US3292834A - Stamp dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Stamp dispensing apparatus Download PDF

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US3292834A
US3292834A US439012A US43901265A US3292834A US 3292834 A US3292834 A US 3292834A US 439012 A US439012 A US 439012A US 43901265 A US43901265 A US 43901265A US 3292834 A US3292834 A US 3292834A
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shaft
housing
stamp
rotation
stamps
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US439012A
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Earl A Beck
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65CLABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C11/00Manually-controlled or manually-operable label dispensers, e.g. modified for the application of labels to articles
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/15Intermittent grip type mechanical movement
    • Y10T74/1526Oscillation or reciprocation to intermittent unidirectional motion
    • Y10T74/1553Lever actuator
    • Y10T74/1555Rotary driven element

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to improved apparatus for dispensing stamps. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to an improved stamp dispenser adapted to be operated in response to an electrical pulse.
  • coin-operated washing machines and dryers have been available for a number of years wherein a person, upon deposit of the appropriate number of coins, can wash and dry a given quantity of clothing. More recently, establishments having coin-operated washers and dryers have added dry cleaning machines for the use of their customers. Even more recently, self-service car washing machines have been made available in most localities. The car washing machines are also operable upon deposit of the appropriate number of coins therein.
  • trading stamps For a number of years, it has been a common merchandising practice, in an attempt to induce customers to shop at a given retail outlet, to provide those customers with trading stamps; the number of trading stamps being generally based upon the dollar amount of the purchase.
  • the trading stamps are redeemable for various types of merchandise,
  • stamp dispenser of this invention includes a housing having an energy storing means located therein and means responsive to the electrical pulse to actuate said energy storing means.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an improved stam-p dispenser including means for selecting the number of stamps to be dispensed in response to an electrical pulse.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved stamp dispenser including locking means where- 'by stamps cannot be manually pulled from the stamp dispenser.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide an improved stamp dispenser that accurately and consistently dispenses only the selected number of stamps.
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partly in elevation and partly in cross-section, of a stamp dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view partly in cross-section and partly in elevation, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the stamp dispenser of FIG. 1 having the side cover removed therefrom;
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, 'but showing the stamp dispenser in another operating position.
  • the stamp dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that has a removable side cover 14.
  • a solenoid 20 is mounted between the support plates 16 and 18 and includes an armature 22 reciprocally mounted therein.
  • An electrical lead wire 24 is connected with the solenoid 20 and extends through the housing 12 for connection with a source of electrical energy (not shown).
  • a second lead wire 26 extends from the solenoid 20 through the case 12 for connection with an electrical impulse transmitting means (not shown).
  • the armature 22 is pivotally connected with one end of a lever 28 that has it opposite end pivotally connected with a link 30.
  • the lever 28 is pivotally connected near its medial portion with one end of a link 32 that has its opposite end rotatably mounted on a shaft 34 extending between the support plates 16 and 18.
  • the link 30 is connected with a tension spring 36 that is, in turn, connected with the case 12.
  • the opposite end of the link 30 is pivotally connected by a pin 38 with a portion 40 of an indexing or over-running clutch 42.
  • the upper surface of the link 30 is provided with an arcuate portion 44 that is provided to avoid interference between the link 30 and clutch 42 during operation of the dispenser 10.
  • the link 30 also includes a depending end portion 46 that is pivotally connected with one end of a connecting link 48.
  • the opposite end of the connecting link 48 is pivotally connected with the lower end of a lock arm 50.
  • the lock arm 50 is arranged to pivot freely about a shaft 52 that extends between the support plates 16 and 18.
  • the lock arm 50 is provided with a protuberance 53 forming a recess or notch 54 on the side thereof adjacent the connecting link 48 for purposes which will become more apparent hereinafter.
  • the clutch 42 also includes a second portion 56 attached to and rotatable with a shaft 58 that is journaled in the support plates 16 and 18.
  • the clutch 42 is commercially available and is so counter-clockwise direction, as seen in FIGQ Z, will not rotate the second portion 56.
  • rotation of the portion 40 in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 2 transmits rotation to the second portion 56 and, consequently, to the shaft 58.
  • a relatively small gear 60 is mounted on the shaft 58 adjacent the support plate 16 and a relatively large gear 62 is mounted on the shaft 58 between the clutch 42 and the gear 60.
  • the gears 60 and 62 are attached to the shaft 58 so that rotation of the second portion 56 of the clutch 42 results in the rotation of the gears.
  • the gear 62 is in mesh with a relatively small gear 64 mounted on a shaft 66 that is journaled-in the support plates 16 and 18.
  • a gear 68 is mounted on the shaft 66 relatively near the support plate 18 meshing with a small gear 70 that is mounted on a shaft 72.
  • the shaft 72 is also journaled in the support plates 16 and 18, and extends through the support plate 18 to carry a flywheel that is generally designated by the reference character 74.
  • the flywheel 74 includes a flange member 76 pinned to the shaft 72. One surface of the flange member 73 is coated with a friction material 78.
