, the half dollar counting ring 306 and the quarter counting ring 304 comprise only a single bistable or binary counting stage. The counting rings 308 and 302, which store amounts up to four cents and from five to twenty cents, respectively, each comprise three binary or bistable counting stages. The cents counting ring 3% includes three binary counting stages 307, 393, and 309, and the dimes and nickels counting ring 302 includes three bistable or binary counting stages 311, 312, and 313.

The counting rings 300 and 3% can be of the same general type as the counting circuit registers shown and described in detail in the copending application of Gunnar E. Sundblad, Serial No. 845,873, filed October 12, 1959, which application is assigned to the same assignee as the present application, except that the normal binary counting progression of the three series connected binary counting stages 397 339 and 311-313 is modified so that the application of each fifth operating signal to the input stage Digit Value Complement Digit 0 O X 0 0 0 O X 0 X X 0 X 0 O X 0 0 X X 0 0 X Although the above table illustrates the patterns of conductive conditions in the counting ring 300, the stages 311L313 correspond to the stages 307-309 so that the counting ring 302 provides conductive patterns identical to those shown in the table.

In order to control the operation of the solenoids in the coin dispensing means 20, each of the binary stages in the counting circuits 300, 302, 304, and 306 is connected to one or more of these solenoids either directly or through functional AND or OR gates. Since the change computer 24 is arranged to provide the minimum number of coins required in any amount of change between one cent and ninety-nine cents, only a single control solenoid is provided for dispensing half dollars from the cylinder 52 and a single solenoid for dispensing quarters from the cylinder 50. Accordingly, the output of the single binary stage forming the counting circuit 306 is connected to the control solenoid for dispensing change from the cylinder 52 through an amplifier 3l4, and the output of the single binary stage forming the counting circuit 304 is connected to the single solenoid for dispensing quarters from the magazine 50 through an amplifier 316. The output of the binary stage 311 in the dimes and nickels counting circuit 302 is connected to the single solenoid for dispensing nickels from the cylinder 46 through an amplifier 318. The third stage 313 in the counting circuit 302 is connected through an amplifier 320 to the solenoid for controlling the discharge of the second dime from the cylinder 48 and through an OR gate 322 and an amplifier 324 to the solenoid for dispensing the first or single dime from the cylinder 48. In a similar manner, four amplifiers 336, 338, 340, and 342 connected to the solenoids 198, 196, 194, and 192 in the ejecting assembly 54 are selectively energized under the control of the three counting stages 307-309 through four OR gates 328, 330, 332, and 334 and a single AND gate 326. The amplifiers 336, 338, 340, and 342 energize the connected solenoids in accordance with the value of the binary coded digit stored in the counting ring 300.

FIG. 11 of the drawings illustrates a typical circuit configuration for one of the binary stages in the counting circuit provided in the change computer, such as the binary counting stage 309. The counting stage 309 includes a pair of transistors 344 and 346 having crossconnected base and collector electrodes so that only one or the other of the transistors 344 and 346 can be placed in conduction at any given time. The counting stage 309 is placed in a normal condition by applying a negativegoing pulse through a diode 348 to render the transistor 344 conductive. This places the transistor 346 in a nonconductive condition. In its normal or reset condition, the stage 309 applies ground potential to the base of a transistor 350 which forms a part of the amplifier 336 for energizing the solenoid 198. The more positive potential provided in the reset condition of the binary counting stage 309 renders the transistor 350 nonconductive so that the solenoid 198 is not energized. However, when 16 the counting stage 309 is operated to its alternate conductive state in which the transistor 344 is nonconductive and the transistor 346 is in conduction, a more negative potential is applied to the base of the transistor 350 so that this transistor conducts to energize the winding of the solenoid 198.

When the change computer 24 is placed in operation, all of the counting circuits 300, 302, 304, and 306 are placed in a reset condition in which all of the individual counting stages are in a binary 0 condition. This resetting operation is performed by an OR gate 352 which supplies a negative-going reset pulse under the control of either the cash register 26 or the switch assembly 276 that is operated by the output funnel 56 at the end of each change dispensing operation. The negative-going pulse provided at the output of the OR gate 352 is forwarded to all of the binary counting stages, such as the stage 309, through a plurality of diodes similar to the diode 348. This places all of the counting stages 307409 and 311-313 and the single counting stages forming the counting circuit 304 and 306 in a reset or binary 0 condition, as indicated in the table above.

