US3899064A - Timed coin control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A timed coin actuated operating means for vending machines comprising a front wall with a coin receiving slot and a coin return opening spaced below the slot and accessible at the exterior of the machine, an elongate vertical coin conducting chute rearward of the wall with a coin inlet opening at its top communicating with the slot and a coin outlet opening at its bottom and normally spaced from the return opening, a coin receptacle below the chute, means pivotally mounting the chute, cam means rearward of the chute and operable to move the lower end of the chute from its normal position above the receptacle to an actuated position above the return opening, a drive motor to drive the cam means, a power supply, a normally open starter switch between the supply and motor and adapted to be closed by a coin moved down through the chute and deposited in the receptacle, a power switch between the supply and motor and cam means driven by the motor and operable to close the power.

Description

[ Aug. 12, 1975 United States Patent [191 Martin [57] ABSTRACT A timed coin actuated operating means for vendin machines comprising a front wall with a coin receivin TIMED COIN CONTROL DEVICE Inventor: Ernest Newell Martin, Escondido,

Calif.

slot and a coin return opening spaced below the sl [73] Ass1gnee: Arrowhead Purltas Waters, Inc.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

June 28, 1974 and accessible at the exterior of the machine, an elongate vertical coin conducting chute rearward of the wall with a coin inlet opening at its top communicating with the slot and a coin outlet opening at its bottom and normally spaced from the return opening, a coin receptacle below the chute [22] Filed:

Appl. No.: 484,242

, means pivotally mounting the chute, cam means rearward of the chute and operable to move the lower end of the chute from its normal position above the receptacle to an actuated position above the return opening, a drive motor 5 lwA WSUD al l m on 4GMD 9. M m K m9 4 9 T H mwm 9 m. 1. Huh NC r 2 he NS Ln l d td U.mF HUN 55m to drive the cam means, a power supply, a normally open starter switch between the supply and motor and adapted to be closed by a coin moved down throu the chute and deposited in the' receptacle [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS a power switch between the supply and motor and cam means 194/13 driven by the motor and operable to close the power.

mm." In "6" Sn u n h v Cey SJS 9 4 7-n 7 999 NH 00 2 3nv 007.4 .5 3004 44009 11 Prillllll) Examiner-R0bert B. Reeves Asxislan! Examiner-John P. Shannon 10 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Georges A. Maxwell PATENTEU RUE 1 5 SHEET PATEHTEB AUG] 2 i9 5 SHEET TIMED com CONTROL DEVICE This invention has to do with an improved timed coin control device and is more specifically concerned with such a device that is particularly suitable for use in connection with coin-operated vending machines wherein a time delay must be provided for during the dispensing of goods being vended and/or between vending cycling of the machines.

In the vending machine art there are numerous machines provided for the vending of materials and goods, the transport and/or movement of which cannot be effected instantly, but which require a predetermined period of time. Typical of such machines are beverage dispensing vending machines, such as hot coffee machines, wherein, upon each dispensing cycling of the machines, a cup or container is transported to a filling station in the machine, a measure of dehydrated coffee concentrate is dispensed at said station and, finally, a measured volume of hot water is dispensed at that station to fill the cup. Such machines may include additional time consuming steps or operations such as the selective depositing of measured quantities of a suitable coffee cream and/or sugar.

in the above general example of a coffee vending machine, it is to be noted that each of the noted required steps and/or operations are time consuming and that the machines do not simply dispense the vended product, but in fact construct the product. Accordingly, the dispensing cycle of such machines can be of substantial duration.

In coin-operated vending machines of the character referred to above, it is imperative that once a coin has been inserted into the coin-operated control device of the machine, the control device cannot and will not operatively receive and/or accept another coin until it completes its previously initiated dispensing cycle. Failure of the coin control device to achieve the above end can result in at least two adverse effects. First, it could compound the dispensing of the articles and materials handled in constructing the product with resulting fowling of the machine, or, second, it could simply accept and retain the coin and thereby deprive the buyer of the goods purchased.

To satisfy the needs and requirements for coincontrol devices of the nature above referred to, the prior art has provided numerous novel coin-operated control devices which, as a general rule, include an electric clock motor under control of a coin-operated switch, which motor serves to drive switch operating means, such as cams, related to systems control switches for the various dispensing and conveying means required to construct the product. Such coinoperated control devices are, necessarily, further provided with suitable coin-rejecting and/or holding means which are intended to hold and/or reject any coin or coins which are deposited in the devices during a cycling period and so that potential adverse effects which might otherwise result are avoided.

