US3150292A - Pulse actuated sequential relay mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 22, 1964 w. o. O'NEAL 3,

PULSE ACTUATED SEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheei 1 bt o ='i Iii? 9 W 3 a L i i i as K L ll 39 n 7 \L I l 38 I I I] 3 5 hi II 3 7 N 23 54 34 INVENTOR: WILBERT O. O'NEAL @XQwL-w ATT'YJ.

Sept. 1964 w. o. O'NEAL 3,150,292

PULSE ACTUATED SEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 41 43 I 47, 43 L all I 43 INVENTOR:

. N E A WIL ERT ATTYS United States Patent 3,150,292 PULSE ACTUATED SEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Wilbert 0. ONeal, 448 S. Kennicott Ave., Arlington Heights, Ill. Filed Jan. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 163,940 11 Claims. (Cl. 317-139) This invention relates to control mechanisms and more particularly to control mechanisms which are particularly well adapted for use in coin-operated vending machines, and the like, for effecting sequential vending of articles from a plurality of stacks or columns.

A primary object of the present invention is to afford a novel control mechanism.

In coin-operated vending machines, and the like, it is often desirable to vend or dispense the same merchandise from a plurality of sources of supply in the machine, such as, for example, from a plurality of stacks or columns therein. In such machines, when the selection of which of the plurality of columns the particular article is dispensed from is controlled by the customer, it presents a service problem. This is caused by the fact that the customers may select the merchandise from primarily one or two of the stacks, so that, unless the serviceman switches the merchandise from one stack to the other in the machine during the servicing thereof, the merchandise in some of the stacks, which are seldom selected by the customers, may become old in storage. It is an important object of the present invention to enable this difliculty to be overcome in a novel, practical, and expeditious manner.

Another object of the present invention is to enable merchandise, or the like, to be dispensed sequentially from a plurality of such stacks in a novel and expeditious manner.

Another object of the present invention is to afford a novel control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of a plurality of actuating mechanisms.

A further object is to afford a novel control mechanism for vending machines, and the like, embodying a plurality of individual vending mechanisms, whereby the operation of the mechanisms may be automatically controlled to eifect sequential operation thereof in a novel and expeditious manner.

Yet another object is to afford a novel electrically operated control mechanism of the aforementioned type.

Another object of the present invention is to afford a novel control mechanism of the aforementioned type, which may be quickly and easily varied to accommodate various numbers of actuating mechanisms.

Another object is to afford a novel control mechanism of the aforementioned type which is practical and efficient in operation and may be readily and economically produced commercially.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and what I now consider to be the best mode in which I have contemplated applying these principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying thesame or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a vending machine including control mechanism embodying the principles of the present invention;

"ice

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the control mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the control mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 5, but showing certain parts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, but showing parts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a modified form of the control mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing parts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position;

*IG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, but showing parts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative positions; and

FIG. 11 is a View similar to FIGS. 8-10, but showing certain parts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position.

A control mechanism 1, embodying the principles of the present invention, is shown in the drawings mounted in a vending machine 2 to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings is of the type which embodies three solenoids 3, 4 and 5, each including a coil or winding 6 and a longitudinally movable core or armature, in the form of an elongated plunger 7, FIGS. 1 and 3. The control mechanism 1 is effective, by sequential energization of the solenoids 3-5, to cause controlled sequential operation of three actuating mechanisms, or the like, as will be discussed in greater detail presently.

In general, the vending machine 2 is of the type which includes a plurality of chambers or compartments 8 from which merchandise, such as, for example, bottles 9 may be stored in individual stacks or columns, with the merchandise being dispensed from each compartment from the bottom of the respective stack therein.

A detailed understanding of the construction and operation of the vending machine 2 is not necessary for an understanding of the invention disclosed herein. It is sufficient, for the purposes of the present disclosure, to statethat the vending machine 2 shown in the drawings, FIG. 1, is of a type wherein the actuating mechanism for vending an article of merchandise from each of the compartments 8 is actuated by a respective solenoid, such as, for example, one of the solenoids 3, 4, 5, associated with that particular chamber 8.

