US3749279A - Apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor - Google Patents

Apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3749279A
US3749279A US00219639A US3749279DA US3749279A US 3749279 A US3749279 A US 3749279A US 00219639 A US00219639 A US 00219639A US 3749279D A US3749279D A US 3749279DA US 3749279 A US3749279 A US 3749279A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
rod
gate
control rod
compartment
cycle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00219639A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
W Ungerman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
OBUCHOUESKI STANLEY NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS ASSIGNEE FOR BENEFIT OF BARVENDER INC'S CREDITORS
CAPTAIN INT IND Ltd
Original Assignee
CAPTAIN INT IND Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CAPTAIN INT IND Ltd filed Critical CAPTAIN INT IND Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3749279A publication Critical patent/US3749279A/en
Assigned to OBUCHOUESKI, STANLEY, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS ASSIGNEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF BARVENDER, INC.'S CREDITORS reassignment OBUCHOUESKI, STANLEY, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS ASSIGNEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF BARVENDER, INC.'S CREDITORS ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: BARVENDER, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/18—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Definitions

  • the particular vending apparatus as described in the Regan et al patent is of the type in which a plurality of vertically aligned shelves are provided for each item to be dispensed, the shelves dropping the articles to a central receiving area when a selection is made.
  • vending apparatus is that commonly employed in automat restaurants or the like wherein the articles to be dispensed are placed in individual compartments to which the customer is given direct manual access by inserting a coin which permits the customer to open a gate or the like to remove the articles in that compartment.
  • Such direct access compartment vending machines as known at the present time are not appropriate for use in room service article dispensing apparatus of the type described. For example, they lack a means for recording charges in the cashier or check-out area of the hotel and it of course follows that they lack any means for assuring that any time an article is dispensed a charge is recorded, and vice versa.
  • This purpose of the present invention is achieved by providing an article dispensing apparatus of the type in which gates of individual compartments are opened individually for manual removal of the contents therein, which apparatus has a cyclically operable control means for opening the gates and concurrently transmitting an electrical signal to indicate the charge for the contents removed therefrom, said control means assuring that the gate is not opened without the amount of the charge being recorded or vice versa.
  • an operating means for holding the gates in the closed position to prevent access by hand into the compartments and a control means operable through a cycle for releasing the gate of one of said compartments from said closed position during each said cycle, thereby permitting manual access directly into such compartments.
  • the control means is operable to permit transmission of an electrical signal to record the amount of the charge for the goods contained therein. This control means is arranged to assure that during any cycle thereof, a gate is released and an electrical signal is transmitted, neither of these events occuring without the other.
  • the compartments may be mounted within a refrigerator for dispensing either perishable goods or goods which are preferably served cold.
  • the operating and control means may take the form of first and second control rods, a first rod engaging on the one hand an operator member to open a different compartment for each cycle, and on the other hand engaging an electrical switch such as a I microswitch for transmitting the electrical signal.
  • the first control rod may include two parts, a first part inside of the refrigerator unit adjacent the side wall of the compartment and a second part comprising an elongated rod movable longitudinally by the first part and extending from its articulation with the first part through a wall of the refrigerated unit and into a control box located outside of the refrigerator at which this second part engages a microswitch when the first part is actuated.
  • the second control rod may comprise a button at one end engaged by a person wishing to open a compartment, said second control rod including means for loading a spring, which spring is then released, the energy of the spring being applied to the first control rod, thereby assuring very rapid motion of this first control rod to assure that it both releases a gate and closes its respective microswitch.
  • groups of pluralities of shelves may be provided, each group having its own control means, i.e., its own first and second control rods.
  • the second parts of the first control rods of both control means may be arranged parallel to each other in a tube which extends through the wall of the refrigerator, and a mechanical interlock means may be provided to assure thay only one of the control means is operated at any given time.
  • the present invention may be used in a non-refrigerated area or in a refrigerated area under conditions such that it is not detrimental to include the electrical parts within the refrigerated area.
  • the control means may take the form of a control rod having two parts fixed relative to each other, one part engaging the operator mechanism to release gates and this part also being acted on by an electrically operated solenoid for moving the control rods. The other part of this control rod is arranged to physically engage a microswitch for transmitting the electrical signal.
