US3653540A - Dispensing machine having multiple dual helix conveyors - Google Patents

Dispensing machine having multiple dual helix conveyors Download PDF

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Publication number
US3653540A
US3653540A US9291A US3653540DA US3653540A US 3653540 A US3653540 A US 3653540A US 9291 A US9291 A US 9291A US 3653540D A US3653540D A US 3653540DA US 3653540 A US3653540 A US 3653540A
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Prior art keywords
support
actuator
conveyors
clutch member
margin
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English (en)
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Elmer Bradley Offutt
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Fawn Engineering Co
SandenVendo America Inc
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Vendo Co
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Assigned to FAWN ENGINEERING CORPORATION, A CORP. OF IA. reassignment FAWN ENGINEERING CORPORATION, A CORP. OF IA. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: VENDO COMPANY THE
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members

Definitions

  • An article dispensing machine having a plurality of elongated, parallel dispensers arranged in vertical and horizontal rows ans wherein each is provided with dual, parallel, spaced, helical article-delivery conveyors having convolutions wound in opposite directions.
  • the conveyors are adapted to be simultaneously rotated in opposite directions to successively force articles from the discharge end of a respective dispenser in response to successive operations thereof.
  • Drive mechanism for the dispensers includes a rotatable clutch member for each dispenser provided with a shiftable actuator thereon while a selection solenoid is operably associated with each actuator for shifting the latter from standby to an operated position.
  • each actuator In the operated position, each actuator is located to engage gear structure on an associated dispenser for rotating the dual conveyors thereof in opposite directions in response to rotation of the respective clutch member. All of the clutch members are rotated simultaneously through an operating arc and then back by cables trained therearound and coupled to a common drive assembly. An operated actuator is cammed back to standby by a stop adjacent each clutch member, during return rotation of the clutch members.
  • SHEET 2 [IF 4 -H I g 1 Q INVENTOR. E/mer (Brad/2y Offuff a I u A TORNEVS.
  • PATENTEDAPR 4 1972 3 653 540 SHEET 3 m4 ,4 TTORNEKS.
  • This invention relates to an article dispensing machine and particularly to a unit capable of dispensing a variety of products wherein the customer is permitted to view the product which he receives and automatic stock rotation is assured by virtue of first-in, first-out discharge of articles from each dispenser.
  • Products suitable for vending from a coin-operated dispensing machine are available in a large number of different packages of varying sizes and degree of product protection.
  • cigarettes are packaged in crush-proof boxes as well as flexible paper, while candy bars are generally simply wrapped and thereby vary in size in accordance with the particular product.
  • cookies generally are wrapped in cellophane or similar plastic material so that the cookies can be viewed by the customer with the dimensions of the package being dependent upon the number and size of the cookies contained in a particular package.
  • vending bag-pack items there has been increasing interest in vending bag-pack items. Quite a number of these items are now on the market.
  • Typical are potato chips, corn chips, popcorn, fried pork skins, a variety of cheese-flavored products such as cheese twists, peanuts, and various candies and candy blends.
  • bag-packed items cannot be stacked one on top of the other since the product must be protected against damage throughout handling thereof.
  • helix delivery units are not new per se and have found some prior acceptance, the units have had only limited commercial appeal primarily because of their high cost and the fact that they were not suitable for receiving bag-pack as .well as flat-pack items interchangeably as desired by the operator.
  • the machine is preferably electrically operated so that it is only necessary to press a button in order to obtain access to a desired product.
  • a single motor drive is a necessary feature of the design from a cost standpoint.
  • the machine must be capable of employing selection solenoids to couple a selected dispenser to the drive during each cycle of operation thereof.
  • the primary object of the present invention to provide an article dispensing machine which meets the conditions outlined above and has the inherent features of being capable of dispensing not only bag-pack items but flat-pack products as well with the customer being permitted to view the next vend item of each selection and with product rotation being assured by virtue of first-in, first-out dispensing of articles from each dispenser.
  • An equally important object of the invention is to provide a machine as described wherein the requisites thereof are met by the use of multiple, dual helix dispensers, each having a pair of helical coils disposed in overlying relation-ship to a product support with the convolutions thereof wound in opposite directions so that upon rotation of the coils of each dispenser in opposite directions during cyclic operation of the machine, products contained in the transverse spaces between aligned convolutions are directed toward the discharge end of the support with the endmost product being displaced from the support for delivery along a chute to an area accessible to the customer whereby the products do not contact one another during storage and movement to dispensing disposition for effective product protection.
  • a further important object in this same connection is the provision of a dispensing machine as described wherein simultaneous rotation of the clutch members is obtained using only a single drive motor by the provision of a cable wound around each clutch member and attached to a reciprocable member driven by the common motor mechanism so that during operation of the motor, all of the clutch members are rotated simultaneously by the cable wound therearound.
  • a further important object of the invention is therefore to provide' a dispensing unit wherein the use of cable-driven clutch members having selection actuators thereon which are shifted into operable disposition by a corresponding selection solenoid permits mounting of the individual product dispensers on guideways therefor so that each dispenser may be pulled out of the cabinet in a direction away form the drive clutches for refilling of the dispenser without re-timing of the dual helix dispenser conveyors with respect to the drive therefor being required.
  • a still further important object of the invention is to provide a dispensing unit employing tow helical conveyors on each dispenser which receive products within the transverse spaces between aligned convolutions thereof in a manner such that the products rest on the floor of the dispenser support and slide therealong ratherthan being supported by the convolutions of the conveyor so that the products always remain in generally perpendicular relationship to their paths of travel, cannot become twisted in a manner to interfere with rotation of the helices, and may be accommodated over a relatively wide range of shapes and sizes.