  • the flywheel 74 also includes a pair of identical, though oppositely disposed discs 80 rotatably positioned on the shaft 72 by a plurality of fasteners 82.
  • Each of the disc members 80 includes a peripheral flange 84 arranged in abutting relationship to define a hollow interior 86 encompassing the flange member 76.
  • a plurality of springs 88 Disposed in the interior 86 is a plurality of springs 88 that are engaged with one of the disc members 80 and with the flange member 76 whereby the frictional material 78 is 'biased into frictional engagement with one of the disc members 80.
  • the arrangement is such that the flywheel 74 will rotate with the shaft 72, but if the shaft 72 should cease rotating while the flywheel 74 is spinning very rapidly, the disc member 80 will rotate relative to the flange member 76 thereby preventing the imposition of undue stress on the shaft 72.
  • the gear 60 mounted on the shaft 58 as previously described, is in engagement with a gear 90 that is mounted on a shaft 92 journaled in the support plates 16 and 18 and extending through the support plate 18.
  • a drive disc 94 is mounted on the shaft 92.
  • the drive disc 94 is illustrated as having two drive pins 96 mounted thereon. While two drive pins 96 are illustrated, it should be understood that only one is required and that any number of drive pins up to the capacity of the drive disc 94 may be installed thereon.
  • a lock pin 98 mounted on the drive disc 94 is a lock pin 98 that is illustrated in dash line-s because it is located on the opposite face of the drive disc 94.
  • the lock pin 98 is sized and positioned on the drive disc 94 to engage the notch 54 in the lock arm 50 for purposes which will become more apparent hereinafter.
  • the drive pins 96 are engageable with the teeth of a drive gear 100 that is mounted on the shaft 52.
  • the drive gear is provided with six teeth and as a result of the arrangement of the drive pins 96, the gear 100 will be rotated one-sixth (Me) of a turn in response to the movement of one drive pin 96 thereby.
  • a lock wheel 102 mounted on the shaft 52 is a lock wheel 102 that includes a plurality of recesses 104 in the periphery thereof.
  • a look pawl 106 is mounted for movement with a shaft 108 that is journaled in the support plates 16 and 18. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the lockpawl 106 v
  • a cam arm 114 is mounted for rotation with the shaft 108 and the lock pawl 106. The cam arm 114 extends downwardly from the shaft 108 and carries on its lower end a cam roller 116.
  • the cam arm 114 is located relatively near the support plate 18 and the cam roller 116 is arranged to engage the drive pins 96 carried by the drive disc 94 whereupon the cam arm 114 and the lock pawl 106 are biased relatively away from the lock wheel 102.
  • a stamp feed wheel generally designated by the reference character 118 is mounted on the end of the shaft 52 extending through the support plate 18.
  • the stamp feed wheel 11 8 consists of an inner cylindrical member 120 that is attached to the shaft 52 and an outer member 121 having a peripheral flange 122 thereon defining an interior sized to receive the inner cylindrical member 120.
  • a web 124 extends across the outer member 12 1.
  • a plurality of fasteners 126 extend through the web 124 into threaded engagement with the inner cylindrical member 120 to hold the outer member 121 thereon.
  • the peripheral flange 122 of the stamp feed wheel 118 is provided with a plurality of annular grooves 128 and with a plurality of radially extending spaced, stamp engaging pins 130.
  • an inner stamp guide 132 encircles a portion of the periphery of the stamp feed wheel 118 for the purpose of permitting perforated stamps 133 from becoming disengaged from the stamp feed wheel 118.
  • the stamp guide 132 is pivotally supported on the shaft 92 as illustrated therein.
  • An outer stamp guide 134 is pivotally supported on the support plate 18 by a pin 136.
  • the stamp guide 134 includes a pair of spaced arms 138 (see FIG. 1) that extend into the recesses 128 of the stamp feed wheel 118.
  • the arms 138 extend under the stamps 133 and under the forward end of the stamp guide 132 to insure that the stamp 133 will feed through an aperture .140 located in the housing 12. Also, the guide 132 and 134 cooperate by their overlapping relation to assure that no stamps other than those dispensed by actuation of the dispenser 10 can be removed therefrom.
  • the width of the feed wheel 118 and guides 132 and 134 is determined by the width of the stamps 133 or the number of rows of stamps to be dispensed.
  • the stamps 133 are contained in the dispenser 10 on 1 a reel 142 that is rotatably mounted on a shaft 144 attached to the support plate 18. As may be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, the reel 142 includes a peripheral portion 146 adapted to receive the stamps 133 and a web portion 148 extending thereacross.
  • stamp guides 156 and 158 that are rotatably. mounted on the support plate 18.
  • the stamp guides 156 and 158 are arranged to guide the stamps 133 from the reel 142 into proper alignment with the stamp feed wheel 118.
  • a spring cm circles the shaft 144 and is compressed between the sup- An electrical pulse transmitted through the lead wire 26 energizes the solenoid 20 moving the armature 22 into the position shown in FIG. 4.
  • the movement of the armature 22 pivots the lever 28 moving the lower end thereof relatively away from the spring 36, extending the spring 36 and moving the link 30 relatively toward the opposite end of the housing 12.
