US3822775A

US3822775A - Vending machine with variable capacity coin traps

Info

Publication number: US3822775A
Application number: US00317705A
Authority: US
Inventors: M Hall
Original assignee: Monarch Tool & Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Monarch Tool & Manufacturing Co; Monarch Tool & Manufacturing Co us
Priority date: 1972-12-21
Filing date: 1972-12-21
Publication date: 1974-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-09

Abstract

The invention relates to improved means for accumulating a given number of coins or tokens of different values or denominations, which together will equal a predetermined sum or total valuation required to initiate dispensing of a priced commodity or service. Throughout the disclosure, the terms ''''coins'''' and ''''tokens'''' are used interchangeably, in order to avoid undesirable prolixity of verbage.

Description

nited States Patent 1191 all July 9, I974 [54] VENDING MACHINE WITH VARIABLE 1,561,707 11/1925 Grenier 194/1910. 11 CAPACITY COINTR qps 1,773,632 8/1930 Nicholson. l94/DIG. 2 1,983,073 12/1934 Grenier l94/63 Inventor: ki Adam Hall, 3,667,585 6/1972 Lindner- 194/99 x FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Asslgnee: lggzg fg fi m 24,829 10/1898 Great Britain .v 194/66 [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1972 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-David A. Scherbel [21] Appl' 317705 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J. Warren Kinney, Jr.

[52] US. Cl 194/63, l94/DIG. 2, l94/Dl1C9i4/l953, [57] ABSTR QCT 51 1111. c1. G07f 11/02 The invention relates to improved means for accumu- [58] Field of Search 194/61 63, 66, 67 68 lating a given number of coins or tokens of different 194/70, DIG 7, DIG 15,99,1316'2 10 values or denominations, which together will equal a 55, 57, 58, 50 60 92 93 DIG. 20, predetermined sum or total valuation required to initi- DIG 5 D ate dispensing of a priced commodity or service. Throughout the disclosure, the terms coins and to- [56] References Cited kens are used interchangeably, in order to avoid un- UNITED STATES PATENTS desirable prolixity of verb'age. 9l9,749 4/1909 Nelson l94/66 v 1,034,027 7/1912 Ohman 194/010. 2 32 26 Drawmg F'gures PATENTEDJUL 919M 3.822.775

SHEU 1 of 4 FIG-3 PEG- 1 IHllllLllll ll IIIHIH'I BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Coin accumulators, sometimes referred to as multiple coin actuators, usually have incorporated a single reciprocable coin slide plate or slider having formed therein two or more circular apertures adapted to accommodate a very limited number of coins or the like. Elaborate mechanisms were included therein to test the coins, and to reject them if spurious or insufficient as to number, or denomination.

The slider type multiple coin actuator, when constructed to accommodate more than just a few coins, became bulky and heavy and expensive to manufacture, and with the increase in size, the problem of protecting the mechanism against pilferage and vandalism was greatly aggravated. Very important also was the inherent inability of the slider type actuator to lend itself to easy changes or adjustments of the coin values required for authorized manipulation of the actuator. Usually, such changes or adjustments were performed in the field, and invited considerable servicing expense due to the servicing time and skill involved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The accumulator herein disclosed is designed not only to accept a full line of coin denominations, but also, a multiplicity of coins of each denomination. Accordingly, the total valuation of coins acceptable can be quite high, and may be of any whole number between zero and a predetermined large maximum amount. Thus, the device may readily accept sales tax amounts as well as the base price of a given commodity or service.

One of the objectives of the invention is to so construct the accumulator that the amount of money demanded thereby for actuation, may be quickly and easily changed in the field of use, by relatively unskilled persons having access to the inner mechanism. The change may be effected by merely inserting or removing one or more simple and inexpensive shims or inserts provided.

The device utilizes a coin carrier which is rotatable, rather than reciprocable as in the conventional coin slide type device. The rotatable carrier, unlike the customarycoin slide, is inaccessible to the patron and cannot therefore be abused, tricked, or damaged. It is so arranged and complemented as to receive and hold the maximum number of proper coins for which it is set, and'to return to the patron all coins which may be in excess. On the other hand, an insufficient number of requided coins of any denomination deposited in the rotary carrier, results in locking the carrier against rotation and therefore precludes actuation.

A ratchet mechanism is provided, precluding recovery of coins by the patron once the coin carrier has been rotated beyond a predetermined limit. At any time before the limit is reached, the carrier may be manually returned to starting position, whereupon a coin ejector may be manipulated by the patron to effect recovery of all coins deposited by him. Thus, the accumulator will either return all coins deposited therein, or effect a delivery of the commodity or service purchased.

The present accumulator is sturdy of construction, foolproof, highly serviceable, and relatively small though it combines coin receiving, coin return, and money box in one unit. The operating mechanism incorporates no delicate parts vulnerable to damage or destruction by abusive treatment of the apparatus.

Various other objects and advantages of the device will become apparent to persons skilled in the art, as the description and explanation progress with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the coin accumulator of the present invention, in condition to receive four denominations of U.S. coins.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1, and indicating the course of travel of an undersize coin or slug deposited therein, all components of the device being shown in their normal starting or rest positions.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and showing a series of different coins undergoing deposit and advancement by gravity in their respective coin chutes.

FIG. 5 is a slightly enlarged cross-section taken on line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of a rotary coin carrier of FIG. 3, and taken on line 66 of FIG. 4; the illustration of FIG. 6 showing the quarter trap of the carrier loaded with a maximum of four quarters, by way of example.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the rotary carrier advanced counterclockwise about 30 degrees, and causing the four quarters to trip a carrier lock incident to calipering of the coins.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section looking in the opposite direction on line 6-6 of FIG. 4, to show a ratchet wheel on the rotary carrier, the carrier being in rest position to trap coins from an overlying chute.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, showing the carrier rotated to coin-calipering position, with acceptable coins in position to pass the carrier lock, and the ratchet about to engage for precluding reverse rotation of the carrier.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the rotary carrier advanced farther than in FIGS. 9 and 7, to camactuate a coin diverter for sending the coins to a coin box.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing the carrier farther advanced, to effect a release of coins to the coin box.