  • Another specific object of the invention is to provide multiple, dual helix article dispensing structure which lends itself to economical construction by virtue of the fact that many of the parts, including the helix conveyors, are of standard construction and may be used in dispensers of various widths as desired by simply varying the relative disposition thereof or the distance between the convolutions of respective helical coils.
  • a still further specific aim of the invention is to provide a dispensing unit as described wherein the dual helix conveyors of each dispenser are disposed in relative relationship such that the outermost and extremities thereof are disposed in locations wherein each is essentially a mirror image position of the other whereby rotation of the helical coils in opposite directions through respective arcs of 360 assures discharge of a product from a respective support without any problem of the convolutions of the coils interfering with gravitational discharge of the product from the horizontal shelf.
  • an important object of the invention is to provide a multiple dual helix dispensing machine wherein the individual dispensers may be replaced at will without alteration of the drive mechanism therefor, thus permitting operator variation of the products to be dispensed from the machine, not only from the standpoint of the relative positions of the products in the cabinet, but also the types 'of products vendable therefrom.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an article dispensing machine embodying the preferred concepts of the present invention and illustrating the customer selection buttons, the individual dispensers arranged in vertical and horizontal rows, and a product access station;
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale of the power drive panel of the machine which is normally located at the rear of the cabinet shown in Fig. l, but is illustrated as removed therefrom for clarity;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged, vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged, detailed view of the com mon drive assembly as illustrated in the lower right-hand corner of FIG. 2 and showing the relative positions of the drive arms and links which are reciprocated by the drive motor;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view through the cabinet as shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating one of the dispensers stocked with bag-pack products, with the loading position of the dispenser being illustrated by dashed lines, and the sold-out sensor of the conveyor in its normal position when held down by one or more products on the support of the dispenser;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a number of the dispensers of the unit with the right-hand dispenser shown in full being provided with spacer rods adapting the same for receiving significantly narrower items than the dispenser of Fig. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the dispenser guides and illustrating the same in disposition for receiving the upper tabs of a respective dispenser, it being understood that the guide is used for both the upper and lower portions of each dispenser for purposes of economy in fabricating the machine;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 5 with parts being broken away for clarity and to better illustrate the drive gears forming a part of the dispenser to effect rotation of the helical coils in opposite directions;
  • FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 8 and better showing the wire retainer for holding the dispenser in its operative position;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 to better illustrate the gear train of the dispenser as well as the detent for preventing retrograde rotation of the gears;
  • FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the right-hand dispenser as illustrated in Fig. 6 but in this instance, showing the sold-out sensor in its normally uppermost position by virtue of exhaustion of products from that dispenser;
  • FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 11 and showing the drive cam which is driven by an operated actuator on an associated drive clutch member forming a part of the drive mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the line 13-13 ofFIG. 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the right-hand side of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 11 and showing the product guide within the right-hand coil for maintaining narrow items in central disposition relative to the sidewalls of the dispenser;
  • FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the rear portion of the cabinet showing the rear wall thereof, the inside surface of the power panel, and a rotatable clutch member provided with a shiftable actuator thereon illustrated in its normal unactuated position, as well as the selection solenoid for such actuator and with the rear wall of the cabinet being pro-vided with a teardrop-shaped opening therein to provide clearance for coupling the respective dispenser with the corresponding clutch member;
  • FIG. 16 is essentially a cross-sectional view on the line 16 16 of FIG. 15 but in addition illustrating the cam coupling and driven gear forming a part of the dispenser associated with the respective clutch member;
  • FIG. 17 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 15 but showing the actuator on the clutch member in the operated position thereof by virtue of energization of the selection solenoid associated therewith, while the dispenser drive cam is illustrated in phantom lines since it sits in front of the structure illustrated;
  • FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 17 but with the clutch member shown in its position after rotation thereof to drive the associated helical coils of the corresponding dispenser and in this instance being returned toward its initial position with the relationship of the operated actuator with respect to an actuator return stop being detailed;
  • FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the clutch member which illustrates the cam surfaces on the normally rear face thereof for assuring return of the armature of the selection solenoid to its initial position;
  • FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on the irregular line 20-20 of FIG. 17 to better illustrate the cam arm or lug on the actuator which is disposed to engage the operating cam component of the corresponding dispenser.
  • the article dispensing machine illustrated in the overall view of FIG. 1 is broadly designated 22 with the front, outwardly swingable door 24 being shown in elevation and which, for purposes of illustration, is provided with a rectangular opening 26 therein covered with a glass panel 28.
  • the product selection push buttons 30 to the right of opening 26 permit the customer to select a product from any one of the dispensers 32 within the cabinet.
  • one button 30 is provided for each dispenser 32 with the latter being of the dual helix type and mounted in vertical and horizontal rows at a height for ready viewing of the products carried thereby by a customer standing in front of the machine 22.
  • suitable coin control mechanism is provided in association with push buttons 30 to preclude actuation of one of the dispensers 32 until after appropriate money deposit has been made in the machine.
  • the coinage will include mechanism for returning change to the customer if his deposit exceeds the price of an article selected, and it is also desirable that the machine be capable of dispensing products at various prices.
  • the front door 24 carries chute structure (not shown) on the rear face thereof for guiding products de-livered from dispensers 32 into a collection area behind a swingable panel 34 which also includes components which prevent the customer from gaining access to dispensers 32 when panel 34 has been pushed inwardly so that the customer may grasp an article delivered to the collection area.