  • an electrical button may be provided to be pushed by the user for actuating the solenoid to thereby operate the control means through its cycle.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an article dispensing apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, looking towards the righthand side of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial horizontal sectional view of a detail taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modification of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an article dispensing unit 10 having a left side wall 11 which terminates in the front thereof at a front flange 11a and a right side wall 12.
  • four compartments are provided, each having a lower shelf 24 and the front end of each shelf closed off by a gate.
  • the upper two gates are identified as 13a and 13b and the lower two gates are identified as 20a and 20b.
  • the gates are identical to each other and each gate includes a U-shaped bar 14 having cross-bars 15, 16 and 17 fixed thereto.
  • the upper bar 15 extends outwardly in both directions beyond its engagment with the legs of the U-shaped bar 14, extending through openings in the walls 11 and 12, respectively, thereby acting as a pivot axis about which the gate is turned as it is opened.
  • the two intermediate bars 16 do not extend beyond the legs of bar 14 to which they are welded.
  • a lower crossbar 17 extends outwardly beyond the legs of bar 14 on both sides thereof forming a pin 19 which is shown in FIG. 6, and the purpose of which will be described below.
  • the other end forms a pin 18a, 18b, 21a, and 21b on the gates 13a, 13b, 20a, and 20b, respectively, which pin is received in an opening 25 in a manner and for a purpose to be described in greater detail below.
  • a front plate 22 extends outwardly from the side wall 12 adjacent gates 13a and 13b and a front plate 23 extends laterally from the side wall 12 adjacent the lower two gates 20a and 20b.
  • an upper mechanism including, inter alia, operator plate 31a and a lower mechanism including, inter alia, lower operator plate 31b.
  • Each operating mechanism has associated with it a group of compartments, each having a gate, the operating mechanism being arranged such that during each cycle of operation thereof in a manner to be described below, one gate of that group is opened.
  • the upper operating mechanism has associated with it gates 13a and 13b for the upper two compartments and the lower operating mechanism has associated with it gates 20a and 20b for the lower two compartments. It will be evident that either of these groups of compartments associated with each operating mehcanism may have associated with it any number of compartments; but in the use of the present device in a room service article dispensing apparatus, two compartments for each group has been found to be adequate.
  • Each gate operating mechanism comprises a pair of pins 30 fixed to the side wall 12 and having formed there-on washers 35 such that the operator plate 31a slides vertically on the wall 12 to the extent permitted by engagement of the ends of elongated slots 32 with their respective pins 30.
  • Upper and lower closing channels 33 and 34 project to the left of plate 31a and form a U- shaped channel opened towards the wall 12.
  • both gates 13a and 13! are locked shut, these gates will have turned about their pivot bars 15 such that their control pins 18a and 18b have entered their respective cut-outs 25 at which they are held in their respective channels 33 and 34.
  • the plate 31a has already moved downwardly an amount such that the channel 33 has moved below pin 18a, freeing it to move outwardly through cutlout 25 so that gate 13a can be opened by simply grasping it and pulling it upwardly about the axis of bar 15.
  • the lower channel 34 still prevents outward movement of pinl8b.
  • the paltes 31a and 3lplales include outwardly extending projections 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40. These are engaged by the outer end of a leaf 48 loosely mounted on a control rod 46 for limited turning movement about rod 46, to an extent limited by U-shaped bar 49, the ends of which are fixed to the rod 46. As is evident, the legs of this bar 49 also limit movement of the leaf 48 along the rod 46.
  • a first control rod 46 extends from an end 47 pivotably mounted in the front plate 22 rearwardly until it projects outwardly through the bracket 45. Between the plate 22 and the bracket 45 this rod 46 has fixed on it the U-shaped bar 49' and loosely mounted on it the leaf 48 in the manner described above. Also fixed to rod 46 is a U-shaped channel member 50 having openings 51 in its two legs.
  • a second rod 52 extends from a first end 53 which constitutes the button pushed by the guest to operate the device beneath the leaf 48 and through the two openings 51 to an end 56.
  • a spring 54 encircles the portion of rod 52 between the openings 51, the lefthand end of this spring being attached to a washer 55 which is in turn fixed to the rod 52.
  • the righthand leg of the channel 50 includes a portion 67 which, as is shown in FIG. 4, has in its path the edge 66 of a control plate 60.
