US3882984A

US3882984A - Coin mechanism totalizer

Info

Publication number: US3882984A
Application number: US396070A
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl Knickerbocker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-09-10
Filing date: 1973-09-10
Publication date: 1975-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-13

Abstract

A coin controlled mechanism for use with a dispensing device having an access door including latch means operatively controlled by the coin controlled mechanism wherein the coin controlled mechanism comprises a housing configured to operatively support an actuator means including a totalizer means to calculate the cumulative total of coins registered by the coin controlled mechanism and totalizer control means to control the incremental advance of the totalizer means and a coin chute means comprising a plurality of coin passages formed in single plane to control the direction of coins with respect to the particular denomination thereof, bent coin control removal means and the actuator means and coin chute means being arranged relative to one another such that coins passing through the coin chute means engage the actuator means to incrementally advance the totalizer means in response to coins whereby the latch means is released upon totalizing or calculating a predetermined price total.

Description

United stateS Patent 1 [111 3,882,984 Knickerbocker May 13, 1975 COIN MECHANISM TOTALIZER [76] Inventor: Karl Knickerbocker, 400 Baycrest [57] ABSTRACT Dr., Venice, Fla. 33595 A coin controlled mechanism for use with a dispensing device having an access door including latch means [22] Ffled' Sept 1973 operatively controlled by the coin controlled mecha [21] Appl. No.: 396,070 nism wherein the coin controlled mechanism comprises a housing configured to operatively support an actuator means including a totalizer means to calcu- 194/94 late the cumulative total of coins registered by the Fie'ld l8 37 coin controlled mechanism and totalizer control 97 means to control the incremental advance of the totalizer means and a coin chute means comprising a plurality of coin passages formed in single plane to con- [56] References Cited trol the direction of coins with respect to the particu- UNITED STATES PATENTS lar denomination thereof, bent coin control removal 1,948,107 2/1934 Gilchrist et al. 194/1 G means and the actuator means and coin chute means 5 3/952 Fousllee et a1 l l 194/97 R being arranged relative to one another such that coins 2,957,568 8/1960 Gabr elsen l94/DIG. 3 passing through the Coin Chute means engage the actw ator means to incrementally advance the totalizer Primary ExaminerRobert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Francis J. Bartuska Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stein and Orman means in response to coins whereby the latch means is released upon totalizing or calculating a predetermined price total.

16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures mama M 1 1 3,882,984

SHEU t (If 6 FIG.8

" 240 A 240 B 240 C PMENTED HAY 1 3 i975 FIG 9 COIN MECHANISM TOTALIZER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention A coin controlled mechanism for use in combination with a dispensing device wherein the coin controlled mechanism includes a totalizer means to calculate the cumulative value of coins inserted therein to control the dispensing device.

2. Description of the Prior Art A great many newspaper racks, cigarette machines and the like have been developed to provide a means of vending such items without the necessity of an attendant.

Today. most such machines include mechanisms for controlling the door or other dispensing element to permit opening the door only after the proper number of coins have been deposited in the machine. These machines may be mechanical, electro-mechanical or electrical.

Many of the more advanced mechanical dispensing devices comprise a coin operated dispensing mechanism in which the proper combination of coins must be deposited in a coin chute to prevent the upward movement of the coins in the chute to thereby operate a latch actuated by movement of the dispensing element which releases the latch. When an improper combination of coins is present, upward movement of the coins prevents the releasing of the latch. Unfortunately, in this type of a coin mechanism, inserted coins are stacked edgewise in one or more vertical coin chutes. Since the vertical length of the coin chutes are limited by allowable space, a vending machine equipped with this type of a coin mechanism will be limited to low selling prices.

An increasing number of coin controlled, electrically operated vending machines have been constructed to vend a plurality of different kinds r brands or merchandise such as cigarettes or the like for various prices.

Electrically operated vending machines do have some advantages over mechanical vending machines. For example, mechanical machines are susceptible to abuse due to jerking and slamming which causes undue strain, frequently resulting in mechanical failure.

Unfortunately, electrical vending machines generally comprise complicated electrical circuits and electrical parts making for increased liability to failure due to short circuits or other electrical faults. In addition, in many uses electrical power is not readily available for use with these vending machines.