This reset pulse is also applied to a bistable circuit 354 to operate it to its binary 0 or reset condition and to another bistable circuit 356 to also operate this circuit to its reset condition. The negative-going pulse is further forwarded through an OR gate 358 to reset a bistable circuit 360. The reset pulse also passes through an OR gate 378 to reset a bistable circuit 364. The change computer 24 is now in a condition to receive the cents portion of the charge.

As indicated above, the change computer 24 is provided with the cents portion of a charge or a first amount from an external unit of data handling equipment, such as the cash register 26. Although any suitable signal source can be utilized, the cash register 26 can comprise a unit of the type shown and described in detail in the above identified copending application of Gunnar E. Sundblad or the copending application of Gosta R. Englund, Serial No. 6,522, filed February 3, 1960, which latter copending application is also assigned to the same assignee as the present application. As disclosed in these two copending applications, the cash register 26 includes means operable during a cycle of operation in which a total is established for first operating a signal generator 26a to supply a reset pulse to the OR gate 352. Thereafter, a pair of differentially operable pulse generators 26b and 260 concurrently provide two series of pulses equal in number to the values of the unit cents digit and the ten cents digit, respectively, of the total or first amount. The cash register 26 can also include a pair of signal generating means 26d and 26a actuated in synchronism with the rotation of the main shaft in the cash register 26 for supplying a negativegoing signal for complementing the value standing in the counting circuits 300, 302, 304, and 306 and a signal that is applied to the lowest ordered counting ring 300 to convert the complemented value into a true value in the manner well known in the art.

Assuming that the cash register 26 establishes a total in which the cents portion thereof is seventy-six cents, the signal generator 26a first applies a reset pulse to the OR gate 352 which performs the functions described above. The signal generators 26b and 260 then supply six negative-going pulses and seven negative-going pulses, respectively, representing the units and cents digits 6 and 7. The six negative-going pulses provided by the generator 26b are forwarded through an OR gate 362 to the input of the counting ring 300 so that the binary counting stages 307-309 are operated to a pattern of conductive conditions in which the stage 307 is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 303 and 309 are in a binary 0 condition. When the fifth operating pulse is applied to the counting ring 300 so that it resets to its normal condition, the last stage 309 generates a negativegoing overflow or carry pulse that is applied to the bistable circuit 364 to operate this circuit to its binary 1 condition. The bistable circuit 364 provides a means for delaying a carry from the counting ring 300 into the counting ring 302 until the operation of the counting ring 302 under the control of the signal generator 26c has been completed.

The negative-going pulses from the ten cents signal generator 260 are forwarded through an OR gate 366 to a rnonostable circuit 368. Since the counting ring 302 operates in steps that each represent a monetary increment of five cents, the rnonostable circuit 368 converts each of the pulses supplied by the OR gate 366 into two negative-going pulses that are forwarded through an OR gate 370 to the input of the counting ring 302. Accordingly, the seven pulses provided at the output of the signal generator 260 are converted into fourteen negative-going pulses that are applied through the gate 370 to the input of the counting ring 302. In response to the receipt of these signals, the counting ring 302 is operated to a condition in which the stages 311 and 312 are in a binary condition and the stage 313 is in a binary 1 condition.

When the fifth and tenth negative-going pulses are applied to the input of the counting ring 302, the output stage 313 thereof is shifted from a binary 1 to a binary 0 condition so as to forward two negative-going pulses through an OR gate 372 to the single bistable circuit forming the quarter counting circuit 304. These two pulses operate the counting circuit 304 to a binary 1 condition and then to a binary 0 condition so that a negative-going pulse is forwarded through an OR gate 374 to the input of the single bistable circuit forming the half dollar counting circuit 306. This single negativegoing pulse operates the circuit 306 to a binary l condition.