  • This control palte has tabs 61 extending loosely through openings in bracket 45.
  • a spring 62 attached at one end 63 to the plate 60 and at the other end 64 to the bracket 45 urges this plate 60 counterclockwise (as shown in FIG.
  • a microswitch be closed to transmit an electrical signal representative of the charge for the goods in the compartment. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, this is accomplished by the parts shown to the right of bracket 45.
  • the rod 46 turns downwardly and is pivoted on a fixed pivot pin 85. This will of course cause the vertical part of rod 46 to move rearwardly.
  • Extending loosely through the rod 46 is a thin pin 86 which forms a shoulder 87 with an actuating rod 80.
  • Return movement of the rod 46 is provided by tension spring 68. In a manner to be described below, this rightward movement of rod 80 will actuate microswitch 106.
  • the two gate operating mechanisms are substantially the same between the front plates 22 and 23 and the bracket 45.
  • the rod 46 is designated as in FIG. 2 and the righthand end thereof turns upwardly and terminantes in the middle of a lower coil portion of an extension rod 82 which is permitted to moveright to left (as shown in FIG. 2) but is otherwise guided in the channel 83 (see also FIG. 7), this rod 82 being connected at its upper end to a fixed pivot pin 84.
  • the rod 82 is articulated with a thin pin 88 having a shoulder 89 between it and another actuating rod 81.
  • a return spring 92 (FIG. 2) returns the rod 82 and hence also the rod 70 back to the original position after actuation has been completed.
  • an interlock system 90 comprising a bracket 75 having a pair of circular openings 78 and 79 formed therein for receiving rods 80 and 81, respectively, and a pair of notches 91 formed in the rods 80 and 81 and receiving between them a rod 76 which is mounted at its upper end (FIG. 2) by a cotter pin 77 which permits this rod 76 to dangle freely between the rods 80 and 81.
  • the diameter of rod 76 is greater than the depth of either notch 91 but slightly less than the distance from the bottom of one notch to the outer surface of the other rod. Thus, when either rod 80 or 81 is pushed, dangling rod 76 will move into the notch of the other, preventing it from also moving.
  • One position of rod 76 is shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 and the other is shown in dotted lines.
  • the electrical components be spaced from the compartment section itself so that the latter may be refrigerated and the electrical components located outside of the refrigerated area.
  • the rods 80 and 81 extend through a tube 95 separated vertically by suitable means such as cotter pins 97 and 98, the tube 95 being held to the side wall 12 by a suitable bracket 96.
  • the electrical means are then provided in control box 100.
  • this control box 100 includes a bracket 101 for supporting the tube 95.
  • the righthand ends of rods 80 and 81 include a lowered position shown in FIG. 2 abutting the side of a blocking member 102. In the condition shown, no shelf can be opened and no electrical signal can be transmitted because any attempt to move the rods 46 or 70 to the right will cause the respective rods 80 and 81 to simply abut the blocking member 102.
  • a solenoid 109 having a rod 110 is actuated by closing a master switch 113 whereby the rod 110 will raise the bar 81 above the blocking member 102 and into the path of leaf 108 so that when rod 81 is actuated it will engage the leaf 108 depressing buttons 107 of microswitch 106.
  • An identical solenoid unit, electrical system including a control master switch and an identical microswitch unit 106-108 is provided for the rod 80. When either of these microswitches 106 are actuated, they transmit electrical signal through the lines 111 for transmitting to the cashier or check-out area of the hotel cost information concerning the dispensed articles.
  • each shelf operating mechanism is first raised until the projection 38 is above leaf 48.
  • the projections 36, 37 and 38 will engage leaf 48.
  • the latter is permitted to swing freely about rod 46, but only to the extent permitted by bar 49.
  • the projection 38 is raised above leaf 48, the latter falls downwardly resting on bar 52 and the plate 31 is dropped until projection 38 rests on leaf 48. In this position, both locking channels 33 and 34 lock their respective control pins 18a and 18b.
  • compartments 13a and 13b For example, it may be desired to put an alcoholic beverage such as beer into one of the groups of compartments such as compartments 13a and 13b and a compact continental breakfast in the other group of compartments, i.e., compartments 20a and 20b.