  • Movement of the link 30 rotates the clutch portion 40 in a counter-clockwise direction and relative to the second clutch portion 56 so that no totation is transmitted to the shaft 58.
  • movement of the link 30 moves the connecting link 48 and the attached lock arm 50 relatively toward the end of .the housing 12, pivoting the lock arm 50 about the shaft 52 and disengaging the notch 54 from the lock pin 98.
  • the disengagement of the notch 54 from the lock pin 98 releases the drive disc 94 for rotation.
  • the speed of rotation of the shaft 58 is multiplied due to the size and arrangement of the gears 62, 64, 68 and 70, whereby the flywheel 74 is rotated at a relatively high rate of speed. Due to the mass of the flywheel 74, a considerable amount of inertial energy will be stored therein.
  • lock pawl 106 remains in engagement with the lock wheel 102 until the drive pins 96 engage the cam roller 116 moving the cam arm 114 outwardly.
  • Rotation of the shaft 108 moves the lock pawl 106 outwardly disengaging the foot 110 thereof from the recess 104 of the lock wheel 102.
  • the drive gear 100 is rotated, rotating the shaft 52 therewith.
  • the stamp feed wheel 118 is sized so that one row of stamps 133 is dispensed for each drive pin 96 inserted in the drive disc 94. Therefore, since two drive pins 96 are illustrated, two rows of stamps 133 are dispensed for each full revolution of the drive disc 94.
  • the energy imparted by the movement of the link 30 in response to the closure of the spring 36 is stored in the rapidly spinning flywheel 74 even though movement of the link 30 has ceased.
  • the gear trains continue to rotate as described so that the drive disc 94 continues to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the drive disc 94 is arrested when the lock pin 98 again engages the notch 54 in the lock arm 50 that has been returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 upon closure of the spring 36.
  • the cam arm 114 is biased relatively toward the right end of the housing 12 moving the lock pawl 106 into engagement with the lock wheel 102 as the lock wheel 102 rotates.
  • the foot of the lock pawl 106 engages a recess 104 in the lock wheel 102 preventing further rotation thereof.
  • the dispenser 10 is now in the position described at the beginning of a stamp dispensing cycle.
  • the dispenser 10 will accurately and consistently dispense the number of or rows of stamps consistent with the number of drive pins 96 that are provided. Furthermore, the engagement of the lock pawl 106 with the lock wheel 102 prevents the removal of stamps from the dispenser 10 due to any external force applied to the stamps. In other words, the only time the stamps can be dispensed from the dispenser 10 is when the flywheel 74 has been energized or caused to rotate.
  • a stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
  • a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
  • connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby the movement of said armature rotates said energy storing means
  • stamp holding means mounted in said housing
  • stamp feed means journaled in said housing in engagement with the stamps
  • a drive disc journaled in said housing and having at least one drive pin thereon engageable with said feed means to cause said feed wheel to rotate and having at least one stop pin located thereon;
  • a lock arm pivotally mounted in said housing and connected with said armature member for movement into and out of engagement with said lock pin to prevent and to permit, respectively, rotation of said drive disc;
  • gear means operably connecting said energy storing means with said drive disc, whereby said drive disc rotates in response to rotation of said energy storing means
  • a feed mechanism lock including a shaft journaled in said housing
  • a lock pawl mounted on said shaft and engageab-le with said feed mechanism to prevent rotation thereon
  • said dispenser comprising:
  • a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
  • a spring having one end connected to said housing; a lever pivotally mounted in said housing and having one end connected with said armature member;
  • a slip-clutch operably connecting said first shaft and flywheel
  • a one-way clutch mounted on said second shaft, said clutch having a first portion fixed to said second shaft, and
  • a second portion arranged to rotate said first portion and second shaft in one direction and to rotate relative to said first portion and second shaft in the opposite direction, said second portion being connected with said link, whereby movement of said link in response to movement of said armature member rotates said second portion;
  • a drive disc mounted on said third shaft having at least one drive pin and a stop pin thereon;
  • stamp feed member mounted on said fourth shaft in engagement with the stamps and adapted upon rotation to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means
  • a lock pawl and cam arm pivotally mounted in said housing and movable together, said pawl being engageable with one of said abutments to prevent rotation of said fourth shaft and stamp feed member and said cam arm being engageable with said drive pin to move said lock pawl out of engagement with said abutments to permit rotation of said fourth shaft and stamp feed member upon rotation of said drive disc.
  • a stamp dispenser a housing; energy storing means journaled in said housing and including a shaft journaled in said housing, a fly wheel rotatably mounted on said shaft, and
  • a slip clutch operably connecting said shaft and means for causing said energy storing means to rotate
  • a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
  • stamp dispenser of claim 3 and also including i a feed mechanism lock mounted in said housing and engageable with said feed mechanism to prevent the.
  • a stamp dispenser adapted to operate in responseto an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
  • a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means; 7 stamp holding means mounted in said housing; and,:
  • a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
  • a stamp dispenser adapted to operate in responseto an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
  • a housing a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member.