Following the transmission of the pulses by the generators 26b and 26c, the pulse generator 26d supplies a negative-going pulse to a rnonostable circuit 376 so that this circuit sequentially generates two negative-going pulses on the two output leads thereof. The first of these pulses is forwarded through the OR gate 378 to return the bistable circuit 364 to its binary 0 condition. When the circuit 364 returns to its reset condition, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 370 to the input of the counting ring 302 representing the delayed carry out of the pennies counting ring 300. This negative-going pulse operates the counting ring 302 to a condition in which the counting stage 313 is returned to a binary 0 condition so that all of the stages 311313 are now in this condition.

The change in the conductive state of the counting stage 313 generates another negative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate the single counting stage in the circuit 304 to its binary 1 condition. Thus, the existence of binary 1 conditions in the counting circuits 304 and 306 and the single counting stage 307 in the counting ring 300 provides a conductive pattern representing the first amount of seventy-six cents transferred to the change computer 24 from the cash register 26. It should be noted that if the counting ring 300 has not been operated through a complete cycle of operation to produce a negativegoing pulse for operating the bistable circuit 364 to its binary 1 condition, the first pulse provided by the rnonostable circuit 376 does not have any effect on the register means provided by the counting circuits 300, 302, 304, and 306.

The second pulse generated by the rnonostable circuit 376 converts the first amount stored in the change computer 24 to its complementary value. More specifically, when a negative-going pulse is applied to the second output lead from the rnonostable circuit 376, the circuits 304 and 306 are operated to a binary 0 condition, the counting circuit 302 is operated to a condition 13 in which the stage 313 is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 311 and 312 are in a binary 0 condition, and the counting circuit 300 is operated to a conductive pattern in which the stages 307 and 308 are in a binary 1 condition and the stage 309 is in a binary 0 condition.

The negative-going pulse provided by the monstable circuit 376 is also forwarded through an OR gate 380 to operate the bistable circuit 360 to its binary 1 condition. In this condition, a negative enabling potential is removed from an AND gate 382, and a negative potential is applied to the input of an amplifier 384. The energization of the amplifier 384 causes the illumination of a lamp 386 (FIGS. 1 and 9) to provide an indication that the first amount has been received from the cash register 26 and has been converted to its complementary value. The negative-going pulse from the rnonostable circuit 376 is also applied to the bistable circuit 354 to operate this circuit to its binary 1 condition in which an enabling potential is supplied to the related lead of the AND gate 382.

The signal generator 26e is the cash register 26 now supplies a negative-going pulse through the OR gate 362 to the input of the counting ring 300 so that the series connected counters 300, 302, 304, and 306 are operated to a true complementary value. The negativegoing pulse supplied through the gate 362 to the counting ring 300 operates the counting stages 307 and 303 to a binary 0 condition and the stage 309 to a binary 1 condition. Thus the binary 1 conditions existing in only the counting stages 309 and 313 provides a representation of the true value of the complement of the first amount entered which had a value of seventy-six cents. More specifically, the negative potential provided at the output of the counting stage 309 is forwarded to all four of the amplifiers 336, 338, 340, and 342 so that all of the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 are energized to condition the ejecting assembly 54 for discharging four pennies from the cylinder 44. Similarly, the negative potential provided at the output of the stage 313 is forwarded to the two amplifiers 320 and 324 so that two solenoids for dispensing two dimes from the cylinder 48 are energized. If the outlet funnel 56 is now displaced in the manner described above, twentyfour cents will be dispensed in the form of two dimes and four pennies. This amount is equal to the difference between the first amount or charge of seventysix cents and the value of the lowest denomination bill or note, i.e., a one dollar bill.

The negative-going pulse provided by the generator 26:: is also forwarded through an OR circuit 388, a pulse delay circuit 390, and the OR gate 378 to operate the bistable circuit 364 to its reset or binary 0 condition. In the event that the pulse previously applied by the generator 26e to the input of the counting ring 300 advances this counting circuit to its reset condition so that a carry pulse is applied to the bistable circuit 364, the same pulse is delayed in the circuit 390 and is used to reset the bistable circuit 364 to develop a negative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the gate 370 to the dimes and nickels counting ring 302.