The solenoids 3-5 shown in the drawings are of the type wherein, when the solenoid is energized, the armature 7 thereof is moved upwardly from the normal at-rest positions therefor shown in solid lines in FIGS. 5-7 to the positions shown in broken lines therein, and when the solenoids are deenergized, the armatures 7 thereof are disposed in the aforementioned normal, at-rest positions.

i The actuating mechanism associated with each of the columns 8 of theVending machine 2 is preferably of the type wherein, when the respective solenoid, such as one of the solenoids 3-5 is energized, and the armature 7 thereof moves upwardly, the actuating mechanism for that column 8 is immediately actuated to thereby dispense the lowermost article of merchandise 9 from the bottom of the stack in that column. The energization of the solenoids of the vending machine 2 may be controlled by any suitable, normally open switch 10, FIGS.

- 5-7. The switch 10 may be of any suitable type, such ary contact 18. r

Q as, for example, a manually operable switch, or a coinoperated switch.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in'the art, it

has been common practice in commercial vending machines, and the like, which embodied a plurality of stacks of merchandise to be vended, to leave the selection of the stack from which the merchandise is to be vended to the customer operating the machine. In machines wherein each stack constitutes a different type of merchandise, this does not present any special problem, because the Serviceman, when he services the machine, merely refills, from the top, the stacks of merchandise which have become partially depleted. However, in some commercial vending machines, and the like, embodying a plurality of such stacks of merchandise, it is oftentimes desirable to embody a plurality of stacks of the same identical merchandise, such as, for example, several stacks of a particular beverage which has proven to be especially popular in that particular location. Under these circumstances,,it has been found that where the choice of which of a plurality of stacks one particular type of merchandise is to be vended from is left to the choice of the customer, it creates a servicing problem because the customers may repeatedly vend that mechandise from one particular stack, so that when the Serviceman calls to service the machine, it is necessary for him to shift that particular mechandise from one stack to the other in the machine, in order to have the merchandise vended from the machine on a first-in first-out basis. The novel control mechanism 1 disclosed herein overcomes this difliculty, and affords mechanism by which it may be insured that when the same type of, merchandise is to be vented from a plurality of columns in a vending machine, such as, for example, the vending machine 2 shown in FIG. 1, vending of the merchandise from such stacks is accomplished sequentially, with the vending of each article of merchandise occurring from a different stack than the immediately preceding vending of such an article. In this manner, it is insured that the merchan dise'vended from such a machine will be vended therefrom in a first-in first-out basis, even when that particular, merchandise occupies several columns or stacks in the machine.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 of the drawings, is control rnechanism for sequentially actuating three actuating mechanisms, such as, for example, the

. actuating mechanisms for the first three columns 8, from ranged in a manner which will be described in greater detail presently.

The switches 10, 15 and 16 are o f'types which are available on the market and form no part'of the present invention, except insofar as they form a part of my novel combination. V

The switches 15 and 16 are identical in construction, and each includes two stationary contacts 17 and '18 and a movable contact or pole 19. movable between the stationary contacts 17 and 18 into alternate'engagement :therewith,'FIGS. -7. Each of the switches15 and 16 includes a suitableactuating member such as a button 20, FIG. '2, for the pole 19, the actuating spring member 21 being movablebetweenmr extended position, such as that shown in broken lines in FIG. 2, wherein it is eifective to dispose the-pole piece 19 in engagement with the stationary contact 17, and a depressed position, such as- Each of the switches 15 and 16 also includes an elongated leaf-spring 21 having a lower end portion mounted on a suitable mounting bracket 22 in the lower end portion of the housing 23 of the switch 15 or 16, FIG. 2, with the leaf-spring 21 extending upwardly from the bracket 22 past the push button 2%) in such position that when the spring 21 is disposed in one operative position, such as, for example, the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, it is effective to hold the button 20 in the aforementioned depressed position, and when the spring 21 is disposed in another operative position, such as, for example, the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2, it is effective to permit the button 20 to move outwardly into extended position.

Each of the. switches 15 and 16 also includes a cam 24- mounted on and rotatable with a shaft 25, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 23 of the respective switch 15 or 16. The cam 24 includes four equally spaced, substantially radially projecting lobes 26, each having a notch 27 formed in the outer periphery thereof, FIG. 2. A sprocket wheel 28, having eight-equally spaced teeth 29 projecting outwardly from the periphery thereof, is also mounted on and secured to the shaft 25 for rotation therewith.