  • dispensers 32 are essentially identical in construction with the exception of the pitch of the helical conveyors and the width of the respective drawers as well as guide structure for products received therein, only a limited number of the dispensers have been shown in detail in the drawings.
  • the drawers have been shown as being of the same width for simplicity, they actually can be of differing width although desirable, all drawers in a particular vertical row are of the same horizontal width.
  • the representative dispenser 32 is of generally U-shaped configuration defining a drawer formed by the horizontal floor support 36 provided with upright sides 38 and 40 at opposite side margins of floor 36 and projecting upwardly therefrom in generally parallel relationship.
  • the outermost end margin 42 of floor 36 is located in spaced relationship from glass panel 28 as shown in FIG. 5 so that articles such as those designated 44 may gravitate downwardly between end margins 42 and the inner face of door 24 into the collection area behind access panel 34.
  • An upright rear wall 46 connected to the end of floor 36 opposite end margin 42 as well as to the sides 38 and 40, serves as a support for a gear assembly broadly designated 48 (FIGS. 8, l0 and 13).
  • the cylindrical body portion 52b of each element 52 is integral with a somewhat smaller pinion section 52c located in proximal relationship to wall 46.
  • gear sections 520 of each element 52 mesh with corresponding spur gears 56 and 58.
  • Gear 56 is an idler mounted on a shaft 60 affixed to wall 46.
  • Gear 58 has an integral shaft carried by a bearing through the wall 46.
  • gears 56 and 58 are in intermeshing relationship.
  • One particularly important feature of the gear arrangement shown in FIG. is the fact that the shafts 50 may be moved relatively as desired in the fabrication of dispenser 32 so long as gear sections 52c remain in intermeshing relationship to respective gears 56 and 58. In this manner, the effective width of the dispenser 32 may be varied within relatively wide limits without significant need for additional parts and using substantially the same fabrication techniques.
  • the hub portion 56a of gear 56 proximal to wall 46 has a flat surface 56b thereon which is adapted to be engaged by a spring detent 64 carried by wall 46 above the 1eft-hand element 52 as is apparent from FIGS. 8 and 10.
  • Shaft 62 projects rearwardly from wall 46 as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the outermost extremity of shaft 62 is tapered to serve as a pilot as well be explained, while an operating cam component 66 is secured to shaft 62 for rotating the latter in response to rotation of component 66.
  • component 66 is of generally circular shape but has a cam-defining, inwardly directed surface 66a in radial relationship to the axis of rotation of the component 66.
  • Coils 68 and 70 are provided above floor 36 of the dispenser drawer with the coil 68 having an end segment 68a wound around the circumference of the upper element 52 as shown in FIG. 8, whereas the section 70a of coil 70 is wound about the lower element 52.
  • the coils are threaded on respective elements 52 until the extremities 68b and 70b are flush with the end margin 42 of floor 36.
  • Integral lugs 52d projecting from the outer face of cylindrical body portion 52b of each element 52 serve as retainers to hold coils 68 and 70 firmly connected to respective elements 52.
  • the coils 68 and 70 are of wire which has been wound into helical configuration in opposite directions about their respective axes. Viewing FIG.
  • the pitch of coils 68 and 70 is determined by the size of the products 44 to be discharged from a corresponding dispenser 32. That is, the spacing between convolutions may be varied as desired by the simple expedient of changing the pitch of the convolutions at the time of coiling the conveyors 68 and 70.
  • the coil spacing is relatively narrow where it is desired to vend thin candy bars or flat cookie packets, for example.
  • the coil spacing would be greater where relatively thick items are to be vended.
  • the end extremities 68b and 70! must be disposed in substantially the 6oclock position of FIG. 1 l to assure delivery of products from dispenser 32 without interference from the terminal convolutions of the coils 68 and 70.
  • Elongated coil guides 72 and 74 are provided inside of each of the coils 68 and 70 adjacent respective sides 38 and 40 for maintaining the helical coils in generally parallel relationship.
  • the ends of guides 72 and 74 remote from wall 46 are bent to be received within slots 76 therefor in sidewalls 38 and 40 while the opposite ends of the guides are bent inwardly and fastened to shafts 50 by fasteners 54.
  • Means for supporting the dispensers 32 within the cabinet of machine 22 preferably takes the fonn of a series of horizontal, transversely U-shaped guideways broadly designated 80 with one of the same being shown perspectively in FIG. 7.
  • each of the guideways 80 is located with the U-shaped cross section thereof inverted as illustrated in FIG. 7 with the rear part of each guideway being carried by rear wall 82 of the cabinet, while the forwardmost ends of the guideways are secured to crosspieces 84 of the cabinet behind panel 28.
  • the crosspieces 84 are located in parallel, vertically stacked relationship extending across the width of the cabinet.
  • the vertical spacing between guideways 80 is sufficient to clear the rear wall 46 of each dispenser 32 with upstanding tab 86 on each rear wall 46 slidably received within a corresponding guideway 80 as illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • Wall 46 has a notch 88 in the bottom margin thereof (FIG. 12) for clearing the guideway 80 immediately therebelow.
  • the irregularly configured wire 37 carried by each dispenser adjacent the forwardmost margin thereof has a depending hook portion which is normally received in a slot of 36a of floor 36.