Thus, a need exists for a reliable mechanically operated coin controlled dispensing mechanism having the capability of registering relatively large amount of change to control the dispensing cycle in response thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a coin controlled mechanism for use in combination with a dispensing device having an access door including locking means operatively controlled by the coin controlled mechanism. More specifically, the coin controlled mechanism of the present invention comprises an actuator means and a coin chute means arranged relative to one another such that as coins-pass through the coin chute means they engage the actuator means to advance the actuator means in response to coins whereby the locking means of the dispensing device is released upon the registering of a predetermined price total.

I The actuator means includes a totalizer means to calculate the cumulative value of coins inserted into the mechanism, latch control means to control movement of the access door, price setter means to set the price or value necessary to operate the mechanism to a predetermined setting, totalizer control means to control the incremental advance of the totalizer means, totalizer locking means to prevent inadvertent actuation of the totalizer means, and totalizer release and reset means to release the totalizer control means and reset and latch control means respectively.

The coin chute means includes a plurality of plates arranged in spaced parallel relationship relative to one another and includes a plurality of coin guides and switches cooperatively formed in a plurality of coin passages to control the passage of coins therethrough and steel slug removal means.

The price selector means comprises an adjustable limit means to permit a rapid changing of a price selected between an upper and lower limit. This is particularly useful in the case of the newspaper vending machines wherein the price may vary from the daily to the Sunday paper.

In addition, the coin controlled mechanism includes a coin return means to permit return of coins when the latch control means is not actuated. To prevent the simultaneous actuation of the latch control means and the coin controlled mechanism further includes an anticheat means which prevents the simultaneous actuation of the coin return means and the latch control means.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a periodical dispensing device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the coin controlled mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the coin controlled mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the coin controlled mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the coin chute means in the normal position.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the coin chute means in the coin return position.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the coin controlled mechanism with the coin chute means removed.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the coin controlled mechanism with a portion of the coin chute means removed.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the coin housing and coin controlled mechanism taken along line 99 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the coin housing and coin controlled mechanism taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows coin controlled mechanism in combination with a periodical dispensing device 10. Periodical dispensing device comprises periodical housing 12 and coin controlled mechanism housing 14 fixedly mounted thereon. Periodical housing 12 comprises a substantially rectangular enclosure 16 supported by a plurality of support members 18 attached to the base 20 thereof. Access door 22 pivotally attached to the front 24 of enclosure 16 for loading and dispensing periodically therethrough by hinge means 26. Access door 22 further includes access door extension 28 including access door extension handle 30. Access door window 32 comprises a transparent material to permit display of a periodical 34 held by retainer means 36. Coin controlled mechanism housing 14 comprises a substantially rectangular enclosure 38 attached to the top 40 of enclosure 16. Formed in the front 42 of enclosure 38 are coin insert slot 44, coin return actuator 46, price setter control means 48 and coin return receiver 50.

As described more fully hereinafter, the coin controlled mechanism of the present invention comprises an actuator means including a totalizer means to calculate the cumulative value of coins inserted into the mechanism, latch control means to control movement of the access door, price setter means to set the price or value necessary to operate the mechanism to a predetermined setting, totalizer control means to control the incremental advance of the totalizer means, totalizer release and reset means to release the totalizer control means and reset the latch control means, and coin chute means.

FIG. 2 is a front view of coin controlled mechanism generally indicated as 52. As shown, coin controlled mechanism 52 includes mechanism base plate 54 having base plate coin insert slot 56 and coin return actuator opening 58.

FIG. 3 is a side view of coin controlled mechanism 52. As shown therein, coin chute means including mounting plate 60 is attached to mechanism base plate 54 by a plurality of fastening means 62. Attachment means 64 for securing mechanism 52 within housing 14 comprises a substantially L-shaped member 66 pivotally attached to mechanism base plate 54 by fastening means 68. Attachment means 64 further includes finger latch 70 for ease or rotation. Price setter means includes fixed mounting bracket 72 fixedly attached to base plate 54 and movable bracket 74 including roller cam 76 mounted thereon. The lower portion of bracket 74 extends downward to engage interconnecting link 78 which is operatively attached to limit engaging element 80 which is normally biased in the clockwise position by spring bias means 82. The price setter limit engaging element 80 is moved between a first and second position to selectively engage stop means 84 and 86. As discussed more fully hereinafter, the price setter may be selectively moved from the first and second position by means of price setter control means 48. Stop means are attached to mounting plate 60 by fastening means 88 and 90 respectively.