The coin rejecting and/or holding means provided or incorporated in such coin-operated control devices have taken many different forms which have proven to be of varying and oftentimes questionable effectiveness. As a general rule, these rejecting or holding means, in the case of electrically operated devices, have included electro-magnetic means or devices under control of relay switching means and devices.

For example, a solenoid actuated stop member, selectively shiftable into and out of interfering engagement in a coin chute and under control of a relay switch, in series with the power supply to the time clock, is typical of the form and class of coin rejecting and/or return means commonly found in the class of coin-operated control means here concerned with. Suchcoin rejecting and/or return means, when finally embodied in a related control device, are relatively complicated and costly, since they require the provision and installation of the electro-mechanical devices and the switching means necessary for the control thereof. Further added space is required to accommodate them and complicated and difficult to make structural detailing of the coin handling portion and means of the devices is required to effect operative relationship therewith. Further, since each added operative component in such devices is subject to failure or to becoming misadjusted or fouled, each compounds the odds or chances of failure of the operative means which they form a part of. Accordingly, the form and class of coin rejecting and- /or returning means referred to above necessarily results in a material loss of dependability and serviceability of the devices in which they are embodied.

It is an object and feature of my inventionto provide an electrically operated, time controlled coin actuated control device of the general character referred to above having novel coin return means to effectively, efficiently and dependably reject and return any coin or coins deposited in the device when it is operating in and throughout its dispensing cycle.

It is another object and feature of the instant invention to provide a coin reject and ret'urn means of the character referred to which is mechanically related to and driven by a time clock motor for the coin control device and which thereby eliminates the requirement and use of special switch operated, electro-rna gnetic and related mechanical means commonly providedto reject and return coins and the expense, as well as the reduction of reliability associated therewith? It is a further object and feature of my invention to provide a means of the character referred to above which includes a minimal number of simple, durable and easy to make, assembly and service parts arranged in a simple, practical, highly effective and dependable cooperative relationship with each other whereby the potential and/or the likelihood of mechanical failure of that means is minimal.

Yet another object and feature of the instant invention is to provide a coin reject and return means of the character referred to above which comprises, basically, an elongate substantially vertical coin chute pivotally mounted at its upper end and having an upper inlet end and a lower outlet end normally communicating with a coin receiving receptical, an operating element for a clock motor control switch normally in the chute and an operating cam driven by the motor and engaging the chute to pivot the lower end of the chute from communication with the coin receiving receptacle and from said operating element, into communication with a coin return opening during and throughout the dispensing cycle of the device.

The foregoing and other objects and features of my invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of my invention throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine embodying the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 2-2 on FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on FIG. 2 and showing my new coin control.

FIG. 4 is a view taken as indicated by line 44 on FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view taken as indicated by line 55 on FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating one cam and a portion of the chute related thereto;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating another cam and a switch related thereto;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating yet another cam on a switch related thereto;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of yet another modified form of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, I have illustrated the basic coin-operated vending machine A in and with which the coin control device of the instant invention is incorporated and form a component or part of.

The machine A is but one form and style of vending machine with which the instant invention can be advantageously related and is illustrated and described to show a typical environment in which the invention might be found.

The machine A is a hot-beverage vending machine and includes basically, a sheet metal, box-like cabinet B with top, bottom, front, side and rear walls 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, repectively. The cabinet is provided with a flat, vertical partition 15, parallel with and spaced rearward of the front wall 12. The partition 15 defines a rear compartment X in which a water supply means W is arranged and front compartment Y in which the other and various operating means and devices of the machine are arranged.

The cabinet is preferably a sectional structure and such that one or more of the side walls thereof can be removed to provide access to the interior thereof, for

the purpose of assembling, servicing and maintenance of the machine. In particular, the front wall 12 is providedwith aremovable panel-like upper section 12'.

The lower portion of the front wall 12, below the panel section 12' thereof is notched or recessed as at 16 to define a fiat, horizontal, upwardly disposed, shelflike portion at the front of the cabinet and with which a suitable cup-supporting drip pan 17 is related. The recess or notch is in or occupies the lower portion of the chamber Y and opens forwardly and laterally.

In the upper portion of the chamber Y, above the notch or recess 16, is arranged a product or concentrate supply means P, product metering and dispensing means M, water dispensing valve V, water and concentrate mixing and brew dispensing means T and the coin actuated operating means 0 of the instant invention. The several means P, M, V, T and O are suitably mounted on the partition 15 by means of suitable brackets, posts, fasteners and the like. Ready and convenient access thereto, for servicing and the like can be established by removal of the above noted panel 12'.