  • the drawer defined by floor 36, sides 38 and 40, and rear wall 46 after lifting thereof to clear hood 37, may slide longitudinally of guideways 80 but complete removal of the dispenser 32 from the cabinets is impeded when tab 46 engages the crosspiece 84 supporting the guideway 80 above the dispenser being pulled outwardly for service.
  • the normal disposition of the dispenser 32 for loading purposes is illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 5.
  • the dispenser 32 can be removed from the guideways 80 if desired by simply lifting up on the front end of the dispenser until the lower margin of wall 46 clears the lower guideway 80 therebelow whereupon the entire drawer may be moved downwardly until the tab 76 thereon clears the crosspiece 84 in proximal relationship thereto.
  • the drive panel 90 for machine 22 is removable as an assembly as shown in FIG. 2 and comprises a main upright wall 92 having an inturned flange 94 adapted to be connected to the outer face of rear wall 82 of the machine cabinet.
  • the means for attaching panel 90 to the cabinet extends through wall 82 into the flange 94 so that it is impossible to remove the drive panel from the machine unless access is gained to the interior of the cabinet by opening the door 24.
  • Drive panel 90 is provided with a clutch pulley assembly 96 for each of the dispensers 32 with assemblies 96 being aligned with a corresponding dispenser in horizontal and vertical rows as shown in FIG. 2. Since the drive assemblies 96 are essentially identical in construction, only one of the same has been shown in detail in the drawings.
  • a teardrop-shaped opening 97 is provided in wall 82 for each of the assem-blies 96.
  • Each assembly 96 includes a clutch member 98 molded of synthetic resin material and comprising a cylindrical body 100 having an outer cylindrical face which is interrupted by a circumferentially extending, outwardly projecting flange 102 which extends around the periphery of member 98 but is interrupted around the circumference thereof to present a cross slot 104 therein (FIG. 3) which is aligned with a groove 106 in body 100.
  • Body 100 is rotatably disposed over a shaft 110 carried by and projecting outwardly from wall 92 of panel 90 in disposition such that the central, axially aligned bore 112 in shaft 1 l0 complementally receives the outer tapered end of pin 62 of a respective dispenser 32.
  • E-ring 113 holds body 100 on shaft 110.
  • shaft 110 carried by panel wall 92 of each drive assembly 96 has a sleeve 114 thereover which serves to maintain the cylindrical body 100 away from the proximal inner face of wall 92.
  • An elongated, irregularly-shaped actuator 116 is slidably and pivotally mounted on a pin 118 carried by body 100 of drive assembly 98 and shiftably received within slot 120 in actuator 116.
  • E-ring 122 on pin 118 serves to releasably hold actuator 116 on pin 118 with a washer 124 underlying E-n'ng 122 of a greater diameter than the width of slot 120 serving to prevent displacement of the actuator from the support pin therefor without interfering with reciprocable movement of the actuator 116 with respect to the axis of pin 118.
  • the L- shaped end 126 of actuator 116 has a toggle spring 128 connected thereto with the opposite end of the spring being attached to body 100 of drive member 98 within the passage 130 therein.
  • the normal standby position of the actuator 116 is shown in FIG. wherein the point of connection of spring 128 to dogleg 126 of actuator 116 is below a line through pin 1 l8 and the point of connection of spring 128 to body 100.
  • the integral cam arm 132 of actuator 116 is located in the disposition thereof shown in FIG. 15. in the standby position of the cam arm 132, the cam surface 132a thereof (FIG. is out of the path of surface 66a of a corresponding cam component 66 on dispenser 32 aligned therewith.
  • Selection solenoid 136 carried by panel wall 92 proximal to drive member 98 has a coil 138 which reciprocably carries an armature 140 provided with an integral button 140a on the outer extremity thereof disposed to engage an arm 133 of actuator 116 extending through opening 134 in body 100 of drive member 98 (FIG. 16).
  • armature 140 When the armature 140 is pulled in by energization of the associated coil 138 button 140a engages cam arm 133 as indicated in FIG. 16 to rotate actuator 116 into the disposition of the same as shown in FIG.
  • Actuator 116 in its operated position has a cam margin 142 located to project beyond the periphery of the cylindrical surface of drive member 98 during clockwise rotation thereof as illustrated in FIG. 18 whereby actuator 116 is returned to its initial position under the bias of spring 128 thereon when cam margin 142 is moved into engagement with a stop 144 projecting outwardly from the inner face of panel wall 92 as indicated in FIGS. 17 and 18.
  • the stop 144 is of L-shaped configuration and has a base leg portion 144a secured to panel wall 92 by a fastener 146 passing therethrough. Integral, inwardly struck detents 148 embrace leg portion 144a of stop 144 outboard of the fastener 146 to prevent rotation of the stop about the axis offastening means 146.
  • the normally rearmost face of cylindrical body 100 is provided with an oval, off-center cam ledge 150 constructed to engage button 1400 of armature 140 to positively return the armature in the coil 138 to its normal extended position, notwithstanding a tendency for the armature to be retained within the coil because of problems such as residual magnetism or the like.
  • a flexible wire 152 such as aircraft cable is wound around each of the drive members 98 of each of the vertically aligned rows of drive assemblies 96, with the four cables then passing around upper and lower idlers 154 and 156 before being attached to a vertically reciprocable link 158.
  • the stretch of each cable 152 which passes over idler structure 154 is joined to link 158 by spring means 160, while the stretches of cables 152 which are trained over lower idler structure 156 are connected directly to the upper end of the link 158.
  • only one spring 160 has been depicted in the drawings, but it is to be understood that a spring 160 is actually provided for each of the four cables 152.