Each of the switches 15 and 16 also includes a plunger 3t having an upper end portion '31 slid'ably mounted in two vertically spaced brackets 32 and 33 in the housing 23 thereof, and a lower end portion 34 projecting downwardly from the respective housing 23, FIGS. 2, 3, and

, Each of the switches 15 and 16 also includes a leafspring 35 disposed in substantially upright position in the respective housing 23, with thelower end portion thereof secured by suitable means such'as, for example, a rivet' 36 to one leg 37 of a substantially L-shaped bracket 38, FIG. 2. The other leg'39 of the bracket 33 is mounted on and secured to the upper end portion 31 of the plunger 30 between the brackets 32 and 33. The leaf-spring 35 has a slot 46 formed in the upper end portion thereof, FIGS. 2 and 4, the slot 40 terminating at its upper end in spaced relation to the upper end of the leaf-spring 35 to thereby afford a closed upper end portion 41 on the leaf-spring 35.

In each of the switches 15 and 1s, a compression coil spring 42 is mounted on the upper end portion of the plunger 30 between the bracket 32 and the upper face of the leg 39 of the mounting bracket 38 to thereby urge the bracket 38 and, therefore, the leaf-spring 35 and the plunger 34) downwardly into the position shown in solid line in FIG. 2, wherein the leg 39 rests on top of the bracket 33. This position is the normal, at-rest position of the plunger 39 in the switches 15 and 16.

In the operation of the switches 15 and 16, the plunger 2 3% thereof is longitudinally reciprocated between the FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the leaf-spring 35, is disshown in solid lines in FIG. '2,'wherein it is'etfective to q disposethe pole piece 19 in engagement with the station of a revolution in a counterclockwise direction, as-viewed in PEG. 2; a e

In eachof the switches 15 and 16, the cam 24 is so disposed relative to the leaf-spring 21, that when the plunger 30 is disposed in the aforementioned normal, atrest position, the free end of the leaf-spring 21 is disposed in engagement in either a notch 27 in one of the lobes 26, or is disposed between two adjacent lobes 26. When the leaf-spring 21 is engaged in a notch 27 in one of the lobes 26, it is retained by the cam 24 in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, and when it is disposed between two adjacent lobes 26, it is disposed in the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. It will be seen that each reciprocation of the plunger 30 is efiective to rotate the sprocket wheel 28 and, therefore, the cam 24 one-eighth of a revolution, so that the leaf-spring 21 is alternately disposed in the aforementioned solid line position and broken line position at the end of successive revolutions of the sprocket wheel 28 and the cam 24. Thus, it will be seen that repeated reciprocations of the plunger 30 of each of the switches 15 and 16 is effective to move the pole 19 of the respective switch 15 or 16 alternately into engagement with the stationary contacts 17 and 18 thereof. Also, at the completion of each reciprocation of the plunger 30 of each switch 15 and 16, the cam 24 and, therefore, the sprocket wheel 23 thereof is held against rotation by the leaf-spring 21 engaging either in one of the notches 27 or between the lobes 26.

The solenoids 3-5 in the control mechanism 1 are preferably disposed in spaced, aligned, side-by-side relation to each other, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5-7, with the switch 15 disposed between the solenoids 3 and 4, and the switch 16 disposed between the solenoids 4 and 5. One end 43 of the winding 6 of each of the solenoids 3-5 is electrically connected to the conductor 11 by conductors 44, 45 and 46, respectively, FIGS. 5-7. The solenoids 3-5 also each have another end 47 on their respective windings 6, FIGS. 5-7.

The end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 3 is connected by an electrical conductor 48 to the stationary con tact 17 of the switch 15, FIGS. 5-7. The end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 4 is connected by a conductor 49 to the stationary contact 13 of the switch 15. The end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 5 is connected to the stationary contact 18 of the switch 16 by a conductor 51?. The other stationary contact 17 of the switch 16 is connected by a conductor 51 to the pole 19 of the switch 15. The pole 19 of the switch 16 is connected by a conductor 52 to one side of the normally open switch 16, and the other side of the switch is connected to the conductor 12.