The water valve V and dispensing means M are electrically operated means and are operatively related "4 and/or connected with and controlled by the coin actuated operating means 0.

The product supply means P can vary in form and is here shown as a simple, inverted jar in which a supply of beverage concentrate, such as granular, dehydrated coffee, is deposited and held.

The product metering and dispensing means M can also vary in form and in details of construction without departing from the spirit of or affecting the novelty of the instant invention. In the case illustrated, the means M includes a downwardly convergent, downwardly opening cone-like cap or funnel 19. The funnel 19 is engaged on and with the open neck of the inverted jar. The funnel is provided with a vertically shiftable diaphragm in the nature of a valving member, in its interior (not shown) which diaphragm is intermittently elevated out of seated engagement in the funnel by means of an electro-magnetic coil mechanism about the neck of the funnel, whereby a predetermined volume of concentrate is passed thereby and is dispensed from the lower open end of funnel, into the mixing means T.

The water valve V is a simple, electrically operated valve having an inlet fitting 21 at one side and a downwardly opening discharge nozzle 22 at its bottom.

The valve V is connected with the water supply W by a coupling tube 23, extending from the fitting 21 to the means W and is arranged adjacent one side of the means M. I

The means M and V are arranged substantially centrally in the compartment Y and above the mixing and brew dispensing means T which means includes an upwardly opening mixing trough 25 into which concentrate and water, metered out by the means M and V, are deposited and allowed to mix.

The trough 25 is provided with a downwardly extending and opening discharge or dispensing spout 26 below which a cup 27 (engaged on the drip pan, within the recess 15) can be conveniently arranged to receive the brew, as it drains from the trough. V

The water supply W includes an insulated water tank mounted in the compartment X. The tank, in addition to other special and novel means and structural features, has a thermostatically controlled electric heater element or means related to it to heat and maintain the water therein at a desired temperature. The tank has a forwardly projecting outlet fitting 28 at its lower portion with which the coupling tube 23 extending from the valve V is connected.

The water supply means W is such that the hot water held thereby drains and/or flows outwardly therefrom at a substantially fixed predetermined rate and volume at all times and regardless of the water level therein. The details of the means W are fully disclosed in my copending application, Ser. No. 484,241, filed on even date herewith and entitled WATER SUPPLY FOR VENDING MACHINES? In operating or cycling of the machine A, to dispense a hot cup of beverage or brew, it is necessary, upon each cycling, that the means M be actuated to dispense a metered volume of concentrate into the mixing trough T, that the valve V be actuated from its normal closed position to an-.-open position for a predetermined period of time so that a predetermined metered'volume of hot water is dispensed or deposited in the trough T and that a sufficient time.period be provided for the concentrate and water toamix in the, trough and drain therefrom and into the cup which is related to the machine to receive the finished brew.

It is to be noted that the above noted cycling of the machine involves a somewhat protracted period of time and that the several operations performed must be performed in a predetermined sequence or .order.

It is to be particularly noted that there can be no overlapping of cyclical operations. That is, it is imperative that when the machine is cycled in the above manner and the water is dispensed by the valve V and/or the concentrate is dispensed by the means M, the valve V and/or means M cannot again be recycled or actuated to dispense more water and/or more concentrate as by initiating a new cycle of the machine, until sufficient time has passed to permit the trough to drain the first deposited concentrate and water into a receiving cup and sufficient and reasonable time has elapsed to permit removal of the first, filled cup and the engagement of a second, empty cup, in its place.

As a result of the above, the control means 0 must include suitable timing means whereby the machine can and must complete each operating cycle before the next cycling of the machine can be initiated.

Further, or more specifically, the coin actuated control means must be such that if a coin, as an actuating means or device, is deposited in the control mechanism 0 during an operating cycle thereof (and of the machine A), the coin is rejected and/or otherwise rendered ineffective or inoperative as an actuating means or device.

The means 0 that I provide includes, basically, a frame F adapted to be fixed to a suitable supporting structure, such as the partition of the cabinet B, a drive motor D, a coin actuated starter switch E for the motor D, an override switch S for the motor, one or more control switches S and S" to control operation of the means M and V, switch actuating means G driven by the motor D and operable to open and close the switches S, S and S" and coin handling means C operatively related to a coin receiving slot R, a coin receiving box H, a coin return opening I, the starter switch E and with a cam actuator J driven by the motor D.

