Abstract:
A vend control circuit for a multi-channel vendor, including a credit entry circuit, a plurality of selection switches actuatable for selecting different vend selections, a plurality of vend motors, each vend selection having a vend motor associated therewith, a plurality of vend channels each of which may have a different, pre-established vend price associated therewith, a master control circuit for accumulating total credit entered, which master control circuit sequentially compares the total credit entered against the vend prices of each of the vend channels and produces for each such comparison a vend channel authorization signal if the total credit deposited at least equals the vend price, a delivery control circuit for effecting energization of a particular vend motor when a vend selection switch with which such particular vend motor is associated is actuated during the time that a vend channel authorization signal is being produced for the vend channel to which the actuated switch belongs, and a monitor circuit connected in common to the plurality of vend channels for detecting the energization of any vend motor, the master control circuit responsive to detection of such vend motor energization to terminate further sequential comparison and to effect vend delivery circuit lock-up for a sufficiently long enough period to permit the energized vend motor to operate.
Abstract:
An electronically controlled, coin-operated latch mechanism includes an inclined coin chute through which different size coins travel at different angles to provide an electrical connection between different coin detecting contacts. An electronic circuit is responsive to signals generated at the contacts to totalize and store the monetary value of deposited coins. When the stored value equals or exceeds a programmed price, an electromagnet is actuated to enable a hook to be pivoted away from engagement with a latching member. Subsequent movement of the released latching member causes deposited coins to be placed in a coin receptacle and resets the hook for subsequent latching.
Abstract:
A lottery ticket merchandiser of tickets selling at two prices one of which is an integral multiple of the other, in which means responsive both to the deposit of coins and to the deposit of dollar bills establishes a credit aggregating the sum deposited to permit subsequent multiple and alternative selection of lower and higher-priced tickets until the credit is exhausted.
Abstract:
A coin meter having a rotary coin carrier that accepts and deposits coins of different denominations, one at a time, and is coupled to a time-setting member that establishes the operating cycle duration of a controlled device according to the value of the coins deposited. Initiation and termination of the operating cycle is effected by switches controlled by a timer cooperating with the time-setting member.
Abstract:
A coin chute trigger assembly having separate coin paths for nickels, dimes, and quarters. Intentionally, the dime coin path is made at least twice as wide as the thickness of a dime in order to prevent hangups and jams. A trigger included in each coin path is operated in response to deposit of the appropriate coin through the coin chute or path and causes operation of an included pair of switching contacts.
Abstract:
Coin apparatus for use in a manually operable vending machine which has latches for locking it against operation unless coin sufficient for purchase of an item is deposited, the apparatus having electronically controlled latch release members operable on manual operation of the vending machine, following deposit of a sufficient amount in nickels, dimes and quarters for a vend, to release the latches. The nickels, dimes and quarters drop through nickel, dime and quarter chutes, quarters being sensed by interception of a first beam of light, dimes by interception of a second beam of light, and nickels by interception of both beams. An escrow system includes a gate which opens on a vend to allow escrowed coins to drop out for delivery to a money box, provision being made for holding this gate open for a time sufficient for dropout of all escrowed coins.
Abstract:
Coin apparatus for use in a vendor for handling acceptable coins and unacceptable coins or slugs deposited in the vendor, having change tubes for coins of different denominations, and operable to reject unacceptable coins and slugs, to accept acceptable coins and to deliver them as needed to the change tubes and, when not needed in the change tubes, to escrow them, to deliver coins from escrow to the cash box of the vendor upon a vend and to the coin return system of the vendor on recall of a deposit by a customer, to deliver coins from the change tubes on a recall in the same number and denomination as those deposited by the customer in the vendor and delivered to the change tubes, and to make change from the change tubes as needed on a vend.
Abstract:
A vending control system for sequentially carrying out a first and second operation in order to insure that the selected article is in fact vendible and that the correct amount of change is provided. During the first operation, the amount of deposited coins is compared with the vend price of all articles in order to determine which articles are vendible, and article selection switches corresponding to the vendible articles are enabled. And during the second operation, the amount of deposited coins is compared with the vend price of an article selected by operation of the corresponding article selection switch, in order to confirm that the selected article is in fact vendible and to insure that the proper amount of change is provided.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an article dispensing satellite vending machine which has no coin slots for coin deposits or coin operated mechanism but which is capable of being interconnected with another vending machine having a coin mechanism and an article dispensing mechanism which may dispense articles other than those dispensed by the satellite unit. The satellite machine includes a frame housed in a cabinet which is attached to the cabinet of the other vending machine, an article storing assembly being carried on the frame for storing articles to be dispensed. Ejectors are provided in the satellite unit for ejecting articles from compartments in the assembly, the ejectors in the satellite vending machine being interconnected with the coin mechanism in the other machine for enabling movement of the ejectors in the satellite machine under control of the coin mechanism in the other machine and for clearing the coin mechanism incident to movement of the ejectors whereby to dispense articles from the satellite unit as a function of coin deposit in the other machine. The satellite vending machine is adapted for interconnection with electrically, mechanically or electromechanically operated vending machines.