The control mechanism 1 also includes two links 53 and 54, each having an elongated slot or opening 55 in each end portion thereof, the slots 55 extending longitudinally of the longitudinal center lines of the links 53 and 54, FIGS. 5-7. The link 53 extends between the solenoids 3 and 4 andis secured to the lower end portions of the plungers '7 thereof by pins 56 and 57, respectively, which extend through respective ones of the slots 55 in the link 53. Similarly, the link 54 extends between solenoids 4 and 5 and is connected to the lower end portions of the plungers 7 thereof by the pin 57 and a pin 58, respectively, which extends through respective ones of the slots 55 in the link 54. The switches and 16 are so disposed relative to the solenoids 3-5, that the lower ends of the plungers thereof rest on top of the longitudinal central portion of the links 53 and 54, respectively, FIGS. 1, 3 and 5-7. Thus, it will be seen that the springs 42 in the switches 15 and 16 are effective to urge the plungers 7 of the solenoids 3-5 downwardly toward fully extended position. i a

When the solenoids 3-5 are deenergized, the links 53 and 54 are disposed in substantially longitudinally aligned relation to each other, as shown in solid lines in FIGS. .5-7. Energization of the solenoid 3 is effective to rotate the link 53 upwardly around the pin 57 on the solenoid 4 into a raised position such as that shown in broken lines in FIG. 5, to thereby raise the plunger 30 of the switch 15 into fully raised position. Similarly, energization of the solenoid 4, when the links 53 and 54 are disposed in the aforementioned normal at-rest positions, is effective to raise the links 53 and 54 upwardly around the pins 56 and 58 on the solenoids 3 and 5, respectively, into the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 6, to thereby raise the plunger 31 of both the switches 15 and 16 into fully raised position. Likewise, energization of the relay 5, when the links 53 and 54 are disposed in the aforementioned normal at-rest positions, is effective to raise the link 54 upwardly around the pin 57 on the solenoid 4 into the broken line position in FIG. 7, to thereby raise the plunger 30 of the switch 16 into fully raised position. Thus, it will be seen that each time the solenoid 3 is energized and then deenergized, the switch 15 is actuated once; each time the solenoid 4 is energized and then deenergized both of the switches 15 and 16 are actuated once; and each time the solenoid 5 is energized and then deenergized the switch 16 is actuated once.

The poles 19 of the switches 15 and 16 in the control mechanism 1 are always disposed in such position that when the switch 10 is open, and the solenoids 3-5 are deenergized, one of the solenoids 3-5 is connected between the conductor 52 and the conductor 11. Thus, when the conductors 11 and 12 are connected to a suitable source of electric power, and the switch 10 is closed, the solenoid 3, 4 or 5 which is connected between the conductor 11 and the conductor 52 is energized. When the switch 10 is again opened, so that the solenoid 3, 4, or 5, which has been energized is again deenergized, the circuitry between the conductor 11 and the conductor 52 is changed in such a manner that another one of the solenoids 3, 4, or 5 is connected between the conductor 11 and the conductor 52, as will be discussed in greater detail presently.

Thus, for example, in the operation of the control mechanism 1, when the poles 19 of the switches 15 and 16 are disposed in the position shown in FIG. 5, and the links 53 and 54 are disposed in normal at-rest position, with the conductors 11 and 12 connected to the opposite sides 13 and 14 of the aforementioned suitable power source, closure of the switch 10 is effective to energize the solenoid 3, the circuit for efiiecting this extending from the side 14 of the power source, through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 of the switch 15, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor 48, the winding 6 of the solenoid 3, the conductor 44, and the conductor 11, to the other side 13 of the power source. It will be remembered that such energization of the solenoid 3 is effective to raise the link 53 upwardly around the pin 57 on the solenoid 4, to thereby raise the plunger 30 of the switch 15 into fully raised position. Subsequently, when the switch 10 is again opened, the resulitng downward movement of the plunger 30 of the switch 15 is efiective to rotate the sprocket wheel 28 and the cam 24 through one-eighth of a rotation, in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to thereby move the pole 19 of the switch 15 from its engagement with the stationary contact 17 into engagement with the stationary contact i the switch 15, as shown in FIG. 6. This movement of the pole 19 of the switch 15 is effective to break the connection between the solenoid 3 and the conductor 52, and to connect the solenoid 4 to the conductor 52. Hence, closure of the switch 10 is then effective to energize the solenoid 4, this circuit extending from the side 14 of the power source, through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conduotor 51, .the pole 19 of the switch 15, the stationary contact 18 of the pole 15, the conductor 49, the winding 6 of the solenoid 4, the conductor 45, and the conductor 11 to the other side 13 of the power source.