FIG. 12 shows the elements of FIG. 11 in the fully rotated position of the coin carrier and ready for a reverse rotation to the starting position of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a carrier actuator, including stop means to limit rotation thereof.

FIG. 14 is a view like FIG. 12, showing ratchet engagement in the reverse rotation of the carrier, to preclude repetitious dispensation of a commodity or service on a single deposit of coins.

FIG. 15 is a detail view showing a carrier lock responding to a proper multiple coin deposit.

FIG. 16 shows the carrier lock of FIG. 15 operative to lock the carrier against advancement, when no coins are present on the coin carrier.

FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are detail views of a coin carrier lock and caliper.

FIG. is a perspective view of the rotary coin carrier, partly broken away at the ratchet wheel thereof, showing in detail the coin traps for coins of different denominations.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 are enlarged perspective views of three different shims such as are applicable to the several coin traps, for predetermining the number of coins and their total valuation, as required for a proper performance of the accumulator.

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are enlarged transverse crosssections of one of the coin traps of FIG. 20, showing selective applications of the shims aforesaid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS At the outset, it should be understood that the description and drawings herein are illustrative merely, so that various modifications and changes may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several drawing views.

The accumulator as shown may comprise a protective housing 28 having opposite side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall, preferably of sheet metal, the front wall comprising a removable panel 30, FIG. 3, which normally covers the front and most of the open top of the housing. Panel 30 affords access to the operating mechanism, and is therefore adapted for removal by authorized persons only. For this purpose, the panel normally is secured in position by means of a suitable lock, not shown, the key for which is in the custody of the authorized person aforesaid.

The base portion 32, which may be integral with or fixed relative to housing 28, is best illustrated by FIG. 2 to include a side opening 34 into wihch may be removably inserted an open-topped coin box 36. The coin box as usual may include shiftable locking bolts 38 which are under the control of a key lock, not shown. Details of the coin box are of no concern to the present invention.

The front wall 40 of base portion 32 is furnished with a trough 42, accessible exteriorly thereof, and from which a patron may retrieve coins under certain conditions. Trough 42 is a coin return trough, and is fed by a coin return chute 44 built into base portion 32. FIG.

-3 indicates a feeding of spurious coins N to chute 44 and trough 42, rather than to coin box 36. Feeding of coins to box 36 occurs whenever the diverter plate or element 46 of FIG. 3 is swung counterclockwise about its support shaft 48, to the FIG. 10 position, and away from the coin return chute lip 50. When so swung, the diverter plate 46 registers at its upper edge with a stationary coin guide plate 52 that is secured to the side walls of housing 28, at 54.

In the light of the foregoing, it will be understood that coins deposited in the

coin chutes

56, 58, 60, 62 by a patron, will enter either the coin return trough 42, or the coin box 36, depending upon the position of diverter plate or gate element 46, FIGS. 3 and I0. Normally, or in the rest position of the accumulator components, plate 46 is disposed as in FIG. 3 so as to divert coins to the coin return trough 42. A spring 47 yieldingly biases the diverter plate to the FIG. 3 position.

In the example, the

coin chutes

56, 58, 60, 62 are receptive of pennies P, nickels N, dimes D, and quaters 0, respectively.

The openings at the upper or receiving ends of the chutes may be accurately dimensioned so as to accept no coins or slugs which are larger than genuine or acceptable coins. Thus, the coins or tokens inserted by a patron are tested for size. Other coin tests such as tests for weight, ferrous content, perforations, and the like, may be associated with the coin chutes as is customary, but these have been omitted from the present disclosure in the interests of clarity and simplicity.

Proper coins deposited in the several coin chutes will gravitate onto a rotatory coin carrier denoted generally by the numeral 64. The carrier may comprise a cam disc 66 and a ratchet disc 68, spaced apart in parallelism, said discs being fixed near opposite ends of a carrier shaft 70. Shaft 70 is supported for rotation with a rock motion, by the opposite side walls of housing 28. A substantially flat coin carrier plate 72, FIG. 20, spans the

end discs

66, 68, and is fixed relative to the discs, and to shaft 70 at 74. In its normal position of rest, plate 72 is inclined to the vertical, FIG. 3, in substantial parallelism with the common plane of

coin chutes

56, 58, 60 and 62.

Carrier plate 72 carries a group of five laterally projecting, fixed caliper pins 76 of uniform length, spaced from one another along the length of the plate and projecting in a common direction from plate 72. Referring to FIG. 20, the two pins 76 beneath penny P are so spaced apart as to stop a genuine penny gravitating from coin entry chute 56, and to permit passing of a spurious coin or slug of lesser diameter. Likewise, the pins 76 beneath the nickel chute, and those beneath the dime chute, and those beneath the quarter chute, are so spaced apart as to stop and hold proper nickels, dimes, and quarters, respectively, but will allow the passing of slugs which are insufficient of diameter. Slugs so passed will, according to FIG. 3, be diverted into coin return trough 42.