  • an alcoholic beverage such as beer
  • compartments 13a and 13b a compact continental breakfast
  • compartments 20a and 20b it would be necessary to open the switch 113 to prevent any sale of the alcoholic beverages during certain hours or on certain days but there would be no need to turn off the mechanism for dispensing the continental breakfast during these times.
  • FIGS. 1 and 6 there is provided a weight 121 pivotally mounted on pivot pin in the side wall 11.
  • the weight of element 121 acts along surface 122 against the pin 19 of the gate thxs urging the pin 19 and hence its respective gate outwardly. Consequently, if that gate has already been released, i.e., it is not being held by a closing channel on the opposite side, then the gate will move forwardly slightly so that it will not appear to be locked shut.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention either usable in a non-refrigerated embodiment or usable in a refrigerated environment wherein it is determined that it will do no harm to have the electrical elements within the refrigerated area.
  • the compartment assembly including the gates and in fact the entire front thereof as shown in FIG. 1 and the lefthand side thereof as shown in FIG. 6 are precisely the same as in the earlier described embodiment. Moreover, there would be a pair of operator plates 31a and 31b arranged precisely as shown in FIG. 2 with their respective elements 30, and 32-40.
  • FIG. 8 The essential difference in FIG. 8 is the control mechanism itself.
  • a fixed U-channel member fixed to the side wall 12 and containing aligned openings 131 and 132 in the legs of channel 130 and an elongated slot 133 also formed in the lefthand leg of channel 130.
  • a microswitch 134 having a microswitch button 135 is fixed to the base of channel 130.
  • control rods are replaced by a single U-shaped rod having a control leg 141 and a switch leg 142.
  • the latter includes a raised end 143 arranged to depress button 135 when the element 140 is moved to the right.
  • a suitable washer 144 is fixed onto control leg 141 and has attached to it one end of a spring 145, the other end of which abuts the righthand leg of channcl 130.
  • Another washer 153 is fixed onto leg 141 adjacent bar 49 in which is mounted leaf 48. At its righthand end, the leg 141 has attached to it a spring 146 which at its other end is attached to an armature 147 of a solenoid 148.
  • the gate operating mechanism is controlled electrically.
  • a selection switch 149 is mounted on the plate 22 and is closed upon depression by the guest of the button 150.
  • This embodiment includes a master switch 152 swerving the same function as the master switch 113 in the previously described embodiment. lf master switch 152 is closed and button 150 is depressed, current will be transmitted through wires 151 to the solenoid 148 which then pulls the armature 147 inwardly, thus, through spring 146, urging the entire U-shaped rod 140 to the right.
  • the leaf 48 will cooperate with the projections on plate 31a in precisely the same manner as in the previously described emb'odimentfor releasing a control pin while the end 143 of leg 142 depresses button 135 of microswitch 134 thus transmitting electrical current through lines 154 for recording the charge of the dispensed articles in the cashier or check-out area of the hotel. Depression of button 150 after both shelves have been opened will still transmit current to the solenoid 148. However, in this case since leaf 48 will be blocked by projection 39, movement of armature 147 will only stretch spring 146 but will not move the rod 140 to the right and hence there will be no contact between end 143 and microswitch button 135. The leaf 48 is permitted to swing about leg 141 to an extent limited by bar 49 for precisely the same reason as described above with respect to the earlier embodiment.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that owing to the construction and arrangement of the gate operating mechanism and the fact that the gate operating mechanism itself would not be accessible to the guest, a gate, once opened, cannot be voluntarily or involuntarily relocked by the guest.
  • An article dispensing apparatus comprising:
  • control mechanism operable through a cycle for operating on the operating means for releasing the gate of one of said compartments from said closed position during each said cycle, permitting that gate to be manually moved to the open position for direct hand access to that respective compartment for the removal of the contents therein,
  • electrical signal means for transmitting an electrical signal when the control mechanism is operated through said cycle, to release a gate from said closed position
  • control mechanism for a rapid snap action movement during a portion of said cycle, during which portion the control mechanism both operates the operating means to release the next shelf and causes said electrical signal means to transmit the electrical signal, thereby assuring that during any cycle of the control mechanism neither one of (a) release of a gate from the closed position to a manually operable position nor (b) the transmission of said electrical signal, occurs without the other also occuring,
  • An article dispensing apparatus including an electrically operated master control means for either permitting or preventing operation of said control mechanism through said cycle.
