Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles mounted to a conveyor member, driven through a loop path by a drive shaft which engages the conveyor by gears, pulleys or other appropriate force transmitting devices, which driveshaft is connected to and advanced by a prime mover such as a hand pulled lever arm and which vending apparatus comprises control mechanisms which combine to control the frequency and degree of shaft rotation to assure that a customer pays for each object vended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deposit system installation for transport trolleys. This deposit system comprises a locking line constituted by a substantially horizontal bar and deposit system apparatuses which are connected to the trolleys, whereby there is cooperation of longitudinal sliding within the line. Each deposit system apparatus comprises a coin system arranged to permit the separation of the apparatus from the locking line by the introduction of a deposition such as a coin into the apparatus. This deposit may then be liberated by the passage of the apparatus over a decoding station which is part of the locking line.

Abstract: A coin and key operated cam lock comprising a cam disc mounted for rotation wherein the cam disc has a lock barrel disposed therein. A cam lever and release bar engaging ramp is provided on the cam disc which also has a coin receiving slot therein. A cam lever having a detent lug thereon is biased so that the detent lug will engage with the disc ramp to thereby releasably restrict rotation of the cam disc. A coin engaging surface is located on the underside of the lever and is engageable with a coin placed within the lock to force the detent lug out of engagement with the disc ramp to permit rotation of the cam disc to the fully locked position. The disc ramp also has stop shoulders engageable with the detent lug to prevent multiple uses of the cam lock after the coins have fallen out of the coin receiving slot.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus 10 for elongate flat articles such as newspapers is described. The mechanism uses a rachet or pawl mechanism 36 or 36a to control a roller 23 or 23a rotatably mounted on a shaft 24 or 51 for dispensing the articles with the shaft and roller locked together. The roller has a cylindrical cross-section in continuous contact with the uppermost article to be dispensed by turning a crank handle 53 or by pulling a pull bar 28. The rachet or pawl mechanism and support plate 18 for the articles P are constructed to be rugged and reliable in dispensing the articles. Self lubricating bearings 18a are mounted on the plate for movement on multiple posts 12. The rachet mechanism engages indentations 38 on the end 37 of the roll.

Abstract: A disk operated mechanism having two pivotable members spaced apart by an amount less than the diameter of the disk. A lever extends from one pivotable member. Co-operable stops on each pivotable member restrict pivoting of the members when the lever is moved, thus restricting further movement of the lever. The arrangement ensures that a disk placed between the pivotable members will transmit force applied to one pivotable member by the lever to the other pivotable member to widen the spacing between the pivotable members so that the co-operable stops cannot contact each other to restrict pivoting of the members and thus movement of the lever.