  • a one-way clutch disposed on said shaft having a first portion fixed to said shaft and a second portlon arranged to rotate said first portion and said shaft in one direction and to rotate relative to said first portion and said shaft in the opposite direction,
  • gear means operably interconnecting said shaft and energy storing means, whereby said energy storing means rotates in response to rotation of said shaft, and
  • lever means connected with said armature mem-. her and second portion of said one-way clutch, whereby movement of said armature member in one direction rotates said second portion, first portion and shaft and movement of said armature member in the opposite direction means, .said connecting means 1 rotates said second portion relative to said first portion;
  • stamp holding means mounted in said housing;
  • a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
  • a stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
  • a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
  • connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means
  • stamp holding means mounted in said housing;
  • a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means, said feed mechanism including stamp feed means journaled in said housing and in engagement with the stamps;
  • a drive disc journaled in said housing and having at least one drive pin thereon engageable with said feed means to cause said feed means to rotate and having at least one stop pin located thereon,
  • a lock arm pivotally mounted in said housing and connected with said armature member for movement into and out of engagement with said stop pin to prevent and to permit, respectively, rotation of said drive disc
  • a stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
  • a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
  • connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby the movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means
  • stamp holding means mounted in said housing
  • a feed mechanism lock including a shaft journaled in said housing
  • a lock pawl mounted on said shaft and engageable with said feed mechanism to prevent rotation thereof
  • a cam arm mounted on said shaft and engageable with said feed mechanism to rotate said shaft and move said lock pawl out of engagement with said feed mechanism when said feed mechanism is 'being rotated by said energy storing means

Description

Dec. 20, 1966 BECK 3,292,834
STAMP DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed March 11, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 /7 72 60 66 90 M5 me 5? /0 //8 M6 /54 /48 m 60 78 76 88 74 M2 M6 M4 TLEL TLEr-Z INVENTOR. 54 24 ,4 556K Dec. 20, 1966 E. A. E K 3,292,834
STAMP DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed March 11, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f' i GT4:
' INVENTOR; 5424 A 556K United States Patent 3,292,834 STAMP DISPENSING APPARATUS Earl A. Beck, Duncan, Okla, assignor of forty-five percent to Wiley W. Lowrey, Oklahoma City, Okla. Filed Mar. 11, 1965, Ser. No. 439,012 8 Claims. (Cl. 226--134) This invention relates generally to improved apparatus for dispensing stamps. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to an improved stamp dispenser adapted to be operated in response to an electrical pulse.
During recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of items sold and distributed by the use of coin-operated vending machines. For a number of years, it has been common practice to merchandise cigars and cigarettes through coin-operated vending machines. More recently, other items such as toilet articles, beverages, sandwiches, and similar foodstuifs have been added to the growing list of the items merchandised in this manner.
In addition to the coin-operated vending machines, a number of services are also now available by the use of various types of coin-operated machines. For example, coin-operated washing machines and dryers have been available for a number of years wherein a person, upon deposit of the appropriate number of coins, can wash and dry a given quantity of clothing. More recently, establishments having coin-operated washers and dryers have added dry cleaning machines for the use of their customers. Even more recently, self-service car washing machines have been made available in most localities. The car washing machines are also operable upon deposit of the appropriate number of coins therein.
For a number of years, it has been a common merchandising practice, in an attempt to induce customers to shop at a given retail outlet, to provide those customers with trading stamps; the number of trading stamps being generally based upon the dollar amount of the purchase. The trading stamps are redeemable for various types of merchandise,
It has been proven that the giving of trading stamps increases the overall business of a retail outlet. In view of the fact that most coin-operated establishments have unattended machines, it has been for the most part impractical to dispense trading stamps in connection with the sale of merchandise or services through coin-operated machines. Some attempts have been made to incorporate various types of gift coupons directly into the merchandise to be dispensed, but this has not proved to be entirely satisfactory and cannot be done in connection with the coin-operated service establishments.
Therefore, this invention provides an improved stamp I dispensing apparatus that is primarily intended for use in connection with coin-operated machines. In most instances, coin-operated machines such as washing machines or various types of vending machines are actuated by an electrical energy pulse in response to the deposit of the appropriate number of coins. The stamp dispenser of this invention includes a housing having an energy storing means located therein and means responsive to the electrical pulse to actuate said energy storing means.
3,292,834 6 Patented Dec. 20, 19
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved stam-p dispenser including means for selecting the number of stamps to be dispensed in response to an electrical pulse.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved stamp dispenser including locking means where- 'by stamps cannot be manually pulled from the stamp dispenser.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved stamp dispenser that accurately and consistently dispenses only the selected number of stamps.
The foregoing additional objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts in all views and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partly in elevation and partly in cross-section, of a stamp dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view partly in cross-section and partly in elevation, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the stamp dispenser of FIG. 1 having the side cover removed therefrom; and,
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, 'but showing the stamp dispenser in another operating position.
Referring to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, shown therein and generally designated by the reference character 10 is a stamp dispenser constructed in accordance with the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the stamp dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 that has a removable side cover 14.