The spaced pins 76 function as traps for proper pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, as above explained. To limit the number of proper coins that may be accumulated by each trap, the carrier plate 72 may be provided with fixed

stools

78, 80, 82, 84, upon which may stack such proper coins as may be guided thereto by the

coin entry chutes

56, 58, 60, 62. The stools are of different thicknesses (FIG. 5), so as to extend different distances from carrier plate 72 and toward a shiftable coin retainer bar 86 which spans all of the stools. Retainer bar 86 normally is spaced uniformly from carrier plate 72 a distance exceeding the length of caliper pins 76, (FIG. 3), but is adapted for yielding movement toward plate 72 and the free ends of pins 76 incident to rotation of coin carrier 64, as will be explained. Bar 86 functions to yieldingly press onto the stools, during initial rotation of the carrier, those coins which have completely filled the coin traps of the carrier.

The carrier shaft 70 may be rotated in forward and reverse directions, by any suitable operating means. By way of example, the operating means is shown as a rotary hand piece 88 fixed to one end of shaft 70 exteriorly of housing 28, for manual rotation. A

stop lug arrangement

90, 92, FIG. 13, may determine the extent of rotation of shaft 70 and the coin carrier 64 fixed thereon. It should be understood that the means for rotating shaft 70 in opposite directions is a matter of choice, and may include such mechanism as a rack and pinion or the like, providing for a push-pull manipulation, if desired. Moreover, the degree of rotation of shaft 70 necessary to produce a cycle of operation of the accumulator, is subject to variation as will be understood in the light of explanation hereinafter set forth.

In the example illustrated, trap stool 84 is of insignificant height, or may be eliminated entirely. The trap here shown will accommodate four quarters, (25 cent pieces), this being indicated at upon FIG. 6. With four quarters trapped between the pins 7676 at opposite sides of stool 84, any additional quarters that might be directed onto the stack of four by way of chute 62, will override the free ends of said pins and pass on to the coin return trough 42, FIG. 3. Such return of excess quarters results from the fact that the pins constituting the quarter trap are no greater in length than the height of four stacked quarters, wherefore, any additional quarters will not be intercepted and held, or trapped, by said pins.

In the case of the dimes D, the height of stool 82, FIG. -5, is shown dimensioned to accommodate a stack of four dimes to be intercepted and held between the dime trap pins 76, 76. Dimes in excess of four will override the free ends of said dime trap pins, and pass on to the coin return trough 42, as in FIG. 3.

In the case of the nickels N, the height of stool 80 is still greater, (see FIG. so that the nickel trap pins may accommodate only one nickel, wherefore, nickels in excess of one will override the free ends of said nickel trap pins and any nickels in excess of one will pass on to the coin return trough.

In like manner, involving the pennies P, the height of stool 78 is shown dimensioned to accommodate a stack of four pennies to be intercepted and held between the penny trap pins 76, 76. Pennies in excess of four fed through chute 56, will override the free ends of said penny trap pins and pass on to the coin return trough In the example illustrated, therefore, the several coin traps on rotary carrier 64 can accommodate a maximum of four quarters, four dimes, one nickel, and four pennies, for a momentary total of $1.49. This total can be increased or decreased by altering the height or thickness of the trap stools 78, 80, 82, 84, thereby permitting the various pins 76 to intercept and trap a greater or lesser number of coins. As was previously noted, all of the pins 76 are of equal length, but their associated stools may vary in height relative to plate 72.

FIGS. through 26 illustrate a simple means for varying the coin capacity of any coin trap as above mentioned. Assume that FIGS. 24, 25, 26 depict a penny coin trap,with pennies denoted P. The reference characters S, in FIGS. 21 through 26, indicate shims of different thicknesses that may be superposed upon stool 78 of carrier plate 72 at the penny coin trap. In FIG. 24, the shim S has a thickness equal to that of two pennies, (see also FIG. 21), and may be embraced between two

pins

76, 76 at the

shim notches

88, 88. By placing the shim according to FIG. 24, the capacity of the penny trap is reduced to two pennies P, P, with no part of pin 76 exposed to intercept and hold any additional pennies fed into chute 56, FIG. 4. Accordingly, any such additional pennies in excess of two, will be diverted to coin return trough 42.

In like manner, the coin trap may be further reduced as to coin capacity, by applying the thicker shims of FIG. 22 or FIG. 23. The thickest shim S of FIG. 26, is

equal in thickness to the thickness of four pennies, so that the penny trap will then accept no pennies. If as in FIG. 25 the shim S has a thickness equal to that of three stacked pennies, then the trap will accept and hold only one penny, and any in excess will be directed to the coin return trough 42.

The various shims S may be quickly and easily inserted or removed with respect to the coin trap, by an authorized person who possesses a key or other proper implement for removal of the housing cover 30. As will be apparent, shims such as S are applicable to the traps for nickels, dimes, and quarters, as well as to the penny trap mentioned above. The shims may be formed of any suitable hard and smooth material, an example of which is a hard molded thermoplasitc, or a suitable metal, relative to which the coins may slide freely by gravitation.

From the foregoing explanation, it will be apparent that the accumulator may easily be adapted to accommodate coins of different denominations and different numbers thereof, to arrive at a given monetary total equal to the cost of an article or service to be dispensed. Quite obviously also, the entry chute and coin carrier 64 may be altered as needed, for handling tokens or coins of a foreign nation or source.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the numeral indicates a coin ejector knob which may be manually rotated at any time that the coin carrier 64 is poised in the initial rest position of FIG. 3, for the purpose of dislodging all coins trapped by the coin carrier, and delivering such coins to return trough 42. Knob 90 is fixed upon an ejector rock shaft 92 (FIG. 3), having opposite ends rotatably supported by the housing side walls. Said rock shaft carries a transverse trip finger 94 fixed thereto, which finger is yieldingly biased to inoperative position against a stop 96, by a spring 98. The finger is movable away from the stop by means of knob 90, to an operative position (shown by broken lines on FIG. 3), at which the finger strikes and rocks a lever about a pivot 102 carried by cam disc 66. Lever I00 normally is lightly biased against a stop 104 on disc 66, by means of spring 106.