The frame F is shown as a simple U-shaped sheet metal part with a flat, vertical front wall 50, laterally spaced vertical side walls 51 and mounting flanges 52 at the rear edges of the side walls. The flanges 52 seat on the front surface of the partition 15 of the cabinet C and are secured thereto by suitable screw fasteners 53. The front wall 50 of the case is parallel with and is spaced a predetermined distance rearward of the front wall panel 12' of the cabinet B.

The drive motor D is a simple electric motor with a reduction gear means and a suitable output or drive shaft 55 projecting therefrom. The motor D is fixed to the outside surface of a side wall 51 of the frame F by suitable post and fastener means 56 and with its drive shaft projecting laterally inwardly through an opening in said side wall at a predetermined distance rearward of the front wall 50.

The coin actuated starter switch E is a simple normally open, switch unit fixed to the rear surface of the front wall 50, at the lower portion thereof and by means of suitable post and fastener means 58 and is provided with or includes a normally horizontal, laterally extending, spring loaded pivotal operating arm 59 with a forwardly projecting coin engaging finger 60 at its outer end. The finger 60 projects freely through and forwardly from an elongate, downwardly and laterally curved arcuate slot 61 in the lower portion of the front wall 50 of the frame F.

The override switch S and the control switches S' and S" are simple, normally open switch units with for wardly projecting, spring loaded, rearwardly shiftable operating arms 62, 62' and 62", respectively. The switches S, S and S" are preferably arranged in side by side relationship, on a common horizontal plane and are arranged between the side walls 51 of the frame with the free ends of their arms 62, 62 and 62" on a common horizontal plane with and spaced rearward of the central axis of the drive shaft 55.

The switches are fixed in place by suitable through bolts 63, as shown in the drawings.

The switch actuating means G includes a horizontal, laterally extending cam shaft within the frame F in axial alignment and in driven engagement with the drive shaft 55.

One end of the cam shaft is shown in supported driving engagement with the drive shaft and the other end thereof is shown rotatably engaged in and supported by a bearing 71 in the side wall 52, remote from the side wall on which the motor is mounted.

The cam shaft 70 is provided with and carries three switch actuating cams 72, 72' and 72", the radial planes of which are in common vertical planes with the arms 62, 62' and 62" of the switches S, S' and S". The cams 72, 72' and 72" normally establish contact with or are free and spaced from the free ends of the switch arms 62, 62' and 62" when the arms are in their normal open position and are such that when the shafts and cams are rotated from their normal position, the cams urge the said arms rearwardly to their closed or actuated position, closing their related switches.

In practice, the cam 72 for the override switch 62 is a fixed or non-adjustable cam and is such that its outer lobe extends approximately 380. That is, the cam 72 is such that as soon as the shafts and cams start to advance from and until said shafts and cams return to their normal position, the switch 62 is held closed.

The cams 72' and 72" can be fixed, but are preferably adjustable cams comprising a pair of juxtapositioned plate sections 75 and 76, one of which is fixed and the other of which is rotatably adjustable. The fixed plates 75 establish the lifting faces of the cam lobes and are set so that they act to close the switches 62' and 62" subsequent to the time when the switch 62 is closed. The plates 76 are adjustable, and such that circumferential shifting thereof varies the effective circumferential extent of the lobes and so that the period of time during which the switches 62' and 62" are closed and their related concentrate dispensing means M and water valve means V are energized and opened, can be varied.

Such adjustments of the switch 62 and 62" is effective to adjust and/or vary the volumes of concentrate and water dispensed by the means M and V.

In practice, theform and construction of the adjustable cams 72 and 72" can vary widely without departing from the spirit of my invention or affecting the novelty thereof. Accordingly, and so as not to unduly burden this disclosure, detailed description of the particular adjustable cam means disclosed in the drawings will be dispensed with.

The coin handling means C is related to the coin receiving slot R, to the box H, to the coin return opening 1, starter switch E and to the motor driven cam actuator J. The coin means C lies at the heart of the instant invention and in its cooperative relationship with the other elements and parts of the means 0, imparts novelty thereto.

- The means C includes, basically, an elongate normally vertical coin chute 80 with upper and lower open ends, hinge means 81 with related spring means 82, pivotally connecting the upper end of the chute 80 to the upper portion of the front wall 50 of the frame F with the chute adjacent the front surface of the wall 50. lts upper end communicates with the coin receiving slot R. lts lower end is in vertical alignment with the coin box H and with the forwardly projecting coin engaging finger 60 of the starter switch E. A coin stop 83 is providedvon the wall 50 adjacent the lower end of the chute 80 and finger 60. A drive cam 84 is provided on the cam shaft 70 and is operable to engage and pivotally shift the lower end of the chute 80 forwardly and from its normal vertical position to a forwardly and downwardly inclined position where its lower open end is spaced forward and clear of the finger 60 and stop 83 and is in alignment and communicates with the coin return opening I.