Mounted within the housing 12 and rigidly attached thereto is a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending support . plates 16 and 18. A solenoid 20 is mounted between the support plates 16 and 18 and includes an armature 22 reciprocally mounted therein. An electrical lead wire 24 is connected with the solenoid 20 and extends through the housing 12 for connection with a source of electrical energy (not shown). A second lead wire 26 extends from the solenoid 20 through the case 12 for connection with an electrical impulse transmitting means (not shown).
As may be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, the armature 22 is pivotally connected with one end of a lever 28 that has it opposite end pivotally connected with a link 30.
To cause the opposite ends of the lever 28 to move in substantially opposite directions, the lever 28 is pivotally connected near its medial portion with one end of a link 32 that has its opposite end rotatably mounted on a shaft 34 extending between the support plates 16 and 18.
One end of the link 30 is connected with a tension spring 36 that is, in turn, connected with the case 12. The opposite end of the link 30 is pivotally connected by a pin 38 with a portion 40 of an indexing or over-running clutch 42. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the upper surface of the link 30 is provided with an arcuate portion 44 that is provided to avoid interference between the link 30 and clutch 42 during operation of the dispenser 10. The link 30 also includes a depending end portion 46 that is pivotally connected with one end of a connecting link 48. The opposite end of the connecting link 48 is pivotally connected with the lower end of a lock arm 50.
The lock arm 50 is arranged to pivot freely about a shaft 52 that extends between the support plates 16 and 18. The lock arm 50 is provided with a protuberance 53 forming a recess or notch 54 on the side thereof adjacent the connecting link 48 for purposes which will become more apparent hereinafter.
In addition to the portion 40, the clutch 42 also includes a second portion 56 attached to and rotatable with a shaft 58 that is journaled in the support plates 16 and 18. The clutch 42 is commercially available and is so counter-clockwise direction, as seen in FIGQ Z, will not rotate the second portion 56. However, rotation of the portion 40 in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 2, transmits rotation to the second portion 56 and, consequently, to the shaft 58.
As shown in FIG. 1, a relatively small gear 60 is mounted on the shaft 58 adjacent the support plate 16 and a relatively large gear 62 is mounted on the shaft 58 between the clutch 42 and the gear 60. The gears 60 and 62 are attached to the shaft 58 so that rotation of the second portion 56 of the clutch 42 results in the rotation of the gears.
The gear 62 is in mesh with a relatively small gear 64 mounted on a shaft 66 that is journaled-in the support plates 16 and 18. A gear 68 is mounted on the shaft 66 relatively near the support plate 18 meshing with a small gear 70 that is mounted on a shaft 72. The shaft 72 is also journaled in the support plates 16 and 18, and extends through the support plate 18 to carry a flywheel that is generally designated by the reference character 74.
The flywheel 74 includes a flange member 76 pinned to the shaft 72. One surface of the flange member 73 is coated with a friction material 78. The flywheel 74 also includes a pair of identical, though oppositely disposed discs 80 rotatably positioned on the shaft 72 by a plurality of fasteners 82. Each of the disc members 80 includes a peripheral flange 84 arranged in abutting relationship to define a hollow interior 86 encompassing the flange member 76.
Disposed in the interior 86 is a plurality of springs 88 that are engaged with one of the disc members 80 and with the flange member 76 whereby the frictional material 78 is 'biased into frictional engagement with one of the disc members 80. The arrangement is such that the flywheel 74 will rotate with the shaft 72, but if the shaft 72 should cease rotating while the flywheel 74 is spinning very rapidly, the disc member 80 will rotate relative to the flange member 76 thereby preventing the imposition of undue stress on the shaft 72.
The gear 60 mounted on the shaft 58 as previously described, is in engagement with a gear 90 that is mounted on a shaft 92 journaled in the support plates 16 and 18 and extending through the support plate 18. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, a drive disc 94 is mounted on the shaft 92. The drive disc 94 is illustrated as having two drive pins 96 mounted thereon. While two drive pins 96 are illustrated, it should be understood that only one is required and that any number of drive pins up to the capacity of the drive disc 94 may be installed thereon.
Also, mounted on the drive disc 94 is a lock pin 98 that is illustrated in dash line-s because it is located on the opposite face of the drive disc 94. The lock pin 98 is sized and positioned on the drive disc 94 to engage the notch 54 in the lock arm 50 for purposes which will become more apparent hereinafter.
The drive pins 96 are engageable with the teeth of a drive gear 100 that is mounted on the shaft 52. As illustrated, the drive gear is provided with six teeth and as a result of the arrangement of the drive pins 96, the gear 100 will be rotated one-sixth (Me) of a turn in response to the movement of one drive pin 96 thereby.
