Abstract: Articles such as cans vertically stacked on a serpentine shelf (30) and on a longitudinally inclined shelf (33) at the lower end thereof are dispensed one at a time by a motor driven article release mechanism (24). A single can is dispensed for each user actuation of the release mechanism (24). A pair of longitudinally and arcuately spaced fingers (72), (73) are mounted for rotation as a unit as a part of the mechanism (24), and extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cans in the section. The lowermost finger (72) is normally in can-blocking position and the upper finger (73) is normally in a non-can-blocking position. Upon actuation of the mechanism, the fingers are rotated sequentially from their normal positions to a second position, where a lowermost can (C') is released and the next adjacent can (C") held in place, to their normal positions where the next adjacent can (C") moves by gravity down against the lowermost finger (72).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a tray for holding a plurality of containers to be dispensed and having an elevated shelf for receiving containers which is inclined to cause such containers to move towards the front end of the tray. A stop is disposed at the front of the tray for contacting an intermediate portion of the frontmost one of the containers for preventing the containers from being dispensed until such operation is desired. An ejector is operatively attached to the front of the tray for selectively pushing the frontmost one of the containers over the top of the stop and then resetting itself such that the next frontmost container will be ready to be dispensed when desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing newspapers, one at a time, having a frame with a wheel assembly movably attached thereto is provided for having wheels in contact with a stack of newspapers. The wheels have one-way bearings such that when the wheel assembly is pulled in a first direction, the wheels will not rotate and thereby frictionally engage a newspaper in contact therewith, thereby pulling the newspaper with the wheels. When the wheel assembly is pushed back in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, then the wheels are allowed to rotate against the next newspaper to be dispensed, to assume a ready position for the next operation. An assist mechanism is also provided for assisting the frictional engagement of a newspaper by the wheels and such assist mechanism has an adjustable feature for use with thin papers in one position thereof, or thick papers in another position thereof.

Abstract: A vending machine has a frame comprising a newspaper holding compartment with a spring hinged door and a housing for a mechanical control system secured to the top of the holding compartment. A vending member is secured to the door and operably engaged with the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a lever biased to a locking position with respect to the vending member. A lever holding rod is secured to the lever and has an "up", or unlocked, position wherein the lever does not lock the vending member, and a "down", or locked, position wherein the vending member is locked in position. A coin operated mechanism has an output shaft and cam which rotate in response to the insertion of a low price coinage amount to a first position, and a high price coinage amount to a second position. A second cam is mounted for free rotation on the coin mechanism shaft and is gravity biased to follow the first cam.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively locking and releasing an actuating device for a vending machine. The actuating device, when unlocked and actuated, releases an item from the vending machine. The locking and releasing mechanism of the invention includes a shaft rotatably connected to the actuating device. A pair of arm members are attached to the shaft, one being rigidly attached and the other being rotatably attached with respect thereto. Springs are provided for biasing the arm members to a first position for locking the actuating device against an abutment surface connected to a frame member. A cam structure associated with the actuating device is provided for rotating the shaft to thereby unlock one of the arm members under certain circumstances. A projection of a coin registering mechanism is provided to cause unlocking of one or both of the arm members when a predetermined amount of money is registered on the coin registering mechanism.

Abstract: A plurality of item discharge units disposed in side-by-side fashion within a vending machine, each unit including a tray with a selectively driven helix rotatably disposed therein. A divider member is mounted completely within the helix and extends along the length of the helix and upon the divider member and extends downwardly and at an angle therefrom on both sides of the divider to form spaces triangular in cross section between the divider and the walls of the tray.

Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having a helical member rotatably disposed in a vending chamber. A vertical divider is disposed within the helical member for positioning items to be vended in two rows. A mechanism is also provided for compressing the helical member and releasing such compressed helical member by rotation of such helical member to thereby aid in the discharge of items placed on one side of the vertical divider. Rotation of the helical member by one-half of a revolution releases an item on one side of the vertical divider. Further rotation of one half of a revolution releases an item from the other side of the vertical divider, and so forth, releasing an item from the front of each side successively.

Abstract: A vending device for use in article dispensing machines is disclosed wherein a continuous loop conveyor periodically carries a plurality of dispensing units, each unit adapted by means of a biased spring clip member to releasably hold an article to be dispensed, past a stationary cam, whereupon coaction by the dispensing unit with the cam causes the dispensing unit to release and dispense the article.