This energization of the solenoid 4, it will be remem- 7 bered, is effective to pivot the links 53 and 54upwardiy around the pins 56 and 58, respectively, into the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 6. Such movement of the links 53 and 54 is effective to raise the plungers 36 of both the switches 15 and 16 into fully raised position, and subsequently, when the switch 10 is again opened to thereby deenergize the solenoid 4, the resulting downward movement of the plungers 39 of the switches 15 and 16 is etiective to move the pole pieces thereof from the 7 position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7, wherein the pole piece 19 of the switch 15 is now again engaged with stationary contact 17, and the pole 19 of the switch 16 is engaged with the stationary contact 18.

This latter positioning of the pole pieces 19 of the switches 15 and 16 is effective to disconnect the solenoid 4 from the conductor 52, and to connect the solenoid 5 between theconductor 11 and the conductor 52. Hence, when the switch is again closed, the solenoid 5 is energized, the circuit for accomplishing this extending from the side 14 of the power source through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 1% of the switch 16, the contact 18 of the switch 16, the conductor 56, the winding 6 of the solenoid 5, the conductor 46, and the conductor 11 to the other side 13 of the power source. This energization of the solenoid 5 and the subsequent deenergization thereof, when the switch 16 is again opened, is effective to rotate the link 53 upwardly into the raised position shown in FIG.7 and then back down into the normal at-rest position shown in solid lines in EEG. 7,

I to thereby actuate the switch 16, and move the pole piece 19 thereof back into engagement with the stationary contact 17. This it will be seen again positions the switches and 16 in the same position as shown inFIG. 5, so that the solenoid 3 is again connected between the conductor 11 and the conductor 52 and will again be encrgized upon the next closing of the normally open switch 10.

, Thus, it will be seen that my novel control mechanism 1 is so constituted and arranged that repeated actuation of the normally open switch 10 is automatically etfective to sequentially energize the solenoids 3-5. In a device such as, for example, the vending machine 2 shown in the drawings, this means that the actuating mechanism actuated by or by controlled by the solenoids 3-5 are likewise sequentially actuated. Hence, the control mechanism 1 shown in the drawings aifords an effective control mechanism for insuring a sequential operation of three units such as, for example, the dispensing units of adjacent stacks or columns of merchandise in a vending machine, such as the vending machine 2 shown in the drawings.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings merely embodies three solenoids 3-5. "However, my' invention is not limited to control mechanisms embodying merely three' solenoids, and a control mechanism embodying any plurality of solenoids may be constructed without departing from the purview of my invention. In each such construction, one less single-pole double-throw switch than the number of solenoids is used, with each switch disposed in such position that it may be actuated by a respective pair of solenoids.

7 Thus, for example, in FIGS. 8-11, the modified form of the present invention is shown wherein the control mechanism 59 shown therein embodies the same structure as thecontrol mechanism 1, with a solenoid 6t} and associated mechanism added thereto. The control mechanism 59, like'the control mechanism 1, includes three solenoids 3-5, two single-pole double-throw switches 15 corresponds to control mechanism 1, are that: the conductor 43 is not connected between the stationary conductor 1'7 of the switch 15 and the end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 4, but is connected between the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15 and the pole 19 of the newly added single-pole double-throw switch 61, which is identical in construction to the switches 15 and 16; and thestationary contact 18 of the newly added switch 61 is connected by a conductor 62 to the end 47 of the windings 6 of the solenoid 4. The stationary contact 17 of the switch 61 is connected by a conductor 63 to the end 47 of the wind ng of the solenoid 60, the end 43 thereof being connected to the conductor 11 by a conductor 64.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 8-11, the solenoid 60 is disposed adjacent to the solenoid 3, with the switch 61 disposed between the solenoids 60 and 3. A new link 65 which is identical in construction 7 to the links 53 and 54 is secured 'by a pin 66 to the lower end of the plunger 7 of the solenoid 66, and by the pin 56 to the. lower end of the plunger '7 of the solenoid 3.