Latch control nl'ealfi includes latch mounting bracket 2 fixedly att'atillfi t8 Blate 54 by a plurality of fastening means 94. Latch control means also includes catch member 96 and roller bearing 98 depending from member 100 which are pivotally attached to mounting shaft 102. Catch member 96 includes an aperture (not shown) to engage the access door latch means. Pivotally attached to the upper portion of catch member 96 is interconnecting link 104 which extends substantially vertically upward to engage substantially horizontal operator arm 106 terminating in dispenser actuator 107. Operator arm 106 and dispenser reset plate 108 which is pivotally attached on shaft 102 are interconnected by spring bias means 110 and reset actuator means 112. Also extending upward from the outer portion of reset plate 108 is release actuator means 114 which extends upward in substantially L-shaped configuration such that the upper portion 116 extends horizontally 'between bracket 118 and mounting plate 60 attached thereto by fastening means 120.

FIG. 4 also shows a portion of-the totalizer means comprising the totalizer operator means comprising circular wheel 122 having notch 124 formed in the periphery thereof. Mechanism 52 further includes a means of adjusting the price setting by moving wheel 122 relative to fixed housing 126 which is attached to mounting plate 60. As described more fully hereinafter, wheel 122 is operatively interconnected to the totalizer register means by shaft 128. Formed on the upper portion of coin control mechanism 52 is steel slug removal means generally indicated as 130. Steel slug removal means 130 comprises substantially C-shaped member 132 pivotally mounted to the coin chute means by fastening means 134 and interconnected to the coin chute means by spring bias means 136. As described more fully hereinafter, the steel-slug removal means 130 is movable relative to the coin chute means to remove steel-slugs therefrom. 1

As shown in FIG. 4, slug culling means generally indicated as 131 is attached to the coin chute means. Slug culling means 131 comprises permanent magnet means 133 attached to magnet mounting plate 135 which is fixedly mounted on the chute means by mounting plate retainer 137. Also attached to the chute means is deflector 139.

FIG. 4 shows the left sideof coin control mechanism 52. As shown therein, in addition to mounting plate 60, coin chute means comprises first coin chute plate 138 fixedly attached to mounting plate 60 by fastening means 140 and second coin chute plate 142 pivotally mounted to first coin chute plate 138 by vertically disposed mounting shaft 144 including bias means 146 attached to both ends thereof to normally bias first and second

coin chute plate

138 and 142 respectively in normally parallel position relative to each other. Pivotally mounted to second coin chute plate 142 is a plurality of coin control means comprising

cradles

148 and 150 pivotally attached by means of

studs

152 and 154 respectively. .Each cradle comprises an upper and

lower element

156 and 158 respectively extending through upper and lower cradle slots 160 and 162mspectively.

Elements

160 and 162 extends into the coin chute to engage coins asmore fully described hereinafter.

Cradles

148 and 150 each include counter-weights 164 to control coin passage in combination with the spacing of the

corresponding elements

156 and 158 relative to each other.

' As best shown in FIG. 4, steel slug return means 130 includes camming means .166 including roller cam 168 mounted on mounting bracket 170 which is fixedly attached to first coin chute means 138 by fastening means 172. Fixedly attached to second coin chute means 148 is mounting bracket 174 to which is pivotally mounted camming bracket 176 including camming element 178 which cooperatively engages roller cam 168. Element 178 extends through aperture 179v formed in second coin chute means 142 to operatively engage substantially C-shaped member 132 to cam same clockwise upon separation of first and second coin chute means 138 and 142 relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the totalizer means is operatively attached to totalizer housing generally indicated as 180. Totalizer housing 180 comprises a first and

second plate

182 and 184 respectively held in fixed spaced parallel relationship relative to one another and the coin chute means by fastening means 186. Totalizer means further includes register actuator means generally indicated a 188 which is pivotally attached to housing 180 by means of stud 190. Totalizer register actuator means comprises substantially L- shaped member 192 which is cooperatively held in the normally clockwise position by counter-weight 194 acting downward causing the upper portion of L-shaped member 192 such that is register advance means 198 disposed to operatively engage the totalizer register means, is held in the first position. The lower portion of L-shaped element 192 is disposed to operatively en-' gage actuator crank 200 normally biased in the clockwise position by spring bias means 202 causing wirelike actuator bar 204 to be held in normally first position.