  • control mechanism comprising a control rod movable longitudinally forwardly and then back through said cycle.
  • An article dispensing apparatus wherein the gate of a compartment is opened and the electrical signal is transmitted during the forward movement of the rod, and including spring means for returning the rod back to its original position.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including a drive member, the movement of which moves the control rod forwardly and including a spring in the drive connection between the drive member and the control rod.
  • said operating means comprising an operating memher having a lock engaging a part of the gate of each compartment for preventing the opening of each compartment, and means operatively interconnecting the control rod and the operating member such that during each successive cycle the operating member releases successive ones of said gates, thereby making openable successive ones of said compartments.
  • said operating member being an operator plate movable in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the control rod, said operator Ell plate including projections, a leaf on the control rod and engaging the projections of the operator plate such that as the control rod moves forward and back through each said cycle, the operator plate moves in said second direction an amount to release the gate of one further compartment.
  • each gate including a pin extending laterally, said opera-tor member including a separate lock channel for locking the pin of each gate to hold that gate in said closed position, the pins being staggered in said second direction relative to their lock channels such that during each said cycle, the operator plates, moving in said second direction, releases only the pin of one gate during each of said cycles.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including a means for moving to a partially opened position each gate which is not being held in a closed position by its respective lock channel.
  • control mechanism comprising a control rod movable forwardly and then back during each cycle, an electrically operated solenoid operable upon actuation of a button for moving the control rod forwardly, and said electrical signal means including a switch positioned to be engaged by said control red as the control rod moves forwardly to transmit said electrical signal.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including a spring operatively interconnecting said solenoid to said control rod and wherein during each successive cycle the control mechanism releases one of said gates, thereby permitting manual access to one compartment for each cycle of operation, and said prevent means including means for preventing movement of the control rod in said forward direction after the control mechanism has completed the number of cycles equal to the total number of said compartments, whereby, upon actuation of said solenoid after all gates have been made openable, the said spring will stretch but said control rod will not move forwardly, whereby an electrical signal will not be transmitted.
  • control rod being U-shaped, having two generally parallel legs extending in the direction of said forward and back movment, said solenoid operatively connected to one of said legs, and said switch positioned in the path of the other leg to be engaged thereby as the rod moves forwardly.
  • said operating means comprising an operating member having a lock engaging a part of the gate of each compartment for preventing the opening of each compartment, and means operatively interconnecting the control rod and the operating member such that during each successive cycle, the operating member releases successive ones of said gates, thereby making openable successive ones of said compartments, said operating member being an operating plate movable in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the control rod, said operator plate including projections, a leaf loosely mounted on one leg of the control rod and extending across the other leg thereof to engage the said projections, means for preventing movement of said leaf relative to the control rod in the forward and back directions, wherein as the control rod moves forward and back through each cycle,'the operator plate moves in said second di rection an amount to release the gate of one further compartment.
  • An article dispensing apparatus said plurality of compartments arranged vertically one abovethe other with a gate at an end of each compartment, a vertical side wall common to all said compartments, said operating means including an operator plate mounted for vertical movement on the side wall, said control rod being operatively connected to the side wall for horizontal sliding movement, each gate having a pin extending through an opening on the side wall, said operator plate having a separate locking channel for engaging each said gate pin, the locking channels being so staggered vertically relative to their gate pins that during each cycle of operation of the control rod, the operator plate moves downwardly one step and only one gate pin is released from its respective lock channel.
  • control mechanism comprising a first control rod engaging said operating means and said electrical signal means, and a second control rod generally parallel to the first rod, means responsive to a manually operable button for moving the second control rod for storing spring energy and then releasing said spring energy to move the first control rod rapidly to both operate the operating means to release one of said gates from said closed position, rendering that gate openable for hand access to the contents therein and substantially concurrently engaging an electrical switch to transmit said electrical signal.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including a U-channel fixed on the first rod, said second rod passing through both legs thereof and a spring on the second rod between the legs of the U, urging the second rod to its rearward position, a control plate in the path of the leading leg of the U-channel during its forward movement, a raised lip on the path of the end of the second rod, wherein said spring starts compressing when the said leading leg of the U-channel engages the control plate and is released to act through the channel to urge the first rod forwardly rapidly when the end of the second rod engages the said raised lip.