The change computer 25 operates in the manner described above to control the coin dispensing means 20 to discharge two dimes and four pennies as correct change for the first amount of seventy-six cents transferred from the cash register 26 in the event that no coins are tendered in payment for the cents portion of this first amount. If, however, the customer or purchaser tenders coins in varying values to the cashier in payment for the first amount, these coins are inserted through the coin inlets 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42, and the change computer 24 automatically operates to vary the amount of change dispensed by the coin dispensing means 20 in accordance with the total value of the coins tendered.

If the customer tenders coins having a total value less than the cents portion of the charge, the change computer 24 returns an amount equal to the sum of the total value of the coins tendered by the customer and the ditference between the first amount and one dollar. Assuming that the customer tenders fifty-three cents in payment for the seventy-six cent amount transferred from the cash register 26 in the form of three pennies and one half dollar, the cashier advances the half dollar through the coin inlet 42 into the cylinder 52 and the three pennies through the coin inlet 34 into the cylinder 44. The first penny advanced through the coin inlet 34 operates the signal generating means controlled by the switch assemblies 120 and 124, such as the circuit shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, to provide a negative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 362 to advance the counter 300 to a setting in which all of the counting stages 307-309 are in a binary condition and a negative-going carry pulse is supplied to the bistable circuit 364 to operate it to its binary 1 condition. The negative-going pulse at the output of the coin inlet 34 is also forwarded through the OR gate 338, the pulse delay circuit 390, and the OR gate 378 to restore the bistable circuit 364 to it binary 0 condition. This generates a negative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 370 to advance the counting ring 302 a single step. At the end of this single step of operation, all of the counting stages 311-313 are in a binary 0 condition. When the stage 313 restores to a binary 0 condition, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate the counting circuit 304 to a binary 1 condition.

The first negative-going pulse provided at the output of any given one of the coin inlets, such as the coin inlet 34, is forwarded through an OR gate 392 to operate the bistable circuit 356 to its binary 1 condition. This transition in the conductive stage of the circuit 356 forwards a negative-going pulse through the OR gate 358 to operate the bistable circuit 360 to its binary 0 condition. This causes the bistable circuit 360 to remove the negative potential from the input of the amplifier 384 so that the lamp 386 is extinguished and to apply the second enabling potential to the AND gate 382 so that a negative potential is supplied to an amplifier 394. This energizes the amplifier 394 so that a lamp 336 (FIGS. 1 and 9) is illuminated. The termination of the illumination of the lamp 386 and the illumination of the lamp 396 provides a visible indication that at least one coin has been inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

When the remaining two pennies are advanced through the coin inlet 34, the counting circuit 300 is advanced to a setting in which the stage 308 is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 307 and 309 are in a binary 0 condition. When the half dollar is advanced through the coin inlet 42, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to be applied to the input of the counting circuit 306. This operates this counting circuit to a binary 1 condition.

7 At this time, the counting circuits 304 and 306 are both in a binary 1 state, all of the stages 311313 in the counting circuit 302 are in a binary 0 condition, and only the stage 308 in the counting circuit 300 is in a binary 1 condition. Thus, the solenoids 192 and 194 associated with the penny cylinder 44 and the solennoids associated with the quarter cylinder 50 and the half dollar cylinder 52 are operated. If the outlet funnel 56 is mannually operated in the manner described above, one half dollar, one quarter, and two pennies having a total value of seventy-seven cents are dispensed. This equals the sum of the coins inserted (fifty-three cents) and the diiference (twenty-four cents) between the first amount (seventy-six cents) and one dollar. Accordingly, the cashier can return all of the coins dis- 20 charged by the coin dispensing machine 20 to the purchaser in return for the lowest value bill, and no additional mental operations or change making operations are required.