The chute 80 is a simple formed sheet of metal part with a fiat rear wall 85 corresponding in lateral extent with the diametric extent of a desired coin, such as a nickel or piece. The lower end portion of the wall 85 overlies the area in which the starter switch finger 60 occurs and is provided with a downwardly opening arcuate slot 86 to freely accommodate the finger 60 and which is in alignment with the upper portion of the slot 61 in the front wall 50 of the frame. It is to be noted that lower portion of the slot 61 in the frame, extending below the lower end of the chute 80 extends downwardly and laterally to such an extent that its lower terminal end is laterally outward and clear of the side of the chute 80 and so that the finger 60 of the switch E can, upon being engaged by a descending coin, be moved, freely, downwardly and laterally from alignment with and/or engagement in the chute.

The lower portion of the chute 80 is provided with forwardly and thence laterally inwardly turned and extending side walls and flanges 87 which serve to retain and to guide coins traveling downwardly through the chute and to prevent their lateral and/or forward displacement therefrom.

The upper portion of the chute 80 is provided with and is characterized by a forwardly and upwardly extending coin-receiving funnel 88 with side walls 89 and a forwardly and upwardly inclined front wall 90. The wall 90 defines an upper, forwardly, laterally extending, edge or lip 91 which lip occurs in cooperative relationship with the coin receiving slot R, as will hereinafter be described.

In practice, and as shown in the drawing, the upper end of the chute 80 is preferably provided with a forwardly and upwardly turn coin shield 92, which is an extension of the rear wall of the chute and serves to direct coins moved rearwardly above the chute, downwardly and into the funnel 88 of the chute.

The hinge means 81 can vary widely in form. In the case illustrated, the means 81 includes a pair of laterally spaced, forwardly projecting apertured tabs 93 formed on the front wall 50, at the upper edge or portion thereof and occurring at the outside surfaces of the side walls of the funnel 88 of the chute and in alignment with apertures in said side walls. The hinge means next includes a U-shaped wire unit with a base portion extending transverse of and fixed to'the forward portion of the chute at a point spaced below the funnel 88, leg portions projecting substantially upwardly from the ends of the base portion, at the opposite sides and laterally outward of the funnel 88 and tabs 93 and laterally inwardly turned and extending pivot pins 95 on the upper ends of the legs and extending through the tabs and said aligned apertures.

With the hinge means provided, it will be apparent that the chute is effectively pivotally connected with the frame F.

The spring means 82 is adapted to normally yieldingly urge and hold the chute in its normal vertical position and is shown as including a simple, vertical spring with a lower end fixed to a side of the chute below the hinge means and an upper end engaged about the pivotal pin 95 at that side of the chuteand thence over and about the upper edge of the front wall 50 of the frame. The spring 82 is a simple rat-trap type spring and is biased whereby the lower end thereof normally yieldingly urges the portion of the chute below the hinge means rearwardly. v

The coin stop 83 is a simple forwardly projecting pin on the front wall 50 of the frame and occurs adjacent to and below the lower open end of the chute 80 when the chute is in its normal position and thereby stops and holds a coin deposited in the chute, in the lower end of the chute and in engagement with the finger 60 of the switch E, until the lower end. of chute is moved for wardly to its actuated position.

Finally, in the instant case, the rear wall of the chute 80 pierced and formed to establish a rearwardly and downwardly projecting cam follower 97, which follower projects through a window opening 98 in the front wall 50 of the frame-The follower 97 is located between the upper and lower ends of the chute and is spaced forward of the cam shaft 70.

The cam 84 of the means J is a simple disc-cam carried on the cam shaft with its radial plane on the same vertical plane as the follower 97 and normally engaging the follower. The cam 84 is designed and rotatively po sitioned on the cam shaft so that the chute, which is held engaged on the cam by the spring means 82, is normally vertically disposed. As the shaft and cam are rotated, upon closing of the starter switch E and energizing the motor D, the cam pivotally urges the lower end of the chute forwardly, out of its normal vertical position to its actuated, forwardly and downwardly inclined position. When moved to its actuated position, the chute occurs forward and clear of the finger 60 of the switch E and the coin stop 83 and its lower end is in communication with the coin return opening H.

The coin box H is a simple, metal box with a coin receiving opening in its top and is arranged and supported in the cabinet B, below the frame F with its coin receiving opening in vertical alignment with the chute 80 (when the chute is in its normal vertical position). The box can be supported'in the cabinet in any desired manner; for example, it can rest on a shelf like structure defined by an offset portion of the cabinet partition 15.