Also, mounted on the shaft 52 is a lock wheel 102 that includes a plurality of recesses 104 in the periphery thereof. A look pawl 106 is mounted for movement with a shaft 108 that is journaled in the support plates 16 and 18. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the lockpawl 106 v A cam arm 114 is mounted for rotation with the shaft 108 and the lock pawl 106. The cam arm 114 extends downwardly from the shaft 108 and carries on its lower end a cam roller 116. The cam arm 114 is located relatively near the support plate 18 and the cam roller 116 is arranged to engage the drive pins 96 carried by the drive disc 94 whereupon the cam arm 114 and the lock pawl 106 are biased relatively away from the lock wheel 102.
permitting the rotation thereof.
As may be more clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, a stamp feed wheel generally designated by the reference character 118 is mounted on the end of the shaft 52 extending through the support plate 18. As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, the stamp feed wheel 11 8 consists of an inner cylindrical member 120 that is attached to the shaft 52 and an outer member 121 having a peripheral flange 122 thereon defining an interior sized to receive the inner cylindrical member 120. A web 124 extends across the outer member 12 1. A plurality of fasteners 126 extend through the web 124 into threaded engagement with the inner cylindrical member 120 to hold the outer member 121 thereon. The peripheral flange 122 of the stamp feed wheel 118 is provided with a plurality of annular grooves 128 and with a plurality of radially extending spaced, stamp engaging pins 130.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, an inner stamp guide 132 encircles a portion of the periphery of the stamp feed wheel 118 for the purpose of permitting perforated stamps 133 from becoming disengaged from the stamp feed wheel 118. The stamp guide 132 is pivotally supported on the shaft 92 as illustrated therein.
An outer stamp guide 134 is pivotally supported on the support plate 18 by a pin 136. The stamp guide 134 includes a pair of spaced arms 138 (see FIG. 1) that extend into the recesses 128 of the stamp feed wheel 118.
The arms 138 extend under the stamps 133 and under the forward end of the stamp guide 132 to insure that the stamp 133 will feed through an aperture .140 located in the housing 12. Also, the guide 132 and 134 cooperate by their overlapping relation to assure that no stamps other than those dispensed by actuation of the dispenser 10 can be removed therefrom. The width of the feed wheel 118 and guides 132 and 134 is determined by the width of the stamps 133 or the number of rows of stamps to be dispensed.
The stamps 133 are contained in the dispenser 10 on 1 a reel 142 that is rotatably mounted on a shaft 144 attached to the support plate 18. As may be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, the reel 142 includes a peripheral portion 146 adapted to receive the stamps 133 and a web portion 148 extending thereacross.
port plate 18 and a disc 152 encircling the shaft 144 152, the reel 142 is not freely rotatable thereon.
Referring again to FIG. 3, shown therein is a pair of. 1
spaced stamp guides 156 and 158 that are rotatably. mounted on the support plate 18. The stamp guides 156 and 158 are arranged to guide the stamps 133 from the reel 142 into proper alignment with the stamp feed wheel 118.
For the purpose of explaining the operation of the dispenser 10, assume that the various components thereof are in the positions illustrated in FIG. 2, except for the drive disc 94, the cam arm 114 and the lock pawl 106. In a completely locked position, the pins 96 are out of engagement with the cam arm 114 and the lock pawl '106 is engaged with the lock wheel 102 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Also, the lock arm 50 is in engagement with the lock pin 98.
A spring cm circles the shaft 144 and is compressed between the sup- An electrical pulse transmitted through the lead wire 26 energizes the solenoid 20 moving the armature 22 into the position shown in FIG. 4. The movement of the armature 22 pivots the lever 28 moving the lower end thereof relatively away from the spring 36, extending the spring 36 and moving the link 30 relatively toward the opposite end of the housing 12. Movement of the link 30 rotates the clutch portion 40 in a counter-clockwise direction and relative to the second clutch portion 56 so that no totation is transmitted to the shaft 58. However, movement of the link 30 moves the connecting link 48 and the attached lock arm 50 relatively toward the end of .the housing 12, pivoting the lock arm 50 about the shaft 52 and disengaging the notch 54 from the lock pin 98. The disengagement of the notch 54 from the lock pin 98 releases the drive disc 94 for rotation.
When the electrical pulse ceases, the armature 22 in the solenoid 20 is returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 due to the force exerted by the spring 36 as it returns to its unstressed length. As the spring 36 returns, the link 30 is moved relatively away from the opposite end of the housing 12 thereby imparting a clockwise rotation to the clutch portion 40. Clockwise rotation of the portion 40 is transmitted to the clutch portion 56 and to the shaft 58.
As may be seen most clearly in FIG. 1, rotation of the shaft 58 results in the rotation of the gears 60 and 62. The rotation of the gear 62 is transmitted to the gear 64, shaft 66, and gear 68. As the gear 68 rot-ates, meshing gear 70 rotates the shaft 72 that is connected to the flywheel 74, resulting in the rotation of the flywheel 74.
As may be perceived in FIG. 1, the speed of rotation of the shaft 58 is multiplied due to the size and arrangement of the gears 62, 64, 68 and 70, whereby the flywheel 74 is rotated at a relatively high rate of speed. Due to the mass of the flywheel 74, a considerable amount of inertial energy will be stored therein.