If the correct coin change is supplied by the customer and inserted into the coin dispensing means 20, the change computer 24 prevents the discharge of any coins by the means 20 when the outlet funnel 56 is actuated. Assuming that the customer provides one penny, one quarter, and one half dollar in payment for the seventysix cent charge, the insertion of the first penny through the coin inlet 34 performs the operations described above, and the insertion of the half dollar through the coin inlet 42 advances the counting circuit 306 to a binary 1 condition. The counting circuits 300 and 302 are now in a reset condition, and the counting circuits 304 and 306 are in a binary 1 condition. When the quarter is advanced through the coin inlet 40, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate the counting circuit 304 to a binary 0 condition. This produces a negative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to operate the half dollar counting circuit 306 to a binary 0 condition; Since none of the solenoids in the coin dispensing means 20 are operated, the manual actuation of the outlet funnel 56 cannot result in the discharge of any coins. In addition, when the counting circuit 306 is operated from a binary l to a binary 0 condition, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through a pulse delay circuit 398 and the OR gate 380 to operate the bistable circuit 360 to its binary 1 condition. This removes the negative potential from one input to the AND gate 382 so that the lamp 396 is no longer illuminated. The termination of the illumination of the lamp 396 provides a visual indication that change in at least the amount of the charge has been inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

If the customer supplies coins of a value greater than the cents portion of the charge or first amount, the change computer 24 controls the coin dispenser 20 to return the difference between the value of the coins inserted and the charge. Assuming that the customer provides one half dollar, one quarter, and one dime in payment for the seventy-six cent charge, the insertion of the dime into the cylinder 48 through the coin inlet 38 produces a negative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 392 to perform the functions described above. In addition, this negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 366 to operate the monostable circuit 368 to supply two negative-going pulses through the OR gate 370 to the input of the counting circuit 302. This advances the circuit 302 through two operating steps so that the stage 311 is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 312 and 313 are in a binary 0 condition. The application of the first pulse to the input of the counting circuit 302 also produces a negative-going carry pulse at the output of the stage 313 that is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate the counting circuit 304 to a binary 1 condition. When the quarter is subsequently advanced through the coin inlet 40, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to return the counting circuit 304 to a binary 0 condition. However, this transistion produces a negative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to operate the counting circuit 306 to a binary 1 condition. When the half dollar is advanced through the coin inlet 42, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to return the counting circuit 306 to a binary 0 condition. This transition produces a negativegoing pulse that is again forwarded through the pulse delay circuit 398 to terminate the illumination of the lamp 396 so that a visible indication is produced that coins at least equalling the value of the charge have been inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

At this time, the counting circuit 3%, which was not operated by the coin inlet 3 remains in a condition in which the binary stage 309 is in a conductive condition tocause the energization of all four of the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 associated with the penny cylinder 44-. In the counting circuit 302, the stage 311 is in a binary 1 condition so that the amplifier 313 energizes the solenoid for shifting the single slide plate associated with the nickel cylinder 46. The counting circuits 304 and 306 are in a binary condition. Accordingly, when the outlet funnel 56 is pivoted in the manner described above, one nickel and four pennies are discharged from the cylinders 46 and 44-, respectively, to provide dispensed change in the amount of nine cents. This is equal to the difierence between the seventy-six cent charge and the eighty-five cents inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

Whenever the outlet funnel $6 is manually actuated in the manner described above, the switch assembly 276 is operated to supply a negative-going pulse through the OR gate 352. This negative-going pulse resets all of the counting circuits 3%, 392, 304, and 3% and sets the bistable circuits 354, 356, 360, and 364 to their 0 condition. In this condition, the lamps 386 and 396 are not illuminated.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a single illustrative embodiment thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a coin dispensing apparatus, a plurality of counting circuits, means for supplying signals to less than all of said counting circuits to operate said counting circuits to a setting representing a first amount, coin controlled means for supplying signals to all of said counting circuits to operate said circuits to a setting representing the difference between said first amount and the value of the coins represented by the signals supplied by said coin controlled means, and a coin dispensing mechanism controlled by said counting circuits for dispensing coins in an amount corresponding to said diiference.

2. In a change dispensing apparatus, a plurality of signal responsive counting means operable to different settings representing diiierent monetary amounts, first signaling means for applying signals to said counting means to operate said plurality of counting means to settings representing a first amount, second signaling means including means actuated by engagement with one or more coins for applying signals to said plurality of counting means to operate said counting means to a setting representing the difference between said first amount and the amount represented by said coins, and means controlled by said plurality of counting means for dispensing coins in the amount of said difference.