  • each cable 152 is trained around the circumference of a corresponding body adjacent flange 102 and extends through groove 106 and its associated cross slot 104.
  • L-shaped retainer 162 carried by each body 100 and releasably fastened thereto by a screw 164 rigidly secures the respective cable 152 to body 100 of clutch member 98.
  • Link 158 has an elongated slot 166 therein which slidably receives pin 168 projecting inwardly from panel wall 92, while the mounting pin 170 for idler structure 156 is slidably received in a second elongated slot 172 in link 158 to restrict the latter to a vertical, rectilinear path of travel.
  • the am 174 pivotally mounted on wall 92 below assemblies 96 and pivotally coupled to the lower end of link 158 is of U-shaped transferse configuration and receives a roller 176 rotatably mounted on an arm 178 connected to the shaft of a motor in gear unit 180 supported by a bracket assembly 182 on panel wall 92.
  • Switch cam 184 rotatable with arm 178 has a notch 186 therein for receiving the switch actuator 188 of a motor cutoff switch 190.
  • Sold-out control structure broadly designated 192 is provided on each of the dispensers 32 and preferably comprises an elongated wire having a main rectilinear stretch 194 extending longitudinally of a corresponding dispenser drawer above the floor 36 thereof and terminating adjacent margin 42 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the opposite end of the wire is bent into generally L-shaped configuration and includes an intermediate stretch 196 pivotally received within bracket 198 affixed to floor 36 forwardly of wall 46, while a rear section 200 of the sold-out wire projects through an opening 202 therefor in wall 46 and extends upwardly therefrom as indicated in FIG. 12.
  • Switch 206 for each of the sold-out sensors 192 and carried by panel 92 has an elongated actuator 208 thereon which extends through a corresponding opening therefor in a cabinet wall 82 for engagement by section 200 of the sold-out wire.
  • actuator 208 is held away from the contact plunger of switch 206 so that the latter remains in its normal condition.
  • upward movement of stretch 194 upon exhaustion of products from a respective dispenser 32 causes the section 200 of the sold-out wire to be rotated in a clockwise direction viewing FIG. 5 to actuate the respective switch 206.
  • the dispenser 32 illustrated therein is provided with an elongated spacer rod 210 carried within coils 68 and 70 substantially axially thereof so that relatively narrow products may be dispensed from the unit as indicated in FIG. 6.
  • Rod 210 is coupled to shaft 50 through the fastener 54 associated therewith and to the opposite end of sidewall 38 by a bracket 212.
  • each of the drawer-like dispensers 32 may be individually pulled outwardly into the dashed line position thereof illustrated in FIG. 5 for filling with merchandise or replacement of the supply thereof which has been depleted since the preceding service call.
  • the guideways 80 restrict the drawer to a rectilinear path of travel and engagement of the tab 86 with the crosspiece 84 immediately thereabove precludes the dispenser 32 from being pulled completely out of the cabinet of machine 22. It is to be noted also that the drawer assembly slants downwardly to a certain extent when withdrawn from the cabinet so as to further facilitate replenishment of articles to be vended from machine 22.
  • the dispenser 32 is loaded by simply inserting articles in the spaces defined by aligned convolutions of the coils 68 and 70 as indicated in FIG. 8 with the articles thereby being in para]- lel relationship and spaced one from the other longitudinally of the respective conveyor assemblies.
  • the dispenser 32 illustrated therein is shown as being adapted for vending bag-packs such as corn chips, corn curls, potato chips, popcorn, and similar items.
  • the spacing between adjacent spiral stretches of the coils 68 and 70 is such as to accommodate the particular type of back-pack to be vended from that dispenser.
  • coils 68 and 70 may be used on that dispenser of less pitch so that the space between adjacent spiral sections of the coils is considerably more limited than that illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • a larger number of articles may, therefore, be accommodated in the dispenser 32 equipped with coil conveyors 68 and 70 having a substantially larger number of convolutions than illustrated in FIG. 8 and thereby increasing the capacity of the dispenser.
  • the articles to be dispensed will be maintained in an upright position since placement of very narrow articles in coils 68 and 70 of the configuration shown in FIG. 8 would necessarily mean that the articles would be inclined slightly transversely thereof when positioned in the mechanism.
  • the spacer rods 210 as illustrated in FIGS. 6, l1 and 14 for example, are used where the articles to be vended are relatively narrow and there would be a tendency for the products to shift toward one side or other of the dispenser unless restrained by the centrally located guide rods 210. Again it can be seen that the rods 210 are mountable at will on any one or all of the dispensers 32 as required and also may be changed as needed depending upon the type of article to be sold from a particular drawer.
  • the products slide along the floor 36 of a respective dispenser 32 and thus support is provided for the articles regardless of their effective length or width as the case may be in a direction trans-verse of the coil conveyors 68 and 70.
  • location of the coils 68 and 70 with their outer extremities 68b and 70b disposed at essentially a 6oclock position in standby assures discharge of a product from floor 36 during one cycle of rotation of the coils 68 and 70 since the arcuate stretch of each coil at the outer extremity thereof which operates against the endmost product constantly forces the latter toward the margin 42 until the end extremities 68b and 70b return to disposition at margin 42.
  • Machine 22 is desirably constructed so that the control mechanism thereof permits sale of products from dispensers 32 at variable prices depending upon the particular setting for each dispensing station and for change to be returned to the customer for any excess deposit over the amount of money actually inserted by the customer. Similarly, the machine should have an escrow feature so that if the customer inserts money and then discovers that a product is sold out, he can optionally select another product or obtain return of his money.