When lever 100 is rocked clockwise by means of ejector knob 90', FIG. 3, it strikes and rocks a transverse plunger plate 108 about a shaft 110 which spans the

carrier discs

66 and 68 in parallelism with carrier shaft 80. The plunger plate 108 carries a plurality of plungers 112 spaced apart and equal in number to the number of coin traps on carrier 64. The plungers extend in a common direction at approximate right angles to plate 108, for entry through complementary apertures 114 (FIGS. 4 and 6), provided in carrier plate 72 at the several coin trap locations. Thus, whenever the rotary coin carrier is at initial rest position (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6), the ejector knob 90' may be manually rotated by a patron, to initiate a projection of all the plungers 112 through the apertures 114 of carrier plate 72, for striking and dislodging all coins that had been deposited in the coin traps of the carrier plate. The coins so dislodged will enter return trough 42, according to FIG. 3.

When ejector knob 90 is released, springs 98 and 106 will return the ejector operating elements to the normal rest position of FIG. 6, and plunger plate 108 with plunger 112 will drop by force of gravity to the retracted position of FIGS. 3 and 6. Thereafter, coins may again be fed into the machine at

coin entry chutes

56, 58, 60, 62. It should be noted here that coin retainer bar 86 is in a withdrawn position with relation to all trapped coins such as Q.

Assume now that the patron feeds into the apparatus a proper number of proper coins, so that all such coins are trapped upon the rotary carrier 64. All of the traps will be filled with coins, to the free ends of the trap pins 76, FIG. 6. As best shown in FIG. 8, the coin retainer bar 86 which is pivoted at 116 upon disc 68, and similarly upon disc 66 at 118 (FIG. 7), is held spaced from the trapped coins by means of an abutment 120 which impinges upon an arm 122 of bar 86 while rotary carrier 64 is in-the normal rest position shown.

Abutment 120 is carried by a lift lever 124 which is pivoted at 126 upon ratchet disc 68, and acts against the pull of a tension spring 128 (FIG. 7) to space the retainer bar from the adjacent coins. Lever 124 normally is biased to lift the retainer bar 86 from the flat faces of the coins, by engaging a fixed stop 130 carried by the side wall of housing 28. When ratchet wheel 68 begins rotation in clockwise direction, from FIG. 8 position to FIG. 9 position, lever 124 moves from the influence of stop 130 causing spring 128 to pull bar 86 firmly against the coins resting upon carrier plate 72. Continued rotation of the rotary carrier, FIG. 11, causes lift lever 124 to strike a second stop 132 on the housing wall, resulting in a rotary movement of lever 124 sufficient to cam the retainer bar 86 away from the coins, as shown. All of the coins thereby are released from the partially inverted carrier plate 72, for deposit in coin box 36.

As was previously stated herein, the rotary coin carrier 64 may be rotated by means of its operating shaft 70, FIG. 6. Disc 66 carries a peripheral cam lobe 134 which upon limited rotation of the disc, is engaged by the heel end 136 of a cam lever 138 having a pivotal mounting at 140 upon the housing side wall. When lobe 134 strikes the heel end of lever 138 (FIG. the lever will be swung about its pivot 140 to advance the toe 142 thereof against diverter or gate 46, for the purpose of rotating it upon shaft 48 from the FIG. 3 position to the FIG. 10 position, at which latter position all coins are directed into coin box 36.

The diverter or gate 46 remains in position to feed coins into the coin box, until such time as shaft 70 is reversed for restoring the components to the normal position of FIG. 3. In FIGS. 9 and 11 is indicated a stop pin 144 fixed on disc 68 to limit retractile movement of plunger plate 108. As is plainly shown on FIG. 11, the plungers 112 of plate 108 may assist in displacing coins from carrier plate 73, by gravitating toward shaft 70 and away from stop pin 144 during rotation of disc 68.

Ratchet disc 68 carries on its periphery a multiplicity of ratchet teeth 146, to be engaged by a double-acting pawl 148 which may be pivoted at 150 on a side wall of housing 28. The pawl is biased toward a neutral position (FIG. 8) by spring 152, in order that the pawl might engage in forward and reverse directions of rotation of the ratchet disc. It may be noted that ratchet teeth are omitted from sector 154 of the disc periphery. The nature and extent of the toothless sector is such that the pawl is idle within the sector while the coin carrier is in the normal position for coin reception (FIG. 3). In this position of the carrier, also, a patron can actuate the coin ejector knob 90' to recover any coins he deposited in the several receiving chutes.

After deposit of a proper number of proper coins, the hand piece 88 of FIG. 1 may be rotated in counterclockwise direction, and at an initial stage of such rotation, (FIG. 11), the pawl 148 will engage a tooth, to preclude a reverse rotation and thereby assure completion of an operating cycle. After a nearly complete r0- tation of carrier disc 68, pawl 148 will drop into the toothless sector 154 to be neutralized preparatory to re-engagement with successive ratchet teeth on reverse rotation of the coin carrier and its ratchet disc 68. By this means, the patron is precluded from obtaining a free play or repetitious dispensing operation on a single set of proper coins.

Means is provided for precluding an operative rotation of the coin carrier in the event that the coins deposited thereon are insufficient in number, or of inadequate thickness. In the example illustrated, the apparatus requires for its proper operation, four quarters, four dimes, one nickel, and four pennies. If this combination of proper coins is deposited upon the rotary carrier plate 72, the carrier thereby is conditioned for a dispensing operation. But if one or more coins is missing, or if any coin or slug is of substandard thickness, rotation of the coin carrier will be barred by the lock mechanism about to be described.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and to the detailed views of FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, for a disclosure of the locking devices above mentioned. The locking devices are identical to one another, so a description of one will suffice for the others also.