In the operation of the control mechanism 59 shown in FIGS. 8-11, the solenoids 66, 3, 4, and 5 are sequentially energized in that order by repeated actuations of ra'tusfshown in FIGS. 8-11 is the same as the corre- V sponding' apparatus of the control mechanism 1, shown in FIGS. 5-7, except for that portion to the left of switch 15 as viewed in FIGS, 8-11. Thechangcs in the cirthe normally open switch 11), with the solenoid 60 being energized after the solenoid 5 to start a new cycle of operation. Thus, for example, with the poles 19 of the switches 61, 15, and 16 disposed in the positions shown in FIG. 8, closure of the switch 10 is effective to energize the solenoid 61), the circuit for this extending from the side 14 of the power source through the conductor 12, the switch 14), the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 of the switch 15, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor 48, the pole 19 of the switch 61, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 61, the condutcor 63, the winding 6 of the solenoid 60, the conductor 64, and the conductor 11 to the other side 13 of the power source. The upward and downward movement of the link 65 efiected by the energization and subsequent deonergization of the solenoid 61) is effective to actuate the'switch 61 to thereby move the'pole 19 thereoffrom engagement with the stationary contact 17 into engagement with stationary contact 18, as shown in FIG. 9.

With-this new positioning of the switches 61, 15, and 16, closure of the normally open switch 16 is effective to energize the solenoid 3, the circuit for so doing as shown in FIG. 9, extending from the side 14 of the power source, through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 of the switch 15, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor 48, the pole 19 of the switch 61, the stationary contact 18 of the switch 61, the conductor 62, the winding 6 of the solenoid 3, the conductor 44, and the conductor 11 to the other side 13 of the gization of the solenoid 3 is effective to raise and lower both the link 65 and the link 53 to thereby actuate both the switch 61 and the switch 15. The actuation of the switches 61 and 15 is effective to move the pole 19 of the switch 61 back into engagement with the stationary contact 17 thereof, and to move the pole 19 of the switch 15 into engagement with the stationary contact 18 ofthe latter switch. V

, The next two actuations of the normally open switch 11 is eiiective to energize the solenoids 4 and 5, the circuitry for the operation of the solenoids 4' and 5, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, being the same as the circuitry for the same energization thereof when the. solenoids are disposed in the control mechanism 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,'respectively. The energizationand deenergization of the solenoid 5, is eifeetive to actuate The subsequent energization and deeneri 3 shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 8, to thereby complete the cycle of operation and dispose the control mechanism 59 in condition to start a new cycle of operation as shown in FIG. 8.

It will be seen that with my novel control mechanism, additional solenoids may be readily added thereto, by merely adding a new solenoid, and a new single-pole, double-throw switch to the end of the line of solenoids opposite to the end at which the switch, such as the switch 16, is disposed, which is connected to the normally open switch 10; changing the connection of the single-pole, double-throw switch adjacent to the new such switch from the end 47 of the winding 6 of the previous outermost solenoid 3, 4, or 5 at that end of the line of solenoids, to the pole 19 of the new switch, such as, for example, changing the connection of the conductor 48 from the end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 3 to the pole 19 of the newly added switch 61; connecting one stationary contact, such as the contact 18 of the new switch, such as the switch 61, to the thus vacated end 47 of the winding 6 of the previous endmost solenoid, such as the switch 3; adding a new link, such as the link 65, between the newly added solenoid and the adjacent previously endmost solenoid; and connecting the newly added solenoid to the newly added switch and to the line 11 in the same manner as the adjacent solenoid had previously been connected to the conductor 11 and its respective switch.

Similarly, it will be seen that the number of solenoids embodied in my novel control mechanism may be reduced in number to any plurality of such solenoids by: removing the links and switches at the end of the line of solenoids opposite the end to which the switch which is connected to the switch 10 is disposed; removing the links directly connected to the thus removed solenoids; and connecting the then free end of the conductor, such as the conductor 51 or 48, which had previously been connected to the pole 19 of the last one of the single pole double-throw switches to be removed to the end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid which had been disposed adjacent to the solenoids which are being removed from the control mechanism.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein as embodying electrically actuated solenoids and switches, this is merely by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, and other devices may be substituted therefor without departing from the purview of the present invention. Thus, for example, electric motors, operable to reciprocate the plungers 7 could be substituted for the solenoids 3-5 and 6d; and the electrical conductors 11 and 12 could be changed to exhaust conduits and pressure conduits, respectively, for air or hydraulic fluid, the solenoids 3-5 and 60 could be changed to air motors or hydraulic motors, the switches 15, 15, and 61 could be changed to suitable three-way valves, and the conductors 44-46, 4842, and 62454 could be changed to air or hydraulic conduits without departing from the purview of the broader aspects of the present, invention.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention affords a novel control mechanism for sequentially effecting the actuation of a plurality of devices.