3. In a change dispensing apparatus, a plural stage counting means operable to different settings representing different amounts, first signaling means for supplying a signal to said counting means to operate said counting means to a setting representing a first amount, second signaling means for supplying signals to said counting means representing a second amount to be subtracted from said first amount, means including means actuated by engagement with a coin of at least one value for operating said second signaling means to operate said counting means to a setting representing the dilference between said first and second amounts, a coin dispensing mechanism including a plurality of separate dispensing control means, and means connecting different ones of said control means in said coin dispensing mechanism to different ones of the stages in said counting means so that said coin dispensing mechanism discharges coins in the value of said difference.

4. In a coin dispensing apparatus, a plurality of electronic counting rings, first circuit means connecting said plurality of counting rings in a series counting chain, first means for supplying a group including less than all of said counting rings with signals to operate said counting chain to a setting representing a first amount, a plurality of separate signal generators each actuated by a difierent valued coin to generate a signal representing the monetary amount corresponding to the value of the corresponding coin, second circuit means connecting said plurality or" signal generators to said counting rings to operate said counting rings to settings representing the difference between said first amount and the monetary amount represented by the signals supplied by said signal generators, and means controlled by said counting rings for dispensing coins corresponding to said difierence.

5. The coin dispensing apparatus set forth in claim 4 including means controlled by the highest denomination counting ring in said counting chain for indicating whether said monetary amount is greater than or less than said first amount.

6. In a coin dispensing apparatus, coin dispensing means for discharging coins of different values less than the value of a bill or note of a given value, a computing means, first control means for supplying said computing means with signals representing a first amount, second control means for supplying said computing means with signals representing the value of tendered coins, and third control means controlled by said computing means for operating said coin dispensing means to dispense coins equal in value to the sum of the total amount of the coins tendered and the difference between said first amount and said given value.

7. In a coin dispensing apparatus, register means including a plurality of pairs of controlled conduction devices operable to alternate conductive states, first signal means for applying signals to said register means to operate the pairs of controlled conduction devices to a first pattern of conductive states representing a first amount, second signal means for applying signals to said register means to operate said pairs of controlled conduction devices to a second pattern of conductive states representing the complement of said first amount, coin dispensing means for dispensing coins of different denominations, and means responsive to said second pattern for operating said coin dispensing means to discharge coins equal in value to the complement of said first amount.

8. In a coin dispensing apparatus, register means including a plurality of pairs of controlled conduction de vices operable to alternate conductive states, first signal means for applying signals to said register means to operate the pairs of controlled conduction devices to a first pattern of conductive states representing a first amount, second signal means for applying signals to said register means to operate said pairs of controlled conduction devices to a second pattern of conductive states representing the complement of said first amount, coin actuated means for supplying coin value representing signals to said register means to operate said pairs of controlled conduction devices to a third pattern of conductive states representing the difference between said first amount and the total value of the coins represented by said coin value representing signals, coin dispensing means for dispensing coins of different values, and means controlled by said pairs of controlled conduction devices for operating said coin dispensing means to dispense coins in accordance with the amounts represented by a selected one of said second and third patterns.

9. In a change dispensing apparatus; register means; first means for operating said register means to a first setting representing an amount of change to be dispensed; control means actuated by coins of different value for operating said register means from said first setting through different settings representing a progressively increasing amount of change, no change, and a progressively increas-

Claims (1)

1. IN A COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS, A PLURALITY OF COUNTING CIRCUITS, MEANS FOR SUPPLYING SIGNALS TO LESS THAN ALL OF SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS TO OPERATE SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS TO A SETTING REPRESENTING A FIRST AMOUNT, COIN CONTROLLED MEANS FOR SUPPLYING SIGNALS TO ALL OF SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS TO OPERATE SAID CIRCUITS TO A SETTING REPRESENTING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAID FIRST AMOUNT AND THE VALUE OF THE COINS REPRESENTED BY THE SIGNALS SUPPLIED BY SAID COIN CONTROLLED MEANS, AND A COIN DISPENSING MECHANISM CONTROLLED BY SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS FOR DISPENSING COINS IN AN AMOUNT CORRESPONDING TO SAID DIFFERENCE.

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