  • said operating means comprising an operating member having a lock engaging a part of the gate of each compartment for preventing the opening of each compartment, and means operatively interconnecting the first control rod and the operating member such that during each successive cycle, the operating member releases successive ones of said gates, thereby making openable successive ones of said compartments, said operating member being an operating plate movable in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first control rod, said operator plate including projections, a leaf loosely mounted on the first control rod and extending across the second control rod to engage the said projections, means for preventing movement of said leaf relative to the first control rod in the forward and back directions, wherein as the first control rod moves foward and back through each cycle, the operator plate moves in said second direction an amount to release the gate of one further compartment.
  • An article dispensing apparatus said plurality of compartments arranged vertically one above the other with a gate at an end of each compartment, a side wall common to all compartments, said first control rod comprising two parts including a first part engaged by the second rod mounted adjacent the side wall and articulated to a second part in the form of a rod, said second part extending beyond the borders of the side wall, a switch in the path of movement of the second part, and said switch constituting said electrical signal means.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including master control means for moving the second part laterally between two positions including one position in which the second part can not be moved longitudinally and another position in which the second part is movable longitudinally to engage its switch when its first part is actuated by the said second rod.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including two groups of pluralities of compartments, each having its own said control means, and wherein the second part of both control means extend parallel to each other from said engagement with their respective first parts to their respective master control means and their respective switches.
  • An operating mechanism for a vending machine of the type in which goods are stored in compartments which are made openable by operation of such mechanism comprising:
  • control rod operable through a cycle forwardly and then back, operating the operating means during the forward part of its cycle to open one compartment during each cycle of operation
  • control rod for rapid snapaction movement during said forward portion of its cycle for positively assuring that during any of said cycles of the control rod, neither (a) the opening of a compartment nor (b) the transmission of an electrical signal, occurs without the other also occuring.
  • control rod being a U-shaped member, one leg engaging the switch, and the other leg operatively engaging a solenoid, a button means for operating the solenoid to move the control rod through its said cycle.
  • control rod including a first rod arranged to engage said switch to transmit said electrical signal and said operating means to open a compartment and including a second rod adjacent the first rod, a button accessible for pushing the second rod, and said assuring means comprising a means for loading a spring on the second rod as the button is pushed and then exerting the force of the spring against the first rod to rapidly move the first rod to open a compartment and engage a switch to transmit said electrical signal.
  • An article dispensing apparatus comprising:
  • control means operable through a cycle for operating on the operating means for releasing the gate of one of said compartments from said closed position during each said cycle, permitting that gate to be manually moved to the open position for direct hand access to that respective compartment for the removal of the contents therein,
  • electrical signal means for transmitting an electrical signal when the control means is operated through said cycle
  • control means means for positively assuring that during any cycle of the control means neither one of (a) release of a gate from the closed position to a manually operable position nor (b) the transmission of said electrical signal, occurs without the other also occuring,
  • control means comprising a control rod movable longitudinally forwardly and then back through said cycle, and wherein the gate of a compartment is opened and the electrical signal is transmitted during the forward movement of the rod, and including a spring means for returning the rod back to its original position.
  • An article dispensing apparatus including a drive member, the movement of which moves the control rod forwardly and including a spring in the drive connection between the drive member and the control rod.