In addition, it will be seen that the present invention aliords novel control mechanism which is practical and efiicient in operation, and which may be readily and economically produced commercially.

Thus, while I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that these are capable of variation and modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, but desire to avail myself of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.

I claim:

l. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devices comprising a plurality of movable members operable upon movement to actuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality of drive members operatively connected to respective ones of said movable members for moving the latter upon energization of said drive members, a source of power for energizing said drive members, selector means for sequentially connecting said drive members to said source of power to thereby sequentially move said movable members, said means including control means operatively connected to said drive members, and actuating means operatively connected-to said drive members and said control means for actuating said selector means upon actuation of each of said movable members.

2. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devices comprising a plurality of reciprocablc elongated plungers operable upon reciprocation to actuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality of drive members operatively connected to respective ones of said plungers for so reciprocating the latter upon energizetion of said drive members, a source of power for energizing said drive members, and means for sequentially connecting said drive members to said source of power to thereby sequentially reciprocate said plungers, selector means operatively connected to said plungers and said source of power, and actuating means operatively connected to said plungers and said selector means for actuating said selector means upon actuation of each of said plungers.

3. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devices comprising a plurality of movable members operable upon movement to actuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality of drive members operatively connected to respective ones of said movable members for moving the latter upon energization of said drive members, a source of power for energizing said drive members, and means for sequentially connecting said drive members to said source of power to thereby sequentially move said movable members, said means including selector means operatively connected to said drive members, and a plurality of links, each of said links eing operatively connected to an adjacent pair of said movable members for actuation thereby, and means operatively connecting said links to said selector means for actuation of the latter upon actuation of said links by said movable members.

4. A control mechanism comprising two electrical conductors, a plurality of more than two solenoids, and means for sequentially electrically connecting said solenoids across said conductors, said means comprising switch means operatively connected to said solenoids, and a plurality of links, each of said links being operatively connected to an adjacent pair of said solenoids for actuation thereby, two of said solenoids being connected to a respective single link, and means operatively connecting said links to said switch means for actuation of the latter upon actuation of said links by said solenoids.

5. A control mechanism comprising a plurality of more than two solenoids, one end of the windings of each of said solenoids being electrically connected to acommon conductor, a plurality of switches, said switches being one less in number than said solenoids, said switches being electrically connected to each other and to said solenoids, another electrical conductor, a normally open switch electrically connected between said other conductor and said first-mentioned switches, and movable means operatively connected to said first-mentioned switches and disposed in position to be actuated by said solenoids upon energization of said solenoids for sequentially actusaid. conductors are connected to opposite sides of a source of electric power.

6. In an electrical system including two conductors l l connected to opposite sides of a source of electric power, a control mechanism comprising a line of more than two solenoids disposed in side-by-side spaced relation to each other, a line of single-pole double-throw switches, said switches being one less in number than said solenoids, each of said switches being disposed between a respective pair of said solenoids and including two stationary contacts and a pole movable between said contacts, one end of the windings of said solenoids being electrically connected to one of said conductors, one stationary contact of one of the end ones of said switches being electrically connected to the other end of said winding of the adjacent solenoid disposed outwardly of said one switch, the other stationary contact of each of said switches being electrically connected to said other end of said winding of arespective adjacent one of the other of said solenoids, a normally open switch, said pole of the one of said switches at the other end of said line of switches from said firstmentioned one switch being electrically connected to one side of said normally open switch, the other side of said normally open switch being connected to the other one of said conductors, said one contact of each of said firstmentioned switches other than said first-mentioned one switch being connected to the pole of the switch disposed adjacent thereto in the direction of said first-mentioned one switch, said poles of said first mentioned switches being disposed in position to connect only one of said solenoids between said one conductor and said one side of said normally open switch when said normally open switch is open, and actuating means operatively connected to said solenoids and said first-mentioned switches in position to actuate said switches in such order as to sequentially disconnect said solenoid connected to said one side of said normally open switch and connect a respective other one of said solenoids to said one side of said normally open switch and connect a respective other one of said solenoids to said one side of said normally open switch each time said normally open switch is closed and then opened.

7. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating means comprises means operatively connected to said poles and to said solenoids for shifting said poles between said stationary contacts upon energization of said solenoids. I

8. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating means comprises a plurality of links operatively disposed relative to said solenoids for actuation thereby, said links being operatively connected to said first-mentioned switches for actuating the latter upon said actuation of said links.

9. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating means comprises a plurality of links, said links being one less in number than said solenoids, eac of said links being operatively connected to a respective adjacent pair of said solenoids for actuation thereby, and each of said links being operatively connected to the pole piece of a respective one of said switches for moving said pole piece from one to another of said stationary contacts of said switch upon said actuation of said respective link.

10. A control mechanism comprising two electrical conductors each adapted to be connected to a respective side of a source'of electric power, three solenoids, one

end of the windings of each of said solenoids being connectedto one of-said conductors, control means cona of said two switches having two stationary contacts and a movable contact movable between said stationary contacts, one of said stationary contacts of each of said two switches being connected to said other end of. said winding of a respective one of two said solenoids, the other of said stationary contacts of one of said two switches being connected to said other end of said winding of the third of said solenoids, the other or" said stationary contacts of the other of said two switches being connected to said movable contact of said one switch, said movable contact of said other switch being connected to one side of said normally open switch, the other side of said normally open switch being connected to said other conductor, and means connected to said solenoids and said movable contacts and operable by said solenoids for actuating said two switches and se uentially connecting said solenoids to said one side or" said normally open switch.

11. A control mechanism comprising two electrical condoctors, first, second and third solenoids, one end of the winding of each of said solenoids being electrically connected to one of said conductors, control means electrically connected between the other end of all of said windings and the other of said conductors for controlling electrical connection of said solenoids to said other conductor, said control means including first and second switches, and a normally open switch, each of said first and second switches having two stationary contacts, and a movable contact movable between said stationary contacts, said stationary contacts of said first switch being electrically connected to said other end of said winding of said first and second solenoids, respectively, said stationary contacts of said second switch being electrically connected to said movable contact of said first switch and to said other end of said winding of said third solenoid, respectively, one side of said normally open switch being electrically connected to said movable con tact of said second switch, and the other side of said normally open switch being electrically connected to said other conductor, said movable contacts at all times when said normally open switch is open being disposed in such position that one of said solenoids is electrically conneted to said one side of said normally open switch whereby closing of said normally open switch is effective to energize said last-mentioned solenoid when said conductors are-connected to a source of electric power, and means operatively connected to said solenoids'and said first and second switches and operable by said solenoids upon energization thereof for actuating said first and second switches upon each closing of said normally open switch to thereby sequentially connect said solenoids one at a time to said one side of said normally open switch, said last-mentioned means comprising two elongated links, said movable contact of said first switch being operatively connected to one of said links for actuation thereby upon actuation of said one link, said movable contact of said second switch being operatively connected to the other of said links for actuation thereby upon actuation of said other link, said one link being operatively connected to said first and second solenoids and actuat- References Cited in the ille of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 'Aiken c Nov. 7, 0 Salati l June 28, 1955

Claims (1)

1. A CONTROL MECHANISM FOR EFFECTING SEQUENTIAL OPERATION OF DEVICES COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF MOVABLE MEMBERS OPERABLE UPON MOVEMENT TO ACTUATE RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID DEVICES, A PLURALITY OF DRIVE MEMBERS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO RESPECTIVE ONES OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS FOR MOVING THE LATTER UPON ENERGIZATION OF SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, A SOURCE OF POWER FOR ENERGIZING SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, SELECTOR MEANS FOR SEQUENTIALLY CONNECTING SAID DRIVE MEMBERS TO SAID SOURCE OF POWER TO THEREBY SEQUENTIALLY MOVE SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS, SAID MEANS INCLUDING CONTROL MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, AND ACTUATING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE MEMBERS AND SAID CONTROL MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID SELECTOR MEANS UPON ACTUATION OF EACH OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS.

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