  • control circuitry not illustrated but which is conventional in this art is actuated to cause the solenoid 136 associated with the selected dispenser 32 to be energized whereby armature is drawn into the coil 138, thus rotating the associated actuator 116 in a clockwise direction viewing FIG. 15 as the button 140a of armature 140 engages cam arm 133 to swing actuator 116 about the axis of pin 118.
  • Toggle spring 128 serves to maintain actuator 116 in its operated position as shown in FIG. 17.
  • the cam surface 132a of cam arm 132 is now in a location to engage the cam surface 66a of cam component 66 of the selected dispenser 32.
  • Motor and gear unit is actuated through the control circuitry of the machine to rotate arm 178 in a counterclockwise direction viewing FIG. 4, whereby the arm 174 is lifted to raise link 158 attached thereto.
  • the link 158 all of the cables 152 are moved therewith to effect rotation of all of the clutch pulley members 98 in a counterclockwise direction from the position illustrated in FIG. 17 through arcs exceeding 360 and preferably about 410, although the exact extent of such rotation is not critical.
  • component 66 is rotated in a clockwise direction, viewing FIG. 12, to rotate gear 56 and pinion sections 52c of elements 52.
  • elements 52 are rotated in opposite directions simultaneously through 360 arcs.
  • detent 64 returns to its normal position engaging surface 56b of hub portion 56a of spur gear 56.
  • the operated actuator 116 has no effect on the associated cam component 66 during retrograde rotation of the clutch pulley member 98 since cam arm 132 is moving away from cam surface 66a.
  • the actuator 116 is cammed back into its original position and retained there by toggle spring 128 connected thereto.
  • the cam arm 132 of the last operated actuator 1 16 is thus moved out of the path of the cam component 66 so that the cam arm 132 can move past cam surface 66a of the associated cam component 66 upon a subsequent quent vend cycle when it does not correspond to a dispenser from which a product is to be dispensed. Operation of the motor is discontinued when the switch operator 188 falls back into notch 186 on cam control 184.
  • An article dispensing unit comprising:
  • each of said conveyors comprises an elongated coil supported by said surface of the support, and said power means is connected to the ends of the coils remote from said one margin of the support leaving the opposite ends of the coils free.
  • each of said conveyors comprises an elongated coil
  • said power means being connected to the ends of the coils remote from said one margin of the support leaving the opposite ends thereof free
  • said guide means includes an elongated member extending longitudinally of each coil in proximal relationship to the portions thereof adjacent respective sides.
  • each of said conveyors comprises an elongated coil and wherein an elongated spacer bar is provided within each of the coils in longitudinally extending relationship therewithin, said bars being disposed to maintain the articles equidistant from said sides.
  • each of said conveyors comprises an elongated coil and a rotatable cylindrical element remote from said one margin of the support, the end of each coil proximal to a respective element being would therearound for rotation therewith leaving the opposite end of the coil free.
  • An article dispensing unit comprising:
  • rotatable article delivery means carried by each support for effecting discharge of articles successively from a corresponding support over said margin thereof in response to successive operations of the respective delivery means
  • each clutch member for rotation therewith and movable from a standby to an operated position
  • a rotatable component carried by each support in disposition to be rotated by the actuator of the clutch member associated with a respective delivery means when the corresponding actuator is in the operated position thereof;
  • each delivery means means intercoupling each delivery means with a respective component for operation thereby;
  • drive means for simultaneously rotating all of the clutch members upon selective shifting of one of the actuators to an operated position by the operating means therefor, said drive means being operable to rotate the clutch members through arcs sufficient to cause the component engaged by the operated actuator to be rotated through an arc to rotate the associated delivery means to an extent to effect delivery of an article from said margin of the respective support, said drive means including a cable wound around the periphery of each clutch member and extending to the next adjacent clutch member, a prime mover operably joined to the cable for shifting the latter to rotate all of the clutch members, a shiftable element to the opposite ends of which the cable is connected for movement of the cable as the element is shifted, and a drive assembly operably coupled to said element for shifting the latter first in one direction and then in the opposite direction to return the clutch members to their initial positions.
  • An article dispensing unit comprising:
  • rotatable article delivery means carried by each support for effecting discharge of articles successively from a corresponding support over said margin thereof in response to successive operations of the respective delivery means
  • a rotatable clutch member for each delivery means adjacent the end thereof remote from said margin thereof;
  • each clutch member for rotation therewith and movable from a standby to an operated position
  • a rotatable component carried by each support in disposition to be rotated by the actuator of the clutch member associated with a respective delivery means when the corresponding actuator is in the operated position thereof;
  • each delivery means means intercoupling each delivery means with a respective component for operation thereby;
  • each of said actuators being mounted for pivoting movement on a respective clutch member and has a cam arm projecting therefrom toward an associated support for engaging the rotatable component thereon, there being toggle spring means between each clutch member and a respective actuator for biasing the latter toward one of the other of the positions thereof.
