Abstract: The present embodiments provide a coin receiving mechanism for a vending machine. In one embodiment, the coin receiving mechanism comprises a faceplate having at least one coin slot formed therein, a coin wheel, and a backplate dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the coin wheel and the faceplate. At least one attachment zone for coupling the backplate to the faceplate is positioned at least partially laterally outside of said opening formed in the vending machine. A method is also provided for retrofitting a vending machine by removing a first coin receiving mechanism having one coin slot from engagement with an opening formed in the vending machine, and installing a second coin receiving mechanism having two coin slots disposed in a side-by-side manner into engagement with the opening of the vending machine.

Abstract: A bulk merchandise-vending machine with a base supporting a merchandise storage member, a mechanism plate positioned to form a closure member for the base and removable therefrom by a forward pivotal movement about its bottommost edge while the storage member is tilted slightly upwardly about its rearmost edge, wherein the front of the storage member is provided with a locking element cooperative with a lock carried by the mechanism plate and operable positively to prevent the storage member from tilting about its rear lower edge and separate from the mechanism plate, whereby unauthorized access to the mechanism carried by the mechanism plate and/or a coin receptacle there behind is positively prevented.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine having: a housing having a storage bin to store items; a dispensing mechanism attached to the storage bin to dispense the items, the dispensing mechanism having an opening; a flexible member secured to the dispensing mechanism to assist in ejecting the items through the opening; and a cover disposed around the flexible member to prevent the items from being damaged or breaking open.

Abstract: A coin receiving mechanism for a bulk vending machine and a method for operation thereof comprising a face plate; a coin wheel received in an indention formed in a backside of the face plate, the coin wheel formed therein a first coin slot for receiving coins; and a biased pawl movable between a first position and a second position and located in a recess formed in a backside of the face plate, the pawl having a secondary beak formed therein, wherein the secondary beak bears against an edge of a coin in the first coin slot as the coin passes.

Abstract: An improved coin receiving mechanism for a vending machine, especially of the bulk vending machine type, and a method for operation thereof. The coin receiving mechanism accepts magnetic coins of a proper denomination and rejects other coins. The improved coin receiving mechanism includes a coin reception slot into which a coin of proper denomination can be received, a coin rejection slot aligned with respect to the coin reception slot so that a coin received in the coin reception slot is expelled from the coin receiving mechanism through the coin rejection slot, and a magnet mounted adjacent to the coin reception slot and adapted to apply a magnetic field to retain a magnetic coin in the coin receiving mechanism so that the magnetic coin can be directed into a coin storage area.

Abstract: An improved coin receiving portion for a bulk vending machine, and a method for operation thereof, for accepting coins of a proper denomination and rejecting coins of other than the proper denomination. The improved coin receiving portion includes a coin wheel having a hub for connecting to a handle for operating the coin receiving portion to dispense bulk product and a first slot in the coin wheel for receiving and retaining therein a coin of a proper denomination and for receiving and expelling therefrom coins of other than the proper denomination through a second slot that passes through at least a portion of the hub.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine apparatus comprising a housing with one or more hopper bins located therein for containing and storing bulk products, a dispensing mechainsm located in the housing for dispensing a portion of the bulk products upon payment thereinto of a coin or coins, a coin storage compartment for secure storage of coins paid into the dispensing mechanism, a cover panel for covering a first opening in the housing for providing access to the one or more hopper bins for refilling thereof with bulk products, an access panel for covering a second opening in the housing for providing access to the coin storage compartment, a first locking member located on and operable to lockingly secure one of the cover panel and the access panel in a closed position, the first locking member accessible from the exterior of the housing, and a second locking member located inside the housing and accessible behind the panel securable by the locking member, the second locking member operable to lockingly secure the other of