In the case illustrated, the coin receiving slot and coin return opening R and I are formed in a metal plate 12" fixed to the front wall 12 of the cabinet B, forward of the frame F. The coin receiving slot R is a horizontal, transversely extending slot positioned to occur adjacent the upper open end of the funnel portion of the chute and is provided with a rearwardly projecting lip 100 along its lower edge, which lip overlies the upper, forward lip or edge of the funnel portion of the chute. The lip 100 serves to prevent the possibility of a coin becoming engaged between the chute and the plate 12''. The coin return opening I is shown as a round opening in the plate, sufficiently larger than the coins being handled to permit a person to remove a coin therefrom with his fingers and is positioned to occur immediately below the lower open end of the coin chute when the chute is in its actuated position.

In practice, the opening I is provided with a forwardly and upwardly opening cup-like pocket 101 at and overlying the rear thereof to receive and hold coins deposited therein, preparatory to their being manually re moved. The pocket 101 can be a separate part fixed to the plate 12 or can be established by suitably forming the plate stock displaced to establish the opening.

In practice, the slot R and opening I can be formed in the front wall of the cabinet and can be varied considerably in size and in detail of design and structure without departing from the spirit of this invention.

In operation, the means is in its normal position when at rest and between cycling of the machine. To commence or start each cycle of the machine, a coin is inserted into the coin slot R. The coin drops into and through the chute 80 to the lower end thereof where it engages the stop 83 and engages the finger 60 of the starter switch E, urging the finger down to close the switch E. Closing of the starter switch E closes a primary circuit to the motor G, energizing and setting the motor in operation to rotate the cam shaft 70 and the cams 72, 72', 72" and 84. Cam 72 operates to close the switch 62, in a secondary, parallel circuit, to the motor G, and to hold that switch closed until the shaft rotates a full revolution and returns to its normal position. The cams 72'v and .72 close the switches 62' and 62" for and energize the means M and V for a set period or duration of time. The cam 84 operates to shift the chute 80 to its actuated position. As the chute commences to shift, the coin in the lower end thereof is moved from engagement with the coin stop 83 and drops freely therefrom and into the coin box H. The cam 84 serves to hold the chute in its actuating position until the shaft rotates a full revolution and returns to its normal position. When the machine or the means 0 is being cycled or is in operation, as above set forth, and the chute is in its actuated position, any coin or coins deposited in the machine, through the coin slot R are conducted directly into the coin return opening I and there is no possibility that the cyclical operation of the means 0 might be interfered with thereby or that the coins might be deposited within the machine and thereby deprive the customer of his money.

When the cam shaft is rotated through one revolution, that is, when it is advanced from and again reaches its normal position, the cam 72 operates to open the switch 62, opening the secondary circuit to the motor and the cam 84 operates to return the chute to its normal position, thereby setting the means 0 in condition for reception of a coin and recycling.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the means 0 that I provide is an extremely simple and inex 10 pensive, timed control means for the vending machine and overcomes many of the shortcomings found in coin control timed operating means for such machines commonly found in and provided by the prior art.

It is to be understood and it is believed to be abundantly clear and apparent that the means 0 here provided and described above is such that it can be readily and effectively used in a wide variety of vending machines of variousdesigns and construction and that the particular machine shown and described is but one typical form of machine and environment in which the means 0 can be employed.

In FIG. 9 of the drawings, I have shown simplified form of the means 0'. In this form of the invention, the frame F is simplified and less extensive and a single cam 72" and switch 62 is provided. The starter switch E, chute and its related hinge means, spring means and cam means 1', are essentially unchanged.

In operation, the switch 62, in addition to closing a secondary circuit to-the motor G also closes a circuit to other related electrically operated components and means of a related machine, which components and other means may, if necessary or desired, have independent timing means related thereto.

In FIG. 10 of the drawings, I have shown another simplified form of the invention. In this last form of the invention, a single switch 62 is provided and has an extended operating element or arm which arm is the equivalent of the starter switch arm 60 in the first form of the invention and is cooperatively related to the lower end of the chute-C and the coin stop 83. A motor driven cam J and switch cam 72" are provided, as in the form of the invention shown in FIG. 9. The cam 72 engages the arm 160.

In this last form of the invention, the cams J and 72" are double or twin-lobe cams and such that the structure is cycled through one half revolution of the cam shaft 55.