  • each actuator comprises a solenoid provided with an armature located to engage a corresponding actuator and shift the latter from the standby position thereof to said actuated position upon energization of the respective solenoid.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
US9291A 1970-02-06 1970-02-06 Dispensing machine having multiple dual helix conveyors Expired - Lifetime US3653540A (en)

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Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3840147A (en) * 1973-07-05 1974-10-08 Vendo Co Shelf apparatus for helix type product dispensing machines
US3929255A (en) * 1974-01-31 1975-12-30 Fawn Eng Corp Vending machine divided helix apparatus
US3952915A (en) * 1974-03-22 1976-04-27 Rowe International, Inc. Delivery unit for helical feed merchandising machine
US3990754A (en) * 1974-03-25 1976-11-09 Rowe International Inc. Merchandising machine cabinet and shelf structure
US4018359A (en) * 1975-06-06 1977-04-19 Lambert James T Live bait vending apparatus
US4023704A (en) * 1974-03-25 1977-05-17 Rowe International Inc. Helical feed merchandising machine
US4046440A (en) * 1974-10-04 1977-09-06 Umc Industries, Inc. Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4061245A (en) * 1976-03-22 1977-12-06 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Helical coil dispensing machine apparatus
US4120662A (en) * 1978-01-18 1978-10-17 Cortex Research Corporation Specimen sampling apparatus
US4149653A (en) * 1978-02-13 1979-04-17 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Insert member for a helical dispensing coil
US4196951A (en) * 1978-03-20 1980-04-08 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4209111A (en) * 1978-10-06 1980-06-24 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Shelf locking apparatus
US4369897A (en) * 1980-10-23 1983-01-25 Fawn Engineering Corp. Product storing and dispensing apparatus
US4506802A (en) * 1983-06-14 1985-03-26 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Shelf configuration for vending machines
US4757915A (en) * 1986-08-25 1988-07-19 Fawn Engineering Corp. Vending machine shelf assembly
US4844294A (en) * 1987-11-05 1989-07-04 Fawn Engineering Corp. Vending machine shelf assembly with drive unit helix safety lock
US5024350A (en) * 1990-01-10 1991-06-18 Shoemaker Stephen P Jr Dispensing apparatus
US5695107A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-12-09 Shoemaker, Jr.; Stephen P. Ticket dispenser with ticket guide and drag mechanism for use with thin tickets
FR2749960A1 (fr) * 1996-06-13 1997-12-19 Volpatti Mireille Distributeur automatique de fleurs fraiches coupees confectionnant des bouquets a la demande
US6573670B2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-06-03 Merkle-Korff Industries, Inc. Gearmotor with feedback control apparatus and method
US20030205028A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2003-11-06 Sus Gerald A. Automated food processing system and method
US20030205288A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2003-11-06 Sus Gerald A. Automated device and method for packaging food
US20040011006A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2004-01-22 Sus Gerald A. Food dispensing device and method
US20040020555A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2004-02-05 Sus Gerald A. Automated food processing system and method
US20040104239A1 (en) * 2002-10-04 2004-06-03 Black Talbert James Vending machine dispensing system
US6869633B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-03-22 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food frying device and method
US20050087544A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-04-28 Skavnak James E. Vending machine with horizontal product presentation
US6902083B1 (en) * 1997-04-30 2005-06-07 Automed Technologies, Inc. Method for dispensing medical items
US6960157B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-11-01 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated system and method for handling food containers
US20070235468A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-11 Robert Liva Programmable helical coil dispensing system
US20070273330A1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2007-11-29 Beghelli Gian P Battery-Recharging Device
WO2007105102A3 (en) * 2006-03-16 2007-12-06 Ohg F Lli Manea S R L Gearmotor group for a vending machine of products
US20080011771A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-01-17 The Coca-Cola Company Flexible Vending Machine
US7356980B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2008-04-15 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated method for packaging food
US7441388B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2008-10-28 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated device for packaging food
US7731899B2 (en) * 2007-02-08 2010-06-08 Biokit, S.A. Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders
USD638882S1 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-31 Interactive Vending Corporation Vending machine product holder
US8386074B2 (en) 2010-05-25 2013-02-26 Interactive Vending Corporation Vending machine
US20130313280A1 (en) * 2012-05-24 2013-11-28 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Dispensing device

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JP6102689B2 (ja) * 2013-11-13 2017-03-29 富士電機株式会社 商品払出装置

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US2795702A (en) * 1953-08-11 1957-06-11 Walter T Coleman Cassette conveying apparatus
US3294281A (en) * 1964-12-03 1966-12-27 Schlaf S Package vendor with helix shaped delivery spindle
US3335907A (en) * 1966-03-17 1967-08-15 Universal Match Corp Spiral vendor with empty source indicating means

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US502754A (en) * 1893-08-08 Coin-controlled vending apparatus
US2795702A (en) * 1953-08-11 1957-06-11 Walter T Coleman Cassette conveying apparatus
US3294281A (en) * 1964-12-03 1966-12-27 Schlaf S Package vendor with helix shaped delivery spindle
US3335907A (en) * 1966-03-17 1967-08-15 Universal Match Corp Spiral vendor with empty source indicating means

Cited By (62)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3840147A (en) * 1973-07-05 1974-10-08 Vendo Co Shelf apparatus for helix type product dispensing machines
US3929255A (en) * 1974-01-31 1975-12-30 Fawn Eng Corp Vending machine divided helix apparatus
US3952915A (en) * 1974-03-22 1976-04-27 Rowe International, Inc. Delivery unit for helical feed merchandising machine
US3990754A (en) * 1974-03-25 1976-11-09 Rowe International Inc. Merchandising machine cabinet and shelf structure
US4023704A (en) * 1974-03-25 1977-05-17 Rowe International Inc. Helical feed merchandising machine
US4046440A (en) * 1974-10-04 1977-09-06 Umc Industries, Inc. Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4018359A (en) * 1975-06-06 1977-04-19 Lambert James T Live bait vending apparatus
US4061245A (en) * 1976-03-22 1977-12-06 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Helical coil dispensing machine apparatus