Simultaneously, rotation of the gear 60 with the shaft 58 rotates the meshing gear 90 and the shaft 92 to which it is attached. As the shaft 92 rotates, the drive disc 94 is also rotated carrying the drive pins 96 into engagement with the drive gear 190.
It can be seen that the lock pawl 106 remains in engagement with the lock wheel 102 until the drive pins 96 engage the cam roller 116 moving the cam arm 114 outwardly. Rotation of the shaft 108 moves the lock pawl 106 outwardly disengaging the foot 110 thereof from the recess 104 of the lock wheel 102. When this occurs, and the drive pins 96 engage the teeth of the drive gear 100, the drive gear 100 is rotated, rotating the shaft 52 therewith.
Rotation of the shaft 52 rotates the attached stamp feed wheel 118, thereby pulling stamps 133 from the reel 142 over the guide pulleys 156 and 158 and dispensing the stamps 133 outwardly through the aperture 140. In the preferred form of the invention, the stamp feed wheel 118 is sized so that one row of stamps 133 is dispensed for each drive pin 96 inserted in the drive disc 94. Therefore, since two drive pins 96 are illustrated, two rows of stamps 133 are dispensed for each full revolution of the drive disc 94.
To assure that the drive disc 94 will complete one revolution, the energy imparted by the movement of the link 30 in response to the closure of the spring 36 is stored in the rapidly spinning flywheel 74 even though movement of the link 30 has ceased. Continued rotation of the gear train and flywheel 74 occurs, even though the clutch portion 40 does not rotate, due to the previously described characteristics of the overrunning or indexing clutch 42. As the rotation of the flywheel 74 continues, the gear trains continue to rotate as described so that the drive disc 94 continues to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the drive disc 94 is arrested when the lock pin 98 again engages the notch 54 in the lock arm 50 that has been returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 upon closure of the spring 36.
As soon as the drive pins 96 have passed the cam roller 116, the cam arm 114 is biased relatively toward the right end of the housing 12 moving the lock pawl 106 into engagement with the lock wheel 102 as the lock wheel 102 rotates. The foot of the lock pawl 106 engages a recess 104 in the lock wheel 102 preventing further rotation thereof. The dispenser 10 is now in the position described at the beginning of a stamp dispensing cycle.
To avoid damage to the gears when the lock pin 98 engages the recess 54 in the lock arm 50, friction in the flywheel 74, as previously described, permits the gradual slowing of the flywheel 74 even though the shaft 72 has been stopped.
From the foregoing description, it can be perceived that the dispenser 10 will accurately and consistently dispense the number of or rows of stamps consistent with the number of drive pins 96 that are provided. Furthermore, the engagement of the lock pawl 106 with the lock wheel 102 prevents the removal of stamps from the dispenser 10 due to any external force applied to the stamps. In other words, the only time the stamps can be dispensed from the dispenser 10 is when the flywheel 74 has been energized or caused to rotate.
It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of example only and that many changes and modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the annexed claims.
What I claim is:
1. A stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
energy storing means journaled in said housing;
connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby the movement of said armature rotates said energy storing means;
stamp holding means mounted in said housing;
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and opera-bly connected with said energy storing means. whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates' said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means; and,
stamp feed means journaled in said housing in engagement with the stamps;
a drive disc journaled in said housing and having at least one drive pin thereon engageable with said feed means to cause said feed wheel to rotate and having at least one stop pin located thereon;
a lock arm pivotally mounted in said housing and connected with said armature member for movement into and out of engagement with said lock pin to prevent and to permit, respectively, rotation of said drive disc;
gear means operably connecting said energy storing means with said drive disc, whereby said drive disc rotates in response to rotation of said energy storing means;
a feed mechanism lock including a shaft journaled in said housing,
a lock pawl mounted on said shaft and engageab-le with said feed mechanism to prevent rotation thereon,
a cam arm mounted on said shaft and engageable with said feed mechanism to rotate said shaft and move said lock pawl out of engagement with to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
a spring having one end connected to said housing; a lever pivotally mounted in said housing and having one end connected with said armature member;
a link connected at one end with the other end of said spring and said lever;
a first shaft journaled in said housing;
a flywheel rotatably mounted on said first shaft;
a slip-clutch operably connecting said first shaft and flywheel;
a gear mounted on said first shaft;
a second shaft journaled in said housing;
a pair of spaced gears mounted on said second shaft;
a pair of gears rotatably mounted in said housing and having one gear engaged with the gear on said first shaft and the other gear engaged with one of said gears on said second shaft, whereby rotation of said second shaft causes the rotation of said first shaft, the gears being sized to cause said first shaft to rotate at a higher speed than said second shaft;
a one-way clutch mounted on said second shaft, said clutch having a first portion fixed to said second shaft, and
a second portion arranged to rotate said first portion and second shaft in one direction and to rotate relative to said first portion and second shaft in the opposite direction, said second portion being connected with said link, whereby movement of said link in response to movement of said armature member rotates said second portion;
a third shaft journaled in said housing;
a gear mounted on said third shaft in engagement with the other gear on said second shaft, whereby said third shaft rotates in response to rotation of said second shaft;
a drive disc mounted on said third shaft having at least one drive pin and a stop pin thereon;
stamp holding means in said housing;
a fourth shaft journaled in said housing;
:a lock arm engageable with said stop pin pivotally mounted on said fourth shaft and having one end connected with the other end of said link, whereby movement of said link in response to movement of said armature moves said lock am into and out of engagement with said stop pin to limit the rotational movement of said drive disc;
a feed gear mounted on said fourth shaft engageable with said drive pin, whereby said feed gear and fourth shaft is rotated upon rotation of said drive disc;
a stamp feed member mounted on said fourth shaft in engagement with the stamps and adapted upon rotation to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means;
:a lock wheel mounted on said fourth shaft having a plurality of abutments on the periphery thereof; and,
a lock pawl and cam arm pivotally mounted in said housing and movable together, said pawl being engageable with one of said abutments to prevent rotation of said fourth shaft and stamp feed member and said cam arm being engageable with said drive pin to move said lock pawl out of engagement with said abutments to permit rotation of said fourth shaft and stamp feed member upon rotation of said drive disc.