It is noted that a locking device is provided for each coin trap, that is, one for quarters, one for nickels, one for dimes, and one for pennies. The locking devices are denoted L in the drawings.

Each locking device L may comprise a body or block of suitable material, such as molded plastic, for example, provided with a transverse groove 158, (FIG. 19), whereby the block may be rockingly supported upon a transverse shaft that extends in parallelism with carrier shaft 70. Shaft 160 has opposite ends supported in

apertures

162, 162 at opposite side walls of housing 28, and is preferably non-rotatable. The numeral 164 indicates a secondary shaft similarly supported by the side walls at

apertures

166, 166, said secondary shaft being in spaced parallelism with shaft 160.

Each locking device block may carry a generally U- shaped metallic clip 168 having a lower leg 170, the purpose of which is to embrace shaft 160 and furnish an anchor end 172 to which may be attached one end of a light tension spring 174. Said spring 174 depends from secondary shaft 164 and tends constantly to rotate the locking device block L in clockwise or downward direction about shaft 160 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 15 through 19). Clip 168 is stationary upon block L, but can be removed therefrom and replaced to facilitate the mounting of block L upon shaft 160.

That end of the locking device block which is opposite the pivoted or rocking end, may be forked as at 176, and provided with a projecting nose 178. A rotat able spindle 179 spans the cavity of fork 176 in parallelism with groove 158, and upon said spindle is axially mounted a thin caliper wheel whose smooth periphery extends beyond the tines of fork 176 but not beyond nose 178. Caliper wheel 180 is formed of a hard substance such as metal or a hard plastic, and preferably has a frictional mounting upon spindle 179 such that said wheel may be adjustably displaced manually to selected positions along the spindle, within the fork limits. Such adjustment of the caliper wheel is suggested by broken lines upon FIG. 17.

Operation of a locking device L is as follows. Assume that in FIG. 8, four proper coins Q have been fed through chute 56 onto coin carrier plate 72, where they are held in place by caliper pins 76, FIG. 20. In FIG. 8 the rotary coin carrier 64 is at rest in starting position,

. and the nose 178 and wheel 180 of locking device L are downwardly biased by spring 174. As was previously explained herein, the apparatus so conditioned by the presence of a proper number of proper coins, is poised for actuation. Actuation involves a manual rotation of shaft 70 in clockwise direction (FIG. 8). At a very early stage of rotation, retainer bar 86 will be advanced against the stack of coins 'Q due to release of lift lever 124 by fixed stop 130, as previously explained. The parts then will be correlated according to FIG. 9, the caliper wheel 180 having approached, struck, and ridden up on the foremost coin of the stack of coins Q, in opposition to the force of spring 174.

Caliper wheel 180, in riding over the upper edge of the foremost coin 0, effects a clockwise rotation of locking piece L about shaft 160, with a corresponding elevating of nose 178 over the top edge of carrier plate 72, FIG. 9. Further rotation of the coin carrier results in the FIG. 11 situation, wherein the coins Q are released to the coin box. The coin carrier may then be rotated further to initiate dispensing of a commodity or service, after which a reversal of rotation restores the mechanism to the starting position of FIG. 8.

As will be understood in the art, the operating shaft 70 or some other element of the coin carrier, will have operative mechanical or electrical connection with a dispensing machine or the like to be'activated after the coins are released to coin box 36, FIG. 11.

The dispensing operation above describedwill occur only if proper coins in proper numbers are deposited upon carrier plate 72 at the several coin traps. For example, assume that in FIG. 8 one of the coins Q is missing, so that only three are present. Then when the patron begins to rotate the coin carrier 64 in clockwise direction, caliper-wheel 180 will have to strike and climb over the third coin Q, with the result that locking device nose 178 will not ascend sufficiently to clear the upper edge of carrier plate 72. Therefore nose 178 will abut the face of plate 72 in substantially the manner of FIG. 16, to preclude rotation of coin carrier 64 and plate 72 to the coin release position of FIG. 11. In other words, the coins proffered, with one or more missing, or of substandard thickness, will be rejected by the coin calipering mechanisms of locking devices L.

It was pointed out previously herein, that the calipering wheel 180 (FIG. 17) is adjustable along spindle 179 to selected positions of offset from the middle point of fork cavity 176. The purpose of this adjustment is to vary with micrometric precision, the distance over which the wheel '180 travels over the face and'across the top edge of the coin. If wheel 180, FIG. 17, travels alongthe full vertical diameter of coin Q, it will arcuately rock the lock block L to an upper limit which is greater than that resulting from travel of wheel 170 along the shorter path or chord traversed when the wheel is offset, as per the broken lines 180 of FIG. 17. By this means, the sensitivity of each locking device L may be regulated with precision, requiring only a shifting of the calipering wheels along their respective spindles 179.

It is sometimes desirable to disable one or more of the locking devices L, by latching it in an extreme elevated position. so that its locking nose 178 may not under any circumstances abut plate 72. This may be desirable, for example, when a Serviceman wishes to make tests of the mechanism without inserting shims such as S of FIGS. 21 through 26. Such disabling means for the locking devices may take the form of simple wire latches 184, FIGS. 2, l7, l8 and 19. Each latch may be pivoted upon a block L at 186, for swinging movement to either of two positions depicted by FIGS. 17 and 18.

' Latch 184 when swung to the operative position of FIG. 18, or FIG. 19, rests between the spring support shaft 164 and the heel of lock block L, causing the nose end 178 of the block to tilt upwardly as shown. While so tilted, the locking device nose 178 is removed from the path of advancement of carrier plate 72, so that the locking device so disabled may not perform to lock the coin carrier against advancement. Accordingly, if all of the locking devices are disabled by means of their respective latches 184, the attendant who has access to the latches is enabled to rotate the coin carrier without the use of any coins, thereby enabling him to conveniently adjust, repair, or observe the operating mechanism of the apparatus.