US4120662A (en) * 1978-01-18 1978-10-17 Cortex Research Corporation Specimen sampling apparatus
US4149653A (en) * 1978-02-13 1979-04-17 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Insert member for a helical dispensing coil
US4196951A (en) * 1978-03-20 1980-04-08 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4209111A (en) * 1978-10-06 1980-06-24 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Shelf locking apparatus
US4369897A (en) * 1980-10-23 1983-01-25 Fawn Engineering Corp. Product storing and dispensing apparatus
US4506802A (en) * 1983-06-14 1985-03-26 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Shelf configuration for vending machines
US4757915A (en) * 1986-08-25 1988-07-19 Fawn Engineering Corp. Vending machine shelf assembly
US4844294A (en) * 1987-11-05 1989-07-04 Fawn Engineering Corp. Vending machine shelf assembly with drive unit helix safety lock
US5024350A (en) * 1990-01-10 1991-06-18 Shoemaker Stephen P Jr Dispensing apparatus
US5695107A (en) * 1995-08-31 1997-12-09 Shoemaker, Jr.; Stephen P. Ticket dispenser with ticket guide and drag mechanism for use with thin tickets
FR2749960A1 (fr) * 1996-06-13 1997-12-19 Volpatti Mireille Distributeur automatique de fleurs fraiches coupees confectionnant des bouquets a la demande
WO1999022347A1 (fr) * 1996-06-13 1999-05-06 Mireille Volpatti Distributeur automatique de fleurs fraiches coupees confectionnant des bouquets a la demande
US6474501B1 (en) 1996-06-13 2002-11-05 Mireille Volpatti Automatic dispenser of fresh cut flowers making bouquets on request
US6902083B1 (en) * 1997-04-30 2005-06-07 Automed Technologies, Inc. Method for dispensing medical items
US6573670B2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-06-03 Merkle-Korff Industries, Inc. Gearmotor with feedback control apparatus and method
US6871676B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-03-29 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated device and method for packaging food
US8034390B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2011-10-11 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food processing system and method
US20040020555A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2004-02-05 Sus Gerald A. Automated food processing system and method
US20080193617A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2008-08-14 Sus Gerald A Automated food processing system and method
US6869633B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-03-22 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food frying device and method
US20050061160A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2005-03-24 William Day Automated food frying device and method
US20030205288A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2003-11-06 Sus Gerald A. Automated device and method for packaging food
US20080166461A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2008-07-10 Sus Gerald A Automated food processing system and method
US20030205028A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2003-11-06 Sus Gerald A. Automated food processing system and method
US6960157B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-11-01 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated system and method for handling food containers
US20040011006A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2004-01-22 Sus Gerald A. Food dispensing device and method
US7441388B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2008-10-28 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated device for packaging food
US7981455B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2011-07-19 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food processing system and method
US7891289B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2011-02-22 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food frying device and method
US7303776B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2007-12-04 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated food processing system and method
US7703636B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2010-04-27 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Frozen food dispensing device and method
US7356980B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2008-04-15 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Automated method for packaging food
US7337594B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2008-03-04 Restaurant Technology, Inc. Food dispensing device and method
US20080061072A1 (en) * 2002-04-22 2008-03-13 Sus Gerald A Frozen food dispensing device and method
US20090037019A1 (en) * 2002-10-04 2009-02-05 Black Jr Talbert James Vending machine dispensing system
US8132691B2 (en) 2002-10-04 2012-03-13 Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc. Vending machine dispensing system
US7401710B2 (en) 2002-10-04 2008-07-22 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Vending machine dispensing system
US20040104239A1 (en) * 2002-10-04 2004-06-03 Black Talbert James Vending machine dispensing system
US7066348B2 (en) * 2003-10-24 2006-06-27 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Vending machine with horizontal product presentation
US20070012716A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2007-01-18 Skavnak James E Vending machine with horizontal product presentation
US20050087544A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-04-28 Skavnak James E. Vending machine with horizontal product presentation
US7777448B2 (en) * 2004-03-08 2010-08-17 Beghelli S.P.A. Battery-recharging device
US20070273330A1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2007-11-29 Beghelli Gian P Battery-Recharging Device
CN101405775B (zh) * 2006-03-16 2010-12-29 机械设备菲利玛尼亚有限责任公司 用于产品销售机的齿轮马达组
WO2007105102A3 (en) * 2006-03-16 2007-12-06 Ohg F Lli Manea S R L Gearmotor group for a vending machine of products
US20070235468A1 (en) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-11 Robert Liva Programmable helical coil dispensing system
US20080011771A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-01-17 The Coca-Cola Company Flexible Vending Machine
US7731899B2 (en) * 2007-02-08 2010-06-08 Biokit, S.A. Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders
US8480954B2 (en) 2007-02-08 2013-07-09 Biokit, S.A. Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders
AU2012203270B2 (en) * 2007-02-08 2014-04-10 Biokit, S.A. Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders
US9523699B2 (en) 2007-02-08 2016-12-20 Biokit, S.A. Apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders
USD638882S1 (en) 2010-05-25 2011-05-31 Interactive Vending Corporation Vending machine product holder
US8386074B2 (en) 2010-05-25 2013-02-26 Interactive Vending Corporation Vending machine
US20130313280A1 (en) * 2012-05-24 2013-11-28 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Dispensing device

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GB1306694A (en) 1973-02-14
JPS5027397B1 (enExample) 1975-09-06

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Effective date: 19820311