In operation, the switch 62 is initially closed by a coin, in the chute and acting upon the arm 160 in the same manner that the starter switch is closed in the preceding forms of the invention. As soon as the switch is initially closed, as above noted, and the cams are-rotated, the cam 72" engages the arm 160 to hold and maintain the switch closed and the cam J urges the chute forward from its normal to its actuated position, as in the other forms of the invention.

When the cam J rotates through one full cycle of the operation, the chute returns to its normal condition and the structure is set for recycling.

In this last form of the invention, the switch 62 is both the power or override switch and the starter switch and can be properly defined as either or both.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the instant invention, in its broader aspects, has to do with a timed, coin actuated operating means with novel coin handling means comprising a pivotally mounted coin chute, a motor, a coin actuated switch means related to the chute to start operation of the motor, motor driven cam means to operate the switch means and releasably hold it closed when the motor is through one operating cycle of the structure, to shift the chute from a normal to an actuated position and back to a normal position through one operating cycle of the structure, a coin receiving slot related to an inlet end of the chute, a coin box communicating with an outlet end of the chute when in its normal position and a coin return opening communicating with the said outlet end of the chute when in its actuated position.

In practice, it is desirable that an extra water dispensing means be provided; that is, a means whereby an additional or extra amount of water can be dispensed so as to dilute a dispensed brew. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and of the drawings, I provide a manually operable extra water switch 1 l0 accessible at the front of the cabinet and connected in the electric circuit of the machine to bypass the switch S" for the means V.

Also, in FIGS. 2 and 11 of the drawings, I have shown an electric resistance heater element 120 for and related to the water supply W, and a thermostat 121 related to said supply and to the heater 120, whereby the water supply is effective to supply heated water.

Having described typical preferred forms of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the specific details herein set forth but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations which may appear to those skilled in the art and which fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A coin actuated control means for vending machines including coin handling means comprising a front wall with a coin receiving slot and a coin return opening spaced below the slot and accessible at the front of the wall, an elongate vertical coin conducting chute rearward of the wall with a coin inlet opening at its top communicating with the slot and a coin outlet opening at its bottom normally spaced rearward and above the return opening, hinge means pivotally supporting the upper end portion of the chute on an axis in fixed spaced relationship rearward of the wall, a coin receptacle below the chute, mechanical drive means rearward of and engageable with the chute to move the lower end of the chute forwardly from a normal position to an actuated position where the outlet opening occurs above and communicates with the return opening and thence to its normal position, an electric powered prime mover for the drive means, a power supply, a normally open switch means connected with and between the prime mover and power supply and including an operating element engageable by a coin in the lower portion of the chute when the chute is in its normal position to close the switch means, energize the prime mover and initiate operation of the drive means, a rotary cam means driven by the drive means and engaging the switch means to maintain the switch means closed through a predetermined extent of one revolution of the cam means and control means for a related vending machine and operable in response to closing of said switch means.

2. An operating means for coin operated vending machines comprising, a frame structure, means mounting the frame in a related machine, an elongate normally vertical coin conducting chute adjacent the frame with a coin receiving opening at its top and a coin outlet opening at is bottom end, hinge means pivotally mounting the upper end portion of the chute relative to the frame whereby the chute is shiftable to a laterally outwardly inclined actuated position where its lower end is spaced from the frame, a coin stop on the frame adjacent and normally overlying the outlet opening to releasably stop coins in the lower end portion of the chute, a drive cam rotatably supported relative to the frame and chute, said cam rotatably supported inward to and from its actuated position, an electric motor fixed relative to the frame and drivingly connected with the drive cam, a power supply connected with the motor, a normally open power switch in the power supply, a switch cam driven by the motor to engage and close the power switch subsequent to initial energizing of the motor and rotation of the switch cam and to open the power switch upon rotation of the switch cam through a predetermined extent of one revolution, a normally open starter switch connected with the power supply and motor, an actuating element for the starter switch normally engaged within the lower portion of the chute and engaged by coins stopped by the coin stop to close the starter switch whereby the motor is energized and rotation of the cams is initiated, a coin receptacle below the chute, a wall structure outward of the frame and chute, a coin receiving slot in the wall adjacent to and communicating with the coin receiving opening and a coin return opening in the wall normally spaced outward of the chute and communicating with the outlet opening of the chute when the chute is in its actuated position.

3. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to die power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switches to operate the switches during operation of the motor.

4. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position.

5. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the element of the starter switch comprises a pivotal operating arm on the switch with an end portion projecting forwardly from the frame through a slot opening in the lower portion of the chute to normally occur in said chute.

6. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to the power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switch to operate the switches during operation of the motor, and spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position.

7. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to the power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switch to operate the switches during operation of the motor, and spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position, said element of the starter switch comprises a pivotal operating arm on the switch with an end portion projecting forwardly from the frame through a slot opening in the lower portion of the chute to normally occur in said chute.

8. An operating means as set forth in claim 7 wherein the cams are carried on a common cam shaft and said motor is mounted on said frame with an output shaft in alignment with and connected with the cam shaft.

9. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cams are carried on a common cam shaft and said switch cam on the shaft engaging an operating arm on the switch, said prime mover including an electric motor fixed relative to thewall and having an output shaft in alignment with and connected with cam shaft.

Claims (10)

1. A coin actuated control means for vending machines including coin handling means comprising a front wall with a coin receiving slot and a coin return opening spaced below the slot and accessible at the front of the wall, an elongate vertical coin conducting chute rearward of the wall with a coin inlet opening at its top communicating with the slot and a coin outlet opening at its bottom normally spaced rearward and above the return opening, hinge means pivotally supporting the upper end portion of the chute on an axis in fixed spaced relationship rearward of the wall, a coin receptacle below the chute, mechanical drive means rearward of and engageable with the chute to move the lower end of the chute forwardly from a normal position to an actuated position where the outlet opening occurs above and communicates with the return opening and thence to its normal position, an electric powered prime mover for the drive means, a power supply, a normally open switch means connected with and between the prime mover and power supply and including an operating element engageable by a coin in the lower portion of the chute when the chute is in its normal position to close the switch means, energize the prime mover and initiate operation of the drive means, a rotary cam means driven by the drive means and engaging the switch means to maintain the switch means closed through a predetermined extent of one revolution of the cam means and control means for a related vending machine and operable in response to closing of said switch means.

2. An operating means for coin operated vending machines comprising, a frame structure, means mounting the frame in a related machine, an elongate normally vertical coin conducting chute adjacent the frame with a coin receiving opening at its top and a coin outlet opening at is bottom end, hinge means pivotally mounting the upper end portion of the chute relative to the frame whereby the chute is shiftable to a laterally outwardly inclined actuated position where its lower end is spaced from the frame, a coin stop on the frame adjacent and normally overlying the outlet opening to releasably stop coins in the lower end portion of the chute, a drive cam rotatably supported relative to the frame and chute, said cam rotatably supported inward of the chute and operable to engage and shift the chute to and from its actuated position, an electric motor fixed relative to the frame and drivingly connected with the drive cam, a power supply connected with the motor, a normally open pOwer switch in the power supply, a switch cam driven by the motor to engage and close the power switch subsequent to initial energizing of the motor and rotation of the switch cam and to open the power switch upon rotation of the switch cam through a predetermined extent of one revolution, a normally open starter switch connected with the power supply and motor, an actuating element for the starter switch normally engaged within the lower portion of the chute and engaged by coins stopped by the coin stop to close the starter switch whereby the motor is energized and rotation of the cams is initiated, a coin receptacle below the chute, a wall structure outward of the frame and chute, a coin receiving slot in the wall adjacent to and communicating with the coin receiving opening and a coin return opening in the wall normally spaced outward of the chute and communicating with the outlet opening of the chute when the chute is in its actuated position.

3. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to the power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switches to operate the switches during operation of the motor.

4. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position.

5. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the element of the starter switch comprises a pivotal operating arm on the switch with an end portion projecting forwardly from the frame through a slot opening in the lower portion of the chute to normally occur in said chute.

6. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to the power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switch to operate the switches during operation of the motor, and spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position.

7. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 which further includes a plurality of control switches related to the power supply and electrically operated components of the related machine and control cams driven by the motor and engaging the control switch to operate the switches during operation of the motor, and spring means normally yieldingly urging the lower end of the chute rearwardly to said normal position, said element of the starter switch comprises a pivotal operating arm on the switch with an end portion projecting forwardly from the frame through a slot opening in the lower portion of the chute to normally occur in said chute.

8. An operating means as set forth in claim 7 wherein the cams are carried on a common cam shaft and said motor is mounted on said frame with an output shaft in alignment with and connected with the cam shaft.

9. An operating means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the cams are carried on a common cam shaft and said motor is mounted on said frame with an output shaft in alignment with and connected with the cam shaft.

10. A control means of the character referred to in claim 1 wherein the drive means includes a cam shaft, a drive cam on the shaft and engaging the chute, a switch cam on the shaft engaging an operating arm on the switch, said prime mover including an electric motor fixed relative to the wall and having an output shaft in alignment with and connected with cam shaft.

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