In conclusion, it may be noted that theaccumulator of this invention possesses great flexibility as to the denominations and the number-of coins acceptable for its operation. The device may be set to collect the price of a commodity and also any sales tax applicable thereto. Changing the setting for accumulation of different monetary totals, is accomplished with ease and despatch, and may be easily performed in the field of use without special tools or factory assistance. The device' can be altered to operate on foreign coins, tokens, and the like, if necessary or desirable.

When proper coins are inserted corresponding to the total value for which the device is set, any extra coins that may be inserted in excess will be returned immediately to the patron; and the patron is assured also a recovery of coins inserted, at any time prior to manipulation of the operating knob or handle. In this connection, it is pointed out that the particular kind of operating knob or the like employed, is subject to wide variation for it may be desirable to provide for push-pull manipulation of an operating handle instead of the turn knob illustrated herein by way of example. Also, note that the extent to which the coin carrier and its operating shaft are rotatable, can be substantially reduced if desired, to a minimum of approximately degrees.

Any known mechanical or electrical mechanism may be activated by the coin carrier, its operating shaft, or other appropriate element, for the purpose of controlling the operation of a dispensing machine or the like. In atypical case, the coin carrier or a part movable therewith may close an electric switch that activates the dispensing machine.

The device herein disclosed is relatively small in its overall dimensions notwithstanding its multiple functions of receiving and calipering coins, returning excess or unacceptable coins or slugs, and storing in a money box those coins or tokens which satisfy the dispensing requirements. When constructed to operate on foreign coins or tokens, the number of denominations provided for may be increased or decreased, as required, within the purview of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier; a plurality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the coin return trough any coins fed to the traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the coin traps to selectively alter the coin capacity thereof to change the number of coins needed toinitiate operation of the device; and locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid inoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment.

2. The device as defined by claim 1, wherein is included means operative incident to a partial rotation of the coin carrier from the rest position, to preclude reverse rotation of the carrier until the coins carried thereby have been released to said storage compartment.

3. The device as defined by claim 2, wherein is included means operative only while the carrier is in the inoperative rest position, for dislodging all coins held by the coin traps.

4. The device as defined by claim 3, wherein is included means for directing said dislodge coins to the coin return trough.

5. The device as defined by claim 4, wherein is included means for selectively disabling at least one of said locking means, to nullify its function of locking the coin carrier.

6. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier, a plurality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and

releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the coin return trough any coins fed to the traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid inoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment; said rotary coin carrier comprising: an operating shaft supported for rotation relative to the housing; a pair of spaced parallel end discs mounted upon the shaft for rotation therewith; a coin carrier plate substantially spanning said discs and fixed relative thereto, said carrier plate having a substantially flat face carrying said coin traps, said flat face in the rest position of the coin carrier being substantially parallel to and substantially coplanar with the coin chutes which direct coins to said traps; a plurality of stools on said face defining said traps, said stools being of differing heights upon said flat face of the carrier plate; means in the form of shims of different thicknesses applicable to the stools for altering the height thereof; a plurality of caliper pins of equal length fixed relative to the flat face of the carrier plate to extend therefrom in a common direction normal to the plane of said plate face, said pins being so arranged upon said face that two of said pins in succession subtend the stools and perform as stops for proper coins directed onto the stools by chutes in limited numbers determined by the different heights of the several stools; and means for rotating the operating shaft and inverting the attached carrier plate, to dump all coins from the stools toward the coin storage compartment.

7. The device as defined by claim 6, wherein the coin carrier plate is apertured at each stool; and the rotary carrier supports a movable plunger plate carrying plungers each projectable through an aperture aforesaid, to dislodge coins resting upon the stools while the carrier is at the inoperative rest position.

8. The device as defined by claim 7, wherein is included means on the housing for actuating the plunger plate to so project the plungers for the purpose stated.

9. The device as defined by claim 8, wherein the housing'carries a pawl, and one end disc of the rotary coin carrier is provided with cooperative ratchet teeth engageable by said pawl, to preclude reverse rotation of the rotary coin carrier between limits of rotation of said carrier.

10. The device as defined by claim 8, wherein is included alternately operative means for directing coins from the rotary carrier to either the coin storage compartment or the coin return trough; and means associated with one of said end discs, for controlling said alternately operative means.

11. The device as defined by claim 10, wherein the housing carries a pawl, and the remaining end disc is provided with cooperative ratchet teeth engageable by said pawl to preclude reverse rotation of the rotary coin carrier between limits of rotation thereof.

12. The device as defined by claim 6, wherein is included a coin retainer bar supported by the end discs to span all of the stools; yielding means constantly urging said bar toward the stools and any coins supported thereon; means in opposition to the force of said yielding means, for maintaining a spaced condition of retraction of said bar from said stools and supported coins while the coin carrier is disposed in the inoperative rest position; and means operative upon initial displacement of the carrier from rest position, to effect impingement of the bar upon said stool-supported coins, and to thereafter at the dumping of the coins, restore the bar to the retracted position aforesaid.

13. The device as-defined by claim 6, wherein the carrier plate has a marginal edge portion extending substantially from one end disc to the other, providing abutment means engageable by the several locking means in precluding rotation of the coin carrier.

14. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier; a plurality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the'coin return trough any coins fed to the-traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; and locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid to change the number of coins needed to initiate operation of the'device and wherein is included means operainoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment; the rotary coin carrier including an abutment extending parallel to the axis of rotation thereof; said locking means comprising a plurality of lock blocks equal in number to the number of coin traps, and each block having a heel end and an opposite toe end; a stationary shaft supported by the housing in spaced parallelism with the axis of rotation of the coin carrier, said stationary shaft rockingly supporting the heel ends of all the lock blocks at locations opposite the coin traps; a bifurcation and an extending nose on the toe end of each lock'block, the bifurcation presenting a cavity; a rotary spindle spanning the cavity of each lock block in parallelism with said stationary block support shaft; a calipering wheel supported on each spindle, with the periphery of each wheel extended beyond the toe end of a block inalignment with the middle point of a coin trap, the calipering wheel of each block being extended to ride upon the faces and across the edges of coins supported by the coin traps; and yielding means biasing all of the blocks in a common direction about the stationary shaft and tending to dispose the noses of the blocks in position to intercept the abutment of the coin carrier when the latter is rotatedwith an insufficient number of proper coins embraced by said traps, for limiting rotation of said carrier.

15. The device as defined by claim 14, wherein the calipering wheels are adjustable lengthwise of the spindles, to offset said wheels relative to the middle points of their respective coin traps.

16. The device as defined by claim 15, wherein each lock block is provided with a latch selectively operable to overcome the force of the yielding means last mentioned, and to dispose the block noses out of the path of advancement of the rotary coin carrier abutment irrespective of the number or character of coins embraced by the coin traps.

17. The device as defined by claim 14, wherein each lock block is provided with a latch selectively operable to dispose the blocknoses out of the path of advancement of the rotary coin carrier abutment.

tive only while the carrier is in the inoperative rest position, for simultaneously dislodging all coins held by the coins traps.

19. The device as def ned by claim 18, wherein is included means for directing said dislodged coins to the coin return trough.

20. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined valuation required to initiate dispensing of a commodity,comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, locking means operatively associated with the coin carrier to preclude operation thereof incident to a number of coins in the trap means below the capacity thereof, and selectively operable, normally inaccessible disabling means operatively associated with the locking means to disable the locking means and enable testing of the operation of the device even in the absence of any coins in the trap means.

21. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein is included means for altering the coin capacity of at least one of said coin carrier traps.

22. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein is included means for selectively disabling at least one of said locking means, to nullify its function of locking the coin carrier.

23. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein is included a micrometric adjustment means for said carrier locking means.

24. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined valuation required to initiate dispensing of a commodity, comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, movable plunger means adjacent the trap means, andmeans connected with the plunger means to selectively operate the plunger means into engagement with coins carried by the trap means to displace coins from the trap means independently of movement of the trap means.

25. The device as defined by claim 24, wherein is included means for altering the coin capacity of at least one of said coin carrier traps.

26. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined valuation required to initiate dispensing of a commodity, comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, movable plunger means carried by the coin carrier adjacent the trap means and normally spaced from coins received in the trap means, said plunger means including means operative upon operation of the carrier means to discharge the coins therefrom to cause the plunger means to strike coins carried by the trap means and to assist in displacing coins from the trap means.

27. The device as defined by claim 16, wherein is included means for altering the coin capacity of at least one of said carrier traps.

28. A device for accumulating coins or the like of different kinds to initiate operation of a dispensing means, comprising a housing means having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment therein and an accessible coin return trough, coin receiving means in the housing for receiving, holding and releasing coins, means to direct coins to said coin receiving means, said coin receiving means having an inoperative position to receive and hold coins and an operative position to which it may be moved to release coins therefrom to initiate operation of the dispensing means, normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the coin receiving means to selectively alter the coin capacity thereof to change the number of coins needed to initiate operation of the dispensing means, locking means operatively associated with the coin receiving means to preclude operation thereof incident to a number of coins thereon below the capacity thereof, selectively operable normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the locking means to render the locking means inoperative, and thus enable testing of the operation of the device even in the absence of any coins in the coin receiving means, means adjacent the coin receiving means and selectively operable into engagement with coins carried by the coin receiving means to 16- displace coins therefrom independently of movement of the coin receiving means, and means adjacent the coin receiving means operative upon operation of the coin receiving means to discharge coins therefrom to strike coins carried by the coin receiving means, and to assist in displacing coins therefrom.

29. A device as in claim 28, wherein said means to selectively alter the coin capacity of the coin receiving means comprises a removable shim insertable in the coin receiving means to occupy space normally occupied by the coins and thus to vary the number of coins required to initiate operation of the device.

30. A device as in claim 28, wherein said means to render the locking means inoperative comprises a wire latch pivotally mounted for swinging movement to a position away from the locking means and to a position engaged with the locking means to render the locking means inoperative.

31. A device as in claim 28, wherein said selectively operable means for displacing coins from the coin receiving means independently from movement thereof comprises plunger means pivotally mounted on the coin receiving means in a position to move through an aperture in'the coin receiving means in engagement with the coins carried thereby, and means operable from externally of the housing for operating said plunger means.

32. A device as in claim 28, wherein said means to assist in displacing coins from the coin receiving means comprises plunger means pivotally carried by the coin receiving means, said plunger means normally spaced from the coins and including means to cause the plunger means to strike the coin means upon operation of the coin receiving means to displace coins therefrom.

Claims

1. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier; a plUrality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the coin return trough any coins fed to the traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the coin traps to selectively alter the coin capacity thereof to change the number of coins needed to initiate operation of the device; and locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid inoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment.

6. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier, a plurality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the coin return trough any coins fed to the traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid inoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment; said rotary coin carrier comprising: an operating shaft supported for rotation relative to the housing; a pair of spaced parallel end discs mounted upon the shaft for rotation therewith; a coin carrier plate substantially spanning said discs and fixed relative thereto, said carrier plate having a substantially flat face carrying said coin traps, said flat face in the rest position of the coin carrier being substantially parallel to and substantially coplanar with the coin chutes which direct coins to said traps; a plurality of stools on said face defining said traps, said stools being of differing heights upon said flat face of the carrier plate; means in the form of shims of different thicknesses applicable to the stools for altering the height thereof; a plurality of caliper pins of equal length fixed relative to the flat face of the carrier plate to extend therefrom in a common direction normal to the plane of said pLate face, said pins being so arranged upon said face that two of said pins in succession subtend the stools and perform as stops for proper coins directed onto the stools by chutes in limited numbers determined by the different heights of the several stools; and means for rotating the operating shaft and inverting the attached carrier plate, to dump all coins from the stools toward the coin storage compartment.

9. The device as defined by claim 8, wherein the housing carries a pawl, and one end disc of the rotary coin carrier is provided with cooperative ratchet teeth engageable by said pawl, to preclude reverse rotation of the rotary coin carrier between limits of rotation of said carrier.

13. The device as defined by claim 6, wherein the carrier plate has a marginal edge portion extending substantially from one end disc to the other, providing abutment means engageable by the several locking means in precluding rotation of the coin carrier.

14. A device for accumulating coins of different kinds, comprising in combination: a housing having a normally inaccessible storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough; a rotary coin carrier within the housing, and means for rotating said carrier; a plurality of coin traps on said carrier for receiving, holding, and releasing coins; and a plurality of coin chutes for directing coins to said traps, the coin chutes and said coin traps being equal in number and adapted each to accommodate a different kind of coin; said coin carrier having an initial inoperative position of rest from which and to which the carrier may be rotated after the traps are filled with proper coins; means for testing coins offered to said coin chutes and to said traps; means for shunting to the coin return trough any coins fed to the traps exceeding in number the coin capacity of the traps, as well as any coins failing to satisfy the testing means; and locking means operative incident to an insufficiency of coins below capacity of the traps, for precluding rotation of the carrier from the aforesaid inoperative position to an operative position of coin release for discharge of coins into said storage compartment; the rotary coin carrier including an abutment extending parallel to the axis of rotation thereof; said locking means comprisIng a plurality of lock blocks equal in number to the number of coin traps, and each block having a heel end and an opposite toe end; a stationary shaft supported by the housing in spaced parallelism with the axis of rotation of the coin carrier, said stationary shaft rockingly supporting the heel ends of all the lock blocks at locations opposite the coin traps; a bifurcation and an extending nose on the toe end of each lock block, the bifurcation presenting a cavity; a rotary spindle spanning the cavity of each lock block in parallelism with said stationary block support shaft; a calipering wheel supported on each spindle, with the periphery of each wheel extended beyond the toe end of a block in alignment with the middle point of a coin trap, the calipering wheel of each block being extended to ride upon the faces and across the edges of coins supported by the coin traps; and yielding means biasing all of the blocks in a common direction about the stationary shaft and tending to dispose the noses of the blocks in position to intercept the abutment of the coin carrier when the latter is rotated with an insufficient number of proper coins embraced by said traps, for limiting rotation of said carrier.

17. The device as defined by claim 14, wherein each lock block is provided with a latch selectively operable to dispose the block noses out of the path of advancement of the rotary coin carrier abutment.

18. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined number required to initiate dispensing of a commodity, comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the coin trap means to selectively alter the coin capacity thereof to change the number of coins needed to initiate operation of the device and wherein is included means operative only while the carrier is in the inoperative rest position, for simultaneously dislodging all coins held by the coins traps.

19. The device as defined by claim 18, wherein is included means for directing said dislodged coins to the coin return trough.

20. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined valuation required to initiate dispensing of a commodity, comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, locking means operatively associated with the coin carrier to preclude operation thereof incident to a number of coins in the trap means below the capacity thereof, and selectively operable, normally inaccessible disabling means operatively associated with the locking means to disable the locking means and enable testing of the operation of the device even in the absence of any coins in the trap means.

24. A device for accumulating coins which together equal a predetermined valuation required to initiate dispensing of a commodity, comprising a housing having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment and an accessible coin return trough, a coin carrier within the housing, coin trap means on the carrier to receive, hold and release coins, coin chute means aligned with the coin trap means to feed coins thereto, movable plunger means adjacent the trap means, and means connected with the plunger means to selectively operate the plunger means into engagement with coins carried by the trap means to displace coins from the trap means independently of movement of the trap means.

28. A device for accumulating coins or the like of different kinds to initiate operation of a dispensing means, comprising a housing means having a normally inaccessible coin storage compartment therein and an accessible coin return trough, coin receiving means in the housing for receiving, holding and releasing coins, means to direct coins to said coin receiving means, said coin receiving means having an inoperative position to receive and hold coins and an operative position to which it may be moved to release coins therefrom to initiate operation of the dispensing means, normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the coin receiving means to selectively alter the coin capacity thereof to change the number of coins needed to initiate operation of the dispensing means, locking means operatively associated with the coin receiving means to preclude operation thereof incident to a number of coins thereon below the capacity thereof, selectively operable normally inaccessible means operatively associated with the locking means to render the locking means inoperative, and thus enable testing of the operation of the device even in the absence of any coins in the coin receiving means, means adjacent the coin receiving means and selectively operable into engagement with coins carried by the coin receiving means to displace coins therefrom independently of movement of the coin receiving means, and means adjacent the coin receiving means operative upon operation of the coin receiving means to discharge coins therefrom to strike coins carried by the coin receiving means, and to assist in displacing coins therefrom.

31. A device as in claim 28, wherein said selectively operable means for displacing coins from the coin receiving means independently from movement thereof comprises plunger means pivotally mounted on the coin receiving means in a position to move through an aperture in the coin receiving means in engagement with the coins carried thereby, and means operable from externally of the housing for operating said plunger means.