Actuator crank 200 is pivotally attached to base plate 60 by shaft 204. Extending outwardly from mounting bracket 200 is roller bearing 206 disposed to operatively engage L-shaped member 192.

The totalizer means further includes a totalizer control means comprising first, second and third register actuator stop means 208, 209 and 210 respectively. First stop limit actuator means 212 comprises an upper and

lower element

216 and 218 respectively. Lower element 218 is disposed relative to nickel passage A (FIG. 8) as described more fully hereinafter to engage a nickel passing therethrough to cause actuator 212 to rotate counterclockwise engaging stop means 208 causing stop means 208 to rotate clockwise into the path of register advance means 198 to limit the movement thereof. Similarly, second stop limit actuator 214 comprises an upper element 220 and lower element 222 including camming means 224 extending outwardly therefrom to engage stop means 209 to rotate limit stop means 209 out of its normal limiting position with respect to register advance means 198 when a quarter passes through quarter passage C (FIG. 8) engages the lower element 222. Advance means 198 will then engage stop means 210. Second limit 209 includes notch portion 226 to normally engage register advance means 198 when a dime passes through dime passage B (FIG. 8). It should be noted that stop means 208, 209 and 210 are disposed relative to register advance means 198 to force advance means 198 against tooth 234 to create a positive engagement therebetweeen to prevent improper advance of ratchet wheel 232.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the totalizer means further includes the totalizer register means comprising a ratchet wheel 232 having a plurality of teeth 234 formed about the periphery thereof. As discussed more fully hereinafter, each tooth 234 represents a nickel value. As previously indicated, the totalizer operator means is interconnected to totalizer register means 232 by shaft 128. Totalizer locking means generally indicated as 236 is pivotally attached to first coin chute means 138 by stud 238. Totalizer locking means 236 comprises elongated element 239 having lock tab 236A extending outwardly therefrom to normally engage teeth 234. Extending through aperture 241 is release element 243.

As shown in FIG. 4, coin control mechanism 52 further includes means for directing a penny through the coin chute means without advancing the totalizer register. Specifically channel 240 comprises a trough in open communication with aperture 242 formed in the side wall of second coin chute means 142. The lower end of trough 240 leads directly to guide member 244 formed in the side of second coin chute means 142. Limit means 240A including stop means 240C is attached to chute means 138 by fastener 2408. Stop means 240C is disposed to engage pennies passing through channel 240 to retain pennies in channel 240.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a plurality of parallel

arcuated slots

211, 213 and 215 are formed in first and second coin chute means 138 and 142. Extending outwardly from first and second coin chute means 138 and 142. Extending outwardly from first coin chute means 138 is coin deflector 246 which extends through aperture 248 formed in second coin chute means 142.

As best shown in FIG. 10, coins passing through the coin chute means are deposited in hopper 250. Hopper 250 comprises front and rear walls 252 and 253 respectively held in fixed spaced relationship by pivotally mounting

brackets

256 and 258. Coin receiving and

coin return doors

260 and 162 respectively, are mounted on mounting

brackets

258 and 256 respectively.

As discussed more fully hereinafter, the coin control mechanism includes anti-cheat means to prevent simultaneously returning of coins and dispensing of items through access door 22.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, coin return actuator means includes actuator element 264 and coin return door extension 266 arranged to engage one another. Actuator element 264 comprises coin chute engaging element 268 which extends upwardly to engage second coin chute means 142 and mounting bracket 269 pivotally connected to rear wall 254 by shaft 270 such that as the second coin chute means 142 is moved in response to movement of coin return actuator 46 the side .wall thereof engages element 268 rotating it about shaft 270. As element 264 is rotated, coin return door extension 266 and door 262 are free to rotate about shaft 255 releasing door 262 permitting coins to return to coin return receiver 50. Upon release of coin return actuator 46 bias spring 272 coupled to element 268 returns element 264 and door 262 to their original position. Also coupled to bracket 264 is coin return release means 274 which is disposed to engage release actuator 114.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show coin receiver means generally I indicated as 276 pivotally attached to plate 60 by shaft 278. Coin receiver means 276 comprises substantially

parallel member

280 and 282 held in fixed relationship relative to cross member 284 attached thereto by a plurality of fastening means 286. Cross member 284 includes extension 288 including elongated aperture 290 formed thereon. Coin receiver means 276 is interconnected to door 260 by shaft extension 257 extending through aperture 290. Extending outwardly from the side of element 282 is roller cam 292 which engages the lower portion of latch means 23 attached to door 22.