3. In a stamp dispenser: a housing; energy storing means journaled in said housing and including a shaft journaled in said housing, a fly wheel rotatably mounted on said shaft, and
a slip clutch operably connecting said shaft and means for causing said energy storing means to rotate;
stamp holding means in said housing; and,
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
4. The stamp dispenser of claim 3 and also including i a feed mechanism lock mounted in said housing and engageable with said feed mechanism to prevent the.
dispensing of stamps by said feed mechanism except when rotated by said energy storing means.
5. A stamp dispenser adapted to operate in responseto an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means; 7 stamp holding means mounted in said housing; and,:
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
6. A stamp dispenser adapted to operate in responseto an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing; a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member.
being movable in response to the electrical pulse; energy storing means journaled in said housing; connecting means operably connecting said energy stor mg means and said armature member, whereby the movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing including a shaft journaled in said housing,
a one-way clutch disposed on said shaft having a first portion fixed to said shaft and a second portlon arranged to rotate said first portion and said shaft in one direction and to rotate relative to said first portion and said shaft in the opposite direction,
gear means operably interconnecting said shaft and energy storing means, whereby said energy storing means rotates in response to rotation of said shaft, and,
lever means connected with said armature mem-. her and second portion of said one-way clutch, whereby movement of said armature member in one direction rotates said second portion, first portion and shaft and movement of said armature member in the opposite direction means, .said connecting means 1 rotates said second portion relative to said first portion;
stamp holding means mounted in said housing; and,
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means.
7. A stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
energy storing means journaled in said housing;
connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means;
stamp holding means mounted in said housing; and,
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means, said feed mechanism including stamp feed means journaled in said housing and in engagement with the stamps;
a drive disc journaled in said housing and having at least one drive pin thereon engageable with said feed means to cause said feed means to rotate and having at least one stop pin located thereon,
a lock arm pivotally mounted in said housing and connected with said armature member for movement into and out of engagement with said stop pin to prevent and to permit, respectively, rotation of said drive disc, and
gear means operably connecting said energy storing means with said drive disc, whereby said drive disc rotates in response to rotation of said energy storing means. 8. A stamp dispenser adapted to operate in response to an electrical pulse, said dispenser comprising:
a housing;
a solenoid mounted on said housing and having an armature member therein, said armature member being movable in response to the electrical pulse;
energy storing means journaled in said housing;
connecting means operably connecting said energy storing means and said armature member, whereby the movement of said armature member rotates said energy storing means;
stamp holding means mounted in said housing;
a feed mechanism journaled in said housing and operably connected with said energy storing means, whereby rotation of said energy storing means rotates said feed mechanism to dispense stamps from said stamp holding means; and,
a feed mechanism lock including a shaft journaled in said housing,
a lock pawl mounted on said shaft and engageable with said feed mechanism to prevent rotation thereof,
a cam arm mounted on said shaft and engageable with said feed mechanism to rotate said shaft and move said lock pawl out of engagement with said feed mechanism when said feed mechanism is 'being rotated by said energy storing means, and
spring means biasing said lock pawl toward said feed mechanism.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,451,467 10/1948 Bickel 226l34 X 3,078,732 2/1963 Scha'cht et al. 226134 X ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.
40 HADD S. LANE, Examiner.
US439012A 1965-03-11 1965-03-11 Stamp dispensing apparatus Expired - Lifetime US3292834A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3792808A (en) * 1973-01-05 1974-02-19 Micro Magnetic Ind Inc Stamp dispenser

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2451467A (en) * 1942-10-16 1948-10-19 Standard Register Co Strip feeding device
US3078732A (en) * 1959-12-30 1963-02-26 Ibm Incremental drive mechanism

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2451467A (en) * 1942-10-16 1948-10-19 Standard Register Co Strip feeding device
US3078732A (en) * 1959-12-30 1963-02-26 Ibm Incremental drive mechanism

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3792808A (en) * 1973-01-05 1974-02-19 Micro Magnetic Ind Inc Stamp dispenser

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