  • said operating means comprising an operating member having a lock engaging a part of the gate of each compartment for preventing the opening of each compartment, and means operatively interconnecting the control rod and the operating member such that during each successive cycle the operating member releases successive ones of said gates, thereby making openable successive ones of said compartments.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
US00219639A 1972-01-21 1972-01-21 Apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor Expired - Lifetime US3749279A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21963972A 1972-01-21 1972-01-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3749279A true US3749279A (en) 1973-07-31

Family

ID=22820111

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00219639A Expired - Lifetime US3749279A (en) 1972-01-21 1972-01-21 Apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US3749279A (sv)
BE (1) BE794301A (sv)
CH (1) CH574226A5 (sv)
DE (1) DE2302252A1 (sv)
ES (1) ES406390A1 (sv)
FR (1) FR2168289B3 (sv)
GB (1) GB1410997A (sv)
IL (1) IL40821A (sv)
IT (1) IT972112B (sv)
NL (1) NL7212440A (sv)

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3884386A (en) * 1972-07-29 1975-05-20 Francisco Arin Urcola Device for automatically supplying drinks and foodstuff
US4075463A (en) * 1976-03-04 1978-02-21 Yurramendi Eguizabal Jose Migu Device for automatically supplying drinks and foodstuffs
US4616316A (en) * 1982-07-01 1986-10-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of Veterans Affairs Medication compliance monitoring device having conductive traces upon a frangible backing of a medication compartment
US4629090A (en) * 1984-03-17 1986-12-16 Robobar Limited Hotel room bar with optical sensing system
US5339250A (en) * 1990-06-15 1994-08-16 Inn Room Systems, Inc. Interactive network for remotely controlled hotel vending systems
US20030125836A1 (en) * 2002-11-23 2003-07-03 Munroe Chirnomas Method and apparatus for controlling a vending machine
US20040073454A1 (en) * 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 John Urquhart System and method of portal-mediated, website-based analysis of medication dosing
US20060237381A1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2006-10-26 Lockwood Thomas A Time delay product pushing system
US20080142538A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2008-06-19 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US7533784B2 (en) 2006-06-12 2009-05-19 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system hook
US20090184130A1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2009-07-23 Miller Roger K Secure merchandising system
US7641072B1 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-01-05 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US20100237093A1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2010-09-23 Lockwood Thomas A Time delay product pushing system
US8190289B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2012-05-29 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Dispensing and display system
US8485391B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2013-07-16 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US8646650B2 (en) 2010-05-19 2014-02-11 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Product dispensing system
US8910827B2 (en) 2011-05-10 2014-12-16 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising display with tunnel feature
US9119488B2 (en) 2009-09-25 2015-09-01 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising display with blocker mechanisms
US20210106148A1 (en) * 2019-10-11 2021-04-15 Sennco Solutions, Inc. Security gate
US11941957B2 (en) 2019-10-11 2024-03-26 Sennco Solutions Inc Security lockdown device and method

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL160409C (nl) * 1972-07-29 1979-10-15 Electrotecnica Melia Inrichting voor het opnemen en afgeven van produkten, zoals dranken en voedingsmiddelen.
FR2537413A1 (fr) * 1982-12-13 1984-06-15 Chazal Agnes Distributeur electronique de boissons
EP0247876B1 (en) * 1986-05-30 1992-05-06 Keyosk Corporation Storage and dispensing means

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2958858A (en) * 1958-02-24 1960-11-01 Ralph M Eversole Delivery box signal
US3220528A (en) * 1964-06-12 1965-11-30 Robert C Friedrich Locker for rented articles
US3310198A (en) * 1965-08-09 1967-03-21 Servade Mfg Corp Ltd Room service apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor
US3656145A (en) * 1968-03-08 1972-04-11 Quickmaid Rental Service Ltd Vending and recording apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2958858A (en) * 1958-02-24 1960-11-01 Ralph M Eversole Delivery box signal
US3220528A (en) * 1964-06-12 1965-11-30 Robert C Friedrich Locker for rented articles
US3310198A (en) * 1965-08-09 1967-03-21 Servade Mfg Corp Ltd Room service apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor
US3656145A (en) * 1968-03-08 1972-04-11 Quickmaid Rental Service Ltd Vending and recording apparatus

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3884386A (en) * 1972-07-29 1975-05-20 Francisco Arin Urcola Device for automatically supplying drinks and foodstuff
US4075463A (en) * 1976-03-04 1978-02-21 Yurramendi Eguizabal Jose Migu Device for automatically supplying drinks and foodstuffs
US4616316A (en) * 1982-07-01 1986-10-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of Veterans Affairs Medication compliance monitoring device having conductive traces upon a frangible backing of a medication compartment