The anti-cheat means includes mounting bracket 294 biased toward base plate 60 by spring means 296. Extending from bracket 294 is hook-like element 298 extending in cooperative communication with the lower portion of element 266. Latch means 23 normally engages bracket 294 forcing it rearwardly moving hook member 298 out of engagement of element 266 permitting coin return. As latch means 23 is withdrawn from coin housing 14, bracket 294 is drawn forward under the bias force of spring bias means 296 moving hooklike member 298 into engagement with the side of element 266 preventing actuation of the coin return during the dispensing cycle. Simultaneously, coin receiver means 276 is rotated upwardly causing shaft 257 to rotate upwardly in response to the force of extension 288 causing door 258 to open permitting coins to fall therethrough and into coin receiving tray 300. Once coin control mechanism 52 is secured to the coin mechanism housing 14 by attachment member 64, latch means 23 as shown in FIG. 9 extends through mechanism base plate 54 to engage catch member 96 of latch control means to lock access door 22 closed.

The price setter means may then be adjusted to provide for either the high or low preselected limit. When assembled, dispenser actuator 107 engages the periphery of the totalizer operator means 122. This engagement between the dispenser actuator 107 and the periphery of totalizer operator means 122 prevents the outward movement of access door 22 relative to the periodic housing 12.

As coins are inserted into the machine they are directed to coin passages A, B or C in accord with their size and weight. Quarters are directed through passage C through cradle means 148. As the quarter approaches actuator bar 204 it engages pins 309, as best shown in FIG. 8. The weight of the quarter forces the actuator bar 204 downward rotating actuator crank 200 clockwise causing totalizer actuator means 192 to rotate counterclockwise causing register advance means 198 to engage teeth 234 of totalizer register means 232 advancing it counterclockwise. Simultaneously, the edge of the quarter engages second stop limit actuator 214 as best shown in FIG. 4 causing it to rotate counterclockwise to engage second register actuator stop means 209 to rotate counterclockwise permitting register advance means 198 to continue counterclockwise to where it engages third register actuator stop means 210. This travel is equivalent to five teeth or notches formed on the total register means 232. Since the totalizer register means 232 and totalizer operator means 122 are interconnected, totalizer operator means 122 is similarly advanced five places or notches. This rotation of totalizer operator means 122 moves notch 124 relative to totalizer actuator means as best shown in FIG. 3. Locking means 236 engages tooth 234 to prevent clockwise movement of totalizer register means 232. Similarly, nickels are channelled through cradle 150 to passage A where it engages pin 205 rotating actuator bar 204 downwardly as previously described. Simultaneously, the nickel engages first stop limit actuator means 212 causing it to rotate counterclockwise to engage first register actuator stop means 208 rotating the same clockwise to engage register advance means 198 to limit the movement of totalizer register means 232 to a single notch or increment. Dimes are channelled to pass directly through passage B engaging pin 309A rotating actuator bar 204 as previously described. As the register advance means 198 advances counterclockwise, it engages notch 226 of second register actuator stop means 209 to limit the movement or rotation of totalizer register means 232 to two notches or increments. As previously stated, totalizer operator means 122 rotates with totalizer register means 232 such that when a predetermined amount of coins is registered the notch 124 is in registry with dispenser actuator 107 to permit opening of access door 22.

As latch means 23 is withdrawn from engagement with roller bearing 98, the actuator means rotates counterclockwise moving reset actuator means 112 upward moving dispenser actuator 107 out of notch 124 permitting totalizer operator means and totalizer register means to return to their original position. Simultaneously, release actuator means 114 is moved upwardly engaging release element 243 to permit return of the totalizer register means to its original position.

Atlernatively, the operator may return coins previously inserted into the coin operated mechanism 52 by operating coin return actuator 46. As previously indicated, this will move second coin chute means 142 laterally separating the first and second coin chute means 138 and 142 as best shown in FIG. 6. As the coin chute means 142 and 138 are separated, steel slug return means is cammed downward forcing any steel slugs from the upper portion of the coin chute. Second coin chute means 112 engages coin chute engaging element 268 rotating the actuator element 264 rotating coin return release means 272 into engagement with the lower part of release actuator 114 returning the totalizer register means and totalizer operator means to the original position.

As previously indicated, the anti-cheat means prevents the simultaneous dispensing from the dispensing device and return of coins.

It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is: v

1. A coin controlled mechanism for use in combination with a dispensing machine including an access door having a latch means attached thereto to control the opening of the access door to permit dispensing of products from the dispensing machine upon receipt of the correct amount of coins in said coin controlled mechanism, said coin controlled mechanism comprising actuator means and coin chute means, said actuator means including latch control means disposed to engage the latch means of the dispensing machine, said latch control means movable between a dispensing and non-dispensing position, said actuator means also including a totalizer operator means a totalizer register means operatively interconnected to one another. said totalizer operative means disposed to engage said latch control means to control movement of said latch control means from said non-dispensing to said dispensing position, totalizer control means including register actuator means said register actuator means movable betweeen a first and second position in response to coins passing through said coin chute means, said register actuator means disposed to selectively engage said totalizer register means to control movement thereof in response to coins passing through said coin chute means and register control means comprising at least one register actuator stop means disposed to engage said register actuator means to control the movement thereof, said coin chute means comprising a plurality of coin passage to control the direction of coins inserted therein with respect to at least the dimension of the coin inserted therein, said register actuator means disposed to engage coins inserted into said coin chute means to at least partially control movement thereof, said register actuator means being disposed relative to said totalizer register means and said register actuator stop means to simultaneously engage said totalizer register means and said register actuator stop means when in said second position in response to coins passing through each respective coin passage to selectively control the extent of movement of said totalizer register means relative to said latch control means whereby said totalizer means advances incrementally to permit movement of said latch control means to said dispensing position when the proper combination of coins registered by said totalizer means register means.

2. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes dispenser reset means disposed to engage said latch control means to reset said latch control means to said non-dispensing position upon opening of the access door.

3. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes a totalizer register locking means disposed to normally engage said totalizer register means to lock the position thereof following each incremental advance.

4. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 3 wherein said actuator means further includes dispenser release means movable betweeen a first and second position, said dispenser release means disposed to engage said totalizer register locking means being disengaged from each totalizer register means by said dispenser release means when in said second position.

5. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 4 wherein said actuator means includes a coin return actuator means movable between a coin return position and a coin non-return position.

6. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 5 wherein said actuator means further includes coin return release means movable between a first and second position, said coin return release means disposed to engage said totalizer register locking means when in said second position when said coin return actuator means is in said coin return position, said totalizer register means being disengaged from said register locking means.

7. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 5 wherein said actuator means further includes coin return reset means disposed to engage said latch control means to reset said latch control means to said non-dispensing position when said coin return actuator means is in said coin return position.

8. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 5 wherein said coin return actuator means further includes a steel slug removal means movably attached to said chute means, said steel slug removal means disposed to move within said coin chute to remove steel slugs therefrom.

9. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 5 wherein said actuator means further includes an anti-cheat means arranged to alternately engage said latch control means and said coin return actuator means to prevent simultaneous actuation of said coin return actuator means and said latch control means.

10. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said plurality of passages includes at least three passages all of which are arranged in substantially the same plane, each of said three comprising a dimensional configuration so as to receive coins of varying diameters.

11. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 10 wherein said plurality of register actuator stop means comprises a first, second and third register actuator stop means and a first and second stop limit actuator means, said first and second limit actuator means each having a first and second position, said first stop limit actuator means being disposed relative to a first coin passage to engage coins of a predetermined dimension passing therethrough, said engagement moving said first stop limit actuator means from said first to said second position, said first register actuator stop means disposed to engage said first stop limit actuator means when in said second position to move said first said register actuator stop means from said first to said second position to engage said totalizer register means to limit the movement thereof to a single increment, said second stop limit actuator means being disposed relative to said second coin passage to engage coins of a predetermined dimension passing therethrough, said engagement moving said second stop limit actuator means from said first to said second position said second register actuator stop means disposed to engage said second stop limit actuator means when in said second position to move said second register actuator stop means from said first to said second position, said register actuator means engaging said third register actuator stop means to advance said total register means five increments when said second stop limit actuator means is in said second position, said second register actuator stop means normally in said first position to engage said register actuator means when coins of a predetermined dimension pass through a third coin passage to limit the movement of said totalizer register means to two increments.

12. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means further includes coin return actuator means, said coin return actuator means including coin return control means coupled to said chute means, said chute means comprising a first and second coin chute means, said first and second coin chute means being movable relative to one another by extending thereform to engage said actuator element whereby movement of said second coin chute means relative to said first coin chute means causes said second coin chute means to engage said actuator element disengaging coin return door extension permitting said coin return door extension permitting said coin return door to open.

13. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes an actuator bar pivotally attached to said coin chute means and disposed to engage coins passing through said coin passages, said actuator bar movable between a first and second position said totalizer register means comprises a ratchet wheel rotatably attached to said coin chute means, said ratchet wheel including a plurality of teeth formed about the periphery thereof and said register actuator means comprises a substantially L-shaped memer pivotally attached to said coin chute means, said L-shaped member including register advance means attached thereto, said substantially L-shaped member disposed to engage said actuator bar, said substantially L-shaped member movable between a first and second position in response movement of said actuator bar from said first to said second position, said register advance means disposed to engage said ratchet wheel to advance said ratchet wheel in response to movement of said actuator bar from said first to said second position.

14. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 13 wherein each said register actuator stop means is disposed to engage said register advance means in said second position when any of said register actuator stop means is in said limiting position to secure said register advance means against said ratchet wheel to prevent movement thereof relative to said latch control means.

15. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 further including means to direct coins of a predetermined size through said coin chute means without advancing said totalizer register means, said means comprising channel means attached to said coin chute means communicating with at least one of said coin passages to receive said coins of a predetermined size therethrough and limit means arranged relative to said channel means to engage said coins of a predetermined size to isolate said coins of a predetermined size from said coin passages.

16. The coin control mechanism of claim 1 wherein said register control means comprises a plurality of register actuator stop means mounted on said coin chute means, each said register actuator stop means corresponding to one of said plurality of said coin passages, each said register actuator stop means being disposed relatively to said corresponding coin passage and said register actuator means to engage said register actuator means to limit the movement thereof in response to the coins passing through said corresponding coin passage.

Claims

1. A coin controlled mechanism for use in combination with a dispensing machine including an access door having a latch means attached thereto to control the opening of the access door to permit dispensing of products from the dispensing machine upon receipt of the correct amount of coins in said coin controlled mechanism, said coin controlled mechanism comprising actuatoR means and coin chute means, said actuator means including latch control means disposed to engage the latch means of the dispensing machine, said latch control means movable between a dispensing and non-dispensing position, said actuator means also including a totalizer operator means a totalizer register means operatively interconnected to one another, said totalizer operative means disposed to engage said latch control means to control movement of said latch control means from said nondispensing to said dispensing position, totalizer control means including register actuator means said register actuator means movable betweeen a first and second position in response to coins passing through said coin chute means, said register actuator means disposed to selectively engage said totalizer register means to control movement thereof in response to coins passing through said coin chute means and register control means comprising at least one register actuator stop means disposed to engage said register actuator means to control the movement thereof, said coin chute means comprising a plurality of coin passage to control the direction of coins inserted therein with respect to at least the dimension of the coin inserted therein, said register actuator means disposed to engage coins inserted into said coin chute means to at least partially control movement thereof, said register actuator means being disposed relative to said totalizer register means and said register actuator stop means to simultaneously engage said totalizer register means and said register actuator stop means when in said second position in response to coins passing through each respective coin passage to selectively control the extent of movement of said totalizer register means relative to said latch control means whereby said totalizer means advances incrementally to permit movement of said latch control means to said dispensing position when the proper combination of coins registered by said totalizer means register means.

12. The coin controlled mechanism of claim 1 wherein said actuator means further includes coin return actuator means, said coin return actuator means including coin return control means coupled to said chute means, said chute means comprising a first and second coin chute means, said first and second coin chute means being movable relative to one another by said coin return control means, said coin return actuator means further including an actuator element arranged to engage said coin chute means when said coin chute means is moved from said first to second position, said totalizer coin mechanism further including a coin return door including a coin return door extension extending thereform to engage said actuator element whereby movement of said second coin chute means relative to said first coin chute means causes said second coin chute means to engage said actuator element disengaging coin return door extension permitting said coin return door extension permitting said coin return door to open.