US4629090A (en) * 1984-03-17 1986-12-16 Robobar Limited Hotel room bar with optical sensing system
US5339250A (en) * 1990-06-15 1994-08-16 Inn Room Systems, Inc. Interactive network for remotely controlled hotel vending systems
US20040073454A1 (en) * 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 John Urquhart System and method of portal-mediated, website-based analysis of medication dosing
US20030125836A1 (en) * 2002-11-23 2003-07-03 Munroe Chirnomas Method and apparatus for controlling a vending machine
US9052994B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2015-06-09 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Dispensing and display system
US9483896B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2016-11-01 Westrock Shared Services, Llc Dispensing and display system
US8485391B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2013-07-16 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US20090184130A1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2009-07-23 Miller Roger K Secure merchandising system
US8386075B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2013-02-26 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Dispensing and display system
US7641072B1 (en) 2003-10-17 2010-01-05 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US8215520B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2012-07-10 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising system
US8190289B2 (en) 2003-10-17 2012-05-29 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Dispensing and display system
US20060237381A1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2006-10-26 Lockwood Thomas A Time delay product pushing system
US8353425B2 (en) 2005-04-25 2013-01-15 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Time delay product pushing system
US20100237093A1 (en) * 2005-04-25 2010-09-23 Lockwood Thomas A Time delay product pushing system
US20080142538A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2008-06-19 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system
US7533784B2 (en) 2006-06-12 2009-05-19 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system hook
US20090184129A1 (en) * 2006-06-12 2009-07-23 Rock-Teen Shared Services, Llc Theft deterrent system hook
US9119488B2 (en) 2009-09-25 2015-09-01 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising display with blocker mechanisms
US8646650B2 (en) 2010-05-19 2014-02-11 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Product dispensing system
US8910827B2 (en) 2011-05-10 2014-12-16 Rock-Tenn Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising display with tunnel feature
US9603467B2 (en) 2011-05-10 2017-03-28 Westrock Shared Services, Llc Secure merchandising display with tunnel feature
US20210106148A1 (en) * 2019-10-11 2021-04-15 Sennco Solutions, Inc. Security gate
WO2021072388A1 (en) * 2019-10-11 2021-04-15 Sennco Solutions, Inc. Security gate
US11647849B2 (en) * 2019-10-11 2023-05-16 Sennco Solutions, Inc. Security gate
US11941957B2 (en) 2019-10-11 2024-03-26 Sennco Solutions Inc Security lockdown device and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2302252A1 (de) 1973-08-02
BE794301A (fr) 1973-07-19
ES406390A1 (es) 1975-09-16
IT972112B (it) 1974-05-20
CH574226A5 (sv) 1976-04-15
IL40821A (en) 1976-03-31
NL7212440A (sv) 1973-07-24
FR2168289A1 (sv) 1973-08-31
GB1410997A (en) 1975-10-22
IL40821A0 (en) 1973-01-30
AU4562672A (en) 1974-02-21
FR2168289B3 (sv) 1976-01-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3749279A (en) Apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor
US3348733A (en) Article dispensing apparatus having an electrically controlled article releasing assembly
US5638985A (en) Vending apparatus and method
US4576272A (en) Counter-top or wall-mounted vending machine
US3752357A (en) High capacity, small size vendor for cans
US2638396A (en) Sandwich vending machine
US3795345A (en) Product dispensing apparatus
US3442422A (en) Merchandise vending machine
US3362582A (en) Vending machine with separately acting, series, article releasers
US3927799A (en) Cup dispensing device
US3342373A (en) Vending machine for vending in sequence merchandise article containers from two vertically stacked adjacent columns thereof
US3489315A (en) Multiple price slant shelf dispensing machine for cylindrical articles
US3310198A (en) Room service apparatus for dispensing articles and registering charges therefor
US2323681A (en) Control for dispensing devices
US3129039A (en) Visible product vending machine
US2777603A (en) Vending machine
US2529196A (en) Vending machine
US3349961A (en) Vending machine having a lock-out means
US3767081A (en) Article storing and dispensing device
US3102761A (en) Vending apparatus having a plurality of compartments
US3325049A (en) Selective slant shelf vender having a product delivery conveyor
US3087649A (en) Refrigerated-sandwich merchandising machine
US3251505A (en) Straight column selective bottle vending mechanism
US3190706A (en) Commodity vending machine
US3190489A (en) Machine for selectively vending platters or the like

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: OBUCHOUESKI, STANLEY, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS ASSI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BARVENDER, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004983/0925

Effective date: 19880527

Owner name: OBUCHOUESKI, STANLEY, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS ASSI

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:BARVENDER, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004983/0925

Effective date: 19880527